Crypto ETFs seen to double by year-end as Bitcoin heads for $148,500

Core Insights - The cryptocurrency market is entering a phase characterized by regulatory support, favorable monetary policies, and increasing institutional demand, with Bitcoin projected to rise 20% to $148,500 by year-end [1] - The overall market capitalization of cryptocurrencies is approximately $4.3 trillion, with stablecoins surpassing $300 billion in circulation [2] Market Dynamics - Digital assets are transitioning into a "maturity phase," where price movements are driven by strategic allocation rather than speculation [2] - Macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly related to U.S. trade policies and government actions, have led to increased interest in safe-haven assets like Bitcoin [3] Regulatory Environment - The U.S. policy landscape has shifted positively for cryptocurrencies, with the Genius Act establishing a federal framework for dollar-backed stablecoins, resulting in $30 billion in inflows [6] - The support from the U.S. administration and recent legislation is expected to drive further adoption and growth in the crypto market [5] Institutional Interest - The number of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is anticipated to double to 80, with significant institutional buying pressure from net inflows [1][5] - Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are attracting substantial capital, while new futures options for Solana and XRP are being introduced, enhancing institutional exposure [7] Future Projections - The circulating value of stablecoins is expected to reach $500 billion by 2026, driven by integration into global payment networks by major companies like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal [6]