2026-01-02 09:25:39

It's only the beginning of 2026, and the market voices are already numerous. Looking back at history, we've seen years where Bitcoin's performance continuously weakened, but two consecutive years underperforming other asset classes? That has really never happened in past data. In other words, this year is a cycle worth looking forward to, and whether to bottom fish or hold high-quality assets in hand is something that needs to be taken seriously.

Another perspective is also quite interesting— the enthusiasm for the AI industry has not diminished over the past two years. As large models gradually move from concept to mature application, the next phase will be a surge of innovation across various product endpoints. Recently, news of a startup being acquired by an international tech giant at a valuation of several billion dollars caused quite a stir in the venture capital circle, which conveniently illustrates one point: the value of the AI industry has not yet been fully tapped.

For ordinary people, what does AI mean? Is it necessary to develop a unicorn project yourself and then be acquired by a big company? Of course not. If you have a technical background and entrepreneurial experience, the path might be broader, but I think the most crucial point is— the cost of starting a business has now fallen to a historic low. This might be the best era for ordinary people to turn things around, without a doubt.

Looking at cryptocurrency, the entire ecosystem has indeed entered a new development stage. After the wave of DeFi, market growth has stabilized, but that doesn't prevent it from being a good choice for ordinary investors— provided they choose the right mainstream assets. Both AI and crypto are fundamentally about embracing change, embracing the future. Yes, some say AI has a huge bubble, and the crypto market occasionally consolidates or fluctuates sideways, but in the long run, the opportunities to participate are truly right in front of us.

BTC1,74%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

11 Likes

Reward
11
6
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

MetaMuskRat

· 9h ago

Has Bitcoin underperformed for two consecutive years? I’ve never seen data like this before. It seems this year still requires a serious look. AI is really in a frenzy of bloodsucking, with billions of dollars spent on acquiring startups. This is not the end yet. The cost of starting a business has bottomed out. Ordinary people really have a chance to turn things around. DeFi has stabilized, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities. The key is to choose the right targets and not to mess around. This cycle clearly represents the era’s dividends. The logic of participation is actually very clear. By the way, who has really made money from AI or cryptocurrencies? It still depends on execution.

View OriginalReply0

zkProofGremlin

· 9h ago

Underperforming for two consecutive years? This time really is different, and it should be taken seriously. To put it simply, this year it's either bottom fishing or holding; it's a pity if you choose wrong. AI definitely hasn't cooled down; large models are gradually being implemented, and opportunities must be seized. Ordinary people shouldn't be dreaming of unicorns; low costs are the real opportunity. The DeFi wave has flattened, but choosing the right mainstream assets is still very stable. In the long term, opportunities are indeed there; bubbles are bubbles, but participation is still necessary.

View OriginalReply0

RugPullSurvivor

· 9h ago

Two consecutive years of underperformance? This time really is different, gotta take a serious look. The bottom hasn't been fully reached yet, and they’re already thinking of rebounding. There is indeed a lot of activity on the AI side, but there are also many pitfalls to watch out for. DeFi is stable and actually feels more reliable; mainstream assets are the way to go. There are definitely bubbles, but opportunities are also clearly present. A turnaround? The cost is low, but choosing the wrong one will still be a disaster. The cost of starting at historical lows? Just listen, don’t take it seriously. I believe in Bitcoin bottoming out, but has this cycle really arrived? I am optimistic about the AI boom, as long as you avoid those hype products. Long-term is long-term; surviving in the short-term is what matters.

View OriginalReply0

liquiditea_sipper

· 9h ago

Have you really changed this time after two consecutive years of underperformance? The coins in your hands need to be carefully managed and calculated. Is it bottom-fishing or holding? I'm also torn on this question. The hype around AI hasn't faded, but bubbles are real too. Who can see through it? The cost of starting a business has decreased, but the success rate hasn't increased. Is this a trap? DeFi is in a stable period, but choosing the wrong target still results in losses. Where are the mainstream targets? Embracing change sounds great, but my wallet doesn't agree. Looking at the long-term opportunities, surviving in the short-term is the priority. That's the truth.

View OriginalReply0

MetaMisfit

· 9h ago

Losing out for two consecutive years? Oh man, this time really is different, gotta carefully figure out how to operate those few coins in hand. AI + crypto dual-track system, feels like this year is the year to go all in. The startup costs are at an all-time low? Sounds unbelievable, missing out on this wave of dividends would really be a loss. Steady growth in DeFi is spot on, but the key is to pick the right targets, otherwise it's all for nothing. Losing out for two years is honestly the first time I've heard of it, this cycle really has something. A market without bubbles simply doesn't exist, the key is whether you can wait for that moment. Embracing change sounds like a cliché, but that's really how it is in the crypto world. Regular people turning things around? Forget it, better to honestly choose mainstream assets. The AI mining concept is about to be hyped again, those who understand, understand. Long-term optimism is real, but whose long-term can really hold up until that day?

View OriginalReply0

BTCWaveRider

· 9h ago

Bitcoin underperformed for two consecutive years, this time really different --- It's again a matter of choosing the right track; you have to pick the right target --- Costs are at an all-time low, easy to say, but how many truly dare to go all in? --- I missed the DeFi wave; can we buy the dip if AI takes off this time? --- Bubbles are bubbles, but long-term participation still offers opportunities. Anyway, just treat it as gambling with spare money --- Billions of dollars in acquisitions, if it were me, I would go all-in on AI concept coins --- Normal people turning their lives around? First, they need to survive until that day --- Choosing the right mainstream assets is more important than anything else; the question is who can really hit the right point --- I've never seen a market that loses for two years straight; how can it stay flat this year? It has to rebound --- Is it better to buy quality assets now or wait for a pullback? That's the real dilemma

View OriginalReply0