Bitcoin (BTC) Price: JPMorgan Projects $170,000 Target Based on Gold Model

TLDR

• JPMorgan analysts predict Bitcoin could reach $170,000 within 6-12 months based on a volatility-adjusted gold comparison model.
• Gold’s market is valued at $29.31 trillion, and JPMorgan’s model estimates Bitcoin’s fair value if it captures part of gold’s store-of-value role.
• Bitcoin experienced a major downturn in October, dropping from above $126,000 to nearly $80,000, with $19 billion in digital assets liquidated.
• The bank’s prediction comes after Bitcoin traded at $89,251 on December 5, down 3.2% in 24 hours.
• JPMorgan notes that Bitcoin behaves like gold during periods of market stress, drawing investors as an alternative asset.

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JPMorgan analysts have released a new Bitcoin price projection based on the cryptocurrency’s relationship with gold. The bank’s volatility-adjusted model suggests Bitcoin could reach $170,000 within six to twelve months.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price

The projection uses a framework that compares Bitcoin to gold’s role as a store of value. Gold’s total market stands at approximately $29.31 trillion. Because Bitcoin experiences higher volatility than gold, JPMorgan applies a discount to calculate a theoretical fair value for the cryptocurrency.

Analysts led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou published the findings on December 3. The team noted that Bitcoin continues to show gold-like behavior during periods of market stress.

The prediction follows a turbulent period for Bitcoin. In early October, the cryptocurrency experienced one of its largest downturns on record. Bitcoin fell from a record high above $126,000 to nearly $80,000. The drop coincided with roughly $19 billion in digital asset liquidations.

Volatility Differences Drive Model Calculations

The JPMorgan model accounts for the stark volatility differences between Bitcoin and gold. Over the past three months, gold rose 17.17% while Bitcoin fell 19%. Year-to-date figures show gold surged 60.01% compared to Bitcoin’s 8.2% decline. Looking at a five-year timeframe, gold gained 125.97% while Bitcoin slipped 3.4%.

As of December 5, Bitcoin traded at $89,251.43 according to CoinGecko data. The price represented a 3.2% drop over the previous 24 hours.

The bank’s analysis comes during ongoing debates about Bitcoin’s role as an asset class. At Binance Blockchain Week, gold advocate Peter Schiff and Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao debated the merits of each asset. Schiff argued Bitcoin lacks real backing and relies on speculation. CZ countered that Bitcoin sees growing global usage for remittances and payments.

Market Factors Impact Outlook

JPMorgan’s strategists identified several factors influencing Bitcoin’s current position. Recent risk aversion has pressured cryptocurrency sentiment. Shifting expectations for 2026 interest rates have also affected market dynamics.

The bank noted concerns around Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings as another factor. CEO Phong Le indicated any sale would depend on specific metrics. JPMorgan reported the company’s recent $1.4 billion cash buildup reduces the likelihood of forced sales.

The analysts also referenced the January 15 MSCI review. The review could remove companies with heavy digital asset exposure from major indices. A favorable ruling might help Bitcoin recover previous highs. An unfavorable decision could pressure prices.

Bitcoin traded at $89,712 at the time of JPMorgan’s client note publication. The bank maintains that gold-like trading patterns continue to emerge during macro volatility periods. Pro-crypto analysts point to institutional adoption, maturing market structure and Bitcoin’s finite supply as factors supporting long-term resilience.

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