It looks like you’ve spotted a trending headline! Citibank (Citigroup) analysts, led by Alex Saunders, did indeed release a report late in 2025 outlining a $189,000 price target for Bitcoin in a "bullish scenario" for 2026.

As of February 2026, the market is navigating a complex landscape where institutional giants like Citi are setting high bars, while others are bracing for short-term volatility.

The Breakdown of Citi’s Forecast

Citi’s outlook isn't just a single number; they’ve presented a range based on different economic "weather" conditions:

| Scenario | Price Target (by end of 2026) | Primary Driver |

|---|---|---|

| Bull Case | $189,000+ | Heavy ETF inflows ($15B+) and U.S. regulatory clarity. |

| Base Case | $143,000 | Steady institutional adoption and moderate Fed rate cuts. |

| Bear Case | $78,500 | Macroeconomic recession or a "risk-off" market shift. |

Why is $189k the "Magic Number"?

Analysts point to a few specific catalysts that could push $BTC toward that nearly $200k milestone:

* ETF Absorption: Projections suggest ETFs could absorb over 100% of new supply, creating a "supply shock."

* Institutional FOMO: With banks like Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock actively hiring for digital asset roles, the infrastructure for big money is more robust than ever.

* The Federal Reserve: If the Fed continues to lower interest rates through 2026, Bitcoin (often viewed as "digital gold") becomes more attractive to investors seeking higher returns.

> Keep in mind: Not everyone is as optimistic. Standard Chartered recently adjusted their 2026 outlook to a more conservative $150,000, warning of a "capitulation period" before the next major leg up.

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Would you like me to look into the specific performance of those tokens you mentioned ($BANK , $COMP , or $NAORIS ) to see how they're correlating with Bitcoin's recent moves?

Why bitcoin could easily hit $225,000 by 2026

This video provides an expert's take on why Bitcoin's trajectory could lead to high six-figure values by 2026, mirroring the optimism seen in Citi's bullish reports.