Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck, has forecasted that Bitcoin could surge to as high as $180,000 during this bull cycle, citing key indicators such as funding rates, unrealized profits, and retail speculation as the foundation for his prediction.
Speaking on the Coin Stories podcast, Sigel expressed confidence in Bitcoin’s growth potential, projecting that the cryptocurrency could hit $180,000 by 2025. Despite the bullish outlook, he emphasized that Bitcoin’s corporate adoption is still in its early stages.
“VanEck has been bullish on Bitcoin since 2017,” Sigel told podcast host Natalie Brunel, but he noted that traditional asset managers—many of which, like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, are tied to banks and brokers—remain slow to integrate Bitcoin into their financial strategies. Sigel explained that these institutions are often constrained by tightly regulated structures and traditional asset allocation models, such as the 60-40 portfolio, which have yet to fully accommodate Bitcoin ETFs.
Sigel pointed out that about 80% of Bitcoin ETF holders are retail investors or high-net-worth individuals, who are either diversifying away from self-custody or scaling up existing positions. Institutional investors, he noted, have not yet made significant moves into the Bitcoin space.
The forecast of Bitcoin reaching $180,000 comes as the cryptocurrency market experiences growing optimism, particularly with Bitcoin recently reaching $107,780.58 on Dec. 16. Sigel attributed this optimism to macroeconomic trends, including Bitcoin’s appeal as a hedge against inflation and its growing status as “digital gold.”
He emphasized that Bitcoin offers protection against issues like government currency devaluation and asset confiscation, making it especially valuable for individuals in countries experiencing double-digit inflation.
As a prominent player in the cryptocurrency space, VanEck has been actively involved in launching Bitcoin ETFs, further solidifying its influence in shaping institutional sentiment toward digital assets. Sigel’s research continues to guide institutional investors looking for exposure to Bitcoin, supporting the optimistic projections for the asset’s future growth.
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