Bitcoin Cash Rises 5.07% Amid Zacks Downgrade and Institutional Buying

On DEC 18 2025, Bitcoin Cash (BCH) rose by 5.07% within 24 hours to reach $573.4. Over the past 7 days, the price dropped by 0.95%, while the one-month gain stood at 6.21% and the one-year gain at 32.2%. This price activity occurred alongside several developments in the broader financial space, particularly surrounding Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH), a stock unrelated to Bitcoin Cash but with a similarly abbreviated ticker symbol.

Zacks Research Downgrades Banco De Chile to "Hold"

Zacks Research recently downgraded Banco De Chile from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a note issued to investors. This downgrade came amid a flurry of other analyst activity, including a "neutral" rating from JPMorgan Chase & Co. and a "sell" rating from Wall Street Zen. The firm is currently carrying a consensus rating of "Hold," with an average target price of $34.00. Despite the downgrade, institutional confidence in Banco De Chile remains strong, with TT International Asset Management LTD acquiring 889,851 shares in the third quarter. Other hedge funds also increased their stakes in the bank, including Bessemer Group Inc., Itau Unibanco Holding S.A., and Qube Research & Technologies Ltd.

Institutional Holdings Highlight Confidence in the Stock

The institutional buying spree suggests continued support for Banco De Chile despite the mixed analyst ratings. TT International’s stake now makes up 3.8% of its portfolio, while other investment firms significantly increased their holdings in the second and third quarters. These institutional movements indicate a belief in the long-term stability and potential of Banco De Chile within the broader banking sector in Chile.

Political and Economic Shifts in Chile Bolster Long-Term Outlook

Political developments in Chile have also played a key role in investor sentiment. In a recent election, right-wing candidate Jose Antonio Kast won by a large margin, signaling a potential shift toward a more business-friendly government. This change has been seen as favorable for Chilean banks and businesses, as it may lead to smoother regulatory approval processes for industrial and mining projects. The country’s economic indicators also show improvement, with GDP growth and domestic demand ticking higher.

Banco De Chile’s Recent Earnings and Operational Performance

Banco De Chile recently reported its quarterly earnings, showing $0.60 in earnings per share, below the consensus estimate of $0.62. The bank’s revenue of $764.93 million also fell short of expectations. However, the company managed to maintain a strong net margin and return on equity, at 32.87% and 23.25%, respectively. Analysts anticipate improved earnings for the current fiscal year, with a projected 2.31 EPS.

Operational efficiency has also been a focus for Banco De Chile, with management emphasizing cost control and digital transformation. Productivity improvements in consumer lending and AI-driven automation have contributed to better cost management. These operational enhancements may help offset slower loan growth and support long-term profitability.

Bitcoin Cash Price Outlook and Market Position

While the above developments pertain to Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH), not to be confused with Bitcoin Cash (BCH), the broader movement in investor sentiment toward Chilean assets may have indirect implications for other assets in the country, including cryptocurrencies. Analysts project that Bitcoin Cash could potentially reach $1000 by 2030, driven by factors such as increased merchant adoption, technological upgrades, and favorable regulatory environments.

Currently, Bitcoin Cash’s price trajectory is showing signs of resilience, with its 24-hour gain outperforming its 7-day decline. The long-term bull case for Bitcoin Cash hinges on its ability to maintain relevance as a scalable payment solution and to integrate with evolving financial systems. Institutional and retail investors alike will be watching closely for signs of further adoption and market acceptance.

Conclusion: BCH’s Path Forward

Bitcoin Cash is currently navigating a period of mixed signals. While its short-term price movement shows strength, the broader market remains subject to macroeconomic and regulatory pressures. Analysts project a positive trajectory for Bitcoin Cash, provided that adoption and technological developments align with expectations. Investors are advised to monitor both the technical progress of the network and the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly in key markets like Chile, where institutional confidence appears to be growing.

For now, Bitcoin Cash remains a key player in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, with a price movement that reflects both market enthusiasm and the lingering uncertainties of a still-evolving financial landscape.