Barclays Predicts Bearish 2026 for Crypto Market Without Major Catalysts

Analysts at Barclays have issued a cautious outlook for the cryptocurrency market, forecasting a potential 'down-year' in 2026. The report suggests that in the absence of significant new catalysts—such as the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. which fueled the 2024 rally—the market could face a period of stagnation or decline. Barclays emphasizes that while the long-term trajectory for digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) remains positive, the next major cycle may not materialize until 2025 or later. This analysis points to a potential consolidation phase, urging investors to monitor regulatory developments and institutional adoption as key drivers for future growth.