Citi Forecasts Bitcoin Could Reach $143,000 in the Next Year

Bitcoin is once again making headlines following Citigroup's recent analysis, which outlines a broad price range for the cryptocurrency over the upcoming year. The bank's analysts expect a base-case target of $143,000, influenced by anticipated growth in ETF participation and clearer regulatory environments. Alongside this, Citi also presented a more optimistic scenario forecasting Bitcoin could rise to $189,000, while a bearish outlook suggests a downswing to $78,500.

Key Takeaways

Citigroup expects Bitcoin to reach a base-case target of $143,000 within the next 12 months, influenced by ETF adoption and regulatory clarity.
Bullish projections might see Bitcoin rise to $189,000, while a bearish outlook suggests a dip to $78,500.
Fundstrat presents a contrasting view, predicting Bitcoin could fall to between $60,000 and $65,000 amid economic pressures in the first half of 2026.
Variations in forecasts highlight the uncertainty in the cryptocurrency market, emphasizing the influence of institutional investment and market sentiment.

Bitcoin

The Impact of ETF Adoption and Institutional Interest

Citi's optimistic projections hinge on the increasing significance of regulated investment vehicles in the Bitcoin market. Analysts emphasize that Spot Bitcoin ETFs have lowered barriers for institutional investors, allowing larger funds to invest without concerns about direct custody.

This perspective has led Citi's analysts to forecast bullish price targets for Bitcoin, with expectations that ETF interest and regulatory clarity will drive prices toward $143,000 within the next year. Intriguingly, their bullish scenario anticipates Bitcoin reaching approximately $189,000. These predictions are particularly striking given that Bitcoin currently struggles around the $90,000 mark, and they depend on a positive shift in Spot Bitcoin ETF flow.

LATEST: 📈 Citi analysts project Bitcoin's 12-month price base case at $143,000, spurred by expected ETF interest and regulatory clarity, with a bullish scenario of $189,000 and a bearish case of $78,500. pic.twitter.com/jAukEDkXQe
— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) December 20, 2025

However, while maintaining a constructive outlook, Citi has also identified potential downside risks that could impede bullish trends. Their bearish forecast indicates that the Bitcoin price could fall to $78,500 within the next year.

BTCUSD Trading Chart
BTCUSD currently trading at $88,575. Chart: TradingView

Contrasting Views: Fundstrat's More Cautious Stance

Citi's optimistic projections stand in stark contrast to a more cautious outlook from Fundstrat Global Advisors. Discussions within Fundstrat reveal concerns about a possible decline in Bitcoin prices toward the range of $60,000 to $65,000.

Sean Farrell, the head of digital asset strategy at Fundstrat, indicated in a recent memo that macroeconomic pressures and tightening financial conditions could lead to a price correction during the first half of 2026.

Fundstrat has predicted a significant correction in Bitcoin prices in early 2026, deviating from Tom Lee's public assurances of a bullish outlook. pic.twitter.com/HbRoNzr85z
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 20, 2025

The internal report suggests potential downside targets for Bitcoin ranging between $60,000 and $65,000—a drop of around 30% from current levels. Additionally, the report includes projections for Ethereum and Solana, forecasting Ethereum to fall between $1,800 and $2,000, and Solana to decline to the $50 to $75 range. This position contrasts with Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee's public assertions of a long-term bullish trajectory for both Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView