3 ‘checkpoints’ stand between a crypto all-time high in 2026: Bitwise

Bitwise’s Matt Hougan says that post-October liquidation stability, the passage of the CLARITY Act and steady equities must happen before crypto hits new highs.

Crypto markets need to pass three so-called checkpoints in order to reach new peaks in 2026, which include the US Senate passing a highly-awaited crypto bill, says Bitwise chief investment officer Matt Hougan.

“Crypto is off to a good start in 2026,” Hougan said in a note on Tuesday, but added there are “three big hurdles standing between us and new all-time highs.” 

Markets are currently down 2% over the past 24 hours, but have gained 5.6%, or around $170 billion, since the beginning of the year, pushing total capitalization to a seven-week high of $3.3 trillion on Wednesday.

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