Key Insights:
- Citi projects approximately $5 billion in net crypto ETF inflows over the next 12 months.
- Ethereum (ETH) has outperformed Bitcoin (BTC) across multiple timeframes, showing broader strength.
- Analyst CW said Bitcoin’s “Bull On” signal rose as its “Bull Off” signal weakened.
Financial institution Citibank has released an optimistic outlook for both Bitcoin and Ethereum, predicting price increases of 20-25% for each over the upcoming year. This forecast arrives amid a robust crypto market recovery that began in mid-August. Simultaneously, macroeconomic conditions are looking up as PCE inflation displays signs of easing and the probability of an interest rate hike diminishes.
Citi Raises 12-Month Target for Bitcoin to $113,000, and Ether Target to $3,028
As reported by Reuters, Citigroup has adjusted its 12-month price predictions upward, moving its Bitcoin forecast from $82,000 to $113,000 and its Ether forecast from $2,240 to $3,028.
The major bank pointed to positive activity across the wider digital asset market alongside improving macroeconomic conditions. Additionally, Citibank is placing confidence in the return of inflows to crypto exchange-traded funds.
For context, Bitcoin ETFs have completely recovered from $5 billion worth of July outflows, sitting at a net positive of $1 billion for the year 2026. Citi estimates roughly $5 billion in net crypto ETF inflows throughout the upcoming 12 months.
Citibank also praised regulatory steps taken by the U.S. SEC, even though the CLARITY Act failed to pass. Nevertheless, the institution noted that the U.S. Senate’s failure to advance the CLARITY Act last week has narrowed the path toward a complete regulatory framework for the crypto market structure.
During the past three months, Bitcoin and Ether have experienced recoveries of nearly 40% and 68%, respectively. According to Citibank, this rebound is partly driven by recent U.S. Treasury buybacks of longer-term bonds, which softened the dollar and sparked renewed upward momentum for digital assets.
Ethereum (ETH) Shows Greater Relative Strength Than Bitcoin
As noted, Ethereum (ETH) has clearly delivered higher returns than Bitcoin (BTC) over the last three months. Market reports indicate that ETH currently exhibits stronger relative strength compared to BTC overall.
Based on data from AskClash, Ethereum (ETH) has outperformed Bitcoin (BTC) across every timeframe. ETH grew by 0.78% over 24 hours, 0.59% over seven days, 8.93% over 30 days, and 58.2% over 90 days. Meanwhile, Bitcoin saw gains of 0.55% over 24 hours, a 0.17% drop over seven days, a 6.38% increase over 30 days, and a 36.6% climb over 90 days.
While Bitcoin remains a much larger asset by market capitalization and therefore holds a higher relative base, AskClash stated that this performance difference highlights superior relative momentum for ETH while BTC consolidates between the $82,000 and $83,000 territory.
Cryptocurrency analyst CW stated that Ethereum’s bullish trend remains secure, pointing to $2,680 as a vital Point of Control (POC) level that continues to offer solid support.
CW observed that the buy wall surrounding ETH stays resilient as prices drift toward the $2,740 to $2,760 sell wall. The analyst explained that pushing past this resistance barrier will be essential to fuel a larger rally.
Bitcoin Flashes Bull Signal As US Jobs Data Improves
Analyst CW also reported that Bitcoin’s “Bull On” metric is gaining strength while the “Bull Off” indicator continues to fade, pointing toward a gradual shift into a bull market.
CW highlighted that the “Bull On” score currently sits at 39. As illustrated in the graphic below, a reading of 60 serves as the benchmark for a fully established bull market.
Meanwhile, U.S. initial jobless claims dropped to 197,000, coming in lower than the anticipated 201,000. As a result, robust employment metrics paired with cooling inflation continue to bolster expectations for an economic soft landing, creating a generally supportive environment for risk-on assets.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Citi’s targets and analyst indicators are forecasts and may not materialize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citibank’s 12-month price targets for Bitcoin and Ethereum?
Citibank has raised its 12-month price targets to $113,000 for Bitcoin and $3,028 for Ethereum.
How much do analysts expect in crypto ETF inflows?
Citi projects approximately $5 billion in net crypto ETF inflows over the next 12 months.
Which asset has shown stronger relative performance recently, Bitcoin or Ethereum?
Ethereum (ETH) has outperformed Bitcoin (BTC) across multiple timeframes over the past three months, exhibiting greater relative strength.
What macroeconomic factors are supporting the current crypto market rebound?
Cooling PCE inflation, lower interest rate hike odds, and U.S. Treasury buybacks of longer-dated bonds are contributing to the supportive macroeconomic environment for digital assets.