The Current Crypto Cycle a “Masked” Bear Market, Warns Matt Hougan
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan says the crypto market has been locked in a “full-bore” winter since January 2025 - but most investors did not even realize it.
- Matt Hougan says the crypto winter quietly began in January 2025, masked by heavy institutional buying.
- Institutional-backed assets held up relatively well, while retail altcoins collapsed 60–75%.
- The market is in an exhaustion phase, with recovery likely forming in 2026.
- Regulatory clarity – especially the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act – could act as the key catalyst for a rebound.
According to Hougan, the downturn was deceptive from the start. Massive institutional inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs and Digital Asset Treasuries created the illusion of strength, even as large parts of the market were already breaking down. While Bitcoin surged to a record near $126,000 in October 2025, the broader market had entered a bear phase nearly ten months earlier.
The Masked Bear Market
Hougan argues that roughly 744,000 BTC – worth about $75 billion – were absorbed by institutional buyers during the cycle. That wall of demand acted as a “masking layer,” cushioning flagship assets and preventing a visible collapse.
But beneath the surface, the damage was severe.
Institutionally backed assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP declined only 10 to 20 percent from their highs. In contrast, retail-driven tokens without strong ETF or corporate sponsorship fell between 60 and 75 percent. The divergence created what Hougan describes as a split market – one protected by Wall Street flows, the other left exposed to classic crypto winter conditions.
Cycle Fatigue and Market Indifference
Hougan compares the current atmosphere to the late stages of the 2018 and 2022 downturns. Sentiment, he says, feels drained rather than panicked. Investors are tired, not shocked.
One of the clearest signals of this exhaustion phase is the market’s indifference to good news. Regulatory progress, expanding institutional hiring, and continued infrastructure development have failed to spark sustained rallies. Historically, that kind of apathy tends to appear near cyclical bottoms.
The broader benchmark Alerian Galaxy Global Cryptocurrency Index is down about 2 percent since the start of 2025, reflecting stagnation rather than outright collapse.
A Rounding Bottom in 2026?
Hougan believes the market is forming a rounding bottom, with stabilization already underway in early 2026.
Bitcoin is expected to trade sideways between $75,000 and $100,000 during the first half of the year. The downturn has now lasted roughly 13 months, a duration that aligns closely with prior crypto winter cycles.
Key catalysts that could trigger a recovery include the passage of the CLARITY Act, renewed sovereign Bitcoin adoption, or broader macroeconomic shifts. Hougan views regulatory clarity as especially critical.
The Role of the CLARITY Act
Hougan highlights the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act – widely referred to as the CLARITY Act – as a potential turning point.
The proposal would divide oversight between the SEC and the CFTC, establish a formal pathway for projects to transition regulatory supervision, and introduce federal frameworks for stablecoins. In Hougan’s view, such legislation would create a regulatory floor, reducing uncertainty and encouraging long-term capital allocation.
Long-Term Outlook Remains Bullish
Despite describing the current environment as a harsh winter, Hougan remains structurally optimistic. He projects Bitcoin could reach $1 million by 2029 and potentially $6.5 million within two decades.
His thesis rests on two long-term forces – global currency debasement and the steady institutionalization of digital assets. While retail enthusiasm may have faded for now, he argues that structural adoption continues to advance beneath the surface.
If that assessment proves correct, the 2025-2026 winter may ultimately be remembered less for collapse – and more for quiet accumulation.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Alexander Zdravkov is a person who always looks for the logic behind things. He has more than 3 years of experience in the crypto space, where he skillfully identifies new trends in the world of digital currencies. Whether providing in-depth analysis or daily reports on all topics, his deep understanding and enthusiasm for what he does make him a valuable member of the team.
