Standard Chartered Projects Significant Declines for Bitcoin and Ether Prior to Market Recovery

Standard Chartered forecasts stark declines in key cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether, setting a grim short-term outlook for the market. However, this cyclical pattern of downturns followed by recoveries offers a long-term bullish glimpse for steadfast investors, amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny and macroeconomic influences.

Ivy Tran

February 12, 2026

In a bold projection that might stir a bit of unease among cryptocurrency investors, Standard Chartered recently estimated significant downturns for major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether before any signs of a market recovery appear. According to The Block, the bank has set new price targets, seeing Bitcoin potentially falling to $50,000 and Ether to $1,400.

This pessimistic outlook isn't just limited to Bitcoin and Ether. Other prominent cryptocurrencies like Solana, XRP, BNB, and Avalanche have also seen their price targets adjusted downward by Standard Chartered. While these projections might seem dire, they underscore a broader implication for the crypto market and its participants. First, it suggests a cooling-off period that could test the resilience and long-term viability of various blockchain projects and their associated tokens.

What’s notable here is the cyclic nature of the crypto market. History has shown us that significant pullbacks are often followed by robust recoveries. This pattern suggests that, while the short-term outlook might be bleak, the long-term perspective could still be bullish for those who endure the volatility. Taking a step back, it’s essential to consider the macroeconomic conditions that often influence such market behaviors - from inflation rates and regulatory changes to technological advancements and shifts in investor sentiment.

Moreover, these projections could serve as a bellwether for tightening regulations in the cryptocurrency space. As governments and financial bodies scrutinize the crypto industry more closely, price fluctuations are likely to become more common in response to policy changes or regulatory announcements. This is a crucial juncture for businesses and investors to reassess their strategies, potentially increasing their focus on compliance and transparency to navigate through uncertain waters.

For crypto platforms and services, adapting to these price changes is paramount. Companies might consider enhancing their services, such as offering more robust on- and off-ramping solutions, which Radom provides, to ease the transition for users between fiat and crypto during these volatile periods. This could mitigate some of the adverse effects of market downturns by providing stability and convenience for users looking to manage their investments more effectively.

Ultimately, while the forecast from Standard Chartered might paint a grim picture in the short term, it also opens up discussions about the maturity of the cryptocurrency market and its readiness to integrate more deeply with traditional financial systems. For investors and companies alike, this could be a critical time to strategize for resilience, focusing on long-term goals and sustainable growth rather than short-lived gains.

Thus, navigating this predicted downturn requires a blend of strategic foresight, operational agility, and a keen understanding of the market dynamics that influence cryptocurrency values. This is not just about weathering a storm-it's about preparing for the next wave of growth that history suggests might well follow.

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