Standard Chartered cuts 2026 crypto targets for the second time, warning Bitcoin may slide to $50,000 and Ethereum to $1,400 before a year-end rebound.
Standard Chartered has slashed its 2026 crypto price targets for the second time in three months, projecting Bitcoin could fall to $50,000 and Ethereum to $1,400 before a recovery later this year.
Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered's head of digital asset research, issued a note on February 12 warning of "more pain and a final capitulation period" for crypto prices in the coming months. The bank lowered its year-end 2026 Bitcoin target to $100,000 from $150,000, and Ethereum to $4,000 from $7,500.
The cuts extend to altcoins as well. Solana's year-end target dropped to $135 from $250, BNB Chain to $1,050 from $1,755, and Avalanche to $18 from $100. This marks the second time Standard Chartered has reduced its forecasts since December 2025.
The downgrade reflects deepening institutional pessimism. Bitcoin ETF holdings have fallen 41% from their October 2025 peak of $165 billion to roughly $96 billion. The average purchase price for ETF investors sits around $90,000, leaving most holders roughly 25% underwater at current prices near $67,500.
Kendrick noted that ETF investors sitting on losses are "more likely to reduce exposure than buy the dip," a dynamic that could accelerate selling pressure. The bank does not expect meaningful Federal Reserve rate cuts before June 2026, removing a key catalyst that supported the previous rally.
Despite the bearish near-term outlook, Standard Chartered maintains a constructive long-term view, projecting Bitcoin at $500,000 and Ethereum at $40,000 by 2030.
The January CPI report, due today (February 13), could set the tone for crypto markets in the near term. A hotter-than-expected reading would push back rate cut expectations and add downside pressure. Consensus expects a 0.3% month-over-month increase, with annual inflation potentially declining to 2.5%.
Bitcoin is currently testing support near $66,000, with key resistance at $70,000. Kendrick expects a capitulation event to establish a bottom, followed by recovery through the second half of 2026.
Standard Chartered's repeated downgrades underscore the challenging macro environment facing crypto. The near-term outlook hinges on ETF flow dynamics and monetary policy signals, though the bank's long-term projections suggest this correction may present a buying opportunity for patient investors. This is a developing story as markets await the CPI release.
Wall Street giant Citigroup projects Bitcoin could reach $143,000 within 12 months, citing ETF demand and regulatory tailwinds as key catalysts.
The largest US bank is assessing spot and derivatives trading services as regulatory clarity enables traditional finance to deepen crypto involvement.
BTC stages dramatic 11% recovery after nearly breaching $60K, while market sentiment remains at extreme fear levels.
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