As 2026 gets underway, digital currencies are still in a difficult period, but despite significant price declines over the past year, some analysts think brighter times are coming.

Ethereum has declined even more precipitously than Bitcoin, which has lost between 45 and 50 percent since its 2025 peak. The second-largest cryptocurrency has dropped 60% from its previous highs and is currently trading close to $2,000.

Analysts predict a strong rebound ahead

Many in the industry are calling this downturn a “mini winter” or brief bear market rather than the start of a longer slump that could last several years.

Tom Lee, chief of research at BitMine Immersion Technologies and Fundstrat, is optimistic about the direction of pricing….