Standard Chartered predicts Bitcoin could drop to $50,000, with a recovery expected by year-end, despite current market pressures.
Standard Chartered analysts have revised their cryptocurrency outlook, forecasting a potential drop in Bitcoin to $50,000 and Ethereum to $1,400 in the near term, with a rebound expected by the end of the year. This update comes from a report by the firm.
Jeffrey Kendrick, head of cryptocurrency research at Standard Chartered, stated, “In the coming months, we will see further difficulties and a final capitulation of prices for digital assets.” He attributed this to the current macroeconomic environment, which he believes will not improve until Kevin Warsh is appointed as head of the Federal Reserve.
Kendrick anticipates that these price levels will motivate investors to start buying actively. Looking ahead, he predicts Bitcoin could recover to $100,000 and Ethereum to $4,000 by the end of 2026.
Other revised price targets for major cryptocurrencies include:
- Solana – $135 (down from $250);
- XRP – $2.80 (down from $8);
- BNB – $1,050 (down from $1,755);
- Avalanche – $18 (down from $100).
Kendrick noted that while the digital asset market is under pressure, the overall outlook remains stable, differing from previous cycles that experienced major crashes.
Reasons for the Current Decline
Kendrick highlighted that unrealized losses among Bitcoin ETF investors are contributing to negative market sentiment, with approximately 100,000 BTC lost since the peak in October 2025. Additionally, mixed signals from recent U.S. economic data have led market participants to believe interest rates will not decrease in the near future.
Standard Chartered suggests that these challenges could impede new investments in the cryptocurrency sector in the coming months. However, Kendrick emphasizes that the current downturn is not as severe as past cycles, indicating a more resilient market.
Moreover, K33 Research analysts have noted signs of investor capitulation across various segments, including the spot and ETF markets, as well as derivatives.
