VanEck Predicts Bitcoin Could Lead in 2026 After Weak 2025
Bitcoin (BTC $88,347) has lagged behind gold and the Nasdaq 100 this year, falling short of expectations that it would benefit from fiat currency devaluation.
Despite this, VanEck sees the cryptocurrency setting up for a potential comeback next year.
“Bitcoin is trailing the Nasdaq 100 Index by roughly 50% year-to-date, and that gap positions it to be a top performer in 2026,” said David Schassler, head of multi-asset solutions at VanEck, in the firm’s 2026 outlook.
While 2025’s weakness reflects tighter liquidity and reduced risk appetite, Schassler says Bitcoin’s long-term thesis remains intact. “As currency debasement accelerates and liquidity returns, BTC has historically responded sharply,” he added.
VanEck’s outlook emphasizes the combination of monetary debasement, technological transformation, and rising demand for hard assets. Schassler argues that increasing money printing to fund future liabilities will push investors toward scarce stores of value like gold and Bitcoin.
Gold, which has gained over 70% this year and trades around $4,492 per ounce, could reach $5,000 next year. Meanwhile, natural resources are quietly rallying, fueled by AI, energy transitions, robotics, and re-industrialization—“old-world assets” laying the groundwork for the new economy.
