2026 Market Outlook: A Bumpy Ride Ahead

The market is in for a rough start in 2026, according to Tom Lee, head of research at Fundstrat. He predicts a tough first half for both crypto and stock markets, with geopolitical tensions and political divides playing a big role in the slowdown. Lee believes that the market will bounce back by the end of the year, thanks in part to a more relaxed stance from the US Federal Reserve. He also thinks that the White House's choices could favor certain sectors over others.Bitcoin is expected to hit a new high this year, which would be a big deal. It would mean that the market has fully recovered from the big crash in October, where around $20 billion in leveraged crypto positions were wiped out. Lee points out that crypto markets are still shaky because of these kinds of events, and they need more mainstream and institutional support to stabilize. Lee isn't the only one with predictions. Benjamin Cowen, CEO of Into The Cryptoverse, thinks metals will outperform crypto again in 2026, but he also warns of a big correction coming for metals later in the year.