Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Set to Soar to $180K in 2026 as Altcoin Rallies Fade

Top Cryptocurrency Analysts Forecast Market Shift in 2026

Top cryptocurrency analysts are forecasting a shift in market dynamics for 2026, with a traditional altcoin rally unlikely to emerge and liquidity increasingly favoring established "blue-chip" cryptocurrencies. Jeff Ko, Chief Analyst at CoinEx Research, told Cointelegraph that the typical altcoin surge seen in prior cycles will likely be subdued next year, with only a few dominant players capturing the lion's share of investor interest according to Ko. He emphasized that retail investors expecting a broad-based rally may be in for a disappointment according to Ko.

Ko anticipates modest global liquidity tailwinds in 2026, though divergent central bank policies are expected to temper bullish momentum. Notably, Bitcoin's historical correlation with M2 money supply growth has weakened since the launch of spot ETFs in 2024 according to CoinEx analysis. CoinEx's base case forecast is for Bitcoin to reach $180,000 by 2026 according to CoinEx's forecast.

The debate over the next bull market is ongoing, with some analysts predicting a drawn-out bear market. Veteran trader Peter Brandt argues the current cycle is not yet complete, with the next peak expected in September 2029, aligning with the four-year cycle theory according to Brandt. He warns of a potential 80% decline, which could send Bitcoin back to $25,000 before that peak is reached according to Brandt.

A Shift in Investor Behavior and Market Structure

The cryptocurrency market is undergoing a transformation, marked by the maturation of Bitcoin and Ethereum and the increasing dominance of institutional investors. CoinEx's 2025 Annual Report highlights how institutional flows-bolstered by regulatory progress-have become a key driver of market gains, reducing the predictability of retail-driven altcoin seasons according to CoinEx's 2025 Annual Report. The firm notes that while Bitcoin is expected to hit new highs in 2026, broad altcoin rallies are unlikely due to fragmented liquidity and exhausted retail sentiment according to CoinEx's 2025 Annual Report.

The rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs has further altered market dynamics. These vehicles have channeled significant capital directly into Bitcoin, bypassing the broader altcoin market according to industry analysis. As a result, investors are now more discerning, favoring assets with proven utility and adoption according to industry analysis.

What This Means for Retail Investors

With the crypto landscape becoming more institutionalized, retail investors face new challenges. Easy alpha from speculative trading is fading, and success now hinges on in-depth research and strategic positioning. CoinEx recommends a "Double-Track Strategy" for 2026: avoid high-FDV (fully diluted valuation) assets with unlock-heavy schedules and instead focus on projects with organic demand, audited revenue, and strong execution according to CoinEx's 2025 Annual Report.

Retail investors are also advised to anchor their portfolios in anti-inflationary assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum while leveraging compliant yield products such as staking ETFs and insured wrappers according to CoinEx's 2025 Annual Report. On-chain analytics tools like Nansen and Glassnode are becoming critical for tracking market movements and identifying opportunities according to CoinEx's 2025 Annual Report.

Risks to the Outlook

Despite bullish forecasts, several risks could disrupt the outlook. Divergent central bank policies could create macroeconomic headwinds, and geopolitical tensions remain a wildcard according to CoinEx's 2025 Annual Report. Additionally, while a 70–80% crash is unlikely, drawdowns of 20–30% could still occur from macroeconomic or geopolitical shocks according to CoinEx's 2025 Annual Report.

The market's recent performance also raises questions about the strength of the current cycle. Bitcoin has underperformed historically in the fourth quarter, with the current quarter marking its second-worst on record according to Cointelegraph analysis. This has led some analysts to suggest the market is flushing out weak positions and excess risk, potentially setting the stage for a stronger 2026 according to Cointelegraph analysis.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the industry navigates a more mature and institutionalized market, the next bull cycle will likely be defined by quality over quantity. Blue-chip cryptocurrencies with strong fundamentals and real-world applications are expected to capture the bulk of capital flows, while speculative altcoins may struggle for attention according to Cointelegraph analysis.

Investors are being urged to adopt a more disciplined approach, prioritizing due diligence and risk management. While the traditional altcoin season may be fading, there are still opportunities for those who focus on projects with genuine utility and strong execution according to industry analysis.