Bitcoin $150K or $250K by 2026? Why Analysts Are Split on BTC’s Next Bull Cycle Peak

Core Viewpoint - Bitcoin price predictions are highly contentious, with forecasts ranging from $150,000 to $250,000 by the end of 2026, influenced by factors such as the next halving and spot Bitcoin ETF inflows [2][4]. Price Movements - Bitcoin reached a record high of $126,000 in October, followed by a nearly 30% decline, and is currently trading around $93,000 [4][5]. Forecasts and Predictions - Fundstrat predicts Bitcoin could reach between $200,000 and $250,000 by the end of 2026, driven by spot ETF inflows [4][8]. - Conservative estimates suggest Bitcoin may rise to $150,000-$200,000 if it maintains technical support around $102,000 [4][5]. Market Dynamics - Analysts are divided on future price movements, with some predicting a modest rise to $150,000 and others anticipating prices could exceed $250,000 due to Federal Reserve rate cuts and institutional adoption [2][4]. - A technical strategist using Elliott Wave theory suggests Bitcoin could rally to about $200,000 by mid-2026, contingent on holding support around $102,000 and a stable macro environment [5][6]. Investment Strategies - The conservative camp advocates for steady growth driven by corporate treasuries adding Bitcoin and diversified portfolios taking small positions, rather than speculative spikes [6][8]. - Fundstrat's bullish perspective hinges on the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which could lead to significant inflows from wealth management platforms, potentially creating a supply squeeze [8][9].