In 2025, the crypto market lagged behind traditional stocks after outperforming them the previous year. Bitcoin and XRP faced challenges due to a lack of clear catalysts. However, a surge in spot crypto ETF approvals could boost interest in altcoins.

2026 may see a return of the crypto winter, with digital currencies facing declines. The absence of significant catalysts, like Bitcoin’s halving event, could contribute to a challenging year for cryptocurrencies.

The Bitcoin treasury strategy, popular in 2025, may lose appeal in 2026 as companies struggle to sustain demand. Companies holding Bitcoin on balance sheets may face valuation concerns and waning investor interest.

XRP, which saw a surge in 2025, might fall back to $1 in 2026 due to a lack of strong catalysts and limited adoption compared to SWIFT. Ripple’s payment network may not support XRP’s value, leading to a potential decline.

Approvals for spot crypto ETFs could make investing in cryptocurrencies more accessible in 2026. These ETFs could increase investor awareness and generate short-term cash inflows, potentially benefiting altcoins over Bitcoin.

Read more at Nasdaq Inc.: 4 Cryptocurrency Predictions for 2026