Citigroup has released a 12-month outlook for bitcoin, placing its “base case” price target at $143,000—roughly 62% above current levels near $88,000—supported by potential ETF inflows and continued strength in traditional equity markets.
“Bitcoin is likely to trade between $80,000 and $90,000 into the new year, driven by increasing adoption and potential U.S. digital-asset legislation in the second quarter,” analysts Alex Saunders, Dirk Willer, and Vinh Vo wrote in a joint report. They identified $70,000 as a key support level, roughly where bitcoin traded ahead of Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory.
The base case scenario assumes renewed ETF demand and favorable stock market conditions. Regulatory catalysts—especially the anticipated passage and signing of the Clarity Act, which has already cleared the House—could further boost adoption and capital inflows.
Citi also outlined a bear case of $78,500, more than 10% below current levels, if a global recession materializes. The bull case sees bitcoin climbing to $189,000, more than doubling from present prices, driven by strong end-investor demand.
Overall, Citi’s report highlights that while bitcoin remains volatile, regulatory developments, ETF inflows, and equity market performance could create substantial upside over the next year.
