Goldman Sachs Rates Coinbase 'Neutral' 😐 Amidst Surging US Dominance 🚀

Goldman Sachs Upgrades Rating on Coinbase, Sets New Price Target

Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs has upgraded its rating on publicly traded crypto exchange Coinbase from “Sell” to “Neutral,” simultaneously setting a new price target of $282 for the cryptocurrency exchange’s stock. The upgrade, announced on Thursday, underscores a marked change in Goldman Sachs’ outlook on Coinbase, prompted by the recent bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency market.

Increased Market Share for Coinbase

Blockchain analysis firm Kaiko noted that Coinbase has increased its market share in the United States to 60% since the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved 11 new spot Bitcoin ETFs to begin trading in January this year. This increase in market share is significant considering that Coinbase had often accounted for less than half of all trading volume in the US.

Rally in Cryptocurrency Prices

The revision of COIN’s stock rating reflects a broader surge in cryptocurrency prices, which have reached unprecedented highs. This rally in the crypto sector has been accompanied by a substantial increase in daily trading volumes on Coinbase, reaching levels not seen since 2021.

The trading volume on January 11—the day Bitcoin ETFs began trading—was higher than any day in 2023.
Coinbase saw close to $12 billion worth of volume on March 6, smashing its old daily volume record.

Despite experiencing technical issues during times of high volatility, Coinbase continues to attract significant trading activity.

Increase in Revenue Forecast

In light of these developments, Goldman Sachs has increased its revenue forecast for Coinbase by 48% since early February. This adjustment reflects the improved performance and adoption rates within the crypto market.

Shift in Goldman Sachs’ Outlook

Goldman Sachs’ initial “Sell” rating was based on a cautious view of the long-term prospects of the cryptocurrency market. The investment bank expressed concerns over the limited everyday use cases for cryptocurrencies outside of trading and questioned the sustainability of growth for exchanges like Coinbase. However, the recent performance and adoption rates within the crypto market have prompted a reevaluation.

Hot Take: Goldman Sachs Embraces Crypto

Goldman Sachs’ upgrade of its rating on Coinbase and its increased price target reflect a changing perspective on cryptocurrencies within traditional financial institutions. This move signifies a growing acceptance and recognition of the potential in the crypto market. It also highlights the significant role that Coinbase plays in the industry as a leading crypto exchange.

The bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency market, coupled with Coinbase’s increasing market share and trading volumes, has contributed to this shift in outlook. As more institutional investors and Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs enter the crypto space, it further solidifies cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class.

While there are still concerns about regulatory hurdles and volatility in the crypto market, Goldman Sachs’ upgraded rating on Coinbase demonstrates a greater level of confidence and optimism in the short-term prospects for both the exchange and the broader cryptocurrency industry.

In conclusion, Goldman Sachs’ upgraded rating on Coinbase reflects a positive shift in perception towards cryptocurrencies. The increased market share and trading volumes for Coinbase, combined with the overall rally in cryptocurrency prices, have contributed to this revised outlook. As traditional financial institutions like Goldman Sachs embrace the crypto market, it paves the way for further institutional adoption and legitimization of cryptocurrencies as an asset class.