Bitcoin (BTC) could be heading for a new all-time high in the second quarter of 2025, according to Standard Chartered, with a sharp asset reallocation from U.S. markets acting as a major catalyst. The bank’s bullish forecast sees BTC rising from near $95,000 to $120,000 this quarter — and potentially hitting $200,000 by year-end.
Strategic Asset Shift Fuels Momentum
Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Digital Assets Research, said in a client note that several key factors are aligning in Bitcoin’s favor:

U.S. Treasury term premium is at a 12-year high, historically a strong indicator of Bitcoin price acceleration.

ETF inflows show capital shifting from gold into Bitcoin, signaling an evolution in the perception of “safe-haven” assets.

Bitcoin whales—wallets holding more than 1,000 BTC—have resumed accumulation during recent dips and the current rebound.

This combination of macro and on-chain indicators suggests investor sentiment is tilting decisively toward Bitcoin as a high-beta hedge.
Whales Are Buying the Dip
According to Kendrick, large BTC holders have been steadily accumulating through recent volatility, including:

Tariff-induced price drops,

Growing concerns over Federal Reserve independence, and

Earlier surges triggered by spot Bitcoin ETF approvals and banking instability (e.g., SVB collapse).

These behavioral patterns are consistent with prior Bitcoin bull runs, where whale activity typically precedes explosive upside.
Timing Matters in Bitcoin Investing
Kendrick cautioned investors that timing is crucial in Bitcoin markets. “Most of the returns in recent years have come in short bursts, not gradual climbs,” he noted. Missing these bursts can lead to minimal long-term gains despite holding the asset.
Track Daily BTC Movements and Whale Activity
To keep an eye on day-to-day price movements and align with key market momentum, traders can use the Cryptocurrency Daily API. This provides updated Bitcoin data including opening, closing, high, and low prices, helping investors track the pace and direction of BTC movements in real time.
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Conclusion
Standard Chartered’s call for a Bitcoin rally to $200,000 by the end of 2025 hinges on macroeconomic shifts and strategic investor behavior — particularly from whales and ETF reallocators. If these dynamics hold, BTC may not only reclaim its previous highs but also redefine the upper bounds of digital asset valuations. For investors, the challenge is not just buying Bitcoin, but timing Bitcoin.