The cryptocurrency market is currently navigating a period of intense volatility, but Hunter Horsley, the CEO of Bitwise, remains undeterred by the recent price action. According to Horsley, <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/bitcoin-at-the-crossroads-does-70000-mark-the-start-of-a-bear-market/">Bitcoin</a> (BTC) is perfectly positioned for a massive recovery that could lead to a new all-time high (ATH) as early as the first quarter of 2026. This bullish outlook surfaces even as Bitcoin has corrected nearly 25% from its 2025 peak of $126,000.
<h3>The Familiar Cycle of Fear and Rebound</h3>
[embed]https://twitter.com/HHorsley/status/2001887239224095116[/embed]

Horsley’s confidence isn't based on blind optimism but on a deep understanding of historical market psychology. He points out that the current "fear and doubt" phase is a repetitive part of the crypto ecosystem that almost always precedes a significant move upward.

In a recent communication with investors, he noted: "People have seen it in crypto dozens of times before: Sharp draw down. Fear, new theories about why it's over. Followed by bull runs, new highs. In fact, it even happened in 2025 once before — Q1 down, Q2 up, Q3 up. And yet, people will nevertheless be surprised."
<h3>A Shift in Market Structure</h3>
Beyond psychological patterns, the Bitwise CEO argues that the very nature of market cycles is evolving. The introduction of Spot ETFs and the entry of institutional "Digital Asset Treasury" companies have created a new, reflexive market structure. This means that while drawdowns can be sharp, the "recovery floor" is significantly higher than in previous years due to consistent institutional bidding.
<h3>Looking Toward a Historic Q1</h3>
While total crypto market capitalization recently dipped from a high of $4.20 trillion to roughly $2.97 trillion, Horsley views this as a consolidation phase rather than a terminal decline. He believes that once the current selling pressure exhausts itself, the "predictable" nature of crypto cycles will take over. If his thesis holds, the first three months of 2026 will not only see a price recovery but potentially a definitive breakthrough into new price territory, surprising those who had written the asset off during the late 2025 slump.

Bitcoin Price Might Hit New ATH in Q1 if Bitwise CEO’s Thesis Holds True

Hunter Horsley predicts a Bitcoin ATH in Q1 2026, arguing that familiar market patterns point to a massive recovery after dips.

Bitcoin Price Might Hit New ATH in Q1 if Bitwise CEO’s Thesis Holds True

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