CF Benchmarks forecasts Bitcoin reaching $148,500 by year-end
A new report from CF Benchmarks predicts Bitcoin will rise 20% to $148,500 by the end of the year, driven by regulatory changes and institutional demand. It also expects the number of crypto exchange-traded funds to double to 80, with stablecoin assets hitting $500 billion in 2026. These projections come amid a supportive US policy environment and monetary easing.
Crypto markets are entering a maturity phase, according to a CF Benchmarks report, shifting from speculation to strategic allocations. The report, seen by DL News, anticipates Bitcoin jumping to $148,500 by year-end, a 20% increase from current levels. As of recent trading, Bitcoin stood at $122,434, down 1.4% in the past 24 hours, while Ethereum traded at $4,478, down 4.3%.
The overall cryptocurrency market capitalization hovers around $4.3 trillion, per CoinGecko data, with stablecoin circulation exceeding $300 billion, according to DefiLlama. Key drivers include macroeconomic uncertainties from US President Donald Trump's policies, such as questioning Federal Reserve independence, fiscal measures, and a government shutdown. These have fueled a 'debasement trade,' pushing investors toward safe havens like gold and Bitcoin.
Trump's administration has supported the sector by backing blockchain businesses, signing a stablecoin bill, and appointing crypto-friendly officials. The Genius Act, enacted in July, created a federal framework for dollar-backed stablecoins, triggering $30 billion in inflows and pushing total stablecoin assets toward $350 billion by year-end. CF Benchmarks projects this to reach $500 billion in 2026, aided by integrations from Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.
Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs continue drawing capital, while the CME expands with Solana and XRP futures options. Monetary tailwinds include the Federal Reserve's recent rate cuts—the first in nine months—with two more expected, lowering rates to near 3.25%. The report places Bitcoin's fair-value range at $85,000 to $212,000, suggesting current prices offer an entry for debasement hedges.
Laurent Benayoun, CEO of Acheron Trading, noted that “ETFs net inflows exert institutional buying pressure, and associated direct positive price action, on their underlying spot assets.” He added, “Continued support from the US administration and interest rate cuts will lead to further adoption and growth.”
Tokenized assets, already over $40 billion, are expected to double in 12 months, with Solana-based xStocks in the lead. As the report states, “Digital assets are no longer a side bet.”