Matt Hougan, the Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, believes that Bitcoin will experience a major boom in 2026, breaking from its historical four-year cycle. He attributes this potential surge to greater regulatory clarity in the U.S. and a significant increase in institutional demand for Bitcoin.

Will 2026 Be an “Up Year” for Bitcoin?

Hougan asserts that the recent sell-off acted as a cleansing mechanism, removing excessive speculation and leveraged trading from the market. Following this, prices are expected to recover, possibly climbing beyond $123,000. He confidently predicts that 2026 will mark a period of steady growth for Bitcoin, characterized by sustained rallies.

Key Points:

• Hougan forecasts Bitcoin’s price could potentially reach between $150,000 to $500,000 in 2026, shifting away from the traditional halving cycles.
• Significant regulatory advancements, including initiatives from President Trump aimed at ensuring clarity for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, are expected to benefit the market.

"🚨DID I HEAR SUPER CYCLE??? The four-year cycle is dead and adoption killed it. Matt Hougan is optimistic for a higher trajectory in 2026. Early profit-takers could miss this opportunity!"
— Kyle Chassé / DD🐸 (@kyle_chasse) July 25, 2025

If Bitcoin can breach $123,000, it may redefine its previous cycles of growth. Currently, the coin experiences price fluctuations that historically align with halving events, which occur roughly every four years. The next anticipated Bitcoin halving is set for April 20, 2024.

The Influence of Regulatory Developments

Regulatory moves such as the establishment of Bitcoin reserves and the passage of the GENIUS Act, which facilitates a legal framework for stablecoins, are crucial for Bitcoin’s recovery and broader crypto market stability. Moreover, lower interest rates proposed by Trump could result in an influx of capital into Bitcoin and related assets.
Note: Crypto investment carries inherent risks; this article is for informational purposes only.