Bitcoin Poised for Over 50% Shot at $150K Before Bear Market Strikes: Insights from Canary Capital’s CEO

As of today, August 18, 2025, the cryptocurrency world is buzzing with speculation about Bitcoin’s next big move. Industry leaders are weighing in on whether the king of crypto has more room to run or if a downturn is looming. Canary Capital CEO Steven McClurg recently shared his take, suggesting Bitcoin could climb significantly before any major pullback, even as he flags concerns about the broader economy.

McClurg Sees Strong Odds for Bitcoin Hitting $140K-$150K Range Soon

Imagine Bitcoin as a rocket that’s already broken through the atmosphere but might have just a bit more fuel left before gravity pulls it back. That’s the picture painted by Steven McClurg, who believes there’s a better than even chance Bitcoin surges to between $140,000 and $150,000 this year before slipping into a bear market in 2026. In a recent CNBC interview, McClurg explained his outlook, pointing to current market dynamics.

Right now, as of August 18, 2025, Bitcoin is hovering around $118,500, according to the latest CoinMarketCap data—up slightly from recent levels amid ongoing volatility. Reaching McClurg’s projected range would mean a solid 18% to 27% gain from here, a tempting upside for investors who’ve watched Bitcoin’s wild ride. But he’s not all optimism; McClurg warns this could be the peak of the current cycle, with no more than that 27% left before a downtrend sets in.

This prediction aligns with recent trends we’ve seen in the market. For instance, Bitcoin’s price action has been fueled by massive inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, which have amassed over $50 billion in assets under management as of mid-2025, per data from Bloomberg. Treasury firms and institutional buyers have also piled in, driving prices higher much like how a rising tide lifts all boats.

Economic Worries Loom Large for McClurg Amid Fed Rate Cut Expectations

Diving deeper into his concerns, McClurg isn’t thrilled with the current economic landscape. Picture the U.S. economy as a ship navigating stormy waters without enough adjustments from the captain—that’s how he sees the Federal Reserve’s hesitation on interest rates. He argues the Fed should have slashed rates in their previous two meetings and anticipates cuts coming in September and possibly October 2025.

Market sentiment backs this up, with the CME FedWatch Tool showing a 95% probability of a rate cut next month, up from earlier estimates. This uncertainty has McClurg on edge, as he ties Bitcoin’s fate to these macro factors. “The economic standing right now? I’m not a fan,” he noted, emphasizing how these elements could trigger a broader bear market.

What’s really propelling Bitcoin forward, in his view, are those ETF inflows and purchases from treasury firms. Think of it like institutional heavyweights finally joining a party that’s been going on for years—they’re not just showing up; they’re bringing the drinks. McClurg highlighted that large allocations are flowing in from sovereign wealth funds and even insurance companies, which are now actively exploring crypto. Recent reports from Fidelity confirm this shift, with institutional adoption rates climbing 30% year-over-year.

In terms of brand alignment, this surge underscores how platforms like WEEX exchange are perfectly positioned for savvy traders. WEEX stands out with its user-friendly interface and robust security features, making it an ideal choice for those looking to capitalize on Bitcoin’s potential upside. By aligning with the growing demand for reliable crypto trading, WEEX enhances investor confidence through low fees and seamless ETF-related transactions, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in the evolving digital asset space.

Contrasting Views: Michael Saylor and Others Bullish on Bitcoin’s Long-Term Path

Not everyone shares McClurg’s caution. Take Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of MicroStrategy, who’s all in on Bitcoin’s endless summer. In a June 2025 interview, Saylor dismissed the notion of another harsh bear market, declaring, “Winter is not coming back.” He envisions Bitcoin not crashing to zero but soaring to $1 million, backed by his company’s own holdings exceeding 250,000 BTC, valued at over $29 billion as of today.

This optimism echoes across the industry. Bitwise’s chief investment officer, Matt Hougan, recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he expects the bull run to continue well into 2026. “Betting on an up year ahead— we’ve got a good few years in store,” Hougan shared in a video that garnered over 500,000 views, sparking debates on social media. Twitter trends as of August 18, 2025, show #BitcoinBullRun topping charts, with users discussing ETF impacts and rate cuts, alongside questions like “Is Bitcoin topping out?” which has surged in Google searches by 40% this month.

Recent updates add fuel to the fire: Just last week, BlackRock announced record inflows into its iShares Bitcoin Trust, pushing total ETF assets past $60 billion, per official filings. This contrasts sharply with McClurg’s view that treasury buying might peak soon, though he admits its current influence is massive. Comparisons like this highlight Bitcoin’s resilience—much like gold during economic uncertainty, it often thrives when traditional markets wobble, supported by data from the World Gold Council showing similar safe-haven behaviors.

While McClurg eyes a potential bear market next year, these differing forecasts remind us of Bitcoin’s unpredictable nature. It’s like comparing a cautious driver to one flooring the gas; both see the road ahead but with very different speeds in mind. Evidence from past cycles, such as the 2021 peak followed by a 70% drop, lends credence to McClurg’s warning, yet the influx of institutional money—up 150% since 2024 per Chainalysis reports—suggests this time could be different.

The conversation around Bitcoin’s future is heating up, with Google searches for “Bitcoin price prediction 2025” spiking 25% in the last week, and Twitter buzzing about altcoin seasons potentially starting in 2025, though experts note the rules have evolved with more regulatory clarity.

FAQ

What are the chances Bitcoin reaches $150K this year, according to experts?
Based on insights from Canary Capital’s CEO, there’s over a 50% likelihood of Bitcoin hitting $140K to $150K before year-end, driven by ETF inflows and institutional buys, though economic factors could influence this.

How might Fed rate cuts impact Bitcoin’s price?
Rate cuts, expected in September 2025 with high probability, could boost liquidity and support Bitcoin’s value, much like they’ve fueled past rallies, but delays might heighten bear market risks.

Is a Bitcoin bear market inevitable soon, or could the bull run continue?
While some like Steven McClurg predict a downturn in 2026, optimists like Michael Saylor see sustained growth to $1M, backed by ongoing institutional adoption and ETF trends.