As January 2026 draws to a close, Bitcoin continues to maintain its strength, trading firmly with a $94,000 support level. Although many investors sold off in late 2025 fearing a repeat of the 2022 bear market, the recent upward trend and Bitcoin’s current stance suggest a different outlook for 2026. Investors now seek to understand what expectations might unfold by 2029.
Cryptocurrency Cycle Dynamics
CryptoCon remains confident in the robustness of the block reward halving theory, dismissing any notions of its collapse. Analysts have utilized the Fibonacci levels to share a Halving Cycle Theory (HCT) chart, creating a roadmap to motivate those who sold in late 2025. Comprising five distinct phases, the cycle is believed to be approaching its bottom, with the first phase just beginning.
- •Cycle Bottom: November 2026 – January 2027
- •First Early Peak: June – July 2027
- •Second Early Peak: April – August 2028
- •First Cycle Peak: January – June 2029
- •Cycle Peak: October – December 2029
2026 Cryptocurrency Forecast
Historical patterns suggest difficult times for cryptocurrencies leading up to the November midterm elections. However, understanding the differences between the current and previous cycles is crucial.
Key Differences from Previous Cycles:
- •In earlier cycles, spot BTC and altcoin ETFs were absent.
- •No institutional adoption was present.
- •The U.S. did not enact crypto-friendly legislation.
- •Banks hadn’t yet begun offering crypto services.
- •Traditional finance hadn’t initiated blockchain-based infrastructures.
- •The U.S. crypto reserves were nonexistent.
- •Major card companies hadn’t issued crypto rewards cards.
Moreover, the Federal Reserve is expected to proceed with quantitative easing (QE) this year, aligning with prior bullish markets that occurred during QE phases. Given the extended duration of quantitative tightening (QT), the market’s upward trend is anticipated to extend further. The Fed might accelerate its rate cuts, particularly under the leadership of the newly appointed chair in May, initially nominated by Trump.
Adherence only to historical patterns may lead to overlooking infringements on traditional assumptions. Notably, during the FTX collapse, the prior cycle’s peak couldn’t maintain support, resulting in unforeseen outcomes spurred by underlying calamities and the deceptive actions of a major crypto exchange. Such unique developments might have opposite implications in 2026, with affirmative factors potentially yielding success.