10T Holdings Founder Dan Tapiero recently shared his outlook for the 2026 crypto market, predicting that Bitcoin will reach $180,000 during this cycle and emphasizing that stablecoins will become the biggest investment opportunity this year. He pointed out that Bitcoin is forming a “cup and handle” pattern, and once it breaks through the $115,000 level, a significant rally could follow.
(Background: Will Bitcoin surge to $170,000 within three months? Analyst: A new bull run may emerge in 2026)
(Additional context: How to make blockchain great again? Stablecoins and crypto payments are key)

Table of Contents

• Technical Analysis: Cup and Handle Formation
• Macro Perspective: Rate Cut Cycle + AI Investment Boom
• Stablecoins: The Biggest Opportunity in 2026
• Investment Advice and Warnings
• Market Consensus: $130,000 to $200,000 Range

Senior crypto investor and founder of 10T Holdings, Dan Tapiero, recently shared his optimistic outlook for the 2026 market. He believes Bitcoin could climb to $180,000 during this cycle, and the stablecoin sector will experience explosive growth.

Technical Analysis: Cup and Handle Formation

From a technical analysis perspective, Tapiero observes that Bitcoin is forming a classic “cup and handle” pattern, which is considered a bullish signal.

He pointed out that $115,000 is the current key resistance level. If Bitcoin can effectively break through this price, a substantial upward move could follow. This prediction aligns with other analysts’ views—JPMorgan recently forecasted that Bitcoin could reach $170,000 within the next 6 to 12 months.

Macro Perspective: Rate Cut Cycle + AI Investment Boom

Beyond technical signals, Tapiero also offers macroeconomic support points. He believes two major factors are converging:

• Global Rate Cut Cycle: Central banks are shifting towards easing monetary policy, which benefits risk assets
• AI Infrastructure Investment: Governments and corporations are heavily investing in AI infrastructure, boosting the overall tech and digital asset sectors

The combination of these forces creates a favorable external environment for Bitcoin and other crypto assets.

Stablecoins: The Biggest Opportunity in 2026

Compared to Bitcoin price forecasts, Tapiero is more optimistic about the prospects of stablecoins. Data shows that stablecoin trading volume has surged from $19.7 trillion in 2024 to $33 trillion in 2025, a 67% annual increase.

Tapiero notes:

“The entire world is forming an ecosystem around traditional financial institutions, all trying to integrate stablecoin payment channels into their operations.”

He believes that the biggest investment opportunity in the crypto market in 2026 lies in infrastructure and the widespread adoption of stablecoins. As giants like Visa and Mastercard embrace stablecoins, this technology is evolving from a niche application in crypto circles to an essential part of the global financial system.

Investment Advice and Warnings

For investors looking to enter, Tapiero recommends diversifying funds across three main assets: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL).

However, he also issues a warning regarding the emerging “crypto treasury companies” (like the MicroStrategy model):

“These companies have no moat.”

Tapiero believes that companies simply accumulating Bitcoin as a financial strategy lack sustainable competitive advantages. Investors should carefully assess related risks.

Market Consensus: $130,000 to $200,000 Range

Based on various perspectives, current market analysts forecast Bitcoin’s price in 2026 to be between $130,000 and $200,000. Although data from prediction markets like Polymarket shows only a 21% chance of Bitcoin reaching $150,000 by year-end, institutional investors remain generally optimistic.

Regardless of how the final price evolves, one thing is certain: 2026 will be a year full of opportunities and variables in the crypto market.