Tom Lee: Crypto Winter to End by February

▲ Bitcoin (BTC) / ChatGPT-generated image

Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are consolidating at key support levels, fueling optimistic forecasts that the long crypto winter could come to an end within this month.

According to crypto-focused outlet Benzinga on February 16 (local time), Tom Lee, co-founder of Fundstrat Global Advisors, projected that the current downturn in the cryptocurrency market will likely conclude within February. Lee assessed the recent market correction as a temporary phenomenon driven by profit-taking and policy uncertainty, predicting that a strong recovery will emerge soon.

From a technical standpoint, the final support levels for Bitcoin and Ethereum are becoming clearer. Tom DeMark, advisor to BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc. (BMNR), indicated that Bitcoin is likely to form a bottom around $60,000, while Ethereum could bottom near $1,890. Lee noted that prices may decline once more around these levels before confirming a bottom, describing this as a potential launchpad for a powerful rebound.

Institutional investors appear to have already begun buying the dip. BitMine, where Lee serves as chairman, purchased approximately $118 million worth of Ethereum on January 27. As of January 20, BitMine had increased its staked Ethereum holdings to 1.77 million ETH, valued at roughly $5.66 billion. The large-scale capital inflow reflects strong conviction in the long-term growth potential of the cryptocurrency market.

Lee projected that after overcoming volatility in the first half of 2026, the market could stage a V-shaped recovery. He explained that Bitcoin may undergo a 10% to 15% correction before surging toward new highs by year-end. Ethereum, he added, holds the potential to generate higher returns than Bitcoin, supported by expanding adoption of smart contracts.

He also suggested that the prevailing skepticism in the market could serve as fuel for the next bull run. Lee assessed that cryptocurrencies, alongside artificial intelligence, have entered a structurally strong growth phase, characterizing the current downturn as growing pains for long-term expansion. Market participants are closely watching price movements through the end of this month and whether key support levels hold to gauge the timing of a full-fledged rebound.

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