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Where Is Crypto Going in 2026? | Ben Cowen
AI Summary
Ben Cowen argues that the current crypto cycle may already be in its post‑euphoria bear phase, with Bitcoin likely having peaked and a true alt‑season unlikely. He outlines how macro forces—Fed policy, labor market dynamics, and AI‑driven investor attention—will shape crypto, stocks, and broader markets through 2026, and notes only narrow scenarios where Ethereum could briefly rally. Cowen emphasizes the need for real utility in crypto projects and advises patient, strategy‑focused investors to monitor macro trends and utility developments rather than chase hype.
Episode Description
Is the crypto cycle already over? Ben Cowen returns to break down what a post-euphoria cycle looks like, why Bitcoin may have already topped, and how 2026 could play out across crypto, stocks, and macro. We explore the case for a prolonged bear market, why a true alt season may not arrive, and the narrow scenarios where Ethereum could still make a fleeting run at new highs. From Fed policy and labor markets to AI stealing investor attention, this episode maps the competing paths ahead and what patient investors should be watching next.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:49 Bitcoin's Cycle & its Implications
2:18 Ethereum's Performance & Expectations
8:58 Future Predictions for Ethereum
10:39 Comparing Ethereum to Tesla
12:32 The State of the Altcoin Market
18:26 Disappointment & Hope for ETH Holders
20:23 Macro Factors Affecting Crypto
24:37 Why No Euphoria This Cycle?
32:56 The Shift of Investor Attention
37:56 The Future of Crypto Cycles
44:16 The Need for Utility in Crypto
56:14 Gold vs. Bitcoin: A Comparison
59:45 Bitcoin's Unique Position in the Market
1:02:31 Patience and Strategy for Crypto Investors
1:06:01 Closing & Disclaimers
RESOURCES
Ben Cowen
https://x.com/intocryptoverse
Ben’s Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@intothecryptoverse
Not financial or tax advice. See our investment disclosures here:
https://www.bankless.com/disclosures
Show Notes
Is the crypto cycle already over? Ben Cowen returns to break down what a post-euphoria cycle looks like, why Bitcoin may have already topped, and how 2026 could play out across crypto, stocks, and macro. We explore the case for a prolonged bear market, why a true alt season may not arrive, and the narrow scenarios where Ethereum could still make a fleeting run at new highs. From Fed policy and labor markets to AI stealing investor attention, this episode maps the competing paths ahead and what patient investors should be watching next. ------ 📣INTO THE CRYPTOVERSE | GET 10% OFF https://intothecryptoverse.com/ref/bankless/ ------ BANKLESS SPONSOR TOOLS: 🔵COINBASE | ETH & BTC BACKED LOANS https://bankless.cc/coinbase-borrow 🪙FRAXNET | MINT, REDEEM, & EARN https://bankless.cc/fraxnet 🦄UNISWAP | CONTINUOUS CLEARING AUCTIONS https://bankless.cc/uniswap-cca 🛞MANTLE | GLOBAL HACKATHON 2025 https://bankless.cc/mantle-hackathon 💤EIGHT SLEEP | IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP https://bankless.cc/eight-sleep ------ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 0:49 Bitcoin's Cycle & its Implications 2:18 Ethereum's Performance & Expectations 8:58 Future Predictions for Ethereum 10:39 Comparing Ethereum to Tesla 12:32 The State of the Altcoin Market 18:26 Disappointment & Hope for ETH Holders 20:23 Macro Factors Affecting Crypto 24:37 Why No Euphoria This Cycle? 32:56 The Shift of Investor Attention 37:56 The Future of Crypto Cycles 44:16 The Need for Utility in Crypto 56:14 Gold vs. Bitcoin: A Comparison 59:45 Bitcoin's Unique Position in the Market 1:02:31 Patience and Strategy for Crypto Investors 1:06:01 Closing & Disclaimers ------ RESOURCES Ben Cowen https://x.com/intocryptoverse Ben’s Channel https://www.youtube.com/@intothecryptoverse ------ Not financial or tax advice. See our investment disclosures here: https://www.bankless.com/disclosures
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