Bitget CEO Gracy Chen told Cointelegraph's Trade Secrets podcast that Bitcoin's recent rally may not translate into a decisive breakout by year-end 2026, with the cryptocurrency expected to finish the year in a relatively narrow range around its current trading levels. She noted it is difficult to predict whether Bitcoin will close above or below $70,000, as higher interest rates could reduce investor appetite for risk assets by making traditional yields more attractive. Her base case envisions Bitcoin ending $10,000 to $20,000 above or below its current price, describing this as the more responsible outlook compared to aggressive bullish scenarios. Chen's view aligns with positioning on the regulated prediction market Kalshi, where traders cluster around subdued year-end finishes. The cryptocurrency's growing integration with traditional finance—via institutional ownership, ETFs and corporate holdings—means macroeconomic conditions now heavily influence its performance. Lower rates boost speculative demand while higher rates can pressure prices by raising financing costs and liquidity for crypto. On the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, Chen is skeptical of direct government purchases before President Donald Trump's term ends, calling it unlikely within the next two years. The reserve was established in March 2025 with approximately 328,372 BTC obtained primarily through forfeitures rather than open-market buys. The executive order focuses on budget-neutral strategies without additional taxpayer costs, and Chen argued that active purchases would require significant congressional debate over funding and policy. Retaining forfeited assets limits supply but does not create recurring market demand. Market signals from Kalshi reflect expectations of consolidation rather than sharp swings, potentially leading traders to favor lower-volatility strategies. For the rest of 2026, ETF flows, corporate buying and interest-rate expectations will be key variables.