What Falling Confidence in Cryptocurrency Means for Prices
Episode Description
ABOUT THE EPISODE Wharton marketing professor Dave Reibstein discusses results from the 2025 Wharton Cryptocurrency Confidence Index report and explains how the monthly survey tracks Americans’ confidence in cryptocurrency. He shares how data from 1,000 U.S. respondents each month shows that shifts in consumer confidence have recently preceded changes in crypto prices. Professor Reibstein talks about how regulation, political support, and media coverage influence sentiment, as well as how many Americans still see crypto as a risky investment rather than a true currency. He also explains why most people are not willing to receive their pay in cryptocurrency despite growing awareness of the market.
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Brief Summary
Dave Reestein discusses the Wharton cryptocurrency confidence index and its findings on public perception and investment attitudes toward cryptocurrency.
Key points
- Understanding Cryptocurrency Confidence. The Wharton School developed a cryptocurrency confidence index to gauge public perception.
- Confidence vs. Prices. Confidence in cryptocurrency has started to decline, even as prices rise.
- Midwest Confidence Surprise. Survey results reveal that the Midwest shows more confidence in cryptocurrency than coastal regions.
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Episode highlights
- Understanding Cryptocurrency ConfidenceThe Wharton School developed a cryptocurrency confidence index to gauge public perception.“We’re trying to understand what people think and their perceptions of the currency.”0:46Feb 25, 2026
- Confidence vs. PricesConfidence in cryptocurrency has started to decline, even as prices rise.“It was like suddenly these two lines started to separate.”2:50Feb 25, 2026
- Midwest Confidence SurpriseSurvey results reveal that the Midwest shows more confidence in cryptocurrency than coastal regions.“People always guess the coast, and it’s the Midwest that happens to be the confident.”7:56Feb 25, 2026





