Crypto in '26: Raoul's Vision or We Get Rekt? | REKT Vision (January 09, 2025)
Crypto in '26: Raoul's Vision or We Get Rekt? | REKT Vision (January 09, 2025)
Podcast1 hr 1 min
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Note: AI-generated summary based on third-party content. Not financial advice. Read more.
Quick Insights

Bitcoin (BTC) is considered a high-conviction "catch-up trade" with a strong possibility of rallying to $100,000 within the next month. The emerging AI agent narrative suggests investing in high-speed blockchains like Solana (SOL) and Sui (SUI) as key infrastructure plays. For a direct investment in the AI theme, Bittensor (TAO) is highlighted due to a bullish technical chart pattern. In traditional stocks, Rocket Lab (RKLB) offers a public way to invest in the space sector. Investors should also monitor for the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO, which is expected to occur this year.

Detailed Analysis

Bitcoin (BTC)

  • The speakers discuss a recent rally that took Bitcoin up to the $94K-$95K range, followed by a period of choppy price action.
  • It's noted that Bitcoin has been slightly underperforming assets like gold and stocks but is holding its ground and not performing terribly, which is seen as a positive change.
  • A significant market event around October 10th (1010) is cited as the reason for Bitcoin's decoupling and underperformance relative to the broader market. The theory is that market makers were locked out during a cascade of liquidations, forcing exchanges to step in and buy massive amounts of crypto. These exchanges are now believed to be slowly unwinding these large positions, suppressing the price.
  • A valuation model based on liquidity ("the Everything Code") suggests that without this event, Bitcoin's price should be in the $140,000 to $160,000 range.
  • There is a strong belief that this discount is temporary and that Bitcoin will "catch up" as the excess supply is absorbed and liquidity returns to the market.

Takeaways

  • Bullish short-term outlook: The speakers believe there is a "very good chance" Bitcoin will rally to $100,000 over the next month.
  • Catch-up Trade: Bitcoin is seen as being at a temporary discount compared to other assets. This presents a potential opportunity for investors, as the price could rally significantly to close this valuation gap.
  • Volatility is Upside: The speakers remind the audience that volatility in crypto often means significant moves to the upside. A 10% move in Bitcoin could lead to much larger gains in altcoins. It's noted that 40%-50% monthly gains for Bitcoin have been common in past bull markets.

AI Crypto & Infrastructure (TAO, SOL, SUI)

  • The rise of powerful AI agents, like the Claude model from Anthropic, is identified as a major upcoming narrative for crypto.
  • The core idea is that these AI agents will need to perform a massive number of transactions, and the blockchains that can handle this speed and volume will be the primary beneficiaries.
  • Solana (SOL) and Sui (SUI) are specifically named as high-performance blockchains that are well-positioned for this future, described as a "Solana-Sui world."
    • One speaker mentions that he is personally invested "mainly in Sui."
    • Sui was also highlighted for its recent performance, having risen 40% in a week and a half.
  • Bittensor (TAO) is mentioned as a key AI-focused crypto project.
    • The speaker refers to its weekly chart as a "killer chart," noting a "big flag pattern." In technical analysis, this pattern often precedes a significant upward price move.

Takeaways

  • Invest in Speed: The "AI agent" narrative suggests that the fastest blockchains will capture the most value. Investors should look at high-throughput chains like Solana (SOL) and Sui (SUI) as key infrastructure plays for this theme.
  • Specific AI Plays: Bittensor (TAO) is highlighted as a direct investment into the AI-crypto theme with a potentially bullish technical setup.
  • The Next Big Narrative: The speakers strongly believe that AI agents will be a dominant theme for crypto in the coming year. Getting positioned in related projects early could be advantageous.

Ethereum (ETH)

  • One speaker's primary reason for holding a large amount of ETH is its use in the digital art (NFT) market. He has been using it to purchase a "shit ton of digital art."
  • The investment case for ETH is seen as "very strong" over a long-term time horizon, specifically the next 10 years.
  • Its value is directly tied to the thesis that digital art and collectibles built on Ethereum will become "ultra valuable artifacts" in the future.

Takeaways

  • A Long-Term Bet on Digital Culture: ETH is presented as a long-term investment for those who believe in the growth and value of the digital ecosystem, particularly NFTs and digital art.
  • Infrastructure for Value: Owning ETH is a way to own a piece of the foundational layer upon which a new generation of valuable digital assets is being built.

