Global financial institution Citi (C) anticipates cryptocurrency markets entering the new period with measured yet significant momentum, forecasting substantial growth potential for both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) through 2025 and beyond, according to the Wall Street bank's latest research report.
For year-end 2025 targets, Citi maintains strong projections with Bitcoin expected to reach $133,000 (slightly adjusted from $135,000) while Ethereum shows upward revision to $4,500 from previous $4,300 estimate.
The bank's analysis presents comprehensive scenario modeling: Bitcoin could surge to $156,000 under optimal market conditions with accelerated capital flows, while recessionary pressures might push it toward $83,000. Ethereum's bullish scenario targets $6,100, substantially higher than bear case projections.
Current market data shows Bitcoin trading near $119,550 with Ethereum at $4,407 at time of analysis.
Extending to 2026 outlook, Citi establishes ambitious Bitcoin target of $181,000, fundamentally driven by sustained institutional inflows through Bitcoin ETFs. Parallel Ethereum projection reaches $5,400 within equivalent timeframe.
Citi's research indicates Bitcoin demonstrates superior positioning for capital inflows due to established market scale and "digital gold" investment thesis, while Ethereum's value proposition centers around staking rewards and DeFi yield opportunities.
Supportive regulatory developments, particularly within U.S. markets, should provide additional catalysts, though macroeconomic risks including recession scenarios could potentially impact bullish trajectories.