News View Non-AMP

Bitcoin Bottom Confirmed? Bernstein and Coinbase Analyst Agree on Bullish Outlook

Published by
Zafar Naik and Qadir AK

Bernstein analysts say Bitcoin and the broader crypto market have likely bottomed. The call marks a clear shift from the $50,000-$60,000 downside fears that hung over the market in late 2025.

Morgan Stanley added weight to the bullish case this week, filing S-1 applications for both Bitcoin and Solana ETFs. The bank also added an Ethereum Trust to its internal crypto product lineup.

Coinbase analyst David Duong discussed the market shift during a recent conversation with Scott Melker.

“We’ve broken out of that 80 to 85 range where we actually said that’s a good place for people to accumulate here,” Duong said.

December Weakness Was Technical, Not Fundamental

The December selloff that shook confidence across the market was driven by tax-loss harvesting and options expiry. ETF outflows reversed almost immediately once the new year began.

“On a dime on December 31st you saw a lot of that change,” Duong noted.

Spot Bitcoin ETF inflows have rebounded since then, supporting the view that the dip was seasonal rather than a sign of deeper problems.

Wall Street Banks Playing Catch-Up

Morgan Stanley’s ETF filings point to growing competitive pressure among traditional banks. BlackRock’s dominance in crypto ETFs has forced rivals to respond with their own products.

“You can’t have your biggest client like BlackRock coming in and saying we’re going into crypto and you don’t have a plan,” Duong explained.

Altcoins Showing Early Strength

ETH, Solana, and XRP are all outperforming Bitcoin in early 2026. Capital is moving into riskier assets now that Bitcoin has more regulatory clarity.

Analysts see this altcoin strength as a healthy sign for the broader market.

Risks Still on the Table

Duong remains bullish through Q1 and into early Q2 but said his outlook gets less clear beyond that point.

“My visibility kind of ends around the April-May area to be honest with you,” he said.

U.S. midterm elections and Supreme Court tariff rulings are among the key risks that could shift the market later this year.

FAQs

Why might early 2026 altcoin gains matter for the broader market?

Stronger performance in ETH, Solana, and XRP suggests investors are regaining confidence in riskier assets. This could attract more capital into the crypto sector, potentially boosting liquidity and trading activity across multiple coins.

Are altcoins outperforming Bitcoin in 2026?

Yes, ETH, Solana, and XRP are gaining faster than Bitcoin as investors move into higher-risk assets.

What risks could affect crypto later in 2026?

Midterm elections and Supreme Court tariff rulings may impact the market, making predictions beyond Q2 less certain.

Zafar Naik and Qadir AK

Zafar is a seasoned crypto and blockchain news writer with four years of experience. Known for accuracy, in-depth analysis, and a clear, engaging style, Zafar actively participates in blockchain communities. Beyond writing, Zafar enjoys trading and exploring the latest trends in the crypto market.

Trust with CoinPedia:

CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

Investment Disclaimer:

All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

Sponsored and Advertisements:

Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.

Recent Posts

Zcash (ZEC) Price Fails to Reclaim $400—Rejection, Consolidation or Trend Shift: What’s Next?

Zcash once again pushed toward the $400 mark, a level that has repeatedly tested bullish…

January 29, 2026

Why Are Bitcoin, XRP, and Ethereum Prices Falling Today?

The crypto market is under pressure today, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP all trading lower…

January 29, 2026

Crypto Market Today Turns Red But LTH Data Signals Structural Stability

The crypto market today is trading broadly lower, with Bitcoin hovering near $88,000, Ethereum around…

January 29, 2026

Schwab Analyst Warns Quantum Computing Is Bitcoin’s ‘Number One Threat’

Bitcoin’s price is holding near $90,000, but the bigger story right now is what could…

January 29, 2026

The Real Reason Silver Prices Are Surging in 2026

Silver prices have surged dramatically, surprising even long-time market watchers. After years of moving quietly,…

January 29, 2026

Best Cryptos to Buy Now for Real-World Visa Spending: Digitap’s ($TAP) Non-KYC Option Already Up 263%

After last year’s October crash, more and more investors are convinced that coins that provide…

January 29, 2026