After a tough 2025, VanEck expects Bitcoin to lead in 2026.

VanEck Sees Bitcoin as Potential Top Performer in 2026

Bitcoin (BTC $88,347) has disappointed investors in 2025, underperforming both gold and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100, despite expectations it would benefit from fiat currency devaluation.

Yet VanEck sees the cryptocurrency positioning for a potential rebound next year.

“Bitcoin is lagging the Nasdaq 100 Index by roughly 50% year-to-date, and that dislocation is setting it up to be a top performer in 2026,” said David Schassler, head of multi-asset solutions at VanEck, in the firm’s 2026 outlook.

While this year’s weakness reflects softer risk appetite and tight liquidity, Schassler says Bitcoin’s long-term case remains intact. “As currency debasement accelerates and liquidity returns, BTC historically responds sharply,” he added.

Schassler’s outlook centers on the convergence of monetary debasement, technological transformation, and the rising importance of hard assets. He argues that increasing reliance on money printing to fund future liabilities and political agendas will push investors toward scarce stores of value like gold and Bitcoin.

Gold, in particular, is expected to extend its strong momentum, potentially reaching $5,000 next year. “Gold is one of the strongest major assets this year, and we expect that momentum to carry forward,” he said. The metal has gained over 70% in 2025, trading around $4,492 per ounce.

Meanwhile, natural resources are quietly entering a bull market, driven by infrastructure demand from AI, energy transitions, robotics, and re-industrialization. These “old-world assets,” Schassler notes, are helping build the foundation for the new economy.