Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's $200K Timeline Splits Experts: Brandt's 2029 vs. 2025 Urgency

Veteran trader Peter Brandt has predicted that Bitcoin will reach $200,000 by the third quarter of 2029, a timeline significantly later than forecasts from other prominent figures in the crypto space. Brandt, known for his long-term bullish stance on Bitcoin, emphasized that the current market downturn is a necessary correction rather than a sign of a bearish trend. "This dumping is the best thing that could happen to Bitcoin," he stated in an X post on Thursday, contrasting with more aggressive short-term projections from peers like BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes and BitMine chair Tom Lee, who have previously targeted $200,000 by year-end 2025.

Brandt's forecast diverges sharply from those of Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and ARK Invest's Cathie Wood, who envision Bitcoin hitting $1 million by 2030-a price level roughly five times higher than Brandt's 2029 target. The veteran trader's timeline aligns with a broader narrative of a multi-year bull market, underscoring patience amid volatility.

Bitcoin has been in a downtrend since peaking at $125,100 on October 5, 2025, with prices recently dipping to $86,870, according to CoinMarketCap.

The current bearish pressure on Bitcoin is exacerbated by outflows from exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are heading for their worst monthly performance since the products launched in early 2024. Investors have pulled $3.5 billion from U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs in November, with BlackRock's IBIT-the largest fund -accounting for $2.2 billion of that total- exiting the market. This exodus has amplified downward momentum, with Citi Research estimating that every $1 billion in outflows correlates to a roughly 3.4% drop in Bitcoin's price.

Meanwhile, alternative cryptocurrencies like XRP and Solana are showing mixed signals. XRP has defied broader market weakness with ETF inflows totaling $179.6 million this week, signaling institutional interest. Conversely, Solana (SOL) remains under pressure, trading below $130 and struggling to regain its 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) at $166.

The crypto market's institutionalization is also gaining momentum, with CME Group set to launch spot-quoted futures for XRP and Solana on December 15, 2025, pending regulatory approval. These contracts, designed to track real-time spot prices, aim to improve accessibility for firms seeking exposure to altcoins. The move follows a surge in ETF inflows for both assets, with XRP ETFs attracting $179.6 million and Solana ETFs pulling in $128.2 million in the same week.

Despite the short-term challenges, Brandt's long-term optimism reflects a broader belief in Bitcoin's role as a store of value. His timeline assumes a gradual accumulation of demand and a rebalancing of market sentiment, rather than the rapid price surges seen in previous cycles. This view contrasts with the more aggressive bets from crypto executives, highlighting the spectrum of perspectives within the industry.