Ripple CEO Remains Optimistic Despite Bitcoin Dip — Predicts $180K Price by 2026

Summary: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse forecasts that Bitcoin will reach $180,000 by December 31, 2026, despite recent market turbulence. This prediction comes amid various factors influencing the crypto landscape, including whale buying and potential shifts in traditional banking policies.

Key Takeaways

Ripple's CEO anticipates Bitcoin will hit $180,000 by the end of 2026.
Recent Bitcoin price drop was linked to developments in traditional markets, not isolated crypto incidents.
Large investors increased their Bitcoin holdings amid the price decline.
Slow miner selling could create upward pressure on Bitcoin prices.
Institutional demand and favorable macroeconomic conditions are vital for future price increases.

Bitcoin

Market Decline Linked to Traditional Factors

Recent reports reveal that Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple, expressed his expectation for Bitcoin to climb to $180,000 by the close of 2026 during a panel hosted by Binance. This optimistic forecast comes in the wake of Bitcoin experiencing a significant drop of about $5,000 in just three hours earlier in December, causing over $200 billion to be wiped off the overall crypto market and triggering close to $700 million in liquidations. Analysts have connected this steep decline to movements in traditional financial markets rather than to a specific event within the cryptocurrency sector.

Some experts have pointed to changes in Japan’s bond market as a factor that is affecting the long-standing yen carry trade. Reports indicate that attention is now centered on the Bank of Japan’s upcoming policy decisions in mid-December, which could influence global risk attitudes and impact the value of the yen.

BTCUSD Current Trading Data BTCUSD currently trading at $92,338. Chart: TradingView

Whales Capitalize on Falling Prices

Data from on-chain trackers suggest that large investors, often referred to as "whales," increased their Bitcoin holdings during the recent price drop. These tracking services report that so-called accumulator addresses have collectively acquired approximately 375,000 BTC in recent weeks. This trend indicates that major players in the market were confident enough to buy during the downturn.

Additionally, miner selling has notably decreased, with one prominent dataset showing that monthly outflows from miners have sharply dropped from about 23,000 BTC to approximately 3,672 BTC recently. This reduced supply from miners could act as a tailwind for Bitcoin's price if it continues.

Reports also highlight significant movements in Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with billions of dollars departing these funds in November. The movements in these ETFs remain a crucial short-term factor capable of influencing Bitcoin's price. Furthermore, notable financial institutions, such as JPMorgan, have published analyses suggesting that fair-value scenarios for Bitcoin are significantly higher than current trading levels, with some models positing a target price near $170,000 under certain conditions.

The Path to $180,000

By combining these factors, the potential for Bitcoin to reach $180,000 by the end of 2026 appears plausible within a bullish framework. This scenario would rely on a resurgence of institutional demand, continued whale purchasing, sustained low miner selling, and supportive actions from central banks that enhance risk appetite among investors.

Achieving this target would necessitate consistent and significant inflows of capital and a favorable macroeconomic environment that persists over several months, rather than just experiencing a temporary spike in prices. While Garlinghouse's forecast holds a sense of optimism, it should be viewed as a scenario worth monitoring rather than a guaranteed outcome.

As the Bank of Japan prepares to give guidance mid-December, market participants will be watching closely to gauge its potential effects on Bitcoin's trajectory. Daily ETF flows and changes in open interest have already shown significant variations, with on-chain data confirming that investors have acquired around 375,000 BTC and that miner selling has substantially decreased. If these trends are validated by reliable data sources, they may significantly affect Bitcoin's price movements in the near term.

Garlinghouse's prediction aligns with other bullish models currently circulating in the market. While the current volatility and major capital flows are influencing Bitcoin prices, this forecast remains an insightful perspective grounded in reasonable scenarios, representing a dynamic to observe rather than a straightforward certainty.

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