Bitcoin briefly surged past the $100,000 threshold on Wednesday, marking its highest level since February and signaling renewed bullish momentum across crypto markets. The price jump followed geopolitical signals out of Washington, where President Donald Trump hinted at a forthcoming “major trade deal” and the U.S. Treasury prepared to initiate de-escalation talks with China.
According to data from CoinGecko, Bitcoin peaked slightly above $100,000 before retreating to around $99,500—still up 2.6% on the day and 3.5% for the week. The milestone reflects growing investor optimism fueled by the prospect of reduced trade tensions and fresh diplomatic engagement.
Trump’s announcement on Truth Social hinted at a landmark deal with the United Kingdom, which could help stabilize markets rattled by months of tariff-driven disruption under his “Liberation Day” economic strategy. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly en route to Switzerland for initial talks with Chinese officials—the first direct engagement since the White House’s sweeping tariff measures took effect.
Though the talks are expected to center on de-escalation rather than a comprehensive trade overhaul, their timing and tone have injected renewed confidence into risk-on assets. Crypto markets, particularly Bitcoin, appear to be leading that charge, buoyed by diplomatic momentum and favorable macro conditions.
Standard Chartered Analyst Sees More Bitcoin Upside Ahead
As Bitcoin reclaims the $100,000 mark, some analysts are already looking further ahead. Standard Chartered’s Geoff Kendrick reiterated his Q2 target of $120,000 in a recent market note but suggested that figure might now be too conservative.
Kendrick pointed to the upcoming institutional disclosure window as a key catalyst. Next week, firms such as BlackRock (via IBIT), MicroStrategy, and other major holders will report their Bitcoin positions—potentially revealing a wave of institutional inflows not yet reflected in current prices.
He also noted that sovereign wealth funds and central banks may be quietly accumulating. Abu Dhabi’s fund, for instance, held roughly 4,700 BTC worth of IBIT shares as of December, a figure Kendrick believes has likely grown. He also flagged recent Bitcoin-linked investments by the Swiss National Bank and Norway’s Norges Bank, including purchases of MicroStrategy stock.
By the end of his note, Kendrick hinted that even $120,000 might undershoot the upside potential, given the confluence of retail and institutional demand. “I apologize that my $120,000 Q2 target may be too low,” he concluded.
Fed Pause and Rising Greed Index Fuel Bitcoin’s Climb Past $100K
Bitcoin’s rally this week—from $94,000 to above $100,000—has also been buoyed by investor reaction to the Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision. On Wednesday, the Fed held interest rates steady, with Chair Jerome Powell citing “heightened uncertainty” while emphasizing that the U.S. economy remains in a “solid position.”
That stance has helped drive renewed bullish sentiment. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index climbed to 65—marking a “Greed” classification—up from a Neutral reading just one week earlier. Analysts say the swift rise reflects investors increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.
On-chain forecasting platforms confirm the shift. According to decentralized prediction market Myriad, 91% of users expect the Fear & Greed Index to remain above 65 through Friday’s close—pointing to widespread expectations for continued upward movement in the crypto markets.
Quick Facts
- Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 for the first time since February 2025 before settling around $99,500.
- President Trump teased a trade agreement with the U.K., lifting investor sentiment.
- Analysts anticipate increased institutional exposure as Bitcoin ETF disclosures approach.
- Forecasts range from $120,000 to $200,000 for Bitcoin by year-end, depending on macro and ETF momentum.
