Bitcoin has struggled over the past five weekends, registering consecutive negative returns. However, this trend may finally change, according to Standard Chartered’s global head of digital assets research, Geoffrey Kendrick.
In a note on Friday, Kendrick suggested that a small positive movement in Bitcoin over the weekend could trigger fresh exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows by Monday. These inflows, driven by renewed institutional demand, could push Bitcoin to $100,000, with a further potential rise to $102,500 in the coming days.
Why This Weekend is Different
Bitcoin’s recent weekend struggles have been attributed to negative macroeconomic and geopolitical headlines. Some of the most notable events that weighed on Bitcoin’s performance include:
- DeepSeek News (January 25-26 Weekend) – Reports of potential fraud tied to a major AI crypto fund rattled investor confidence.
- Tariff Announcements (February 1-2 Weekend) – Headlines about new tariffs from Canada and Mexico created uncertainty for global markets, impacting risk assets like Bitcoin.
Kendrick believes that these adverse factors have already been priced in and are unlikely to continue affecting Bitcoin this weekend. Additionally, he points to U.S. 10-year Treasury yields dropping below 4.5%, which is considered a bullish signal for speculative investments, including cryptocurrencies.
“Lower yields tend to ease pressure on risk assets, making a rebound more likely,” Kendrick wrote.
Key Price Levels to Watch
If Bitcoin regains momentum this weekend, Kendrick identifies three crucial price levels that traders should watch:
- $100,000 – A major psychological and technical resistance level.
- $102,500 – The next potential upside target if Bitcoin gains sufficient momentum.
- Beyond $102,500? – Kendrick remains optimistic but acknowledges that market dynamics will ultimately determine the next move. He referenced Bitcoin’s status as a “Giffen good”, an economic term for assets where higher prices increase demand, rather than reducing it.
Kendrick’s Long-Term Bitcoin Forecast
Kendrick has consistently maintained a bullish stance on Bitcoin, with some of the most optimistic long-term price targets among institutional analysts. His projections include:
- $200,000 by the end of 2025
- $300,000 by the end of 2026
- $400,000 by the end of 2027
- $500,000 by the end of 2028, where he expects Bitcoin to stabilize until at least 2029.
Kendrick’s long-term outlook is based on several key factors, including growing institutional adoption, declining volatility, and Bitcoin’s increasing role as a hedge against economic instability.
What This Means for Investors
If Bitcoin follows Kendrick’s weekend rebound prediction, it could signal renewed bullish momentum in the market. Traders and investors should closely watch:
- ETF inflows on Monday – Increased institutional investment could drive further price appreciation.
- U.S. bond yields – If yields remain low, it could encourage further buying in speculative assets like Bitcoin.
- Resistance at $100,000 and $102,500 – Breaking these key levels could confirm a sustained upward trend.
Additionally, if Bitcoin successfully surpasses $102,500, it could set the stage for even greater price discovery, potentially leading to new all-time highs in the coming months.
Conclusion
Standard Chartered’s latest forecast adds to growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory. While short-term market volatility remains, a strong weekend rally could pave the way for Bitcoin’s next major breakout, bringing it closer to $100,000 and beyond.
For investors, this potential rebound presents an opportunity to reassess market conditions and trading strategies, as institutional interest in Bitcoin continues to expand. Whether Bitcoin can sustain its upward movement remains to be seen, but this weekend could prove pivotal in shaping its next price trend.
