Scaramucci’s Crypto Picks: Navigating the 2026 Bull Run – Top 3 Altcoins to Watch
The cryptocurrency market is currently at a pivotal juncture, recovering from a surprisingly challenging 2025 marked by significant whale selling and unexpected deleveraging. Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital, believes a more favorable macroeconomic environment – including potential interest rate cuts, looser financial conditions, and progress on crypto legislation – could pave the way for a robust bull run in 2026, particularly benefiting “quality” altcoins. This article delves into Scaramucci’s analysis, his top three altcoin picks, and the broader market forces at play, providing a comprehensive outlook for investors.
Understanding the 2025 Market Correction
Scaramucci attributes much of the 2025 downturn to substantial selling pressure from large holders, estimating around $4.6 billion in whale activity coinciding with the surge in ETF demand. He points to the deleveraging event around October 10th as a catalyst, triggering a liquidity crisis and impacting market makers. While a 30% drop in Bitcoin is considered “garden variety” by some, it caught many bullish traders off guard. This unexpected correction has, however, created a potentially advantageous entry point for investors.
Key Takeaway: The 2025 market correction, driven by whale selling and deleveraging, has shifted market sentiment from extreme bullishness to a decidedly bearish outlook, creating a potential setup for future gains.
The Sentiment Shift and the “Bull Meter”
Scaramucci’s internal “bull meter” currently sits at a low 13 or 14 out of 100, reflecting his bearish short-term outlook. However, he argues that this negative sentiment is precisely what sets the stage for improvement. Incremental positive news – such as reduced large-holder selling, consistent ETF inflows, or regulatory advancements – could have a disproportionately positive impact on the market. The market is primed for a positive reaction to even modest improvements.
The Crucial Role of US Crypto Legislation
A central pillar of Scaramucci’s optimistic outlook is the expectation of US market-structure legislation, specifically the Clarity Act. He believes the market is already pricing in its eventual passage and that its absence is hindering serious tokenization efforts.
Legal Uncertainty and Tokenization
Without clear regulatory guidelines, companies are hesitant to invest the significant resources required to transition the financial system to utilize blockchain technology. The lack of legal certainty creates a substantial barrier to innovation and widespread adoption. The Clarity Act is seen as essential for unlocking the full potential of tokenization.
Scaramucci highlights the massive economic potential of streamlining transaction verification processes. He estimates that between $3.5 and $4 trillion is spent annually on these processes globally. Reducing this cost, even by half, could unlock $2 trillion in capital for other economic activities or increased wages.
Political Landscape and the Probability of Passage
Scaramucci believes the Clarity Act has a “north of 50%” chance of passing before the midterms. He argues that Democrats have recognized there is “no anti-crypto voter” and that crypto-aligned spending can be decisive in close races. This political calculus increases the likelihood of bipartisan support for the legislation.
Scaramucci’s Top 3 Altcoin Picks for 2026
Despite the recent market downturn, Scaramucci remains bullish on select altcoins. His top three picks are:
- Solana (SOL): He emphasizes Solana’s speed, low cost, and ease of use for both developers and users. While acknowledging his respect for Ethereum, he anticipates a “multicoin world” where Solana will play a significant role.
- Avalanche (AVAX): Avalanche is another key component of Scaramucci’s portfolio, benefiting from its scalability and growing ecosystem.
- TON (Telegram Open Network): Perhaps the most surprising pick, Scaramucci highlights TON’s potential integration with the massive Telegram user base. He initially purchased TON at $7.50, averaging near $4.00, and still sees significant upside potential.
Important Note: Scaramucci acknowledges that his timing on these investments hasn’t always been perfect, but he remains confident in their long-term prospects.
The Macroeconomic Outlook and its Impact on Crypto
Scaramucci anticipates a shift in monetary policy, predicting “two to four interest rate cuts” in the coming year. He believes a president facing midterms will prioritize economic growth, leading to increased capital injection and lower interest rates. This macroeconomic environment is expected to benefit the stock market, the altcoin market, and the broader crypto space.
Bitcoin’s Future: Still Targeting $150,000
Despite the recent volatility, Scaramucci remains steadfast in his $150,000 price target for Bitcoin, albeit acknowledging it may be delayed by a year. He recently “bought more Bitcoin” for his family, betting that ETF inflows and easing monetary policy will overcome the lingering effects of the 2025 whale-driven selling. He believes Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of the crypto market and a valuable long-term investment.
Market Data Snapshot (January 26, 2026)
As of today, the total crypto market cap stands at $2.94 trillion, still below the 2021 high. This indicates significant room for growth as market sentiment improves and institutional adoption continues.
Total crypto market cap hovers below the 2021 high again, 1-week chart | Source: TOTAL on TradingView.com
Conclusion: Positioning for the 2026 Bull Run
Anthony Scaramucci’s analysis paints a picture of a crypto market poised for a rebound in 2026. While the challenges of 2025 were significant, they have created a potentially attractive entry point for investors. The key factors to watch include progress on US crypto legislation, a shift in macroeconomic policy, and the continued growth of promising altcoins like Solana, Avalanche, and TON. By carefully monitoring these developments and positioning their portfolios accordingly, investors can potentially capitalize on the anticipated bull run.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are inherently risky, and investors should conduct their own research before making any decisions.