Citigroup Cuts Bitcoin and Ether Targets as Regulatory Progress Stalls

Bitcoin and Ether valuations are increasingly influenced by flows into U.S. spot ETFs and the pace of regulatory progress. ETFs are an important gateway for institutional investors entering crypto markets. Further delays to market-structure legislation would weaken the demand and price catalysts expected from greater regulatory clarity, prompting Citigroup to reassess its outlook for the coming year.

On March 17, 2026, Citigroup cut its 12-month Bitcoin price target to $112,000 from $143,000 and lowered its Ether target to $3,175 from $4,304. The bank said slowing ETF inflows, weak network activity and stalled U.S. cryptocurrency legislation had reduced upside momentum for the next 12 months.