Bitcoin’s 2026 Resurgence: VanEck Predicts Strong Rebound After Consolidation Phase
In a comprehensive analysis released by global investment manager VanEck, senior strategists project Bitcoin (BTC) is poised for a significant resurgence in 2026, despite experiencing near-term weakness and underperformance relative to traditional tech equities. The report, which leverages historical cycle analysis and on-chain fundamentals, suggests the current dislocation presents a strategic entry point ahead of the next major bullish cycle. David Schassler, a key figure at VanEck, highlights that Bitcoin has lagged behind the Nasdaq 100 by approximately 50% year-to-date. He interprets this divergence not as a failure of the digital asset thesis, but as a cyclical dislocation that historically precedes periods of massive outperformance. Schassler argues that the underlying value proposition of Bitcoin remains intact, and this lag positions the cryptocurrency for substantial gains in the coming cycle, as capital rotates from overextended traditional tech sectors into undervalued digital assets. Further bolstering this outlook, VanEck's Head of Digital Assets Research, Matthew Sigel, points to the persistence of Bitcoin's foundational four-year market cycle. Sigel notes that following the peak observed in October 2025, the pattern suggests 2026 will be a year of consolidation and foundation-building rather than a catastrophic collapse. This phase is critical for shaking out weak hands and establishing a stronger base from which the next parabolic advance can launch. The VanEck report also delves into key ecosystem developments that are expected to contribute to Bitcoin's stabilization and future growth. It emphasizes the evolving economics of Bitcoin mining, where increased efficiency and potentially rising transaction fee revenue are creating a more sustainable industry structure less prone to severe capitulation. Furthermore, the ongoing evolution and integration of Bitcoin-backed stablecoins and other Layer-2 financial applications are highlighted as fundamental drivers. These innovations are expanding Bitcoin's utility beyond a simple store of value, enabling it to function within decentralized finance (DeFi) and payment systems, thereby attracting a new wave of users and capital. In summary, VanEck's analysis paints a picture of short-term pain for long-term gain. The anticipated weakness is framed as a necessary and predictable phase within Bitcoin's volatile history. The confluence of a reliable market cycle, improving fundamental economics, and expanding technological utility forms the basis for their confident prediction of a powerful Bitcoin resurgence beginning in 2026. For investors, the message is clear: the current period of underperformance may represent a final opportunity to accumulate before the next major upswing.
VanEck Foresees Bitcoin Resurgence in 2026 Despite Near-Term Weakness
VanEck's David Schassler projects Bitcoin will rebound strongly in 2026 despite lagging behind the Nasdaq 100 by 50% YTD. The dislocation, he argues, positions BTC for outperformance next cycle.
Matthew Sigel notes Bitcoin's four-year cycle remains intact post-October 2025 highs, suggesting 2026 will likely consolidate rather than collapse. The report highlights mining economics and stablecoin evolution as stabilizing forces.
Current BTC price action shows consolidation, not capitulation. Schassler attributes the slump to transient liquidity pressures and risk aversion, not structural flaws.
Inflation-Adjusted Bitcoin Valuation Falls Short of $100K Milestone
Bitcoin's much-touted peak above $126,000 in nominal terms collapses below the psychological $100,000 threshold when measured against inflation. Galaxy Digital's research head Alex Thorn reveals the cryptocurrency's October 2025 all-time high translates to just $99,848 when calculated using 2020 dollar values.
The erosion of purchasing power—tracked through the Consumer Price Index's basket of goods including housing, energy, and healthcare—has quietly undermined Bitcoin's nominal achievements. Thorn's analysis spotlights how Federal Reserve policy impacts even decentralized assets, with CPI data serving as the benchmark for this sobering recalibration.
Market participants now face a paradox: while bitcoin continues breaking records in headline numbers, its inflation-adjusted value tells a more nuanced story about preserved wealth. The $150 gap between actual and perceived milestones underscores fiat currency's invisible tax on crypto valuations.
Solo Bitcoin Miners Capitalize on Hash Rate Dip as BTC Price Struggles
Solo Bitcoin miners are defying market trends with consecutive block rewards. Within days, three independent operators secured blocks 928351, 928985, and another recent one—earning approximately $271K, $281K, and $297K respectively in BTC. The streak coincides with a 4% network hash rate decline, the sharpest since April 2025, lowering competition thresholds.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin's price trajectory remains bearish. Despite two Federal Reserve rate cuts since October's $126K peak, BTC hovers below $87K—down 0.2% daily and 7.8% since December 2024. The divergence between mining success and price performance highlights Bitcoin's complex market dynamics.
Ray Dalio Skeptical of Central Banks Adopting Bitcoin Due to Transparency and Government Interference Concerns
Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, has expressed skepticism about central banks holding significant amounts of Bitcoin. In a recent podcast with Zerodha's Nitin Kamath, Dalio cited Bitcoin's transparency and potential government interference as key barriers to institutional adoption.
"Bitcoin lacks the FLOW needed to become a leading currency alternative," Dalio asserted. He emphasized that central banks are unlikely to embrace BTC due to its traceability and vulnerability to network attacks. The comments come amid growing debate about Bitcoin's role in global finance.
Dalio instead endorsed gold as a more stable store of value, calling it "immune to the onslaught of times." His remarks highlight the ongoing tension between crypto advocates and traditional finance leaders regarding digital assets' institutional viability.
Robert Kiyosaki Warns of Fiat Crisis as Silver Surges Past $70, Eyes $200 Target
Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad," interprets silver's breach of $70 as a harbinger of hyperinflation and a collapse in faith in fiat currencies. The milestone, he argues, signals a flight to "real assets" as paper money erodes in value.
Kiyosaki's latest social media post frames the rally as both an opportunity for commodity holders and a dire warning for those clinging to cash. His $200 price target by 2026 implies accelerating currency debasement.
The analysis raises questions about Bitcoin's role in this paradigm shift. Historically, precious metal surges have correlated with increased crypto adoption as hedges against monetary instability.
Crypto Wins in 2025 Despite Bitcoin's Decline: Institutional Bullishness vs. Retail Pessimism
Bitcoin's volatile trajectory in 2025—soaring to a record $126,000 before retreating—mirrors the crypto industry's paradoxical year. While regulatory wins and institutional adoption advanced, tangible benefits remain elusive. Bitwise's Matt Hougan notes a stark divide: retail investors are "extraordinarily negative," while institutions are "unremittingly bullish."
Amberdata's Greg Magadini predicts bitcoin will rebound as a "debasement hedge" in 2026, with altcoins poised for regulatory tailwinds. Tokenization of traditional assets could further bridge finance and blockchain, signaling crypto's maturation beyond speculative trading.