Top Wall Street Firm Predicts 120% Crypto Surge: The One Coin Experts Say to Buy Now
By Staff Writer | Published February 22, 2026
In a bold forecast shaking up the cryptocurrency world, a leading Wall Street investment firm has pinpointed Bitcoin as the top cryptocurrency to buy before it potentially soars 120% in the near term. According to analysts at The Motley Fool, Bitcoin could reach $150,000 by the end of 2026, representing massive upside from current levels.[1]
The Bull Case for Bitcoin’s Explosive Growth
The prediction comes amid renewed optimism in the crypto market, driven by factors like potential monetary easing, declining Treasury yields, and growing institutional adoption. Dominic Basulto of The Motley Fool argues that Bitcoin’s scarcity and role as an inflation hedge position it as the premier digital asset for the next decade. “Bitcoin will hit $150,000 by the end of 2026,” Basulto states confidently, highlighting its status as a “blue-chip” cryptocurrency.[1]
Current market dynamics support this view. After a challenging year marked by high interest rates and profit-taking, Bitcoin and select peers like Ethereum are poised for a rebound. Wall Street’s endorsement adds significant weight, as institutional investors increasingly view Bitcoin not just as speculative tech but as a legitimate store of value akin to digital gold.
Why Bitcoin Stands Out Over Altcoins
While the broader crypto market has cooled, not all coins are created equal. The Motley Fool contrasts Bitcoin’s strength with underperformers like XRP and Dogecoin, which lack clear catalysts for 2026 growth. XRP, despite overcoming legal hurdles, struggles without strong near-term drivers, remaining in limbo for investors. Dogecoin, the quintessential meme coin, faces valuation challenges tied to hype rather than fundamentals.[2]
“Investors will likely stick with Bitcoin for its scarcity and as a potential hedge against inflation, and consider Ethereum the top developer-oriented token,” the analysis notes. Altcoins outside these categories, including XRP and Dogecoin, may stagnate even if the market warms.[2]
“Many cryptocurrencies lost their luster over the past year… However, two other popular ones — XRP and Dogecoin — could still underperform the market because they lack clear near-term catalysts.”[2]
Market Context and Risks
The crypto sector has endured headwinds from elevated Treasury yields and slower-than-expected rate cuts by central banks. Leveraged trading liquidations exacerbated downturns, but blue-chip assets like Bitcoin show resilience. As institutional interest reignites, analysts predict a shift back to proven leaders.
Bitcoin’s dominance is underscored by its finite supply—capped at 21 million coins—and growing acceptance via ETFs and corporate treasuries. Major firms like MicroStrategy and Tesla continue to hold substantial BTC reserves, signaling long-term confidence.
| Cryptocurrency | Strengths | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | Scarcity, inflation hedge, institutional adoption | $150K target (120%+ surge)[1] |
| Ethereum (ETH) | Developer ecosystem, smart contracts | Strong rebound potential |
| XRP | Regulatory wins | Lacks catalysts, potential underperformance[2] |
| Dogecoin (DOGE) | Meme appeal | Valuation challenges, likely stagnation[2] |
Investment Considerations
Wall Street’s stamp of approval via The Motley Fool’s analysis urges investors to prioritize Bitcoin. The firm, known for its Stock Advisor service—which has outperformed the S&P 500 by a wide margin—recommends focusing on high-conviction picks. While crypto remains volatile, this 120% upside projection positions BTC as a standout opportunity.
Experts caution that past performance isn’t indicative of future results. Regulatory shifts, macroeconomic surprises, or technological disruptions could alter trajectories. Nonetheless, for those eyeing crypto’s next leg up, Bitcoin emerges as the consensus top buy.
Broader Implications for Investors
This forecast arrives as Bitcoin hovers around $75,000-$80,000 levels in early 2026, post-halving effects still unfolding. The halving event, which reduces mining rewards, historically precedes bull runs. Combined with potential Fed rate cuts, the stage is set for significant appreciation.
Institutional flows into Bitcoin ETFs have already surpassed $50 billion, per recent data, further validating its maturity. As alternatives like XRP and Dogecoin falter without momentum, capital is funneling into BTC and ETH.
The Motley Fool’s position in Bitcoin and Ethereum underscores their commitment. For retail investors, this serves as a clarion call: position in the top cryptocurrency before the anticipated soar.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve high risk.