Bitcoin is in a prime position for a significant rally in the last quarter of 2025, with prices potentially surging to as high as $200,000 if the current demand momentum continues. This bullish forecast comes from onchain analytics firm CryptoQuant, which has observed a sharp increase in spot demand for Bitcoin since midsummer, averaging more than 62,000 BTC in net inflows per month.
According to CryptoQuant, the current level of buying pressure is reminiscent of past cycles, particularly in the fourth quarters of 2020, 2021, and 2024, which preceded significant price surges. Whales, or large Bitcoin holders, are also accumulating coins at a faster rate, with an annualized pace of 331,000 BTC compared to 255,000 BTC in the same period last year.
Additionally, U.S.-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds, which acquired over 200,000 BTC in the fourth quarter of 2024, are expected to show similar buying activity this year. The market has also surpassed the “realized price” for traders at around $116,000, indicating a return to the bull phase of the cycle. With Bitcoin currently trading near $117,300, CryptoQuant believes that a breach of this level could lead to a price range of $160,000 to $200,000 in the final quarter of 2025.
The firm’s internal “bull score index” for Bitcoin reached levels typically seen before major rallies at the end of September, supported by expanding stablecoin liquidity and reduced unrealized profits among traders, suggesting lower selling pressure. Other major forecasters, including Standard Chartered, 21Shares, and Bitwise, are also optimistic about Bitcoin’s price potential, with some suggesting a target of $200,000 before the end of the year.
Looking ahead, Standard Chartered projects that Bitcoin could approach $500,000 by 2028 as broader access and lower volatility strengthen its position in global markets. As of press time on October 2, 2025, Bitcoin is ranked #1 by market cap, with a price increase of 2.69% over the past 24 hours, a market capitalization of $2.34 trillion, and a 24-hour trading volume of $70.26 billion. The total crypto market is valued at $4.03 trillion with a 24-hour volume of $193.47 billion, and Bitcoin dominance is currently at 58.19%.
In conclusion, the outlook for Bitcoin in the final quarter of 2025 appears to be extremely positive, with the potential for a significant price rally and continued growth in demand and market activity.