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Analysts at research and brokerage firm Bernstein have recently revised their price target for Bitcoin (BTC), predicting that it could reach nearly $200,000 by the end of next year. This optimistic forecast follows significant inflows into spot U.S. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) since their approval in January, surpassing their previous target of $150,000.
Key Drivers of the Prediction
The revised prediction is grounded in the expectation that spot Bitcoin ETFs could account for approximately 7% of the total circulating Bitcoin supply by the end of 2025. Bernstein analysts Gautam Chhugani and Mahika Sapra noted that Bitcoin ETFs are poised for approval at major wirehouses and large private bank platforms in the third and fourth quarters of this year.
“The institutional basis trade looks like the ‘Trojan Horse’ for adoption, and these investors are in the process of evaluating ‘net long’ positions,” the analysts wrote.
Current and Future ETF Flows
Presently, around 80% of the spot Bitcoin ETF flows originate from self-directed retail investors through broker platforms, while institutional integrations with wirehouses are still developing. Despite this, Bitcoin ETFs have already attracted approximately $15 billion in net new flows.
Bernstein anticipates that by 2025, Bitcoin ETFs will hold around 7% of the circulating Bitcoin supply, with projections of reaching 15% by 2033. They predict that the assets under management (AuM) for spot Bitcoin ETFs could hit $190 billion by the market peak in 2025 and surge to $3 trillion by 2033.
The Impact of Bitcoin Halving
Another significant factor contributing to this bullish outlook is the recent Bitcoin halving event, which has historically been a catalyst for bull markets. The analysts believe that the halving, which reduces the sell pressure from miners by half, combined with new demand catalysts, will drive exponential price movements.
“We believe Bitcoin is in a new bull cycle. The ‘halving’ presents a unique circumstance, where natural Bitcoin sell-pressure from miners declines by half (or even more, as they inventory more in anticipation), while new catalysts for Bitcoin demand arise, leading to exponential price moves,” they stated.
Institutional Adoption and MicroStrategy's Role
Institutional interest in Bitcoin has also been bolstered by companies like MicroStrategy, the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin. Led by founder and former CEO Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy recently acquired an additional 11,931 BTC for approximately $786 million, bringing their total holdings to 226,331 BTC, about 1.15% of Bitcoin’s total global supply.
The company has announced plans to offer $800 million in convertible senior notes due 2032, intending to use the proceeds to further increase its Bitcoin holdings. Bernstein predicts that if MicroStrategy continues its accumulation strategy, its holdings could represent 1.5% of Bitcoin’s total circulating supply by the end of 2025.
Bernstein's optimistic forecast for Bitcoin’s price is driven by the growing adoption of spot Bitcoin ETFs, the strategic behavior of institutional investors, and the historical impact of Bitcoin halving events. As institutional integration deepens and demand catalysts emerge, the analysts foresee Bitcoin reaching unprecedented heights, making it an attractive investment for the future.
