Standard Chartered Sees Bitcoin Returning to $126K Record High

Standard Chartered's global head of digital asset research, Geoff Kendrick, has released a new report projecting that Bitcoin (BTC) could approach its all-time high of $126,000 by the end of the year. Kendrick attributed the current rally to short covering and renewed inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, while noting that low open interest leaves room for additional investors to enter as prices rise. He said the rebound may accelerate after October 6, and admitted his previous year-end target of $100,000 might be too low. In February, he had cut his 2026 target from $150,000 to $100,000, but Bitcoin's recovery of over 20% from lows within two weeks is challenging that assumption. The report highlights a positive feedback loop between price appreciation and ETF inflows, which could support a move toward the record high.

Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad", has labeled the U.S. Treasury's expansion of its buyback program as "quantitative easing" and reiterated his preference for Bitcoin, gold, silver, and select real estate. The Treasury announced it will double the size of its liquidity support repurchase operations for long-term securities, from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation, scheduled from September 9 to November 4. Kiyosaki called this "printing fake money" and warned that the dollar index (DXY) decline signals rising inflation, hurting savers holding dollars. He also noted that federal debt has surpassed $40 trillion, according to Treasury data. Despite the technical distinction that buybacks are not new liquidity injection but security swaps, Kiyosaki views this as a currency devaluation trade, advocating for scarce assets.

Both developments highlight a growing narrative that Bitcoin is positioned as a hedge against fiat debasement. While Standard Chartered's forecast is based on ETF flows and market structure, Kiyosaki's warning stems from fiscal policy concerns. The Treasury's official statement confirms the buyback expansion, but the operation is not QE since it swaps securities rather than injecting new money. Yet the perception of monetary expansion continues to drive interest in scarce assets like Bitcoin. As of the latest data, Bitcoin's price remains well below its all-time high, but the convergence of institutional and retail voices suggests a potential re-rating. Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a hedge against currency depreciation.