- Standard Chartered has raised its Bitcoin forecast, predicting prices of $150,000 this year and $250,000 next year, citing increased trading volumes and potential ETF inflows.
- Additionally, the bank anticipates significant growth for Ethereum, projecting a price of $8,000 by the end of 2024 with the approval of an ether ETF.
Standard Chartered, a leading global financial institution, has set the crypto world abuzz with its latest bitcoin and ether price forecasts. In a bold move, the bank has revised its predictions, foreseeing unprecedented growth in the value of these digital assets. According to Standard Chartered’s head of crypto research, Geoff Kendrick, Bitcoin (BTC) could skyrocket to $150,000 by the end of this year, with even more staggering projections of $250,000 for the following year.
Bitcoin’s Meteoric Rise
Standard Chartered’s optimism towards Bitcoin stems from its analysis of the cryptocurrency’s performance in comparison to gold, particularly following the introduction of gold ETFs in the United States. Kendrick explains that the bank has observed significant trading volumes and inflows in spot bitcoin ETFs, mirroring the trends seen with gold ETFs. Drawing parallels, Standard Chartered predicts that if ETF inflows reach $75 billion, Bitcoin could potentially surge to $250,000, surpassing previous estimates.
The bank’s bullish outlook on Bitcoin is further fueled by the anticipation of new spot bitcoin ETFs, expected to attract a fresh wave of investors. Kendrick highlights that net inflows have become the primary driver of Bitcoin’s price, a trend likely to persist. Moreover, the upcoming Bitcoin halving event in April adds to the positive sentiment, enhancing the asset’s scarcity and potentially driving up its value.
Ether’s Ascendancy
In addition to Bitcoin, Standard Chartered has raised its forecasts for Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. The bank predicts that an approval of a spot ether ETF by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in May could propel Ethereum’s price to $8,000 by the end of 2024, with further gains expected thereafter. Kendrick envisions inflows of up to $45 billion within the first 12 months of an ether ETF approval, catalyzing Ethereum’s ascent.
Standard Chartered’s bullish stance on Ethereum is reinforced by the recent Ethereum upgrade, which is expected to significantly reduce transaction costs and enhance the network’s efficiency. With Bitcoin’s projected price reaching $200,000 by the end of 2025, Kendrick estimates that Ethereum could soar to an astonishing $14,000, underscoring the vast potential of the crypto market.
As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Standard Chartered’s optimistic forecasts signal a growing acceptance of digital assets within the traditional financial sector. With Bitcoin and Ethereum poised for exponential growth, investors and enthusiasts alike eagerly await the realization of these ambitious predictions, ushering in a new era of mainstream adoption and financial innovation.
