Finance Professor Predicts $150K Bitcoin in 2026-Is Now the Best Entry Point?

Bitcoin price forecasts for 2026 remain a contentious subject among analysts, with some predicting a price of up to $150,000. Standard Chartered, for example, has reduced its forecast from $300,000 to $150,000, citing market consolidation and reduced buying activity from Bitcoin Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) companies.

The pullback in DAT buying is attributed to valuation pressures and a lack of further expansion opportunities. Geoff Kendrick, the bank's global head of digital asset research, said that DATs are unlikely to drive prices upward as they did previously.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the price action in 2026. Kendrick noted that future price increases will largely depend on ETF-driven buying, which has historically supported Bitcoin's market trajectory.

Why Did This Happen?

Institutional demand for Bitcoin waned in the final months of 2025 amid a broader market correction. Capriole Investments reported that institutions have now returned to net buying, recording eight consecutive days of positive net institutional demand in early January 2026.

This renewed buying activity has coincided with Bitcoin trading around $88,000, a level seen as a potential catalyst for a rebound. Historical patterns suggest that sustained institutional buying has led to an average 109% price increase since 2020.

How Did Markets React?

Bitcoin prices, however, have struggled to maintain a consistent upward trend in early 2026. On January 10, Bitcoin was trading below $90,000 after failing to break through the $95,000 resistance level.

ETF activity also reflected mixed signals. While the first week of 2026 saw a $471.3 million inflow into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, this was followed by sharp outflows of $486 million by mid-week.

The pullback in Bitcoin coincided with a broader risk-off market environment, fueled by geopolitical tensions and anticipation of key U.S. economic data. Investors are now watching for clarity on the Federal Reserve's policy path, particularly as non-farm payroll data looms.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring several factors that could influence Bitcoin's performance in the coming months. One key factor is the potential for further interest rate cuts in the U.S. Gabe Selby, head of research at CF Benchmarks, suggested that a "Goldilocks" economic environment could allow the Fed to cut rates in 2026, which could support Bitcoin's rally.

In addition, institutional adoption is expected to play a critical role. Over $100 billion is already invested in U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, and BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust leads with $67 billion in assets under management.

South Korea is also expected to introduce spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2026, part of broader efforts to expand the country's digital asset infrastructure.

Bitcoin's technical outlook also remains mixed. While Capriole Investments cited a favorable historical pattern for institutional buying, the price remains over 30% below its October 2025 all-time high of $126,200.

Some analysts believe Bitcoin could test the $100,000 level again in the near term, particularly if the market clears its current supply overhang and regains bullish momentum.

For now, Bitcoin remains in a consolidation phase, with investors awaiting key catalysts before making further moves. Institutional demand, macroeconomic developments, and regulatory changes will likely dictate the next major price direction for the digital asset.