Predictions for the Rapid Growth of Prediction Markets in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 02 2026
0mins
Should l Buy HOOD?
Source: Fool
- Surge in Trading Volume: In 2026, weekly trading volume in prediction markets is nearing $6 billion, indicating rapid growth in this fintech sector and attracting increased investor interest and participation.
- Emergence of New Players: Major companies like Robinhood and Coinbase are expected to join Kalshi and Polymarket, launching innovative crypto products that will further expand retail investor participation opportunities.
- Enhanced Regulatory Clarity: As regulatory oversight of prediction markets becomes clearer, new legislation is anticipated to address concerns over insider trading and transparency, thereby safeguarding market integrity.
- Rise of AI Agents: Artificial intelligence is set to play an increasingly significant role in prediction markets, with major platforms expected to introduce AI-driven investment assistants to help users trade and analyze more effectively.
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Analyst Views on HOOD
Wall Street analysts forecast HOOD stock price to rise
20 Analyst Rating
16 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 70.110
Low
130.00
Averages
156.24
High
181.00
Current: 70.110
Low
130.00
Averages
156.24
High
181.00
About HOOD
Robinhood Markets, Inc. is creating a financial services platform for everyone, regardless of their wealth, income, or background. It uses technology to provide access to the financial system. Its offerings include Brokerage, Robinhood Crypto, Custody, Robinhood Wallet, Robinhood Gold, and Robinhood Gold Card. Its Brokerage services include investing, options trading, fractional trading, recurring investment, access to investing on margin, fully paid securities lending, cash sweep, instant withdrawals, Robinhood retirement, 24-hour market, joint investing accounts, and event contracts. It also offers a variety of ways for its customers to grow their financial knowledge, including Robinhood Learn, In-App Education, Newsfeeds, Sherwood Snacks, and Crypto Learn and Earn. Its self-clearing system, order routing system, data platform, and other back-end infrastructure deliver the capabilities that allow its customers to focus on investing, saving and spending.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Bank of America Upgrades Vale: Bank of America upgraded Vale from hold to buy, suggesting that now is an attractive entry point for investors in the iron ore producer, despite Vale's stock dropping nearly 7% since the Iran conflict began, while iron ore prices have risen about 8%.
- Wix's Outlook Downgraded: UBS downgraded Wix from buy to hold, with analysts believing its 2026 outlook indicates a slowdown in core business growth from 12% last year to 8% this year, and despite efforts to integrate AI capabilities, the company remains vulnerable to disruption by AI.
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- Secure Trading Partnership: The collaboration with Zerohash ensures secure trade execution and asset custody, allowing users to seamlessly trade 11 major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, on a single integrated platform, thereby enhancing user experience.
- Cost Efficiency Improvement: With commissions ranging from 0.12% to 0.18%, IBKR's crypto trading becomes more accessible and cost-effective, attracting more users and boosting trading activity and fee-based revenues over time.
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- Retail Investor Benefits: Approximately 30% of SpaceX shares will be allocated to retail investors, a move aimed at breaking the traditional IPO model that favors institutional investors, thereby enhancing retail participation and market fairness.
- Brokerage Platform Competition: While Robinhood and SoFi sought a role in the share distribution, E*TRADE will lead the retail allocation of SpaceX shares, potentially disappointing retail investors and conflicting with Musk's pro-retail image.
- Musk's Response: Musk denied rumors of excluding Robinhood and SoFi on social media, indicating that at least some shares will be allocated to these platforms, demonstrating his commitment to retail investors.
See More
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- Retail Investor Allocation: Approximately 30% of the IPO shares are expected to be allocated to retail investors, a relatively high percentage for a large IPO, aimed at enhancing retail investor participation and leveling the playing field.
- Platform Exclusion Controversy: While E*TRADE will lead the distribution of SpaceX shares, rumors suggest that Robinhood and SoFi may be excluded, which could lead to dissatisfaction among retail investors and impact their enthusiasm for investing in SpaceX.
- Musk's Response: Musk denied reports of excluding Robinhood and SoFi on social media, indicating that at least some shares will be allocated to these platforms, aiming to maintain a good relationship with retail investors and further solidify his brand image.
See More
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- Market Share Expansion: Micron's Q3 guidance indicates a 40% sequential growth, suggesting that its market share in memory storage solutions is still on the rise, particularly against the backdrop of rapid AI technology development, further solidifying its industry position.
- Robinhood's Market Dynamics: Despite a 50% drop in Robinhood's stock due to the cryptocurrency market crash, the company achieved a 27% year-over-year revenue increase, with options and equities revenue rising 41% and 54% respectively, showcasing its diversified growth potential in the fintech sector.
- Investor Confidence Rebounds: BlackRock and Barclays increased their holdings in Micron and Robinhood in Q4 2025, reflecting institutional investors' confidence in the long-term growth prospects of both companies, especially during turbulent market conditions, presenting potential investment opportunities.
See More
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- Micron's Strong Earnings: Micron Technology reported a 57% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 FY2026 and unexpectedly delivered $23.9 billion in Q2, showcasing robust growth driven by AI demand, while its P/E ratio below 20 indicates it is undervalued compared to peers.
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See More
