U.S. crypto adoption is showing signs of life after a slow start to 2026, but investor optimism on price gains remains muted, Deutsche Bank says. In a retail survey of 3,400 consumers across the U.S., U.K. and EU, Deutsche Bank analysts Marion Laboure and Camilla Siazon found U.S. participation rebounded to 12% in March from a February low of 7%—a recovery to levels last seen in July 2025. The report notes adoption in the survey (which began in 2023) has not exceeded 14% at any point. Institutional flows helped power the bounce: bitcoin ETFs drew roughly $1.3 billion in net inflows in March, signaling renewed institutional demand after a weak start to the year. “After steadily declining since July 2025, U.S. crypto adoption rates recovered in March,” the analysts wrote. Market and sentiment snapshot - Price action: Bitcoin climbed about 9% in March, recovering toward the $70,000 area after earlier weakness, and has since pushed into the mid-$70,000s—briefly topping $77,000 amid easing geopolitical tensions and improved risk sentiment. It still sits well below its late-2025 peak above $120,000 and is down more than 20% year-to-date. - Resistance and risks: The mid-$70,000 range is repeatedly testing as a key breakout level. Broader macro headwinds—higher-for-longer interest rates and energy-driven inflation—continue to pressure crypto alongside other risk assets. - Regional trends: U.K. adoption dipped slightly to 9% but remains structurally higher over the long term; Europe held steady at 7%. Consumer expectations remain cautious Despite rising participation, most survey respondents expect bitcoin to finish 2026 below current levels near $75,000. In the U.S., 19% forecast bitcoin between $20,000 and $60,000 by year-end, 13% expect it to fall below $20,000 (a level last seen in early 2023), and only about 3% foresee a return to record highs near $120,000. At publication, bitcoin was trading around $75,000. Bitcoin still rules the roost Bitcoin remains the dominant holding across regions: roughly 70% of crypto investors own BTC—far more than stablecoins like USDT or USDC—and it’s the top choice for future investments, cited by 69% of U.S. respondents. Traditional assets remain competitive: gold and the S&P 500 are still favored overall, though in the U.S. preferences are more evenly split between those options and crypto. Demographics and adoption patterns Adoption continues to skew toward men and higher-income households, though the report notes gradual uptake among women and lower-income investors. Younger consumers—especially in the U.K.—show the fastest growth in participation. Bottom line: adoption and institutional flows are rebounding, and bitcoin remains central to investor interest, but price sentiment is guarded and macro risks could cap upside unless a clear breakout above mid-$70,000 is sustained. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news