Coinbase Takes Fresh Blows With the Crypto Rout Deepening

February 12, 2026 - 20:36

The deepening cryptocurrency rout has triggered a wave of severe analyst downgrades, with major financial institutions taking a far more pessimistic view of the sector's near-term prospects.

In a significant revision, Standard Chartered has dramatically lowered its Bitcoin price target. The bank now forecasts the cryptocurrency will reach $100,000 by the end of 2026, a sharp reduction from its previous target of $150,000 and a massive cut from a $300,000 prediction made just months ago. Analysts warned that Bitcoin could first fall to around $50,000 before finding a stable footing.

The bearish sentiment extended directly to crypto industry leaders. Monness, Crespi, Hardt & Co. downgraded shares of Coinbase to a sell rating, bluntly stating that assumptions for a steady and swift market recovery are "foolish + facile." The brokerage emphasized that typical crypto bear markets are prolonged affairs. Reflecting this grim outlook, the firm slashed its price target for Coinbase by 68% to $120, which stands as the lowest on Wall Street. It also substantially reduced its revenue and earnings estimates for the exchange through 2027.

These twin actions underscore a growing institutional consensus that the current market turmoil may be more severe and enduring than previously anticipated, casting a shadow over the near-term horizon for digital assets and related companies.