Asset manager Bitwise projects Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana will achieve new all-time highs by 2026, driven by institutional adoption and regulatory clarity. The firm expects exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to purchase more than 100% of new market supply across all three cryptocurrencies.
What Happened: ETF Demand Projections
Bitwise released its 2026 crypto market outlook, predicting Bitcoin will break from its traditional four-year price cycle as major institutions including Citi, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Merrill Lynch accelerate allocations to spot ETFs.
The firm estimates 166,000 Bitcoin valued at $15.3 billion, 960,000 Ethereum worth approximately $3.0 billion, and 23 million Solana coins totaling $3.2 billion will enter the market as new supply.
ETFs are forecast to absorb more than these figures, with institutional access expected to expand significantly by 2026. Bitcoin's volatility has already declined below tech giant Nvidia throughout 2025, according to the report.
The stablecoin market, currently valued near $300 billion with tokens like USDT and USDC, is projected to reach $500 billion by late 2026.
Bitwise anticipates over 100 crypto-linked ETFs will launch in the United States following new SEC listing standards.
Also Read: Peter Brandt Issues Bearish Warning On XRP Price Chart Formation
Why It Matters: Institutional Shift
Bitwise identifies stablecoin growth and tokenization as major trends, with Ethereum and Solana positioned as primary beneficiaries, particularly if the CLARITY Act passes.
The firm's Crypto Innovators 30 Index, tracking companies providing crypto infrastructure and services, has surged 585% over three years compared to 140% gains in traditional tech stocks.
Half of Ivy League endowments are expected to invest in cryptocurrencies, while on-chain vault assets under management will double.
Bitwise warns that emerging market countries may blame stablecoins for currency instability, despite citizens turning to dollar-backed tokens only when local currencies fail.
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