Is Bitcoin More Likely to Hit $50,000 or $100,000?
Key Points
Positive developments around the Clarity Act have helped push Bitcoin's value above $80,000 for the first time in months.
Concerns about the economy, however, could potentially weigh down the cryptocurrency's value.
- 10 stocks we like better than Bitcoin ›
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has been rising in value lately, topping $80,000 for the first time in months. For the most part, however, it's been a volatile year for the leading cryptocurrency, which as of Tuesday was still down around 8% since the start of 2026. And it's nowhere near the highs of more than $126,000 that it reached last year.
What level is the digital currency more likely to hit this year: $50,000 or $100,000?
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
Image source: Getty Images.
Why Bitcoin could get to $100,000
In the past month, Bitcoin's value has risen by 17% amid strong momentum. Positive developments around the Clarity Act, which would preserve stablecoin rewards, have given investors hope that the bill may pass this year, and that would be a positive for the crypto markets as a whole, potentially sending Bitcoin's value even higher.
Plus, if there are also rate cuts under the new Fed chair, Kevin Warsh, that could further boost speculative assets such as Bitcoin. Generally, when appetite for risk is high, it can help boost Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies' values.
Why Bitcoin could also fall to $50,000
If market conditions worsen and economic concerns weigh on investors, Bitcoin may fall in value. Earlier this year, it hit lows of around $60,000 and struggled alongside the S&P 500. If the overall markets tumble, as they might in a crash (potentially due to high valuations), Bitcoin may go down with the decline. Investors shouldn't forget that back in 2022, when the S&P 500 crashed by 19%, Bitcoin was down nearly 65%.
When there's less of an appetite for speculation, the cryptocurrency can potentially fall significantly in value, which is why a decline to $50,000 may be a possibility. However, whether it crashes may ultimately depend on the state of the overall stock market and investor sentiment.
Which scenario looks more probable?
The stock market has been doing well of late, and thus, there is a growing probability that Bitcoin may rise higher in the short term. However, I believe it'll fall short of getting back to $100,000, simply because of the war in Iran and ongoing geopolitical risks.
Instead, by the end of the year, I think it's more likely to fall to $50,000, as the stock market looks overdue for a significant pullback given how inflated valuations have become of late and with the S&P 500 hitting record highs. And when that happens, Bitcoin may go along with it. Investors should be cautious with Bitcoin because, while it may be picking up steam right now, that doesn't mean it's destined to keep rising; it remains a very risky and volatile investment.
Should you buy stock in Bitcoin right now?
Before you buy stock in Bitcoin, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Bitcoin wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $490,864!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,216,789!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 963% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 201% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of May 5, 2026.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Recommended Articles
