Bitcoin Eyes $150,000 as Institutional Money Inflows Mark "First Wave," Says Fundstrat's Tom Lee

Fundstrat co-founder and Bitmine Immersion Technologies Chairman Tom Lee indicated that Bitcoin could reach $150,000 (approximately ¥24 million). He argued that the current rally in cryptocurrency markets is still only the "first wave," with institutional investors aggressively accumulating crypto-related equities serving as a precursor to major price movements heading into the fourth quarter.

Speaking on CNBC, Lee expressed his view that the September 15 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting will be a key inflection point for markets. He analyzed that if the Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady while employment data and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) come in weak, markets could rally very powerfully. While September is historically a weak month, the widespread bearish sentiment itself could lay the groundwork for an upside surprise, he noted.

On the S&P 500, Lee projected that even if a correction occurs in October, the 7,300–7,400 level would serve as downside support, with the index potentially pushing above 8,200 by year-end. He pointed to long-term interest rate trends and the Fed's rate decisions as key variables influencing both equities and cryptocurrencies.