Amid a persistent crypto bear market, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan presents a contrarian and bullish thesis: Bitcoin is poised to reach new all-time highs in 2026. This projection challenges the asset’s historical four-year cycle, pointing instead to profound structural shifts including accelerating institutional adoption, a changing macroeconomic backdrop, and Bitcoin’s own maturation as a less volatile, more independent asset.
about Bitwise Predicts Bitcoin ATH in 2026 Despite Bear Market StrugglesMerrill Lynch
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekBitwise Forecasts Crypto Boom: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana to Hit New Highs by 2026
Asset manager Bitwise has unveiled a bullish 2026 forecast for the cryptocurrency market, predicting new all-time highs for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). The report, which anticipates a fundamental shift in market dynamics, points to accelerating institutional adoption, regulatory milestones like the CLARITY Act, and the explosive growth of stablecoins and tokenization as primary catalysts for the next major growth phase.
about Bitwise Forecasts Crypto Boom: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana to Hit New Highs by 2026Ethereum ETFs See $177M Inflow as Institutions Rotate from Bitcoin
Spot Ethereum ETFs recorded a significant $177.64 million in inflows on Tuesday, marking their largest single-day haul in six weeks and surpassing Bitcoin ETF flows for the day. This divergence signals a potential structural rotation in institutional crypto strategy, as firms that first entered via Bitcoin broaden their exposure. The bullish shift is further amplified by the recent opening of major U.S. wirehouses to crypto ETFs, unlocking access to trillions in previously untapped capital.
about Ethereum ETFs See $177M Inflow as Institutions Rotate from BitcoinMarket Correction Warning: 6 Investor Moves to Remember
As the S&P 500 trades at all-time highs with valuations reaching 30 times trailing earnings—significantly above historical norms—market veterans are sounding alarms about potential turbulence ahead. With the index up 35% from April lows and economic headwinds including inflation, geopolitical tensions, and a $38 trillion national debt gathering strength, experts warn that a 20% correction similar to earlier this year remains entirely possible. Investors should prepare now with defensive strategies to protect their portfolios.
about Market Correction Warning: 6 Investor Moves to RememberBitwise CIO Predicts Record Bitcoin ETF Inflows by 2025
Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan forecasts a historic finish for Bitcoin ETFs in 2025, predicting Q4 inflows could reach unprecedented levels. He identifies three key catalysts driving this optimistic outlook, including major platform approvals from wealth management giants, the growing ‘debasement trade’ strategy, and Bitcoin’s strong market momentum. Early Q4 numbers already show $3.5 billion in ETF inflows within just four trading days, supporting Hougan’s bullish projection that the sector could easily exceed $10 billion more in inflows and potentially surpass last year’s record $36 billion.
about Bitwise CIO Predicts Record Bitcoin ETF Inflows by 2025SBET vs. MSTR: Key Differences Impacting Ethereum Price
SharpLink Gaming (SBET) has rapidly transformed into the largest corporate Ether holder, amassing 280,706 ETH (≈ $925 million) and staking nearly all of it. Unlike MicroStrategy, which funds its Bitcoin strategy with long-dated convertible notes, SharpLink relies heavily on equity issuance via an at-the-market (ATM) facility, leading to immediate dilution. Daniel Yan highlights governance risks, noting SharpLink’s insiders—backed by a consortium of ETH holders—may prioritize short-term monetization over long-term stewardship. While Ether ETFs see record inflows, Yan warns SBET’s equity-driven model lacks the ‘flywheel’ effect of MSTR’s debt strategy, making it more vulnerable to negative shocks. The key divergence: MSTR dilutes only when winning, while SBET dilutes to place its bet.
about SBET vs. MSTR: Key Differences Impacting Ethereum PriceBitcoin’s Bull Run: Institutional Demand & Policy Tailwinds
Bitcoin’s 2024 bull run, up 30% YTD, is fueled by deepening institutional engagement, corporate treasury purchases (300K+ BTC), and spot ETF inflows ($16B YTD). VanEck’s Matthew Sigel notes declining volatility (23%) improves BTC’s portfolio fit, while policy tailwinds like the GENIUS Act (89% passage odds) signal regulatory progress. Miners’ net holdings post-halving and low supply movement (5.2% in 30 days) reflect strong holder conviction. Despite a 3% daily dip to $116K, macro conditions and potential Fed rate cuts position BTC as a strategic asset.
about Bitcoin's Bull Run: Institutional Demand & Policy TailwindsMerrill Lynch Ordered to Pay $3.7M in Damages
Merrill Lynch, Bank of America’s wealth management division, must pay $3.7 million in damages and fees after losing an arbitration case filed by two clients, Qun He and Haihui Zhang. The claimants accused Merrill of violating securities laws, breaching fiduciary duty, and negligently supervising investments in illiquid proprietary feeder funds. A FINRA arbitration panel awarded $2.73 million in compensatory damages, $2,002 in costs, and $954,634 in attorneys’ fees. The disputed funds, linked to private equity firms like Apollo and Blackstone, underperformed advertised returns of 15-20%, yielding only around 3% after fees. Merrill Lynch denied wrongdoing but was held accountable by arbitrators.
about Merrill Lynch Ordered to Pay $3.7M in DamagesBank of America Advisor Banned for Stealing $2.58M from NFL Star
Isaiah Thomas Williams, a former financial advisor at Merrill Lynch (Bank of America’s wealth management division), has been banned from the securities industry following allegations that he stole $2.58 million from retired NFL player Reshad Jones. Authorities claim Williams siphoned $1.58 million through 133 wire transfers between 2022 and 2024, while also laundering an additional $1.03 million with the help of an accomplice. Court documents reveal Williams used the stolen funds for luxury expenses, including high-end shopping, travel, and legal fees. Bank of America stated it investigates such misconduct thoroughly and prioritizes client protection. Williams was arrested in June and released on $1 million bail.
about Bank of America Advisor Banned for Stealing $2.58M from NFL StarMajor Banks to Offer Bitcoin ETFs by 2025: Bitwise CIO
Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan forecasts that major financial institutions—Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and UBS—will offer Bitcoin ETF services by late 2025, collectively managing over $10 trillion in assets. Despite Bitcoin ETFs attracting $3.7 billion in 2025 (compared to $35 billion in 2024), Hougan expects a surge in institutional adoption as barriers like custody and regulatory hurdles diminish. He highlights previously ‘far-fetched’ developments, such as U.S. government Bitcoin holdings and BlackRock’s embrace of crypto, as signs of growing mainstream acceptance. Bitcoin’s price stood at $93,869 at the time of reporting, down 1.1% in 24 hours. Hougan believes more investors will recognize Bitcoin’s potential as institutional infrastructure matures.
about Major Banks to Offer Bitcoin ETFs by 2025: Bitwise CIO