Crypto's 2026 grind: Bitcoin's recent rise and price targets

PARAGRAPH 1 --- What happened: Bitcoin (BTC) has shown recent resilience, snapping a five-month losing streak on March 30, 2026, and rising above $68,000 on April 6, 2026. This upswing comes amid reports of a proposed Iran war ceasefire, with BTC up nearly 3% over the past week. Meanwhile, TD Cowen predicts BTC could hit $140,000 in 2026, while Michael Saylor targets significant long-term upside. FTX's $2.2 billion payout to creditors on March 31, 2026, is in USD at November 2022 prices.

PARAGRAPH 2 --- Market impact: The crypto market has seen a rebound, with BTC and ETH prices rising. Bitcoin's resilience has outperformed equities, with the S&P 500 declining. Crypto stocks like Coinbase (COIN) and Robinhood (HOOD) are at 'big discounts' and may be nearing a bottom. While prediction markets give BTC a 10% chance of hitting $140,000 this year, online sentiment remains bullish. XRP, however, faces a more conservative outlook, with Standard Chartered predicting it could reach $2.80 in 2026 and $28 in 2030.

PARAGRAPH 3 --- What to watch next: On April 15, 2026, the next Bitcoin halving anniversary, we'll see if BTC maintains its momentum. On April 30, 2026, the next FTX payout, we'll assess its impact on the broader crypto market. Lastly, geopolitical developments, particularly around the Iran war, will continue to influence crypto prices.