As we approach 2026, it is essential to recognize: none of the past ten years have developed as expected. The pandemic in 2020 disrupted all projections, followed by inflation, interest rate hikes, and market fluctuations. After the "Liberation Day Turmoil" in 2025, there was a rapid rebound. Therefore, in 2026, the greatest surprise would be the absence of an unexpected event.

Deutsche Bank strategists have outlined a potential "unexpected map" that could change the trajectory of 2026. Positive surprises abound, such as AI driving a return to super productivity, a significant rise in the S&P 500 index, and a continued upward trend in the U.S. stock market after a soft landing, all of which could rewrite global asset prices. The crypto market might also take off in this context. $SOL $BNB $ETH

However, negative shocks should not be underestimated. A reversal of the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes, policy chaos, stubborn inflation, energy constraints caused by AI data center energy consumption, a bursting U.S. stock market bubble, and employment shocks could all lead to sudden changes in the market, making it difficult for crypto assets to remain unaffected.

In this era of uncertainty, crypto investors must remain vigilant, manage risk effectively, and avoid blindly following trends. After all, uncertainty itself is the greatest certainty.