The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a powerful resurgence as Bitcoin surges past the $82,000 mark following heightened investor optimism around recent global political developments. This rally has reignited bullish sentiment across the digital asset space, with major institutions like Standard Chartered offering bold price forecasts for both Bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL).
According to Geoff Kendrick, a senior cryptocurrency analyst at Standard Chartered, the current momentum is just the beginning of a broader market upswing. Kendrick previously predicted Bitcoin would reach $80K before the U.S. election—a forecast that has now proven accurate—and he believes this is only the foundation for even greater gains in the months ahead.
Bitcoin on Track to Hit $100K by Year-End, $125K by January 2025
With Bitcoin breaking new all-time highs and stabilizing above $82,000, market analysts are recalibrating their expectations. Geoff Kendrick now projects that **Bitcoin could climb to $100,000 by December 27, 2024**, coinciding with a major Bitcoin options expiry event—an often-volatile date that can amplify price movements due to large-scale position adjustments.
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But the rally doesn’t stop there. Kendrick emphasizes that $125,000 is the next critical psychological and technical milestone for Bitcoin. While he acknowledges that hitting this level by year-end isn’t guaranteed, he remains confident it will be achieved before January 20, 2025—the U.S. presidential inauguration day. This timeline aligns with growing expectations of favorable regulatory shifts and increased government engagement with blockchain technology.
The surge in Bitcoin’s price is not occurring in isolation. It reflects broader macro trends: increased institutional adoption, macroeconomic uncertainty driving demand for decentralized assets, and growing confidence in digital currencies as legitimate stores of value.
Ethereum and Solana Poised for Breakout Gains
While Bitcoin leads the charge, Kendrick highlights that Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) are well-positioned to experience significant upward movement in tandem with BTC’s rally.
Solana Set to Surpass Previous All-Time High
One of the most compelling narratives in the current cycle is the anticipated surge in Solana (SOL). Kendrick forecasts that Solana will break its previous record high of $260, set in November 2021, before the end of 2024. The network's improved scalability, low transaction fees, and growing ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps) make it an attractive option for developers and investors alike.
Solana’s performance has already shown signs of strength, with its native token gaining momentum amid rising activity in its DeFi and NFT sectors. As more projects launch on the network and user adoption increases, SOL could emerge as one of the top-performing altcoins in this bull run.
Ethereum Eyes $4,866 Reclaim Before Inauguration
For Ethereum, Kendrick suggests a slightly more conservative timeline. While ETH is expected to follow Bitcoin’s lead, its push toward reclaiming its all-time high of $4,866 may occur closer to January 20, 2025. This timing aligns with potential policy announcements or regulatory clarity following the U.S. presidential transition.
Ethereum continues to serve as the backbone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 ecosystems. With ongoing upgrades improving scalability and energy efficiency, investor confidence in ETH remains strong—even during periods of market consolidation.
Broader Market Momentum: Cardano Jumps 35% on Policy Collaboration Hopes
The ripple effects of Bitcoin’s rally extend beyond the top two cryptocurrencies. Other major players are also seeing dramatic gains. For instance, Cardano (ADA) surged over 35% within 24 hours following public statements from its founder, Charles Hoskinson.
Hoskinson revealed in a recent livestream that he has been in communication with former U.S. President Donald Trump and plans to collaborate on shaping pro-crypto policies. He emphasized the need for clear regulations that support innovation while protecting investors—a message resonating strongly with the crypto community.
This development underscores a growing trend: cryptocurrency leaders are increasingly engaging with policymakers, signaling a shift toward mainstream legitimacy and long-term sustainability.
Global Crypto Market Cap Could Hit $10 Trillion by 2026
Looking further ahead, Kendrick presents a bold vision for the future of digital assets. He predicts that the total cryptocurrency market capitalization could reach $10 trillion by 2026. This projection is based on several key drivers:
- Accelerated institutional adoption
- Expansion of blockchain use cases in finance, supply chain, and identity management
- Increased retail participation globally
- Favorable regulatory frameworks emerging in major economies
Such growth would represent a massive leap from current levels, reflecting widespread confidence in blockchain technology and digital ownership models.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is driving Bitcoin’s price surge past $82,000?
Bitcoin’s latest rally is fueled by a combination of factors: post-election optimism, expectations of regulatory clarity, strong institutional inflows, and macroeconomic concerns such as inflation and currency devaluation. These elements have collectively boosted demand for decentralized, scarce digital assets.
Why is Solana expected to outperform other altcoins?
Solana offers high-speed transactions at low costs, making it ideal for scalable dApps and decentralized exchanges. Its robust developer activity, growing NFT ecosystem, and strong community support position it well for explosive growth during bull markets.
Is a $10 trillion crypto market cap realistic?
Yes—while ambitious, a $10 trillion market cap is plausible given current adoption curves. If major financial institutions continue integrating crypto into their offerings and governments adopt blockchain solutions widely, this target could be reached by 2026.
When might Ethereum reclaim its all-time high?
Analysts project Ethereum could surpass its previous high of $4,866 around January 2025, especially if regulatory tailwinds follow the U.S. presidential inauguration. Continued innovation through layer-2 solutions and protocol upgrades also supports long-term price appreciation.
How reliable are analyst predictions like those from Standard Chartered?
Institutional forecasts are based on extensive data analysis and market modeling. While not guaranteed, they provide valuable insights into potential trends. Investors should use them as part of a broader research strategy rather than standalone signals.
What risks should investors consider?
Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and subject to rapid price swings. Regulatory changes, security breaches, or macroeconomic shocks can impact valuations significantly. Always conduct thorough research and consider risk tolerance before investing.
The current phase of the crypto market reflects a maturing ecosystem where technological progress meets real-world policy engagement. With Bitcoin leading the way and altcoins like Solana and Ethereum gaining traction, the path toward a $10 trillion digital asset economy appears increasingly viable.
As institutional interest grows and global leaders begin embracing blockchain innovation, now may be a pivotal moment for informed investors to understand where value is being created—and how to position themselves accordingly.
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