Will Bitcoin Hit $100,000 Before the End of 2026?

This year hasn't been a good one for the leading cryptocurrency Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC). It's been struggling to rally for prolonged periods, and since the start of the year, it's down around 10% -- and that's with it rising higher in recent months.

So far in 2026, it hasn't even hit the $100,000 mark, but that could change as it has been showing signs of life recently. Could it get there before the end of the year?

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The cryptocurrency has been picking up steam of late

Earlier this year, Bitcoin hit lows of less than $60,000, and it looked like it was in the midst of an endless tailspin. However, in recent months, it's been rallying, and since the start of August, it's up around 27%. Concerns relating to U.S. debt and higher bond yields have been pushing more investors into Bitcoin, which can be seen as an alternative to the U.S. dollar and a way to hedge against fiscal instability.

Lately, however, Bitcoin has been trading lower as there may be a bit of profit-taking and renewed fears of overall market stability. With interest rates looking to be on the rise again this year, investors may be looking to exit volatile and speculative investments, such as Bitcoin. Much of its value depends on speculation and on the appetite for risk from retail investors, and without that, it may be difficult to see the cryptocurrency return to its peak anytime soon.

Bitcoin may be more likely to fall than to rise before the end of the year

Bitcoin got to around $80,000 back in May, only to end up ultimately giving back those gains shortly afterward. It's a scenario that I could see happening in the weeks and months ahead, as there may be plenty of headwinds to weigh down the cryptocurrency in the not-too-distant future.

Not only might interest rates rise higher before the end of the year, but the outcome of the midterm elections may also impact the outlook for the crypto markets as a whole, as a potentially split Congress could make it much more difficult to pass any crypto-friendly reform.

In the near term, there may be a greater desire for investors to seek safety rather than to double down on risky assets such as Bitcoin, which is why I don't anticipate that the cryptocurrency will get back to $100,000 anytime soon. Bitcoin's recent rally may once again prove to be short-lived.

David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.