📅 February 12 - London / United States | Crypto optimism is faltering once again. Global bank Standard Chartered has adjusted its forecasts again and now anticipates a final capitulation scenario in the coming months. According to Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital asset research at the bank, the market has not yet bottomed out and could face one last wave of selling before regaining momentum toward the end of the year.
📖The target of $100,000 for BTC by the end of 2026 represents another downward revision from previous estimates of $150,000 and, before that, $300,000. For ETH, the forecast dropped to $4,000 from $7,500.
Forecasts were also adjusted for other cryptocurrencies: Solana to $135, XRP to $2.80, BNB to $1,050, and Avalanche to $18, in what Kendrick describes as “mark-to-market” adjustments aligned with the weakness of BTC and ETH.
The bank attributes this pessimistic outlook to several factors. One key factor is the behavior of Bitcoin ETFs, whose holdings have decreased by almost 100,000 BTC since their peak in October 2025.
Many institutional investors bought an average of around $90,000 and are currently facing unrealized losses, increasing the likelihood of further selling in the short term.
The macroeconomic environment isn't helping either. With mixed economic data in the US and no clear expectations of rate cuts until after a possible change in the Federal Reserve chairmanship in June, the flow of capital into risk assets could remain limited. This context complicates the entry of new funds into the crypto market.
Topic Opinion:
Bearish projections can generate fear, but also strategic opportunities for those who understand volatility as part of the process. The key is not to predict every move, but to manage risk, liquidity, and expectations.
💬 Do you think we'll really see BTC at $50,000 this year?
Leave your comment...
#bitcoin #Ethereum #StandardChartered #BTC #CryptoNews $BTC $ETH