Standard Chartered revises Bitcoin forecast, suggests $100K target may be too low
Standard Chartered questions its $100K Bitcoin prediction
Standard Chartered, a global bank, has suggested its year-end Bitcoin price target of $100,000 may be too conservative. Geoff Kendrick, the bank’s head of digital asset research, stated in a recent note that Bitcoin could move closer to its all-time high of $126,000 before the end of 2026.
The bank had previously lowered its Bitcoin forecast to $100,000 from $150,000 in February 2026, expecting a drop to around $50,000 before a recovery. However, recent market activity, including a rise in inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs—a type of investment fund that tracks Bitcoin’s price), has led Kendrick to reconsider the earlier prediction.
Key factors behind the revised outlook
- Bitcoin’s price has risen 24% over the past week, reaching around $76,844.
- Inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have started to recover, signaling renewed investor interest.
- Low open interest in Bitcoin futures may allow more investors to enter the market as prices climb.
- Kendrick noted that the recent rally was partly driven by short liquidations (when traders betting against Bitcoin are forced to close their positions).
What the bank’s analyst said
Geoff Kendrick wrote in a note shared with Cointelegraph, "For the first time this year there is now a risk my end-year forecast (of $100,000) is too low." He added that Bitcoin could accelerate its recovery after October 6, potentially moving toward its all-time high.
Other market views
Other analysts have also suggested signs of a market recovery. Cory Klippsten, CEO of Swan Bitcoin, said Bitcoin might bottom in October. Markus Thielen, founder of 10x Research, indicated that if Bitcoin closes above $63,000 in August, it could confirm the end of the bear market.
What is confirmed
- Standard Chartered previously set a $100,000 year-end Bitcoin target in February 2026.
- Geoff Kendrick now believes this target may be too low.
- Bitcoin’s price was $76,844 at the time of the note, up 24% over the past week.
- Inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have started to recover.
What is still unclear
- Whether Bitcoin will reach or exceed its all-time high of $126,000 by the end of 2026.
- The exact timeline or triggers for a potential recovery acceleration after October 6.
- How other market factors, such as macroeconomic conditions, might influence Bitcoin’s price.
Why this matters for crypto markets
The revision by Standard Chartered reflects growing optimism among some analysts about Bitcoin’s short-term performance. If Bitcoin ETF inflows continue to rise, it could signal broader investor confidence in the asset. However, the bank’s updated view is still a forecast and not a guarantee.
