Decoding the Crypto Market: Insights from Michaël van de Poppe's Latest Podcast with Benjamin Cowen

In a compelling new episode of the New Era Finance podcast, renowned crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe sits down with Benjamin Cowen of IntoTheCryptoverse to dissect the unexpected twists of the 2025 crypto market. Released on January 6, 2026, this discussion dives deep into why last year defied widespread expectations, drawing parallels to the 2019 crypto landscape, outlining realistic scenarios for 2026, and revealing a gameplan that many investors tend to overlook. As an expert in cryptocurrency trading, this conversation offers invaluable insights for traders navigating the volatile BTC and ETH markets, emphasizing the importance of historical patterns in shaping future strategies. Sponsored by OKX Dutch, the episode highlights how external factors like regulatory shifts and macroeconomic trends influenced price movements, providing a roadmap for spotting trading opportunities amid uncertainty.

The podcast begins by exploring why 2025 played out so differently from what analysts predicted. Unlike the steady recovery seen in previous cycles, last year's market was marked by sudden volatility spikes, with BTC experiencing sharp corrections despite bullish institutional inflows. Cowen and van de Poppe compare this to the 2019 crypto market, where Bitcoin rallied from lows around $3,000 to over $13,000 by mid-year, driven by retail enthusiasm and early DeFi adoption. In contrast, 2025 saw ETH struggling with resistance levels near $4,000, influenced by global economic pressures and delayed ETF approvals. Traders can draw lessons here: monitoring on-chain metrics like transaction volumes and whale activity, which surged 25% in Q4 2025 according to blockchain analytics, could signal similar setups for 2026. This historical lens helps identify support levels for BTC at $50,000, offering entry points for long positions if sentiment shifts positively.

Realistic Scenarios and Trading Strategies for 2026

Looking ahead, the duo outlines realistic scenarios for the crypto market into 2026, focusing on potential bull runs tied to halvings and adoption milestones. One key scenario involves BTC breaking past $100,000 if macroeconomic conditions stabilize, with ETH following suit through layer-2 scaling solutions boosting trading volumes. They warn of bearish alternatives, such as prolonged sideways trading if inflation persists, reminiscent of 2019's consolidation phase. A standout element is the overlooked gameplan: diversifying across altcoins with strong fundamentals, like those in AI-integrated projects, while using derivatives for hedging. For instance, analyzing trading pairs such as BTC/USDT on exchanges shows 24-hour volumes exceeding $50 billion in peak periods last year, per exchange data from January 2026. Investors should watch for correlations with stock markets, where AI-driven stocks like those in the Nasdaq could influence crypto sentiment, creating cross-market trading opportunities. By incorporating stop-loss orders at key resistance levels, such as ETH's $3,500 mark, traders can mitigate risks while capitalizing on upward momentum.

This episode underscores the need for a disciplined approach in crypto trading, blending technical analysis with broader market narratives. Van de Poppe and Cowen stress avoiding FOMO-driven decisions, instead relying on data-backed indicators like RSI and moving averages to time entries. For example, in 2019, BTC's 200-day moving average provided reliable support during dips, a tactic that could apply to 2026 scenarios. As crypto markets evolve, integrating real-time metrics—such as current BTC prices hovering around recent highs with 5% weekly gains noted in early January 2026—enhances decision-making. Overall, this podcast equips traders with tools to navigate uncertainties, fostering a strategy that prioritizes long-term gains over short-term hype. Whether you're scaling into positions on ETH/BTC pairs or exploring AI token correlations, these insights promote informed trading in an ever-changing landscape.

To wrap up, the conversation with Benjamin Cowen serves as a timely reminder of the crypto market's cyclical nature. By comparing 2025's anomalies to 2019's dynamics, investors gain perspective on potential 2026 trajectories, from bullish breakouts to cautious consolidations. The emphasized gameplan—focusing on overlooked metrics like network hash rates and institutional flows—could be the edge needed for profitable trades. As always, stay updated with verified sources and adapt strategies based on evolving data, ensuring resilience in the face of market volatility.