Heading into the final quarter of 2026, crypto investors have some tough choices to make as they diversify their portfolios.

Should they double down on Hyperliquid (HYPE -3.58%), which is up a stunning 236% this year and now has the support of the Trump administration? Or should they look for another high-flying altcoin that might benefit from the passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act?

Or there’s a third option: They could go with a proven winner that’s having a bit of an off-year in 2026, down 9%. I’m talking, of course, about Bitcoin (BTC -1.58%), which is now coming off one of its best Augusts ever and could be primed for a final year-end rally.

Upside potential and downside protection

What makes Bitcoin stand out from…