Tom Lee, a macro expert and head of research at Fundstrat, shared his insights on recent market events and future prospects in an interview with Bankless.


Key Highlights:
  • Lee believes the recent market selloff, which saw cryptocurrencies like Ethereum drop by 25% and Bitcoin by 15%, was likely a "growth scare" rather than the start of a recession. He attributes this to two main factors: a weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs report and changes in Japanese monetary policy, which affected currency trading.

  • Despite the dramatic market reaction, Lee remains optimistic about the future. He expects the Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates, possibly as soon as September. These cuts could stimulate economic growth by making borrowing cheaper for consumers and businesses.

  • Looking ahead to the end of the year, Lee predicts significant upside for both traditional and crypto markets. He suggests the S&P 500 could rise by 20%, and Bitcoin could reach $100,000 or more. However, he advises caution in the short term, recommending investors not be "heroic" between August and October.

  • Regarding cryptocurrencies, Lee has been bullish on Bitcoin since 2017, when it was still considered contrarian on Wall Street. He sees Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana as the core crypto assets, each with unique strengths and dedicated communities.

  • Lee also touched on the upcoming U.S. election, noting that while the outcome may not significantly affect overall market returns immediately, it could influence which sectors perform best. A Republican win might benefit Bitcoin and small-cap stocks, while a Democratic victory could favor tech companies.


In conclusion, despite recent market turbulence, Lee remains positive about the future of both traditional and crypto markets, expecting significant growth in the latter part of the year.