Bitcoin’s Bullish Trajectory: Standard Chartered Predicts $200,000 by 2025

In a bold forecast, Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Digital Assets Research, Geoffrey Kendrick, predicts Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of 2025. Despite currently trading below $100,000, Kendrick anticipates a new all-time high of $120,000 this quarter. This optimistic outlook is driven by macroeconomic factors, including the rising U.S. Treasury term premium, which signals growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value. As of April 2025, the cryptocurrency market remains poised for significant growth, with Bitcoin leading the charge as a dominant digital asset. Investors and analysts alike are closely monitoring these developments, as Bitcoin continues to solidify its position in the global financial landscape.

Standard Chartered Analyst Predicts Bitcoin to Reach $200,000 by 2025

Bitcoin remains on track to hit $200,000 by the end of 2025, according to Geoffrey Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Digital Assets Research. Despite currently trading below $100,000, Kendrick forecasts a new all-time high of $120,000 this quarter.

The bullish outlook hinges on macroeconomic factors, including the rising U.S. Treasury term premium. Standard Chartered’s analysis suggests institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term valuation, doubling down on earlier price targets.

Samourai Wallet Case Delayed as DOJ Reconsiders Crypto Enforcement

Federal prosecutors and defense attorneys for Samourai Wallet’s co-founders have jointly requested a 16-day pause in court proceedings. The move signals potential dismissal of charges amid shifting crypto enforcement policies at the US Department of Justice.

The request follows Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s April 7 memo disbanding the DOJ’s dedicated digital asset enforcement team. Judge Richard Berman received the continuance application on April 28, 2025, with no formal stance yet taken on case dismissal.

Altcoins Poised for Rally as Macroeconomic Winds Shift

The cryptocurrency market stands at an inflection point as Bitcoin flirts with a potential breakout toward $100,000. While BTC dominance captures attention, altcoins remain conspicuously dormant—but not for long. Two key macroeconomic indicators suggest an imminent risk-on environment that could ignite the broader digital asset space.

The US Dollar Index’s decisive breakdown below critical support signals weakening safe-haven demand. Historically inverse to crypto performance, the DXY’s bearish trajectory opens floodgates for capital rotation into alternative assets. Meanwhile, the S&P 500’s assault on record highs demonstrates institutional appetite for risk—a sentiment that typically cascades into altcoin markets with a 30-45 day lag.

Market structure echoes late 2020 patterns when Bitcoin’s rally preceded an explosive altcoin season. Liquidity conditions now appear even more favorable, with stablecoin reserves at all-time highs and perpetual funding rates normalizing after March’s overheated derivatives activity. The stage is set for capital to Flow down the risk curve into large-cap protocols and niche sectors alike.

Bitcoin Leverage Ratio Surge Signals Heightened Liquidation Risk

Bitcoin’s estimated leverage ratio (ELR) across major derivatives exchanges surged to 0.2709 on April 25, marking the highest level since January 2023. The metric, which divides open interest by BTC held as margin, indicates traders are taking outsized positions relative to collateral—a pattern that preceded violent liquidations in past cycles.

The current leverage buildup carries greater systemic risk than the 2023 analog. At a spot price NEAR $95,000, the same ELR reading now underpins five times the notional exposure compared to when BTC traded at $17,000. The ratio’s climb from 0.236 to 0.264 between April 20-22 coincided with aggressive ETF-driven buying, compounding volatility potential.

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Attracts $970M Amid BTC Price Stagnation Below $95K

Bitcoin hovered near $95,000 as market participants awaited key economic data that could reveal the impact of U.S. trade policies. The cryptocurrency briefly touched $109,000 during President Trump’s inauguration but now shows muted momentum, gaining just 0.2% in 24 hours.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs continue their bullish streak, drawing $591 million in daily inflows. BlackRock’s IBIT leads the charge with $970 million in net inflows, signaling strong institutional demand despite price consolidation.