Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana Could Hit All-Time Highs While XRP May Drop to $1, Analysts Predict

Highlights:

• Bitwise forecasts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana may reach new all-time highs in 2026.
• This comes as growing institutional investment, ETF inflows, and regulatory support boost confidence.
• Meanwhile, Peter Brandt turns bearish on XRP and warns it could drop to $1.

Crypto ETF issuer Bitwise released predictions for 2026. The firm expects Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana to reach new all-time highs. They pointed to market trends, institutional activity, and regulatory support as the main reasons.

Bitwise Forecasts Major Gains for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana

Bitwise said Bitcoin could break its four-year cycle and hit a new high in 2026. The BTC halving, interest rate cycles, and weaker boom-bust cycles than before could push prices up. Institutions such as Citibank, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Merrill Lynch are entering crypto. Spot ETFs are gaining more investments. On-chain activity is expected to increase in 2026, which may support Bitcoin prices.

Ethereum and Solana could see potential gains in the near future. According to Bitwise, the CLARITY Act might support growth in these altcoins. Although the bill markup is scheduled for next year, Congress’s approval remains uncertain. The firm noted that they are optimistic about both Ethereum and Solana, suggesting that stablecoins and tokenization are major trends.

If the CLARITY Act is passed, the Ethereum and Solana ecosystems could benefit the most. Moreover, institutional investments and ongoing on-chain development may help maintain confidence in Solana and Ethereum ETFs, even in the event of short-term price drops.

BONUS PREDICTION: Bitcoin’s correlation to stocks will fall.

Many believe that bitcoin is highly correlated to the stock market, but data suggests otherwise.

Using rolling 30-day correlations, bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 has rarely topped 0.50, the usual statistical… pic.twitter.com/1VUAiaWb8k

— Bitwise (@BitwiseInvest) December 17, 2025

Bitwise expects ETFs to purchase over 100% of the new supply for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana in 2026. They predict 166,000 BTC, 960,000 ETH, and 23 million SOL will enter the market next year. The firm also predicts crypto equities may outperform tech stocks. Polymarket’s open interest could hit a new high above 2024 election levels, and stablecoins may cause some emerging market currency issues. 

Bitwise said On-chain vaults may double in assets under management, which could attract more institutional attention. At the same time, half of the Ivy League endowments might invest in crypto, further increasing credibility. Additionally, over 100 new crypto-linked ETFs could launch in the United States, the firm stated. As a result, Bitcoin’s correlation with stocks may decline, showing that a wider range of investors is entering the market.

Peter Brandt Turns Bearish on XRP, Warns of Possible $1 Drop

Meanwhile, Veteran trader Peter Brandt has turned bearish on XRP, reversing his previous long-term bullish view. He warned that XRP could drop toward $1 if buyers fail to overcome a bearish pattern forming on the charts.

Brandt shared a weekly chart that shows a double-top formation, which he called an extremely bearish signal. He cautioned the crypto community that prices may continue to decline if the pattern persists. He explained that XRP formed two major peaks this year, with a key support level around $2.

The double-top pattern was confirmed after the price recently fell below $2. If buyers cannot push prices higher, XRP could slide toward $1. “It may fail, and I will deal with this if it does. But for now, this has bearish implications. Love it or not – you need to deal with it,” he added.

I know in advance that all you Riplosts $XRP will forever remind me of this post — ask me if I care
This is a potential double top. Sure, it may fail, and I will deal with this if it does
But for now this has bearish implications
Love it or not — you need to deal with it pic.twitter.com/yPGjzuqNN3

— Peter Brandt (@PeterLBrandt) December 17, 2025