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Bitget CEO: Bitcoin to Stay Near Current Levels; US BTC Purchase Unlikely

Cointelegraph August 23, 2026
Bitget CEO: Bitcoin to Stay Near Current Levels; US BTC Purchase Unlikely

Bitget CEO Gracy Chen sees Bitcoin within $10K–$20K of current levels by year-end, citing macro uncertainty and low odds of US government BTC purchases.

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VNIX Quick Take

  • Bitget CEO Gracy Chen expects Bitcoin to trade within a $10,000–$20,000 band of current prices by year-end.
  • Macroeconomic uncertainty is the primary driver, with no clear catalyst for a breakout.
  • Chen doubts the US government will buy Bitcoin within the next two years, reducing hopes for state-driven demand.

Bitget CEO Forecasts Narrow Range for Bitcoin Into Year-End

Bitget CEO Gracy Chen projects that Bitcoin will end the year within $10,000 to $20,000 of its current trading level. This range-bound outlook reflects a market caught between lingering inflation concerns, shifting central bank policies, and a lack of fresh catalysts to push prices decisively higher or lower.

Chen's comment underscores a growing consensus among traders that Bitcoin may remain in a consolidation phase. The implied range is wide enough to accommodate significant volatility, yet it signals that the days of parabolic moves may be on hold for now. For context, Bitcoin has historically shown sensitivity to macroeconomic data, and with the Federal Reserve's next moves still uncertain, the path of least resistance appears sideways.

Macro Uncertainty and the Fed's Shadow Weigh on Crypto

Macroeconomic conditions are front and center in Chen's analysis. Persistent inflation, mixed employment reports, and the Federal Reserve's data-dependent stance create an environment where risk assets like Bitcoin struggle to find direction. Each new CPI or jobs report can shift expectations for interest rates, directly impacting liquidity and speculative appetite.

Rate Expectations Keep Traders on Edge

Markets have repeatedly repriced the likelihood of Fed cuts or hikes, and each shift sends ripples through crypto. If inflation proves sticky, the Fed may keep rates higher for longer, which historically pressures Bitcoin. Conversely, any hint of easing could fuel a rally, but Chen suggests such clarity is unlikely before year-end.

Geopolitical and Regulatory Noise Adds to the Fog

Beyond the Fed, regulatory developments and geopolitical tensions contribute to the uncertainty. While no single headline has derailed the market, the cumulative effect keeps institutional participation cautious and retail sentiment muted.

US Government Bitcoin Purchase: A Distant Possibility

Chen also weighed in on the idea of the US government buying Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. She considers this scenario unlikely within the next two years. While some politicians have floated the concept, the logistical, legal, and political hurdles remain substantial. A formal government purchase would require congressional approval and a shift in the Treasury's approach to digital assets—both slow-moving processes.

For traders, this means betting on a government-driven bid is not a reliable strategy. Instead, the market must rely on organic demand from ETFs, corporate treasuries, and retail investors. The absence of a state buyer removes a potential floor under prices, making technical levels and macro data even more critical.

Key Levels to Watch for Bitcoin's Next Move

With a $10,000–$20,000 range in mind, traders should monitor Bitcoin's reaction to major moving averages and volume profiles. The upper end of the range could coincide with resistance near recent highs, while the lower end may find support at the 200-day moving average or prior breakout zones. Using tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the indicators page can help gauge overbought or oversold conditions within the range.

Additionally, watching the US 10-year Treasury yield is essential, as rising yields tend to drain capital from risk assets. A sustained break above 4.8% could accelerate Bitcoin's decline toward the lower bound, while a sharp drop might spark a rally toward the upper bound.

What This Means for Your Trading Playbook

Chen's outlook suggests a market that rewards patience and range-bound strategies. For swing traders, buying near support and selling near resistance within the expected band could be more effective than chasing breakouts. However, range-bound markets can abruptly transition to trends if a major catalyst emerges—such as a surprise Fed decision or a regulatory breakthrough.

Risk management becomes paramount. Position sizing should account for the possibility of a breakout in either direction, and stop-losses should be placed outside the range to avoid being shaken out. For those new to crypto trading, understanding these dynamics is crucial; the classroom offers foundational lessons on market cycles and risk.

It's also worth noting that Bitcoin's correlation with traditional markets remains high. Keeping an eye on the live price action and broader equity indices can provide clues. Traders can also join signal rooms to see how others are positioning, but always verify signals against your own analysis.

Ultimately, Chen's view is a reminder that not every period offers a clear directional trade. Sometimes the best move is to wait for a setup that aligns with your strategy, rather than forcing a trade in a choppy market. If you're unsure where you fit, take the style quiz to identify the approach that suits your risk tolerance.

In VNIX's view

Chen's range-bound forecast aligns with the current macro backdrop, but the range is wide enough to offer opportunities. Traders should respect the uncertainty and avoid overleveraging. The low probability of US government purchases removes a bullish tailwind, making organic demand the key variable.

Educational analysis, not financial advice. Trading involves risk.

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Frequently asked questions

Why does Bitget CEO expect Bitcoin to stay in a range?
She cites macroeconomic uncertainty, especially around Fed policy, which limits directional catalysts. This keeps Bitcoin within a $10K–$20K band of current levels.
Will the US government buy Bitcoin soon?
Gracy Chen considers it unlikely within the next two years due to political and logistical hurdles. Traders should not rely on state-driven demand as a near-term catalyst.
How can traders play a range-bound Bitcoin market?
Focus on buying support and selling resistance within the expected range, using tools like RSI and volume. Always set stops outside the range to manage breakout risk. See indicators for more.