Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana Predicted to Shatter All-Time Highs by 2026, According to Bitwise

Three crypto giants are gearing up for a historic surge.

Bitwise, a heavyweight in crypto asset management, just dropped a bullish bombshell: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana aren't just climbing—they're on track to smash through their previous price ceilings by 2026. This isn't a vague hope; it's a data-driven forecast from a firm that manages billions.

The Catalysts Behind the Climb

Forget waiting for a single magic bullet. The projected rally hinges on a convergence of forces. Institutional adoption isn't a trickle anymore—it's a steady flow. Meanwhile, the underlying tech across these blockchains keeps evolving, solving real-world problems and attracting new users. Layer these fundamentals onto the next Bitcoin halving's supply shock, and you've got a potent recipe for growth.

Navigating the Road to 2026

The path won't be a straight line up. Crypto markets are famous for their volatility, and regulatory headlines will continue to cause turbulence. Smart money isn't betting on a smooth ride; it's positioning for the long-term destination. Diversification across these core assets, rather than chasing memecoins, is the strategy echoing from seasoned portfolios—a refreshing break from the 'number go up' crowd who treat their brokerage app like a slot machine.

By 2026, the landscape could look fundamentally different. This forecast sets a high-stakes timeline for the entire digital asset class. Will it play out as predicted? Only the market holds the final key.

TLDR

• Bitwise predicts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana will hit new all-time highs in 2026 due to institutional demand and potential regulatory clarity
• U.S. crypto ETFs are expected to purchase more than 100% of new supply for BTC, ETH, and SOL next year
• Bitcoin ETFs already hold $114.28 billion in assets, with cumulative inflows of $57.27 billion since launch
• Ethereum ETFs have accumulated $12.64 billion in inflows, while Solana ETFs have gathered $714.92 million
• Bitwise cites expanding access through Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, and Citibank as key drivers of demand

Crypto ETF issuer Bitwise Asset Management has released its 2026 outlook with predictions that Bitcoin, Ethereum, and solana will reach new all-time highs next year. The firm bases its forecast on institutional demand growth and potential regulatory changes.

2026 PREDICTION: Bitcoin will break the four-year cycle and set new all-time highs.

Why?
•Forces like the bitcoin halving, interest rate cycles, and crypto booms and busts fueled by leverage are weaker than in past cycles
•Institutions like @Citi, @MorganStanley, @WellsFargo,… pic.twitter.com/I20lGqzv2A

— Bitwise (@BitwiseInvest) December 17, 2025

Bitwise stated that Bitcoin will break its traditional four-year cycle pattern and hit a new record in 2026. The firm points to weaker boom-and-bust cycles compared to previous years as a factor.

The crypto asset manager expects institutions including Citibank, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Merrill Lynch to increase their crypto offerings. Allocation to spot ETFs is growing across these platforms.

For ethereum and Solana, Bitwise predicts new highs if the CLARITY Act passes in Congress. The markup for this crypto bill is scheduled for next year. The firm stated it is bullish on both ETH and SOL due to stablecoin and tokenization trends.

Bitwise calculates that approximately 166,000 BTC, 960,000 ETH, and 23 million SOL will enter the market in 2026. The firm expects ETFs to purchase more than these amounts as institutional demand accelerates.

Current ETF data supports Bitwise’s outlook. U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs hold $114.28 billion in assets, representing 6.54% of Bitcoin’s market cap. Cumulative net inflows total $57.27 billion since launch.

Bitcoin ETFs have already purchased 710,777 BTC compared to 363,047 BTC newly mined in the same period. This gap shows demand exceeding new supply.

ETF Performance Across Multiple Assets

Ethereum ETFs now manage $18.17 billion in assets, equal to 5.11% of ETH’s market cap. Cumulative inflows stand at $12.64 billion. Daily trading volumes reach $1.17 billion.

Solana ETFs have accumulated $714.92 million in cumulative inflows. Total net assets sit at $926.33 million. These products control 1.28% of SOL’s market cap despite launching less than a year ago.

XRP ETFs recently recorded $1.12 billion in cumulative inflows. Daily inflow reached $10.89 million as retail investors and advisors add XRP to crypto portfolios.

The firm also predicts Bitcoin’s volatility will continue declining. Throughout 2025, Bitcoin has been less volatile than Nvidia stock. Bitwise attributes this to fundamental derisking and diversification of the investor base through ETF products.

Broader Market Predictions

Bitwise made several other forecasts for 2026. The firm expects crypto equities to outperform tech equities next year. On-chain vaults should double in assets under management.

Polymarket’s open interest will set a new all-time high, surpassing 2024 election levels, according to the prediction. Half of Ivy League endowments will invest in crypto.

The firm expects more than 100 crypto-linked ETFs to launch in the United States. Bitcoin’s correlation to stocks will fall as the asset class matures.

Stablecoins will be blamed for destabilizing an emerging market currency, Bitwise stated. This reflects the growing influence of crypto assets in global markets.

Major wealth platforms expanding access to crypto ETFs include Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and Vanguard. This expansion will drive retail and institutional adoption.

The pro-regulatory shift in Washington will allow companies to adopt crypto at a faster rate. Bipartisan support for digital asset clarity continues to build.

If ETFs absorb more than 100% of newly issued BTC, ETH, and SOL, the supply side becomes structurally constrained. This mirrors commodity markets where financial vehicles consume more than producers can generate.