Is Bitcoin Losing Momentum? Standard Chartered Cuts Price Target as Coinbase Downgrade Deepens Crypto Gloom
Source: Kapitales Research
Highlights:
Standard Chartered cut its 2026 bitcoin target to US$100,000, warning of a potential US$50,000 dip.
Coinbase received a sell downgrade with a US$120 price target amid slowing momentum.
Crypto markets remain under pressure as macro risks and weaker trading activity weigh on sentiment.
Bearish calls shake confidence across the crypto market
A wave of negative sentiment is sweeping through digital assets after fresh analyst downgrades and weaker price momentum rattled investors. The latest pressure came as Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN) faced a sell rating from analysts while bitcoin struggled to recover from recent losses. At the time of writing, bitcoin was trading near US$65,000 after sliding sharply from its previous highs, reflecting growing uncertainty across the broader crypto sector. Standard Chartered recently reduced its year-end 2026 bitcoin forecast to US$100,000, significantly lower than earlier projections, and warned the cryptocurrency could fall toward US$50,000 before stabilising. Analysts pointed to weakening market momentum and a tougher macroeconomic environment as key risks weighing on prices.
Coinbase downgrade highlights broader industry pressure
Adding to the cautious outlook, brokerage Monness, Crespi, Hardt downgraded Coinbase to a sell rating, arguing that expectations of a smooth recovery may be unrealistic given the typical length of crypto downturns. The firm also slashed its price target to US$120 and cut revenue forecasts through 2027, citing slowing user activity and declining trading volumes. Coinbase shares fell for multiple sessions as investors reassessed growth prospects, while analysts warned that extended market cycles could keep earnings under pressure. The downgrade followed several other price-target cuts this month, reinforcing concerns that the crypto winter may last longer than expected.
Bitcoin struggles to regain momentum amid macro headwinds
Bitcoin has dropped more than 45% from its October peak above US$126,000, and repeated failed rebounds suggest speculative demand may be fading. The wider crypto market has also seen a sharp decline in value during the same period, underscoring how sensitive digital assets remain to interest rates, liquidity trends and investor risk appetite. While long-term believers continue to view bitcoin as a high-growth asset, the latest warnings from banks and analysts show sentiment has shifted toward caution. As volatility persists, investors are now watching whether the sector can stabilise — or if further downside risks lie ahead.
Disclaimer for Kapitales Research
The materials provided by Kapitales Research, including articles, news, data, reports, opinions, images, charts, and videos ("Content"), are intended for personal, non-commercial use only. The primary goal of this Content is to educate and inform readers. This Content is not meant to offer financial advice, nor does it include any recommendation or opinion that should be relied upon for making financial decisions. Certain Content on this platform may be sponsored or unsponsored, but it does not serve as a solicitation or endorsement to buy, sell, or hold any securities, nor does it encourage any specific investment activities. Kapitales Research is not authorized to provide investment advice, and we strongly advise users to seek guidance from a qualified financial professional, such as a financial advisor or stockbroker, before making any investment choices. Kapitales Research disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the Content, which is provided without any warranties. The opinions expressed by contributors or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kapitales Research. Media such as images or music used on this platform are either owned by Kapitales Research, sourced through paid subscriptions, or believed to be in the public domain. We have made reasonable efforts to credit sources where appropriate. Kapitales Research does not claim ownership of any third-party media unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Customer Notice:
Nextgen Global Services Pty Ltd trading as Kapitales Research (ABN 89 652 632 561) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 1293674) of Enva Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 424494). The information contained in this website is general information only. Any advice is general advice only. No consideration has been given or will be given to the individual investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. The decision to invest or trade and the method selected is a personal decision and involves an inherent level of risk, and you must undertake your own investigations and obtain your own advice regarding the suitability of this product for your circumstances. Please be aware that all trading activity is subject to both profit & loss and may not be suitable for you. The past performance of this product is not and should not be taken as an indication of future performance.
