- Citibank predicts Bitcoin could reach as high as $189k within the next 7 months, i.e., within 2026.
- The bull case is at $189k, the base case is at $143k, and the bear case is at $78k.
- Bitcoin fell to $70k in early June after a peak of $82k in May 2026.
- The top factors acting against Bitcoin are liquidity crisis, global growth concerns, and lack of investor confidence.
What are the Bull, Base, and Bear Cases for Bitcoin in 2026?
Citibank analysts have predicted that Bitcoin could still reach $189k levels by the end of 2026. Citi analysts Dirk Willer, Global Head of Macro Strategy, and Alex Saunders, Global Head of Quant Macro Strategy) published this outlook in their late-2025 2026 Digital Assets Outlook.
The predictions indicate that analysts expect the current oil market crisis to end this year.
The predictions come with three outlooks: bull, base, and bear.
Bull Case at $189k
In a bullish outlook in which the geopolitical crisis resolves, Bitcoin is expected to cross $189k by 2026.
Base Case at $143k
The base case shows that Bitcoin could still cross $143k by the end of the year.
Bear Case at $78k
The bear case for Bitcoin is still 10% higher than the current levels of $71k, i.e., at $78k, making it a no-risk investment at current levels.
Current State of Bitcoin in Mid-Year 2026?
In early June 2026, we saw Bitcoin fall to $71k amid resurfacing tensions in the Middle East, coupled with a peak liquidity crisis in the US markets. As a result, Bitcoin fell nearly 15% from its last month’s high of $82k to $70.5k, driven by uncertainty in global economic growth.
Market experts and users expect a further fall as the oil crisis worsens, with oil as a key commodity on which the global supply chain infrastructure runs.
Top Factors Affecting Bitcoin
- Global Oil Crisis: The resurfacing tensions between the USA and Iran seem to reignite the conflict, leading to an oil crisis that could derail global growth.
- Liquidity Crisis: Crypto markets have been suffering from a liquidity crisis caused by high interest rates and market rotation from crypto to stocks and gold.
- Investor Confidence: Investor confidence lies at extreme lows as the Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index fell to 23 at press time.
Disclaimer: BFM Times acts as a source of information for knowledge purposes and does not claim to be a financial advisor. Kindly consult your financial advisor before investing.