Digital Art (NFTs) & Physical Collectibles

  • This is presented as a major investment thesis for the "Exponential Age." The core idea is that in a world of AI-driven abundance where software and digital goods can be created infinitely, scarce, human-centric, and culturally significant items will become extremely valuable.
  • Digital Art (NFTs): This is called the "big thesis." The belief is that early, culturally important NFTs are the "art of the culture of the Internet" and will be viewed as priceless artifacts in the future. The speaker mentions buying an XCOPY one-of-one piece as part of this strategy.
  • Physical Collectibles: The same logic applies to rare, human-made physical items.
    • Vintage Cars: Iconic cars from past generations, like the Lamborghini Countach and old Land Rover Defenders, are expected to appreciate significantly as petrol cars are phased out.
    • Artisan Goods: High-quality, handmade items are seen as a premium investment because they represent a human touch that cannot be replicated by AI or mass production.

Takeaways

  • Invest in Human Scarcity: The primary insight is to invest in things that AI cannot easily replicate: human creativity, culture, and nostalgia.
  • Long-Term Hold: This is not a short-term trading strategy. It involves buying the highest quality assets one can afford—whether digital or physical—and holding them for the long term (e.g., 10 years).
  • A Hedge Against AI: This strategy can be seen as a hedge against a future where many traditional skills and assets are devalued by artificial intelligence.

AI & Tech Stocks (Anthropic, Rocket Lab, SpaceX)

  • Anthropic: The company behind the Claude AI model is mentioned as a sign of the incredible momentum in the AI space, with reports of it raising money at a $350 billion valuation.
  • Rocket Lab (RKLB): This is mentioned as a successful public stock pick. It is highlighted as a tangible way to invest in the space theme, as it's an "actual space company that's actually sending rockets into space."
  • SpaceX: The speakers note that the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO is expected to happen this year (the podcast is dated January 2025), which would be a major event for investors.

Takeaways

  • Watch for Key IPOs: The upcoming SpaceX IPO is a major event to monitor for investors interested in the space sector.
  • Find Public Proxies: While direct investment in private AI leaders like Anthropic is unavailable to most, publicly traded companies in related innovative fields, like Rocket Lab (RKLB), offer a way to gain exposure to these mega-trends.

Gold & Metals

  • The macroeconomic outlook is seen as positive for commodities like gold.
  • It's mentioned that gold tends to lead broader market liquidity trends by about 12 months, and based on current financial conditions, the "metals trade" is likely not finished and could continue through the end of the year.
  • Despite the bullish outlook for metals, the speaker states he is not involved in the trade.

Takeaways

  • Positive Macro Backdrop: The conditions are favorable for precious metals to perform well for the remainder of the year.
  • Crypto as a Higher Beta Play: The speakers believe that while gold may do well, crypto offers a better risk/reward. They see crypto as having a "multiplier effect" and being poised for a significant "catch-up" trade that could deliver superior returns compared to metals.
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Episode Description
☀️ Crypto Gathering Miami 2026: not everyone wants the full conference sprint. That’s why there’s the Social Pass ($300): welcome drinks, beach party, and Drinks with @RaoulGMI LIVE 🍷 ☀️ Right now it’s BOGO... bring a friend or split the cost ☀️ Get it now: https://rvtv.io/4hYsZkc This week on REKT Vision, Mando, Rekt co-founder and author of the Mando Minutes newsletter, is joined by Raoul Pal, Real Vision co-founder and CEO. They discuss what is in store for markets, particularly crypto, in 2026. 🔥 *Download Raoul Pal's 5-year investing roadmap for free:* https://rvtv.io/41fVHWF About Real Vision™: We arm you with the knowledge, tools, and network to succeed on your financial journey. Connect with Real Vision™ Online: Website: https://www.realvision.com/join Twitter: https://rvtv.io/twitter Instagram: https://rvtv.io/instagram Linkedin: https://rvtv.io/linkedin 👉 Join our Discord channel and meet like-minded people: discord.com/invite/kYQY2Nd45Y Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
About Real Vision: Finance & Investing
Real Vision: Finance & Investing

Real Vision: Finance & Investing

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