Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's Upside Seen Capped at 27% as Macro Concerns Weigh: McClurg

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Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 2:26 am ET1min read
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- Canary Capital’s CEO forecasts Bitcoin’s 2025 peak at $140,000–$150,000, with a 27% upside cap due to macroeconomic risks.

- McClurg warns of a 2026 downturn if Fed rate cuts (expected Sept/Oct 2025) fail to stabilize economic conditions.

- Bitcoin’s recent gains from ETF inflows and treasury buys may not sustain long-term bullish momentum.

- Contrasts with bullish peers like Michael Saylor; also predicts Ethereum’s market share decline amid faster blockchain competition.

Bitcoin’s Potential Upside Limited to 27% Amid Economic Concerns, Says Canary Capital CEO Steven McClurg August 17, 2025

Steven McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, has signaled a tempered outlook for

Bitcoin
, forecasting a maximum 27% upside for the year, which would see the price reach between $140,000 and $150,000 before entering a potential downtrend in 2026. McClurg’s comments, made on August 17, 2025, reflect his growing concerns about macroeconomic conditions and the trajectory of U.S. monetary policy [1].

According to McClurg, the current economic climate is not favorable for a strong continuation of the bull cycle. He stated, “I don’t like the economic standing at all right now,” and expressed the belief that the U.S. Federal Reserve should have already begun rate cuts. He anticipates such cuts occurring in both September and October 2025. Market participants are currently pricing in a 92.5% chance of a September rate cut, according to the CME Watch Tool [1].

McClurg attributes Bitcoin’s recent performance to factors such as spot Bitcoin ETF inflows and treasury firm purchases. However, he cautions that these tailwinds may not be enough to sustain a bullish trend beyond the current cycle [1].

His forecast contrasts with more bullish predictions from other industry leaders, such as Michael Saylor, who remains optimistic about Bitcoin’s future. This divergence highlights the ongoing debate within the crypto space regarding the asset’s long-term potential amid shifting macroeconomic conditions.

McClurg’s analysis also extends to

Ethereum
, which he views as a declining asset due to its age and the rise of faster blockchains like
Solana
and
Sui
. He stated that he expects Ethereum to gradually lose market share and will not likely reach new all-time highs [1].

As the crypto market navigates regulatory uncertainties and macroeconomic pressures, McClurg’s outlook suggests that investors should remain cautious. While a $150,000 level for Bitcoin is still within reach, the likelihood of a sustained bull run has diminished, and a bearish correction could follow if broader economic conditions fail to stabilize [1].

Sources:

[1] Bitcoin's Potential Surge to $150000 Sparks Debate, https://coincu.com/markets/bitcoin-potential-rise-to-150k/