Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) is heading into 2026 with forecasts pulling in opposite directions, as big-bank targets meet caution from technical charts.
Market watchers say traditional finance now shapes Bitcoin’s path more than in prior cycles, especially through spot ETF demand.
Standard Chartered and Bernstein both point to $150,000 in 2026, but they have cooled earlier targets after slower ETF inflows.
Some analysts still expect a fresh all-time high in the first half of 2026, arguing that institutional buying can stretch or break the old four-year rhythm.
The post-2024 halving cycle delivered strong gains earlier on, then ran into late-2025 consolidation and sharper swings.
Bitcoin reportedly hit an all-time high near $126,000 in October, then slid roughly 47% before recovering around the high-$80,000s.
The dip included a move down to about $80,500 in November, as macro uncertainty and shifting ETF flows pressured risk assets.
Bernstein’s longer-range view keeps $200,000 on the table for end-2027, even after pulling back a more aggressive near-term call.