As Bitcoin continues its surge past $110,000 and the United States shifts towards more crypto-friendly regulations, experts like Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, are predicting a bull market that could be longer and more powerful than ever before.
In a recent post on X, Hougan advised investors to reconsider their timelines. The traditional boom-and-bust cycle that occurs every four years may be a thing of the past. Instead, he suggests that we are entering uncharted territory where the bull market could have more room to grow.
What is fueling this extended cycle, and how long could it last? According to Hougan, the crypto industry is finally breaking free from the constraints that have held it back in recent years. Regulations have eased, allowing for innovations like stablecoins, decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization, and decentralized identity (DePin) to flourish. Hougan describes the current state of the industry as a “coiled spring,” indicating that significant adoption could be on the horizon.
The recent milestone of Bitcoin reaching $110,000 was unimaginable during previous cycles, and some experts believe that a further recovery could push it even higher, potentially reaching $150,000 or more. This growth would signify a shift away from the short-lived rallies of the past and demonstrate the maturation of the market.
The political landscape in the United States has also played a role in boosting crypto. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, there has been a noticeable shift in favor of cryptocurrency. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dropped multiple cases against crypto companies, and the White House recently hosted its first crypto convention. Institutional investors are now showing more interest in the market, signaling a departure from the retail-driven trading seen in previous cycles. Hougan believes that this broader support could help prolong the bull run.
Looking ahead, Hougan remains optimistic about the future of crypto. He predicts a “fantastic” second half of the year for the industry, citing increasing institutional demand and fewer regulatory obstacles. With crypto finding its place in mainstream finance, the market is evolving in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Hougan’s long-term outlook suggests that a crypto winter in 2026 is unlikely, and with Bitcoin’s next halving not expected until 2028, the current cycle could extend far beyond what we have seen before. Investors will need to adapt to a new market landscape that includes institutional players, government backing, and a growing array of real-world applications. While a downturn may still occur, the industry is better equipped than ever to weather the storm and bounce back stronger than before.