- Tom Lee of FundStrat predicts Bitcoin could reach $150,000 this year, driven by demand, supply constraints, and positive monetary policies.
- Bitcoin’s performance and the introduction of Bitcoin-backed ETFs, especially BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, underscore the cryptocurrency’s strong market presence.
Tom Lee, the head of research at FundStrat, recently voiced his bullish outlook for Bitcoin (BTC) on CNBC, suggesting a potential surge to $150,000. Despite a pause in the BTC rally, Lee’s optimism remains unshaken, rooted in the dynamics of demand, forthcoming supply constraints due to the halving event, and a favorable monetary policy environment.
🟠 Brace for Blastoff! Wall Street Icon Tom Lee Forecasts #Bitcoin Rocketing to $150,000 by 2024's End, Eyeing $500,000 in Just 5 Years 🚀
— Collin Brown (@CollinBrownXRP) February 22, 2024
Embracing #BTC as the Champion of Sound Money and Supreme Inflation Hedge 💰 pic.twitter.com/sFZ23jtwBZ
Lee points to the increasing demand for cryptocurrencies, highlighted by the introduction of new Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), as a key factor. The halving event, expected to reduce Bitcoin issuance to miners, will further tighten supply. Additionally, Lee anticipates that a more lenient monetary policy will bolster risk assets like Bitcoin.
Bitcoin’s recent trajectory lends credence to Lee’s outlook, with a notable 35% increase over several weeks, marking a 26-month peak at $53,000. This resilience is further evidenced by the significant strides in Bitcoin-backed ETFs, notably BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, which now holds 122,644 Bitcoins, valued at approximately $15.7 billion.
While Lee champions a bullish stance, other analysts urge caution amid potential short-term volatility due to macroeconomic uncertainties and central bank policies. Joel Kruger from LMAX Group and Swissblock Analytics underscore the possibility of fluctuations, with Swissblock not dismissing a temporary dip to the $47.5k support level before a potential rise.
However, the anticipation of the halving event in April, which will decrease miner rewards from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC, is expected to exacerbate supply constraints amidst growing demand, potentially igniting a significant bull run that could see Lee’s $150,000 prediction come to fruition.
Institutional Involvement and BTC Market Dynamics
The conversion of Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust to the GBTC ETF and increased institutional engagement have been pivotal in Bitcoin’s recent ascension. This momentum has propelled the BTC value past $42,000, with its trajectory continuing upward.
As of now, Bitcoin trades at $51,822, marking a modest 1.02% increase over the past day, despite a 1.26% decline over the week. This contrasts with a remarkable 25.02% month-over-month increase, highlighting the volatile yet upward trend of the cryptocurrency market.