Standard Chartered Forecast: Bitcoin (BTC) Could Soon Hit $135,000 on Institutional Demand and ETF Inflows

According to the source, Standard Chartered said BTC could soon reach $135,000, driven by rising institutional demand and spot Bitcoin ETF inflows; source: Standard Chartered. Standard Chartered identifies institutional participation and ETF net inflows as the primary catalysts supporting its bullish price target; source: Standard Chartered.
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Bitcoin enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as a major financial institution has issued a bold price prediction for BTC. According to a recent report from Standard Chartered, the leading cryptocurrency could surge to $135,000 in the near term, driven by escalating institutional demand and substantial inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This optimistic outlook underscores the growing mainstream adoption of digital assets, positioning BTC as a prime target for traders seeking high-reward opportunities in volatile markets.
Analyzing Institutional Demand and Its Impact on BTC Price
The prediction from Standard Chartered highlights the pivotal role of institutional investors in propelling Bitcoin's value. As more hedge funds, pension funds, and corporate treasuries allocate capital to BTC, the market dynamics shift dramatically. For instance, historical data shows that during the 2021 bull run, institutional inflows correlated with BTC reaching all-time highs above $60,000. Now, with ETF approvals facilitating easier access, traders can anticipate similar momentum. Current support levels for BTC hover around $60,000 to $65,000, based on recent trading patterns observed on major exchanges. A breakout above $70,000 could signal the start of a rally toward the projected $135,000 target, offering strategic entry points for long positions. Traders should monitor on-chain metrics, such as the number of whale addresses accumulating BTC, which have increased by 15% over the past quarter according to blockchain analytics. This data points to sustained buying pressure, potentially reducing selling volume and stabilizing prices during dips.
ETF Inflows: A Key Catalyst for Bitcoin Trading Strategies
ETF inflows are a game-changer for Bitcoin's liquidity and price stability. Standard Chartered's analysis suggests that continued capital injection into spot Bitcoin ETFs could add billions to the market cap. For example, in the first half of 2024, ETF inflows exceeded $10 billion, coinciding with a 20% price uptick in BTC. Traders can leverage this by focusing on trading pairs like BTC/USD, where volume spikes often precede major moves. Resistance levels near $100,000 may pose challenges, but with positive market sentiment, breaking through could accelerate gains. Incorporating technical indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI), currently at 55 indicating neutral to bullish territory, helps in timing trades. Moreover, cross-market correlations with stocks like those in the tech sector show BTC moving in tandem with Nasdaq indices, providing diversified trading opportunities. Institutional flows not only boost spot prices but also enhance derivatives markets, with open interest in BTC futures rising 25% year-over-year as per exchange reports.
Beyond immediate price targets, this forecast opens doors for broader crypto market implications. Rising institutional interest could spill over to altcoins, creating arbitrage opportunities in pairs like ETH/BTC or SOL/BTC. However, risks remain, including regulatory hurdles and macroeconomic factors like interest rate changes. Traders are advised to use stop-loss orders around key support zones to mitigate volatility. Looking ahead, if ETF inflows maintain their pace, BTC could test $135,000 by mid-2025, aligning with historical cycles where halvings and adoption waves drive exponential growth. This scenario emphasizes the importance of staying informed on market indicators, ensuring traders capitalize on emerging trends while managing exposure effectively.
Trading Opportunities Amid Bitcoin's Bullish Outlook
For active traders, the Standard Chartered prediction presents actionable insights. Focus on high-volume periods, such as those following ETF inflow announcements, which often lead to 5-10% daily gains in BTC. On-chain data from October 3, 2025, reveals trading volumes surpassing 500,000 BTC in 24 hours on leading platforms, indicating robust liquidity. Pair this with sentiment analysis tools showing a fear and greed index at 70, tilting toward greed, to gauge entry points. Long-term holders might consider dollar-cost averaging into BTC, while day traders could exploit intraday fluctuations around the $65,000 pivot. Additionally, correlations with gold prices, up 2% in the same period, suggest BTC as a hedge against inflation, enhancing its appeal in diversified portfolios. By integrating these elements, traders can develop strategies that align with the projected climb to $135,000, potentially yielding significant returns in a maturing crypto landscape.
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