‘My retirement is completely in bitcoin’: What the recent downturn reveals — and how to approach crypto in 2026

At the same time, companies that hold large amounts of bitcoin on their balance sheets have tied crypto price swings more directly to stock markets, amplifying the ripple effects when prices fall, according to NBC News (5).One key difference is how intertwined crypto has become with the broader financial system. The introduction of spot bitcoin ETFs has made it easier for everyday investors to gain exposure through traditional brokerage accounts.Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Managem ...