Fidelity’s macro director anticipates a significant downturn for Bitcoin, projecting that the cryptocurrency may hit a low of near $65,000 in 2026. Despite this outlook, he remains steadfast as a “secular bull” during this transition away from the current cycle.
Bitcoin reached a peak of $125,000 on October 6, which could mark the conclusion of its four-year cycle, impacting both price and timeline, according to Jurrien Timmer from Fidelity.
“While I remain a secular bull on Bitcoin, my concern is that Bitcoin may well have ended another four-year cycle halving phase,” Timmer shared in a post on X. “Bitcoin winters have typically lasted about a year, so I believe 2026 might be an ‘off year’ for Bitcoin, with support ranging from $65,000 to $75,000.”
The outlook suggests a year that might be challenging despite the overall bullish sentiment from the market. Several analysts are optimistic about the potential for crypto regulations to reinforce the market.
Notably, Tom Shaughnessy, co-founder of Delphi Digital, counters Timmer’s forecasts, believing the market could rebound in 2026 beyond its previous all-time highs. He attributes this expectation to a recovery in investor sentiment following October’s significant crypto crash.
“Once the market corrects from the disastrous liquidation event, we could see Bitcoin achieving new heights in 2026,” Shaughnessy commented.
Furthermore, regulatory advancements regarding stablecoins are anticipated to create a more structured approach to cryptocurrency operations in the U.S., bolstering institutional investment and overall market confidence.
Cathy Yoon, general counsel at Temporal, expressed optimism about upcoming regulations in 2026:
“I expect 2026 to be meaningful for crypto regulation, which will likely differ from what has been observed in prior years.”
In recent developments, Bitcoin’s social sentiment experienced a downturn as prices dipped below $85,000, leading to an increase in bearish discussions across various platforms, including X and Reddit. Investors classified as “smart money” are reportedly taking a short position on Bitcoin while favoring Ethereum.
