Standard Chartered Forecasts Bitcoin Could Retest $126,000 by Year-End
Global Head of Digital Assets Research Geoff Kendrick suggests previous year-end targets may have been too conservative.
Bitcoin may be positioned for a significant rally before the close of the year, according to updated projections from Standard Chartered. The bank's lead researcher has indicated that previous price targets for the digital asset may have underestimated its current momentum.
Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered's Global Head of Digital Assets Research, stated that his previous year-end forecast of $100,000 may now be too low. Kendrick indicated that Bitcoin could potentially retest a record high of $126,000 by the end of the year. According to Kendrick, the recovery process for the asset could accelerate following October 6.
The Bullish Backdrop
Standard Chartered has maintained a consistently optimistic outlook on Bitcoin over the last several cycles. The institution has historically cited the structural impact of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the mechanics of the halving cycle as primary drivers for long-term growth. In previous reports, the bank has projected targets as high as $200,000 by the end of 2025, viewing the integration of institutional financial products as a permanent shift in the asset's demand curve.
Market Implications
Price targets issued by major global financial institutions like Standard Chartered often serve as significant catalysts for market sentiment. When a Tier-1 bank adjusts its forecasts upward, it typically influences the behavior of both institutional desks and retail traders, often increasing volatility as the market attempts to price in the new expectations. The shift from a $100,000 target to a potential $126,000 retest suggests a growing confidence in Bitcoin's ability to sustain its rally despite macroeconomic headwinds.
Looking Ahead
Market participants are now watching the post-October 6 window to see if the acceleration Kendrick predicted materializes. While the bank's research provides a bullish roadmap, the actual trajectory remains dependent on broader market liquidity and the continued inflow of capital through ETF channels. It remains to be seen if the asset can maintain the momentum required to breach the $126,000 threshold before the calendar year concludes.