BIT Research: If It Followed Nasdaq, Bitcoin Should Be Close to $140,000
BIT Research: Bitcoin Price Analysis Under Inflation Re-pricing
The market is currently undergoing a macro adjustment phase dominated by inflation re-pricing. Analysis suggests that if Bitcoin had continued to follow Nasdaq's trajectory, its theoretical price would be near $140,000. However, a significant divergence between the two assets has emerged since October 2025. The core reason is the resurgence of US inflation, which has led to a reversal in market expectations for the Federal Reserve's rate-cut path.
Recent data shows US CPI rising to 3.8% and PPI to 6.0%, prompting markets to scale back expectations for 2026 rate cuts. For Bitcoin, the previous supportive narrative of anticipated loose liquidity is weakening. Concurrently, escalating tensions involving Iran have driven oil prices up approximately 40% since late February 2026, heightening inflation concerns through rising energy costs.
While the market currently views this inflation surge as a temporary pressure point, the interplay between energy, interest rates, and risk appetite is prompting a reassessment of the potential for a prolonged high-rate environment. In this context, Bitcoin has begun to underperform tech stocks, which can benefit from nominal inflation.
The divergence stems from a key distinction: Bitcoin's past rallies were driven by loose liquidity and rate-cut expectations, not inflation itself. As a long-duration asset, Bitcoin is highly sensitive to interest rate paths. When expectations for rate cuts are withdrawn, its valuation faces pressure. Unlike equities, which can benefit from increased nominal revenues and reduced real debt burdens during inflation, Bitcoin possesses neither debt that inflates away nor cash flows that expand with inflation, offering no direct structural benefit from rising prices.
Looking ahead, the critical question is whether high inflation will force the Fed to maintain elevated rates for longer. The BIT model anticipates US CPI could potentially rise further to 6.0%. Additionally, factors like AI infrastructure expansion—driving data center construction and power demand—may sustain energy price pressures and extend the period of above-target inflation. In such an environment, tech stocks gain from order growth and improved earnings expectations, while Bitcoin remains susceptible to high-rate pressure.
In summary, the current shift does not invalidate Bitcoin's long-term thesis but reflects a market re-evaluation of interest rate and liquidity paths amid resurgent inflation. In the short term, a high-inflation environment may continue to suppress Bitcoin's performance relative to Nasdaq. This represents a slowdown in its upward momentum rather than a bearish turn. Bitcoin could regain support once markets begin to reprice expectations for future liquidity easing.
marsbit05/15 10:07
