Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin highs as the Fundstrat co-founder doubles down on his bullish stance, predicting the cryptocurrency could set a fresh all-time record before the end of January 2026.

(Sources: X)
In a recent CNBC appearance, Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin momentum while warning of near-term turbulence, yet forecasting a strongly constructive second half for digital assets. This analyst insight examines Lee’s latest predictions on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and broader markets as of January 7, 2026, providing context for investors tracking crypto trends in the new year.
Tom Lee’s Bitcoin Prediction for January 2026
Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin peaks by explicitly stating the asset has not yet topped out in the current cycle. Despite missing earlier targets, including a $200,000 forecast for late 2025, Lee maintains confidence that Bitcoin can achieve a new all-time high this month. Bitcoin reached above $126,000 in October 2025 but closed the year near $88,500, creating room for renewed upside. Lee’s updated view positions January as a potential breakout period following institutional repositioning.

(Sources: CNBC)
- Core Prediction: Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin all-time high by end of January 2026.
- Current Context: Bitcoin trading below October peak after late-2025 pullback.
- Cycle Perspective: Views recent weakness as temporary digestion, not structural reversal.
- Historical Comparison: Builds on long-running bull case despite prior misses.
Why Tom Lee Calls for New Bitcoin Strength Now
Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin gains amid favorable macro tailwinds, including resilient U.S. economic fundamentals and ongoing AI-driven productivity. He frames the post-2025 reset as healthy consolidation after multi-year rallies across risk assets. Institutional rebalancing in early 2026 may create short-term pressure, but Lee sees this as setup for stronger performance later. This outlook aligns Bitcoin’s trajectory with broader equity market optimism.
- Macro Support: Strong corporate earnings and AI productivity gains.
- Market Reset: Early 2026 volatility as digestion phase.
- Institutional Flows: Rebalancing expected to resolve into net positive momentum.
- Opportunity Framing: Pullbacks viewed as entry points under Tom’s analysis.
Tom Lee’s Volatile but Bullish 2026 Crypto Outlook
While Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin highs early in the year, he anticipates a tale of two halves for 2026 overall. The first half may prove challenging due to strategic resets and institutional adjustments in crypto markets. However, volatility is expected to pave the way for substantial gains in the second half. This pattern reflects typical post-bull market digestion before renewed expansion.
- Year Structure: Tough first half followed by strong second half.
- Volatility Driver: Institutional rebalancing and market repositioning.
- Ultimate Outcome: Constructive year despite near-term turbulence.
- Risk Asset Link: Crypto performance tied to broader market resilience.
Tom Lee’s Strong Conviction on Ethereum Undervaluation
Beyond Bitcoin, Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin-era gains for Ethereum, describing the asset as dramatically undervalued and entering a multi-year supercycle similar to Bitcoin’s 2017–2021 run. His mining firm Bitmine Immersion recently increased ETH holdings significantly, signaling deep confidence. Lee views Ethereum exposure as a strategic treasury imperative rather than speculation.
- Supercycle Thesis: ETH mirroring BTC’s historic expansion phase.
- Acquisition Evidence: Bitmine added substantial ether positions.
- Valuation Gap: Described as capable of 10x or greater appreciation.
- Strategic Necessity: Positions ETH as essential modern balance-sheet asset.
Broader Market Implications of Tom Lee’s Forecasts
Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin momentum alongside one of Wall Street’s most optimistic equity targets, projecting S&P 500 at 7,700 by year-end 2026. This forecast rests on resilient earnings growth and AI-driven efficiencies. The interconnected bullishness across crypto and traditional markets underscores Lee’s view of synchronized risk-asset strength.
- S&P Target: 7,700 by end-2026.
- Earnings Resilience: Stronger than bearish narratives suggest.
- AI Catalyst: Productivity gains supporting higher valuations.
- Cross-Asset Optimism: Crypto and equities sharing positive drivers.
In summary, Tom Lee calls for new bitcoin all-time highs in January while preparing investors for volatility that ultimately sets up stronger 2026 performance. His unwavering bullishness on both Bitcoin and Ethereum highlights continued institutional conviction in digital assets. For those monitoring market developments, focus on reliable sources and always prioritize secure, compliant platforms when researching or engaging with cryptocurrency markets.
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