Haciyev Reşit 
VanEck CEO Jan van Eck made significant comments about Bitcoin’s next cycle during an appearance on CNBC’s Power Lunch. Closely monitoring the behavior of institutional investors who influence markets at the trillion-dollar scale van Eck stated that the ongoing sell-offs are not random, noting that many investors have already begun positioning themselves for the bear market expected in 2026.
2026 May Be Weak, in Line With Historical Cycles
According to van Eck, while Bitcoin remains a strong long-term asset, its price cycles cannot be ignored. Bitcoin historically performs poorly in post-halving years, and this provides a clear signal for 2026:
“Every four years, we’ve seen the year after the halving underperform. It is highly likely that 2026 repeats that cycle.”
He added that it is natural for many investors to take profits after the peak recorded in October.
This Cycle’s Rally Is More Limited
Van Eck emphasized that Bitcoin’s performance in this cycle has been more subdued compared to previous bull markets. In his view, this suggests that the upcoming correction may also be less severe.
However, analysts highlight that several dominant factors remain in play:
- Global liquidity conditions
- On-chain activity and institutional inflows
- The direction of macroeconomic data
Therefore, the 2026 outlook is shaped not only by historical cycles but also by macroeconomic dynamics.
The Quantum Threat & Privacy Debate: Zcash Back in the Spotlight
Van Eck noted that quantum computing has become a major topic in discussions about Bitcoin’s long-term resilience. He warned that future quantum computers could pose a threat to current cryptographic systems.
As a result, some Bitcoin supporters are increasingly gravitating toward projects that offer stronger privacy and advanced cryptographic protections especially Zcash (ZEC). He stated that because of its privacy-focused design, ZEC is viewed by certain investor groups as a potential security alternative in a post-quantum world.
“If the Core Structure Breaks, We Step Away”
VanEck continues to advocate that Bitcoin should remain part of institutional portfolios. However, the CEO drew a very clear line:
“If Bitcoin’s core argument breaks, we step away from it. But today, we do not see any such breakdown.”
This statement reinforces institutional confidence in Bitcoin while also highlighting caution regarding future technological risks that could undermine the network.
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