2026 breathes optimism for entire crypto industry

[Ben Graham]

As the cryptocurrency market retains a chance of further gains, Paul Atkins, head of the SEC, gave a brief interview yesterday in which he addressed questions about Venezuela's BTC, stablecoins, and the future of the US crypto market.

Atkins said that, despite encouraging signs, the future of Venezuela's BTC remains unclear. He warned that the roughly $60 billion now effectively under US control requires a legally sound, politically balanced solution. He added that the issue is likely to be one of the first major tests of the US administration's renewed crypto policy.

Atkins also said that passage of the CLARITY bill could become a turning point for the entire industry. A clear division of responsibilities between the SEC and the CFTC would end years of confusion and allow crypto firms to operate in a predictable legal environment. That, in turn, would attract institutional investors who have long held back because of regulatory uncertainty.

The SEC chief also expressed support for stablecoins and for the new law, noting that 2026 inspires optimism. Given that the agency is apparently ready for constructive dialogue with market participants, this could mark a new era in relations between regulators and the crypto industry. Nevertheless, much work remains to implement the provisions of the CLARITY bill in practice. It is important that the SEC and the CFTC establish close cooperation and avoid duplicating functions. Only in that case can regulatory uncertainty be fully eliminated and a favorable environment be created for the development of the crypto industry in the US.

Trading recommendations:

Regarding the technical picture for Bitcoin, buyers are now targeting a return to $92,100, which would open a direct path to $93,400, and from there to $95,000. The farthest target is the peak around $97,400. A break above that would signal attempts to restore the bull market. If Bitcoin falls, I expect buyers at $90,500. A drop below that area could quickly push BTC down toward $88,700. The farthest downside target would be around $86,300.

Regarding the technical picture for Ethereum, clear consolidation above $3,154 opens a direct path to $3,229. The farthest target is the peak near $3,297. A breach of that level would strengthen bullish sentiment and renew buyer interest. If Ether falls, I expect buyers at $3,072. A move below that area could quickly send ETH down to about $2,997. The farthest downside target would be about $2,887.

What we see on the chart:

- Red lines indicate support and resistance levels where either a price slowdown or active growth is expected;

- Green lines indicate the 50-day moving average;

- Blue lines indicate the 100-day moving average;

- Light green lines indicate the 200-day moving average.

Typically, a crossover or price test of these moving averages either halts market momentum or sets a new directional impulse.

The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com