Core Insights - Bitcoin has started 2026 with a 5% gain, trading above $90,000, but remains down 27% from its all-time high of $126,000 in October [1][7] - Predictions for Bitcoin's price in 2026 vary widely, ranging from $75,000 to $250,000, reflecting significant uncertainty in the market [2][7] - Analysts from firms like CoinShares and Nexo project Bitcoin could reach prices between $120,000 to $225,000 this year, with some even predicting a high of $250,000 [3][4] Price Predictions - CNBC's annual roundup indicates a broad range of Bitcoin price predictions for 2026, highlighting the current fear, uncertainty, and doubt surrounding the cryptocurrency [2] - CoinShares estimates Bitcoin could hit between $120,000 and $170,000, while Nexo is more optimistic, suggesting a range of $150,000 to $200,000 [3] - Tom Lee from Fundstrat predicts Bitcoin could soar to $250,000 by the end of 2026 [4] Market Dynamics - The potential for Bitcoin's price increase is linked to a belief in a "supercycle," suggesting that Bitcoin may have exited its traditional boom and bust cycle, particularly during a Trump presidency [5] - Many price predictions are not based on fundamental changes within the Bitcoin ecosystem, raising concerns about their validity [6] - Bitcoin's future may be closely tied to the broader macroeconomic environment, indicating a correlation with equities, especially in the tech sector [8] Legislative Impact - Optimistic predictions for Bitcoin are often based on expectations of a favorable U.S. economic outlook and potential new crypto legislation that could invigorate the market, similar to the impact of the Genius Act last year [9]

Etherealize co-founder Danny Ryan warned that while the Trump administration has advanced crypto legislation, the Trump family’s deep involvement in crypto has also created political tension—posing potential backlash risks once a new administration takes office. He said the industry must use this window to embed crypto into financial infrastructure so future debates shift from “whether it should exist” to how it should be regulated and used responsibly.https://t.co/8Gkjidt39x ...

Senate Ag Committee's draft crypto legislation gives new authority to CFTC, leaves key issues unresolved https://t.co/hPuzWepZ8B ...

Some experts suggest a government funding bill is more likely to pass first. Is crypto legislation stalling? 👇https://t.co/v76cqP3YSQ ...

🇺🇸 NEW: Republican Senator Thom Tillis warns Congress has only until January or February to pass crypto legislation before election politics stall progress.Is the window closing on US crypto regulation? https://t.co/FvE20eRUt6 ...

Today, Bitcoin retreats to the $18,000 level. Coinbase announces it's acquiring crypto investing platform Echo. And Chain Link's Sergey Nazerov explains what was discussed during meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill this morning aimed at pushing crypto legislation forward.Welcome to CNBC's Crypto World. I'm Talia Kaplan. Digital currencies are giving back the gains they made earlier in the week.By noon Eastern, Bitcoin dropped to the $18,000 level after crossing above $113,000 yesterday. Ether fell back ...

Regulatory Landscape - US crypto legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump is prompting stablecoin issuer to consider US operations [1] Stablecoin Industry - World's largest stablecoin issuer is planning to potentially re-enter the US market [1]

Regulatory Concerns - Industry expresses concern that Yellen has reservations about Bitcoin and crypto legislation due to a lack of understanding [1] - Legislation is viewed as a means to provide consumer protections within the crypto space [1]

Regulatory Concerns - Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen expresses "concerns" regarding recent crypto legislation [1]

Regulatory Concerns - Industry faces potential regulatory hurdles due to concerns expressed by Yellen regarding Bitcoin and crypto legislation [1] - Legislation aims to provide consumer protections within the crypto space [1] Market Sentiment - Negative sentiment expressed towards current crypto legislation [1]