Standard Chartered Cuts 2026 Bitcoin Target to $100,000
Analysts at Standard Chartered have lowered their year-end 2026 price target for Bitcoin (BTC-USD) to $100,000, a significant revision from previous forecasts. The move reflects growing concerns about recent market trends and a shifting macroeconomic landscape, signaling a more cautious outlook for the cryptocurrency. This adjustment comes as Bitcoin navigates a period of volatility following a market downturn in October.
The bank’s new projection, released on February 12, 2026, is down from a prior estimate of $150,000 and sharply lower than the $300,000 forecast held in December. Geoffrey Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, warned that further price declines are possible, with Bitcoin potentially falling to $50,000 before finding a floor. The decision highlights ongoing market volatility and investor uncertainty.
According to data compiled by Bloomberg, nearly $8 billion has flowed out of U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs since the October 10 selloff, with ETF holdings decreasing by almost 100,000 tokens from their peak on that date. The average ETF buyer entered the market at roughly $90,000, meaning a substantial number of investors are currently holding losing positions.
Kendrick attributed the downgrade to persistent ETF outflows and a more complex macroeconomic environment. He also noted that, despite a potentially softening U.S. Economy, markets do not anticipate further interest rate cuts until Kevin Warsh assumes the role of Fed chair later this year, a factor that could limit additional inflows into crypto assets.
Standard Chartered also revised its outlook for Ether, reducing its end-2026 target to $4,000 from $7,500. Kendrick indicated that Ether could fall to around $1,400 before rebounding later in the year. Ether was trading below $2,000 on Thursday.
As of Thursday morning, February 12, 2026, Bitcoin was trading around $67,939 in New York. Despite the lowered forecast, a $100,000 target still suggests continued confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition.
