Ethereum Plummets to Nine-Month Low, Losing $100 Billion Market Cap in a Week

Ethereum Plummets to Nine-Month Low, Losing $100 Billion Market Cap in a Week

Standard Chartered has made bold predictions about Solana’s future price trajectory, indicating a potential doubling in value by the end of 2026. Currently, Solana is trading at approximately $100, a figure that marks its lowest point in nearly two years.

Price Forecast for Solana

The bank’s analysis suggests that Solana could rise to $250 by the close of 2026. Geoff Kendrick, who heads the bank’s digital asset research, highlighted trends on decentralized exchanges. He noted a shift from meme coins to Solana-stablecoin pairs, driven by AI-centric micropayments.

Impact of AI on Micropayments

Kendrick emphasized the significance of AI technology in facilitating micropayments. He stated, “AI-driven micropayments using stablecoins are beginning to show that Solana’s cost-effectiveness could open new markets.” This development is expected to foster an environment where micropayment systems can flourish.

Market Predictions and Investor Sentiment

Current data suggests a mixed outlook for Solana’s price. Market-implied probabilities show a 30% chance that Solana could fall below $40 before 2026. Conversely, there is a 41% likelihood that it may surpass $200 within the same timeframe, according to event contracts available through Robinhood Derivatives, LLC.

  • 30% chance of falling below $40 by 2026.
  • 41% chance of exceeding $200 by 2026.

Future Performance Relative to Ethereum

Despite optimistic short-term forecasts, Standard Chartered has revised its initial price prediction of $310 for Solana. The bank expects the cryptocurrency to underperform relative to Ethereum over the next two years. However, Kendrick believes that if Solana achieves the necessary scale, it could eventually recover and benefit from the evolving market landscape.

Long-Term Outlook: A Vision for 2030

Looking further ahead, Standard Chartered anticipates that Solana could reach as high as $2,000 by 2030. This long-term projection reflects the growing confidence in Solana’s capability to harness emerging market opportunities.