Bitcoin has reignited excitement across global markets after briefly climbing above $126,000 this week – its highest point since late summer.
The rally, however, was short-lived, with prices later cooling to around $121,000 as traders locked in profits. Still, optimism remains strong, with several analysts describing the move as a preview of what could be a powerful fourth-quarter run.
The British index provider CF Benchmarks has taken a particularly bullish stance, suggesting that Bitcoin could close the year near $148,500 if current market conditions persist. In a new outlook shared with DLNews, the firm said the digital asset landscape is entering what it calls a “mature growth phase,” driven by renewed investor confidence and easing macroeconomic headwinds.
New Cycle Fueled by Rate Cuts and Regulation
The report credited part of Bitcoin’s resilience to the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut – the first in nine months – which has encouraged investors to return to risk assets. Lower rates, according to CF Benchmarks, tend to stimulate demand for alternative stores of value such as Bitcoin, particularly when inflationary pressures remain high.
The firm also noted that the regulatory environment has become noticeably more favorable. Under the new administration in Washington, crypto-related policy is expected to be more predictable, while in London, regulators are working toward clearer frameworks for institutional participation. Together, these developments have laid the groundwork for stronger market stability and sustained institutional inflows.
Bitcoin as a Macroeconomic Hedge
Analysts at CF Benchmarks emphasized that Bitcoin’s growing reputation as a hedge against currency devaluation continues to attract investors seeking protection from monetary uncertainty. The digital asset’s role in diversified portfolios, they said, is expanding as governments around the world grapple with record debt levels and slowing growth.
This view echoes a broader market sentiment that Bitcoin is no longer a purely speculative instrument but a structural component of modern financial strategy – one increasingly linked to central bank policy and fiscal discipline.
Expanding the Ecosystem
The report also painted an ambitious picture for the wider crypto sector. CF Benchmarks anticipates that the number of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs could double to around 80 within the next year, providing unprecedented access to digital assets through traditional markets. Meanwhile, stablecoins are projected to see their total circulating value surge toward $500 billion, reflecting their growing use in cross-border settlements and on-chain liquidity.
The firm further expects the market for tokenized real-world assets (RWA) to more than double from its current $40 billion valuation, with xStocks, a project built on Solana, emerging as one of the leading examples of early adoption in that space.
Although Bitcoin’s rally above $126,000 faded quickly, analysts say it’s a sign of things to come. If macro conditions hold steady and institutional demand continues to grow, CF Benchmarks’ target of $148,500 could mark just another milestone in Bitcoin’s next major uptrend.
Source
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Source: https://coindoo.com/bitcoin-price-prediction-analysts-signal-a-turning-point-for-the-market/