Contrary to what many investors expected for the final quarter of 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) and the broader altcoin market went the other way, facing significant pullbacks instead of a strong rally ๐.
Now, optimism is shifting toward 2026 ๐. According to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, both Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) could be positioning themselves for major upside next year.
Hougan argues that a key catalyst could be the approval of the long-discussed Clarity Act in the United States ๐บ๐ธโa regulatory framework aimed at clearly defining how cryptocurrencies should be governed. If passed, this legislation could push ETH and SOL toward new all-time highs ๐ฅ.
He also highlighted Ethereumโs resilience throughout 2025. After dropping to around $1,500 early in the year, ETH staged a powerful comeback, more than tripling from its lows ๐. This rebound, Hougan noted, helped rebuild confidenceโespecially among institutional investors who had previously been cautious about Ethereum. Still, he warned that ETHโs outlook isnโt without risks โ ๏ธ.
Solanaโs situation, however, is a bit more nuanced ๐งฉ. While its technology and ecosystem continue to expand rapidly, thereโs still debate over whether SOLโs price can truly break past previous records. Once again, Hougan emphasized that regulatory clarity could be the deciding factor, potentially unlocking a new bullish phase for Solana ๐ก.
In summary, Hougan believes uncertainty remains the biggest obstacle for both Ethereum and Solana. Thatโs where the Clarity Act could make all the difference ๐๏ธ.
If approved, the legislation could bring long-term stability, signal strong U.S. commitment to a blockchain-driven financial system, and even unlock markets valued in the hundreds of trillions of dollars ๐๐ฐโsetting the stage for ETH and SOL to hit fresh all-time highs in 2026. ๐๐ฅ #solana #Ethereum
