The year 2026 so far shows significantly different trends in the markets. Since the beginning of the year, we have been observing three main types of investments: cryptocurrencies, stocks, and collectible cards – and each of them reacts to different factors.
These differences are key for investors looking for stability, growth, or interesting alternatives.
🚀 Cryptocurrencies – a tough start to the year
Bitcoin (BTC): -25% YTD
Ethereum (ETH): -35% YTD
Why crypto is falling:
Capital outflow from risky assets
Macroeconomic pressures – high interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty
Profit-taking after a strong 2025
Impact on investors: Cryptocurrencies are still the riskiest option of 2026.
Buying recommendation:
Utilize dollar-cost averaging – buy smaller amounts during dips.
Watch BTC and ETH at last year's supports – they may serve as suitable entry points.
If you are looking for lower risk, consider stablecoins or staking for passive returns.
📈 Stocks – stagnation but resilience
S&P 500: +0.5% YTD
MSCI World (global stocks): +2.9% YTD
What keeps stocks afloat:
A more stable economic environment than crypto
Companies continue to generate profits and pay dividends
Capital rotation from risky assets to traditional markets
Impact on investors: Stagnant but stable.
Buying recommendation:
Focus on dividend stocks or ETFs with a long history of stable growth.
Consider sectors resilient to macro pressures (utilities, healthcare, consumer goods).
Long-term horizon – buy more for stable growth and dividend payout than for quick profit.
🧩 Pokémon cards – alternative market with its own rules
Exact YTD numbers are not uniform as the market is not centralized.
Top cards and sealed products (ETB, boxes, rare cards): significant growth
Common cards: stagnation
What drives growth:
Rarity and limited availability
Wealthy collectors and investors
Hype from influencers and auctions
Impact on investors: Some segments consistently outperform traditional stocks over the long term.
Buying recommendation:
Invest in high-end sealed boxes and rare cards that have historically provided the best returns.
Watch limited editions and hype cards that may surge during auctions or community trends.
Avoid common cards – they are stagnating and the returns are low.
⚖️ Direct comparison 2026
Crypto 🚀
YTD performance -25% to -35%
Buying recommendation:
Gradual buying during dips, BTC/ETH supports, stablecoins/staking
Stocks 📊
YTD performance. 0 to +3%
Buying recommendation:
Dividend stocks/ETFs, defensive sectors, long-term horizon
Pokémon 🧩
YTD performance selective growth
Buying recommendation:
High-end sealed boxes, rare cards, limited editions, watch auctions
🧠 Key finding
Risk vs. stability: Money is flowing out of risky assets (crypto) and seeking more stable alternatives (stocks).
Alternative markets: Collectible cards are playing their own game, and some segments outperform traditional investments.
Strong conclusion:
"While crypto is falling this year, stocks are stagnating, and collectible markets are experiencing their own growth. Investors who know the rules of each market can maximize their profits and minimize risk. The question is not which market is best... but when to enter which one."
"Which market attracts you the most this year – crypto, stocks, or collectible cards – and why?"
And what about you? Do you have any collectible cards or other collectibles at home?
Disclaimer 😇
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not individual investment advice. All investments carry risk, and decisions to buy or sell assets are solely the reader's responsibility. We recommend consulting a qualified financial advisor before making any investments.