2026-01-07 10:23:16

The year 2026 marks a clear rebound in the crypto market. Bitcoin has already broken through the $93,000 threshold, and Ethereum is also steadily rising, with the entire market gradually recovering from last year's correction. An increasing number of institutions and analysts are beginning to believe that the once-popular "four-year cycle" theory is now outdated—today's market is dominated by institutional funds, which are driving a new pattern of an "extended bull market."

From the most direct signals, Bitcoin's price has already increased by over 6% since the beginning of the year. After rebounding from the low at the end of last year, it has entered an upward channel, and technical indicators also show positive signals. As long as it can hold above the key level of $90,000, it means the bull market will continue. More encouraging is that spot ETF funds are once again experiencing net inflows, with leading institutions like Grayscale and Fundstrat speaking out, predicting that 2026 will be the "dawn of the institutional era." Their forecasts are quite aggressive—Bitcoin is expected to reach new highs in the first half of the year, breaking the previous record of $126,000.

Fundstrat's Tom Lee even predicts a new high before the end of January. Looking at longer timeframes, many analysis institutions are generally optimistic that Bitcoin will range between $150,000 and $250,000 by the end of the year. The supporting forces behind this are also gathering: potential Fed rate cut cycles, gradually clarifying regulatory frameworks, and the continued growth of stablecoins and DeFi ecosystems are all driving a structural demand release.

Of course, short-term volatility is inevitable. There may be consolidation periods or slight corrections in the first half of the year, and in extreme cases, some voices even suggest a possible dip to $67,000. However, the vast majority of opinions believe these are just "digestive phases," and the trend in the second half of the year will become clearer.

BTC-0,99%

ETH-2,2%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

13 Likes

Reward
13
6
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

AirdropNinja

· 8h ago

Institutional entry completely changes the game rules, this time really different Tom Lee's appetite is really big, new high at the end of January? Betting with money 150k-250k? Wake up, first get past 90k The four-year cycle is dead, now it's all about the institutions' mood Money on DTF is starting to pour in again, this is a good sign 67k is just bluffing, a consolidation period is very normal

View OriginalReply0

AirdropChaser

· 01-07 10:53

The rhythm of institutional bottom-fishing, retail investors are still hesitating --- Tom Lee is starting to make predictions again, those who believe him are laughing to death --- Holding onto $90,000 is the key to continuing; this hurdle is really critical --- $150,000 to $250,000? The gap is too big, almost like not saying anything --- Is the spot ETF net inflow real, or just another show before a wave of cutting leeks --- Dropping to $67,000 is within the consideration range, so the safety factor isn't high either --- Is DeFi still growing? There's no growth in my wallet --- The dawn of the institutional era, sounds really nice, but what about us retail investors --- A 6% increase at the beginning of the year is so exciting, but a new all-time high is still far away

View OriginalReply0

WalletDoomsDay

· 01-07 10:51

The era of institutions is here, the four-year cycle is dead. Just listen and don't take it seriously. --- Tom Lee is starting to boast again, new highs at the end of January? I bet five bucks we'll have to wait until February. --- 150k to 250k? Just hearing this range makes me know the analyst is talking nonsense. --- Net inflow into spot ETFs is indeed strong, but don't celebrate too early. Whether this wave can break 126k still depends on the Federal Reserve's stance. --- A dip to 67k? Feels more plausible than rising to 200k, haha. --- Institutional funds coming in is a good thing, but I'm just worried that retail investors will be the ones to take the final hit. --- Is 90,000 really that critical? Feels like armchair generals after the fact. --- DeFi ecosystem growth? Are there really people still using DeFi these days?

View OriginalReply0

quietly_staking

· 01-07 10:48

Another prediction of a new high, Tom Lee really dares to say it Did institutions really break the cycle theory or are they just bragging Let's see if we can hold above 90k first, have we forgotten the story before 125k? Wait, is this ETF net inflow real this time? We need to look at on-chain data 150-250k? Friend, wake up, first get past 126k before dreaming Actually, I just want to know, with the era of institutions coming, do retail investors still have a chance? Interest rate cuts and stablecoin growth, it does sound a bit convincing But I still think a dip to 67k won't be so easily avoided I bet you end of year at 250k? No way, even 150k is uncertain

View OriginalReply0

BrokeBeans

· 01-07 10:47

Comments from Bankruptcy DouDou: 1. Tom Lee is predicting again. Did he say this last time? The face-slapping came so quickly, didn't it? 2. 150k to 250k? I'm just asking who will take over, institutions have to sell too. 3. Extending the bull market, huh? Then why are we still holding onto the critical 90k level? It sounds so uncertain. 4. Stablecoin growth, DeFi growth... It feels like everything is increasing, except my account is shrinking. 5. Net inflow into spot ETFs—this time is real, or is it another wave of manipulation? 6. 67k? I’ve memorized this number. Next time I hear "extreme situation," I’ll just laugh. 7. The dawn of the institutional era, huh? So what about retail investors? The end of days? 8. Reading this article, it feels like it’s just bullish talk, not a single truthful word. 9. Rate cut cycle, clearer regulation... Sounds good, but when will it actually happen? 10. Bankruptcy DouDou says, I’m just waiting to be digested in this "absorption phase." 11. On the first day of 2026, it’s already over 6%. Holding onto 90k... that’s so easy to say. 12. I’m a bit confused—are they encouraging me to buy in or advising me not to?

View OriginalReply0

GasFeeNightmare

· 01-07 10:46

93,000 is unstable, how dare you still boast about 126,000. I just want to ask, how do these institutions calculate it? --- Another "Institution Era"? Fine, then I'll keep waiting for gas fees to drop before I get on board. --- 150k to 250k? Really daring to say that. When it drops back to 67k, these people will be shifting the blame again. --- Me watching the market late at night: How's ETH? Nobody cares, right... --- Spot ETF net inflow = Are retail investors taking the bait? I find it hard to believe. --- I don't trust Tom Lee's words, but the data will speak. It depends on how the on-chain game unfolds.

View OriginalReply0