Standard Chartered Revises Bitcoin Forecast to $100K Year-End, Maintains Long-Term Bullish Stance

In a notable adjustment to its cryptocurrency outlook, Standard Chartered has revised its year-end bitcoin price target downward to $100,000, a significant reduction from its previous projection of $200,000. This revision comes in response to recent market volatility that saw Bitcoin breach key psychological support levels during November. Despite this near-term recalibration, the bank's lead crypto analyst, Geoff Kendrick, emphasizes that the downturn is viewed as a temporary setback rather than a fundamental shift in the long-term bullish thesis for the digital asset. The bank maintains a constructive stance on Bitcoin's trajectory beyond the current market cycle, underscoring confidence in its underlying value proposition and adoption trends. This analysis highlights the dynamic nature of cryptocurrency forecasting, where institutions balance short-term market pressures against long-term structural trends. The adjustment reflects a more cautious near-term outlook while preserving optimism for Bitcoin's role in the evolving financial landscape, acknowledging both its volatility and its growing institutional acceptance as a digital store of value.

Standard Chartered Lowers Bitcoin Year-End Target to $100K, Maintains Long-Term Bullish Outlook

Standard Chartered has revised its bitcoin price forecast downward to $100,000 by year-end, a significant reduction from its previous $200,000 projection. The adjustment follows recent market volatility that saw BTC dip below key psychological levels in November. Geoff Kendrick, the bank's lead crypto analyst, characterizes the downturn as a temporary setback rather than a structural shift.

Despite near-term headwinds, the institution reaffirmed its ambitious $500,000 BTC price target for 2030. Kendrick's client note dismissed fears of a prolonged crypto winter, describing current conditions as merely "a cold breeze." The analysis suggests Bitcoin remains fundamentally undervalued in global asset allocations.

Ark Invest's Cathie Wood echoed this institutional perspective, noting that increasing participation from regulated entities could dampen Bitcoin's notorious volatility. The juxtaposition of short-term caution with long-term conviction reflects growing sophistication in traditional finance's approach to digital assets.

Bitcoin Hyper and DeepSnitch AI Gain Traction Amid Sony's Stablecoin Plans

Bitcoin Hyper emerges as a potential solution to Bitcoin's scalability issues, drawing bullish price predictions as investors seek alternatives to the slow and expensive mainnet. Meanwhile, DeepSnitch AI's presale surges past $710,000, offering bonus tokens in its third funding stage.

Sony's reported stablecoin initiative could revolutionize digital payments across its entertainment ecosystem. The tech giant plans to bypass credit card fees by enabling game purchases, streaming subscriptions, and anime content via a dollar-pegged token—potentially onboarding millions to crypto.

Bitcoin Retail Inflows to Binance Plunge to Record Low in 2025

Bitcoin retail inflows to Binance have collapsed to a historic low of 411 BTC per day—a stark contrast to the 2,675 BTC daily average recorded during the December 2022 bear market. The downturn reflects a structural shift in investor behavior, with retail participation dwindling faster than in previous cycles.

Smallholders, colloquially termed "shrimps" for wallets holding under 1 BTC ($90,000 equivalent), are leading the exodus. CryptoQuant data shows their withdrawal intensity now surpasses the 2022 bear market trough. Meanwhile, whales have accumulated aggressively, with long-positioning suggesting a potential price floor.

The rise of Bitcoin ETFs has cannibalized retail flows, redirecting capital toward regulated vehicles. This institutionalization marks a maturation phase—one where mom-and-pop investors cede ground to structured products.

Tidal Trust Proposes Bitcoin ETF Targeting Overnight Gains

Tidal Trust has filed with the SEC for a novel Bitcoin ETF designed to capitalize on after-hours price movements. The fund WOULD buy Bitcoin at market close and sell at open, avoiding daytime volatility while capturing gains that analyst Eric Balchunas notes predominantly occur overnight.

During US trading hours, the ETF's assets would shift to Treasuries and cash equivalents. The filing comes amid record outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, with $4 billion withdrawn in November alone. Tidal's strategy relies on Bitcoin futures and underlying spot holdings to execute its after-market approach.

Tidal Trust II Launches Bitcoin After-Hours Trading ETF

Tidal Trust II enters the ETF arena with a novel Bitcoin-focused product designed to capture after-hours price movements. The Nicholas Bitcoin and Treasuries AfterDark ETF leverages Bitcoin's historical tendency for significant volatility outside standard US trading hours.

The fund employs a dual strategy: holding short-term Treasuries during market hours, then shifting exposure to Bitcoin's overnight action through derivatives. This structure allows investors to participate in Bitcoin's after-hours moves without direct ownership.

Analysts note the fund's timing coincides with growing institutional interest in cryptocurrency exposure vehicles. The approach mirrors broader financial sector innovation as asset managers develop products catering to Bitcoin's unique market behavior.

Twenty One Capital Stock Drops Nearly 20% After NYSE Debut Amid Crypto Market Caution

Twenty One Capital (XXI), a newly public Bitcoin-focused company, saw its shares plummet nearly 20% within 24 hours of its NYSE debut. The stock opened at $10.74, significantly below the previous close of $14.27 for Cantor Equity Partners, the SPAC with which it merged. Despite a slight after-hours recovery to $11.92, the sharp decline reflects investor wariness toward crypto-linked listings during a subdued digital asset market.

Backed by heavyweights like Tether, Bitfinex, SoftBank, and Cantor Fitzgerald, Twenty One aims to become the largest publicly traded Bitcoin holder. CEO Jack Mallers, founder of Strike, leads the venture. The company's rocky start underscores the challenges faced by crypto-centric firms in gaining traditional market traction.