Barclays Predicts Crypto Market Cooldown Through 2026
Barclays warns of a prolonged calm in cryptocurrency markets, with weak retail trading and muted price action likely persisting into 2026. The bank cites fading retail participation, declining exchange revenues, and a lack of near-term catalysts as key factors driving the slowdown.
Spot trading volumes—the lifeblood of exchange revenue—continue to soften across major platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and Bybit. This trend, compounded by rising operational costs, squeezes margins for industry players. While tokenization and regulatory clarity offer long-term promise, Barclays sees limited impact before 2026.
The analysis underscores a market in transition: past cycles fueled by retail frenzy and volatility have given way to institutional deliberation. Without fresh catalysts, the lull may endure.
