Citigroup has released a detailed 12-month outlook for Bitcoin, presenting a wide range of price scenarios. The bank's base case projects Bitcoin reaching $143,000, driven by anticipated growth in Spot Bitcoin ETF participation and clearer regulatory frameworks. Citi also outlined an optimistic scenario where Bitcoin could climb to $189,000, alongside a bearish framework that sees a potential decline to $78,500 within the next year.
The bullish projections are anchored in the thesis that regulated investment vehicles like ETFs are lowering barriers for institutional investors, facilitating greater capital inflows. This outlook comes as Bitcoin's price currently struggles near the $90,000 level, with Citi noting that its projections are contingent on a turnaround in Spot Bitcoin ETF flows.
In contrast, an internal report from investment firm Fundstrat Global Advisors presents a more cautious near-term view. According to the firm's head of digital asset strategy, Sean Farrell, the first half of 2026 could see significant corrections due to macroeconomic pressures and tightening financial conditions. The internal note, circulated to clients, sets downside targets for Bitcoin in the $60,000 to $65,000 range, representing a potential 30% decline from current levels.
The Fundstrat report also projects Ethereum retreating to a range of $1,800 to $2,000 and Solana falling to between $50 and $75. This internal stance notably contradicts the public bullish statements of Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee, who has recently reiterated a $62,000 target for Ethereum in 2026 and suggested Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by year-end based on macro tailwinds and institutional interest.
