Crypto: Bernstein Calls Bitcoin Sell-off 'weakest Bear Case' On Record,...
The research analysts pointed to tight liquidity and macro pressure as drivers of the decline, while noting that spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen relatively modest outflows.
Bernstein analysts on Monday maintained their $150,000 target for Bitcoin (BTC) despite the recent sell-off that they said was being driven by lacking investor confidence rather than structural stress.
Calling the pullback the “weakest bear case” in the asset’s history, the analysts’ note to investors said no major failures have emerged across Bitcoin’s market plumbing, and pointed to relatively modest 7% net outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs even as BTC price dropped by about 50%.
“The current Bitcoin price action is a mere crisis of confidence. Nothing broke, no skeletons will show up,” analysts led by Gautam Chhugani said.
Bernstein said Bitcoin’s recent underperformance relative to gold reflects its continued treatment as a liquidity-sensitive risk asset rather than a long-term safe haven. The analysts said tight financial conditions and elevated rates have favored artificial intelligence-linked equities and precious metals, limiting near-term upside for Bitcoin despite broader adoption trends.
The report also pushed back on several of the emerging risk narratives, including concerns that artificial intelligence is diverting capital away from crypto or that quantum computing poses an imminent threat to Bitcoin. Bernstein wrote:
Addressing leverage at major corporate Bitcoin holders such as Michael Saylor’s Strategy, Bernstein said the company relies largely on long-dated perpetual preferred equity and maintains enough cash to cover dividends without near-term refinancing risk.
As well, the analysts expect Bitcoin miners to capitulate and sell as the price moves below their production cost.
After addressing the prevailing bear case narratives, Bernstein predicted Bitcoin is likely to return to new highs as liquidity conditions improve. The company reiterated its $150,000 Bitcoin price target for 2026.
Related: BTC traders wait for $50K bottom: Five things to know in Bitcoin this week
Source: CoinTelegraph
