Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's Trimmed Target vs. Ethereum's Staking Surge: Citi's Updated Crypto Outlook

Citi has revised its price forecasts for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) following recent market volatility, citing evolving macroeconomic conditions and shifting investor flows. In a note to clients, the bank raised its 12-month Bitcoin target to $181,000, while trimming its year-end 2025 forecast to $132,000–$133,000. For Ethereum, Citi lifted its year-end target to $4,500 and set a 12-month outlook of $5,440, reflecting stronger-than-expected ETF inflows and growing institutional adoption Citi lifts Bitcoin, Ethereum price forecasts. Here are the new targets^[1].

The adjustments reflect a nuanced view of the crypto market's maturation. Citi attributed Bitcoin's trimmed near-term target to a stronger U.S. dollar, shifting macro risk appetite, and comparative flows into other asset classes. However, the bank maintained a constructive long-term outlook, noting that ETF inflows remain a key structural driver. "BTC's base case assumes ETF flows stay resilient and equities support risk sentiment, with a 12-month target of $181,000," the report stated. A bear-case scenario for Bitcoin now sees prices dipping to $83,000 if macro conditions worsen, while a bull case hinges on higher-than-expected inflows Citi Group Lowers Year-End Target for Bitcoin (BTC) While Raising ...^[2].

Ethereum's revised targets highlight its unique dynamics. Citi emphasized the role of staking yields, tokenization, and Layer-2 network activity in driving demand. "ETH's upside is being driven by increased adoption, staking, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms," the bank noted. However, it acknowledged greater uncertainty in modeling Ethereum's price trajectory due to the complexity of tracking on-chain activity and value accrual. Despite this, Citi expects "meaningful price appreciation" from sustained flows, particularly as institutional investors allocate to Ethereum-based ETFs Citi lifts Bitcoin, Ethereum price forecasts. Here are the new targets^[1].

The market context for these forecasts includes a recent $500 billion liquidation event triggered by U.S.-China trade tensions and a 100% tariff threat on Chinese imports. This prompted $755 million in combined outflows from Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs on October 13, with Ethereum ETFs bearing the brunt at $428.52 million Bitcoin's (BTC) Friday Tumble Gets a Look at Citigroup^[3]. BlackRock's iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) led redemptions with $310.13 million in outflows, while Bitcoin ETFs saw $326.52 million in redemptions, though BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) remained a net inflow at $60.36 million Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETFs Bleed $755M as Post-Wipeout …^[4].

Citi's analysis underscores Bitcoin's strengthening correlation with gold, reinforcing its role as a macro hedge. The bank also highlighted ETF-driven demand as a stabilizing force, with Bitcoin ETFs holding 6.81% of the asset's total market capitalization as of October 13. "The ETF backdrop supports the base case, while the bear case depends on equity market weakness," Citi stated. For Ethereum, the bank noted that tokenization and stablecoin adoption are creating "real-economy pipelines" that could justify its higher price target Citi lifts Bitcoin, Ethereum price forecasts. Here are the new targets^[1].

The press release highlights divergent institutional flows between the two assets. While Bitcoin ETFs have attracted $62.44 billion in cumulative inflows since January 2025, Ethereum ETFs have seen more volatile redemptions. Citi's report suggests that institutional investors are rotating capital toward Bitcoin in the short term, driven by its clearer "digital-gold" narrative and larger market share. However, the bank warned that Ethereum's structural advantages-such as staking yields and Layer-2 innovations-could reposition it as a preferred allocation in the medium term Bitcoin ETFs See $368M Inflows as Institutions Rotate from …^[5].

Citi's updated forecasts also factor in regulatory and macroeconomic uncertainties. The bank noted that adverse regulatory actions, particularly for Ethereum's staking infrastructure, could disrupt flows. Conversely, clarity on ETF rules or policy support could catalyze upside surprises. On the macro front, Citi emphasized the importance of USD strength, real yields, and equity volatility as key variables for Bitcoin's performance Citi lifts Bitcoin, Ethereum price forecasts. Here are the new targets^[1].