Tom Lee, the Fundstrat co-founder and Bitmine chairman, expects cryptocurrency markets to enter a strong 12-month period as improving fundamentals support recovery. Around September 13–14, 2026, Lee said October 2025’s deleveraging removed excessive borrowing, creating healthier conditions for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets. He described the recent rebound as a course correction rather than another speculation-driven rally.
Lee noted that crypto fundamentals strengthened during the downturn, unlike previous market winters marked by company closures and falling investment. Institutional interest has remained active as major financial companies develop tokenized products and explore blockchain-based settlement systems. He also expects artificial intelligence to create additional demand for crypto networks, since AI agents may prefer programmable crypto rails over traditional financial networks with operating restrictions and slower settlement.
Lee warned that waiting for perfect bottom confirmation could hurt investors. Fundstrat research suggests missing only the ten strongest trading sessions could turn an otherwise profitable period negative. While institutional performance chasing may accelerate gains, he acknowledged that liquidity conditions, regulation, investor positioning, interest-rate policy, and global economic developments remain key variables. The assessment is not investment advice.