Kapitales Research, Level 13, Suite 1A, 465 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia | 1800 005 780 | info@kapitales.com.au
x
Daily Dose of Buy, Sell & Hold recommendations before the market opens.
Start Your 7 Days Free Trial Now!
We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services.
By continuing to use this site, we assume you consent to this.
Read our
Privacy Policy
and
Terms & Conditions
Is Bitcoin Losing Momentum? Standard Chartered Cuts Price Target as Coinbase Downgrade Deepens Crypto Gloom
Highlights:
Bearish calls shake confidence across the crypto market
A wave of negative sentiment is sweeping through digital assets after fresh analyst downgrades and weaker price momentum rattled investors. The latest pressure came as Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN) faced a sell rating from analysts while bitcoin struggled to recover from recent losses. At the time of writing, bitcoin was trading near US$65,000 after sliding sharply from its previous highs, reflecting growing uncertainty across the broader crypto sector. Standard Chartered recently reduced its year-end 2026 bitcoin forecast to US$100,000, significantly lower than earlier projections, and warned the cryptocurrency could fall toward US$50,000 before stabilising. Analysts pointed to weakening market momentum and a tougher macroeconomic environment as key risks weighing on prices.
Coinbase downgrade highlights broader industry pressure
Adding to the cautious outlook, brokerage Monness, Crespi, Hardt downgraded Coinbase to a sell rating, arguing that expectations of a smooth recovery may be unrealistic given the typical length of crypto downturns. The firm also slashed its price target to US$120 and cut revenue forecasts through 2027, citing slowing user activity and declining trading volumes. Coinbase shares fell for multiple sessions as investors reassessed growth prospects, while analysts warned that extended market cycles could keep earnings under pressure. The downgrade followed several other price-target cuts this month, reinforcing concerns that the crypto winter may last longer than expected.
Bitcoin struggles to regain momentum amid macro headwinds
Bitcoin has dropped more than 45% from its October peak above US$126,000, and repeated failed rebounds suggest speculative demand may be fading. The wider crypto market has also seen a sharp decline in value during the same period, underscoring how sensitive digital assets remain to interest rates, liquidity trends and investor risk appetite. While long-term believers continue to view bitcoin as a high-growth asset, the latest warnings from banks and analysts show sentiment has shifted toward caution. As volatility persists, investors are now watching whether the sector can stabilise — or if further downside risks lie ahead.
Disclaimer for Kapitales Research
The materials provided by Kapitales Research, including articles, news, data, reports, opinions, images, charts, and videos ("Content"), are intended for personal, non-commercial use only. The primary goal of this Content is to educate and inform readers. This Content is not meant to offer financial advice, nor does it include any recommendation or opinion that should be relied upon for making financial decisions. Certain Content on this platform may be sponsored or unsponsored, but it does not serve as a solicitation or endorsement to buy, sell, or hold any securities, nor does it encourage any specific investment activities. Kapitales Research is not authorized to provide investment advice, and we strongly advise users to seek guidance from a qualified financial professional, such as a financial advisor or stockbroker, before making any investment choices. Kapitales Research disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the Content, which is provided without any warranties. The opinions expressed by contributors or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kapitales Research. Media such as images or music used on this platform are either owned by Kapitales Research, sourced through paid subscriptions, or believed to be in the public domain. We have made reasonable efforts to credit sources where appropriate. Kapitales Research does not claim ownership of any third-party media unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Customer Notice:
Nextgen Global Services Pty Ltd trading as Kapitales Research (ABN 89 652 632 561) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 1293674) of Enva Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 424494). The information contained in this website is general information only. Any advice is general advice only. No consideration has been given or will be given to the individual investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. The decision to invest or trade and the method selected is a personal decision and involves an inherent level of risk, and you must undertake your own investigations and obtain your own advice regarding the suitability of this product for your circumstances. Please be aware that all trading activity is subject to both profit & loss and may not be suitable for you. The past performance of this product is not and should not be taken as an indication of future performance.
Kapitales Research, Level 13, Suite 1A, 465 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia | 1800 005 780 | info@kapitales.com.au