According to Standard Chartered, Bitcoin has the potential to double in value before year's end, reaching a staggering $150,000. This optimistic outlook stems from the belief that investor inflows will surge as the crypto ETF market in the US matures, along with Bitcoin's halving event reducing the supply of new tokens.
Bitcoin's Trajectory: Standard Chartered Predicts Significant Price Surge by Year-End
Financial analysts at Standard Chartered Bank maintain a steadfastly optimistic outlook for Bitcoin, forecasting a substantial price increase that could potentially exceed double its current value by the end of 2022. This bullish projection is underpinned by a favorable backdrop for the cryptocurrency.
Geoff Kendrick, the bank's head of digital assets research, outlined a compelling case for Bitcoin's continued ascent during an interview with BNN Bloomberg. He posited that the cryptocurrency has the potential to reach $150,000 by the year's end, representing a 127% surge from its current levels.
Kendrick's unwavering belief in Bitcoin's upward trajectory stems from a confluence of factors. Despite experiencing a recent pullback, Bitcoin has historically exhibited resilience and has the capacity to regain momentum. The research head attributes the recent decline to a combination of slowing inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, he anticipates a reversal of this trend in the latter half of the year, fueled by a surge in investor interest.
Kendrick estimates that spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted approximately $12 billion since their inception in January. While crypto traders currently exhibit a degree of caution, he anticipates inflows escalating to a range of $50 billion to $100 billion over the next two years, particularly as the U.S. crypto ETF market matures.
The halving event, a periodic reduction in the amount of Bitcoin awarded to miners, also contributes to Kendrick's bullish outlook. This mechanism inherently restricts the supply of new Bitcoin entering the market, historically leading to price spikes. The last three halving events were followed by all-time highs within 12 months.
"The current market conditions suggest that Bitcoin is poised for another upward surge," Kendrick affirmed.
Standard Chartered's bullish stance on Bitcoin aligns with the broader sentiment on Wall Street. The bank's analysts have extended their forecast to predict a potential rise to $250,000 by 2025, indicating a 266% increase from Bitcoin's March levels.
In conclusion, Standard Chartered's comprehensive analysis paints a promising picture for Bitcoin's short-term and long-term prospects. The cryptocurrency's underlying fundamentals, coupled with a potential influx of investor support, create a compelling case for its continued appreciation. However, investors are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before making any investment decisions.