After hitting an all-time high above $126,000 in late 2025, bitcoin has had a rough 2026. It plunged about 50% from its peak this year before recovering a bit. Some investors see a buying opportunity, while others see warning signs of a crash.
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GOBankingRates spoke to investing experts to share their thoughts on where bitcoin is headed this year. Here’s what they said.
Also see which crypto ChatGPT says will make you rich in 2026.
Bullish Case
Despite the major losses this year, some experts argue that bitcoin is showing signs of resilience rather than a crash. “Bitcoin has shown great resilience in 2026, even after a 40% crash,” said Marcel Thiess, CEO at Thiess Invest. “The rise of institutional adoption shows that Bitcoin has matured to the point where its price is no longer dictated by retail and speculators, but rather by a well-established institutionalized market.”
Igor Pejic, a tech investing strategist, thinks that crypto crashes often come as a surprise and they might happen because of macroeconomic shocks. “I don’t see specific signs that foretell a further bitcoin crash at the moment. From the perspective of volume locked in the market and the actors holding and trading bitcoin, it should be more stable than in previous crashes,” he said.
However, no one knows exactly what could trigger a surge in bitcoin’s price. “A solution in the Middle East and regulatory clarity in the U.S. will be needed, in my opinion, to send bitcoin above $100K this year,” Thiess said.
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Bearish Case
Some experts don’t think there are many reasons for bitcoin to move higher in the near term.
“Trading around the current $70,000 level, bitcoin is roughly the same price it was nearly five years ago,” said Vince Stanzione, author of the bestselling book “The Millionaire Dropout.” “It has had many positive catalysts — U.S. ETF approvals, a more crypto-friendly president, and a more relaxed SEC — yet it has not been able to sustain gains based on these positives.”
Bloomberg intelligence strategist Mike McGlone has reiterated a call that bitcoin could fall to $10,000 if it fails to decisively reclaim and hold the $75,000 level. Stanzione sees the next meaningful catalyst as the bitcoin halving in April 2028, which has historically preceded strong bull runs. Until then, he’s not convinced there’s a compelling reason to own bitcoin now.
Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Always consider your individual circumstances and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Is Bitcoin Signaling a Crash in 2026? Here’s What Experts Say
