Bitcoin Price Prediction: Analyst Says $180K Target Is Still in Play

Investor Lawrence Lepard says the current fear surrounding Bitcoin and MicroStrategy could be creating a major buying opportunity rather than signaling the end of the bull case. Speaking with Michaël van de Poppe, Lepard argued that investors often irrationally dislike falling prices. However, cheaper valuations are usually what long-term buyers want.

He believes Bitcoin could reach new highs within the next 18 months and move toward $180,000. Its power-law median value is estimated around $134,000. In his view, Bitcoin’s limited supply and growing demand could eventually trigger another sharp move. This would be similar to 2020, when the asset remained flat for months before suddenly rallying nearly fivefold.

Gold May Move First, Bitcoin Could Follow

Lepard said gold often reacts first to monetary debasement concerns because it is a deeper and more established market. Bitcoin, however, tends to move later and with greater intensity. He pointed to the period when gold climbed from around $1,300 to $2,000. During this time, Bitcoin remained stagnant before suddenly surging from roughly $10,000 to $50,000.

He believes a similar pattern could emerge again. Liquidity and M2 growth could eventually support Bitcoin after the current period of weakness.

Why Bitcoin Is Falling

Lepard rejected the idea that the four-year cycle alone explains the sell-off. He cited capital flowing into AI and companies such as SpaceX. Additionally, he mentioned the broader market belief that the monetary debasement trade is over.

Gold, silver and Bitcoin all benefited from fears of currency debasement last year. However, hotter inflation, higher oil prices and expectations of a more hawkish Federal Reserve have pushed investors toward the belief that interest rates could remain elevated. This reduces the need for alternative monetary assets.

Lepard believes that view is ultimately wrong. He argued that fiscal discipline has not improved meaningfully. The failure of the Department of Government Efficiency to deliver its initially promised savings reinforces his concerns about continued government deficits.

Bitcoin as an Alternative to Fiat

Lepard described Bitcoin as a form of financial self-sovereignty and a quiet rejection of the traditional monetary system. He believes governments are unlikely to voluntarily adopt a sound-money standard because doing so would reduce their power.

However, he warned that continued debt expansion and money creation could eventually force a major monetary reset. For Lepard, Bitcoin remains the long-term hedge against that risk. The current market fear may be precisely the moment when contrarian investors begin accumulating.