Bitwise's CIO Matthew Hougan outlines three main factors needed to boost Bitcoin and crypto markets in 2026: stable crypto markets without major liquidation events, steady equity markets, and the passage of the Clarity Act. Market experts emphasize that institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and the emergence of practical use cases for established projects will also support longer-term growth. Bitcoin recently retraced from highs near $94,000 to about $90,866 as the market reacts to these ongoing trends.