Bitcoin Nears Bottom? VanEck CEO Predicts Steady 2026 Rally as ETFs Add $458M

VanEck

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  • VanEck CEO believes Bitcoin is close to forming a price bottom.
  • Bitcoin ETFs recorded $458M in one-day inflows, led by BlackRock’s IBIT.
  • Debate continues over whether the four-year cycle still applies in today’s market.

Bitcoin may be nearing a turning point after months of volatility, according to Jan Van Eck, CEO of VanEck. Speaking in a recent interview with CNBC, Van Eck said the market appears close to forming a bottom, with a gradual recovery potentially unfolding into 2026.

His comments come as Bitcoin climbed back above $70,000 and U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs recorded nearly half a billion dollars in fresh inflows in a single day—an encouraging signal after weeks of outflows and choppy price action.

Bitcoin’s Four-Year Cycle Back in Focus

Van Eck argues that the recent downturn aligns with Bitcoin’s historical four-year cycle, often tied to its halving events. According to this view, Bitcoin typically rallies for three consecutive years before facing a sharp correction in the fourth.

He emphasized that recent price movements have been largely cyclical rather than driven by shifts in Bitcoin’s fundamentals. In his assessment, the current phase resembles the latter part of a traditional bear cycle, suggesting downside pressure may be easing.

However, not everyone agrees. Several institutional players have distanced themselves from the strict four-year boom-and-bust narrative. For example, Grayscale previously argued that structural market changes—particularly growing institutional adoption—make historical patterns less predictive than before.

Bitcoin ETFs See $458M in Fresh Inflows

Data from SoSoValue shows that Bitcoin exchange-traded funds posted $458.2 million in net inflows on Monday. The largest share went to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which alone attracted over $260 million.

Source: SoSoValue

The rebound in ETF demand follows heavy outflows in January and February, when more than $1.8 billion exited the products amid rising volatility.

Strong inflows often signal renewed institutional confidence. While short-term momentum can shift quickly, sustained ETF demand could provide a stabilizing force for Bitcoin’s price.

Geopolitics Adds to Market Uncertainty

The renewed buying comes against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, adding complexity to global markets. Risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, have reacted sharply to developments.

Also Read: VanEck CEO: Hold Bitcoin and Gold for Balance

Still, Bitcoin’s latest bounce has revived bullish sentiment. Many investors are watching closely to see whether this marks the beginning of a longer-term recovery—or just another brief rally within a broader consolidation phase.

While debate continues over the relevance of Bitcoin’s four-year cycle, institutional flows and improving price action suggest the market may be stabilizing. If ETF demand remains strong and macro conditions do not deteriorate further, Bitcoin could be setting the stage for a measured climb into 2026.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.