Key Highlights
- Citigroup raised its 12-month bitcoin forecast from $82,000 to $113,000 and its ether forecast from $2,240 to $3,028.
- Citi expects gradual cryptocurrency ETF adoption to generate $5 billion in inflows over the next 12 months.
- U.S. spot bitcoin ETF flows have shifted from $5.8 billion in year-to-date net outflows as of July 13 to $800 million in net inflows by late September 2026.
Citigroup Raises Bitcoin and Ether Price Forecasts
Citigroup has increased its 12-month price targets for bitcoin and ether, citing the resumption of exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows and supportive macroeconomic conditions, Reuters reported Thursday.
According to a Wednesday note cited by Reuters, Citi raised its bitcoin forecast from $82,000 to $113,000 and its ether forecast from $2,240 to $3,028. Based on current prices of $83,682.05 for bitcoin and $2,687.73 for ether, the revised targets represent potential increases of approximately 35% and 12%, respectively.
ETF Inflows Expected to Build Gradually
Citigroup expects cryptocurrency investment products, including ETFs, to attract slow but steady inflows over the next year. The financial services company said advisers and brokerages are likely to favor gradual increases in bitcoin allocations rather than rapid portfolio shifts.
Citi forecasts $5 billion in ETF inflows over the next 12 months. The projection comes after a period of significant withdrawals from U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs. These products recorded $5.8 billion in year-to-date net outflows as of July 13, but flows subsequently reversed, reaching $800 million in net inflows by late September 2026.
Regulatory Developments Ease Market Concerns
Citigroup’s outlook also reflects a reduction in negative market sentiment following regulatory developments in the United States. Although the U.S. Senate failed to advance the Clarity Act in the middle of last month, Citi said subsequent rule announcements from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) helped dampen the impact of that setback.
The combination of renewed ETF demand, continued institutional interest and more supportive macroeconomic conditions has led Citi to adopt a more constructive view of bitcoin and ether over the coming 12 months.
Why This Matters
Citigroup’s revised forecasts highlight the importance of ETF flows and regulatory signals to cryptocurrency market expectations. The shift from substantial U.S. spot bitcoin ETF outflows to net inflows suggests that investor demand has improved, while Citi’s $5 billion projection points to the potential impact of gradual adoption by advisers and brokerages.
The forecasts remain tied to the pace of future ETF demand, macroeconomic conditions and the regulatory environment. Citi’s assessment indicates that these factors will continue to influence bitcoin and ether valuations as institutional participation develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citigroup’s new bitcoin and ether forecasts?
Citigroup raised its 12-month bitcoin forecast to $113,000 from $82,000 and its ether forecast to $3,028 from $2,240.
How much ETF inflow does Citi expect?
Citi expects products such as cryptocurrency ETFs to receive $5 billion in inflows over the next 12 months.
What happened to U.S. spot bitcoin ETF flows?
U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs had $5.8 billion in year-to-date net outflows as of July 13. Flows later reversed, with net inflows reaching $800 million by late September 2026.