Bitcoin Has Started 2026 Strong: Here’s Why and Where It Could Go Next
Written by
Lydia Kibet
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Bitcoin kicked off 2026 with a surge that has the attention of crypto investors. After ending the year down roughly 6%, Bitcoin is showing signs of rebounding, but whether this bounce has legs is the question on everyone’s mind.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency is testing critical resistance levels around $94,700, and how it behaves here could set the tone for the months ahead. Here’s what’s driving the current rally and what experts think about where it’s headed.
Investors Are Rebalancing Into an Oversold Asset
The recent jump in Bitcoin price isn’t necessarily signaling a major trend reversal. After being heavily sold off in 2025, many investors are rebalancing their portfolios and likely going back into risk assets they believe were pushed down too far.
“The bounce in Bitcoin we’re seeing this week is most likely a reflexive move by investors rebalancing into an asset that was heavily oversold last year, rather than something indicative of a major shift in trend,” said Nic Puckrin, digital asset analyst and co-founder of the Coin Bureau.
When an asset drops significantly, it often attracts bargain hunters looking to capitalize on good entries. That’s the dynamic playing out right now. Crypto investors who sat on the sidelines are stepping back in, causing the Bitcoin price to go up.
The Bull Case: New Highs Are Still Possible This Year
Bitcoin has already rejected the $94,700-ish resistance many investors are watching. If Bitcoin can’t break through, we could see another leg down. If it does, the $100,000 mark is likely possible.
Puckrin expects another all-time high in 2026, though he’s tempering expectations about how dramatic that move might be.
“In the longer term, I expect to see another all-time high this year, but it won’t be as dramatic as some are predicting, and the possibility of a reversal into bear territory remains very real,” he said.
The Bear Case: Opportunity Cost Is Too High
Not everyone’s convinced this is Bitcoin’s year. Some analysts argue the risk-reward just isn’t there at current levels. Vince Stanzione, CEO and founder at First Information, remains bearish. He measures Bitcoin against gold rather than the dollar, and by that metric, Bitcoin has serious ground to make up.
“I was negative on Bitcoin throughout 2025, and I’m sticking with that view in 2026,” Stanzione said. “While most price Bitcoin in USD, I prefer to use gold as the denominator. In other words, how many ounces of gold does it take to buy one Bitcoin? In 2025, gold was up 66%, while Bitcoin ended the year down about 6%. The ratio ended at 20.”
He believes gold will outperform Bitcoin again in 2026, and the digital asset will end the year lower.
“There are no compelling reasons to buy Bitcoin at the current $92,000 level,” he argues. “In trading, we always consider ‘opportunity cost’: If I tie up $92,000 in Bitcoin, could I do better elsewhere? In my view, the answer is yes, I can do better elsewhere.”
More From GOBankingRates
