The future of the world’s leading cryptocurrency seems brighter than ever, with analysts predicting a potential surge into six-figure territory this year. But is this just wishful thinking, or is there real substance to these bullish claims?
The driving force behind this optimism lies in the recent launch of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in the US. These investment vehicles have opened the floodgates for institutional capital, allowing major players to easily enter the Bitcoin market. This influx of new money, estimated at $9.5 billion per month, is significantly impacting Bitcoin’s “realized cap,” which reflects the total cost at which all circulating Bitcoins were last acquired.
Ki Young Ju, CEO of CryptoQuant, believes this surge in institutional investment could push the realized cap up by a staggering $114 billion in 2024 alone. Such a rise, he argues, could propel Bitcoin well past its current all-time high of $69,000 and into the coveted six-figure zone. Even a “worst case” scenario, according to Ju, paints a rosy picture with a range of $55,000-$59,000.
But Ju isn’t the only one predicting a stellar year for Bitcoin. Industry veterans like Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, believe the price could hit $100,000 before the upcoming block reward halving in April. This event, which occurs roughly every four years, reduces the amount of new Bitcoin entering circulation, historically leading to price increases. Back cites past surges as evidence, referencing Bitcoin’s 2021 climb from $47,000 to its all-time high in just 41 days. With 70 days left until the halving, he believes a similar, or even more dramatic, price increase is possible.
Also Read: Could Bitcoin Crack $52,000 Soon? Chinese New Year & Technical Analysis Point to Upswing
However, it’s important to remember that the cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile, and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. While the recent developments are undoubtedly positive, unforeseen events or market downturns could still derail these bullish predictions.