- VanEck predicts Bitcoin and Ethereum will continue reaching new highs in 2025.
- NFTs and DeFi could see trading volumes and total value locked record highs.
- Stablecoins to become a core payment system via adoption by big tech and finance giants.
If you missed out on the surging crypto market in the latter part of 2024, you might still have a chance to get in on the action.
According to VanEck’s 2025 predictions, the coming year could have even more in store, including another leg up for Bitcoin, a potential resurgence of NFTs, and breakthroughs in decentralised finance.
“We believe the crypto bull market will persist through 2025,” VanEck states.
Here are five standout predictions that could play a major part in crypto in the year to come.
Crypto prices
VanEck predicts that the crypto bull market will maintain its momentum through 2025, with a medium-term peak in the first quarter.
“At the cycle’s apex, we project Bitcoin to be valued at around $180,000, with Ethereum trading above $6,000,” said Van Eck. It also foresees Solana reaching the $500 level.
According to the investment firm, after the Q1 high, Bitcoin may face a 30% correction, with altcoins potentially seeing sharper declines of up to 60%.
Analysts project the market to rebound in Q4, with major tokens recovering and potentially reaching new all-time highs.
US goes all in
VanEck predicts that the United States could embrace Bitcoin in 2025 accompanying a positive shift in crypto policy.
This could include the federal government or individual states like Pennsylvania, Texas, and Florida establishing strategic Bitcoin reserves.
The report also forecasts a broader regulatory pivot: “New SEC leadership or the CFTC is expected to approve multiple spot crypto exchange-traded products in the US.”
On the corporate side, VanEck projects a 43% surge in Bitcoin holdings by private and public companies.
Meanwhile, US-based Bitcoin mining is expected to flourish, increasing its share of the global hash rate from 28% in 2024 to 35% by 2025.
Stablecoin growth
VanEck projects that stablecoins’ daily settlement volumes are expected to skyrocket to $300 billion.
That’s a 400% increase from the values that we are currently seeing in the tail part of 2024.
The report notes the growing potential for major companies like Apple, Google, Visa, and Mastercard to adopt stablecoin-based payment systems.
“Stablecoins will leapfrog their niche role in crypto trading to become a core part of global commerce,” said VanEck.
DeFi rise
Decentralised finance is set for a record-breaking year in 2025, according to the report, with decentralised exchange volumes expected to surpass $4 trillion.
“We anticipate that decentralised exchanges will capture 20% of centralised exchange spot volumes in 2025, driven by the proliferation of tokenised securities and new consumer-facing dApps,” VanEck states.
In addition to trading activity, the total value locked in DeFi is projected to rebound to cross the $200 billion mark.
NFT comeback
The NFT market is poised for a strong recovery in 2025, with trading volumes projected to reach $30 billion, according to VanEck’s report.
“While non-fungible token prices began to recover in 2024, most NFTs lagged behind until a turning point in November,” the report notes.
Established collections like CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club are expected to benefit from the renewed interest, while newer projects such as Pudgy Penguins and Miladys continue to gain traction.
Ethereum will likely continue to dominate the NFT space, with its share of trading volumes predicted to rise from 71% in 2024 to 85% by the end of 2025.
Kyle Baird is DL News’ Weekend Editor. Got a tip? Email at kbaird@dlnews.com.