Bitcoin is on the verge of the epic $100,000 barrier. Retail traders and investors are going gaga over the unique opportunity to capitalize on its massive bullish momentum. Stacks (STX) is quickly picking up steam as an altcoin darling. As a Layer-2 solution developed on top of the Bitcoin network, it has become something of a “Bitcoin beta play.” This post takes a look at STX’s promise. It further looks at its price action’s relationship to Bitcoin and what you should know before investing in it.

STX: Riding Bitcoin's Wave?

The crypto market is currently hopping with speculation that Bitcoin will climb to even greater heights. Crypto experts have analyzed and confirmed that Bitcoin can be traded at an average price of $89,430.39 during July 2025. They project it might fall as low as $87,745.17 or leap as high as $91,115.61. Anthony Scaramucci of SkyBridge Capital makes a very bullish prediction on Bitcoin, calling for a high of $170,000 in the next year. Marshall Beard, chief strategy officer of Gemini Exchange, forecasts Bitcoin to surge up to $150,000 by year’s end. Third, Cathie Wood of Ark Invest just became the biggest bull on Bitcoin’s future. She estimates that it will increase, perhaps to $1 million in the next five years. According to technical analysis, BTC is expected to cross the minimum price level of $267,441 in 2027. It can even reach a peak value of around $314,608.

Bitcoin's recent surge toward $97,000 on May 1st has further fueled optimism, signaling a potential breakout above the $100,000 threshold. This surge coincided with news of major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and Charles Schwab preparing to offer crypto trading to retail investors, suggesting increased mainstream adoption.

STX, currently trading around $0.74 (down 80% from its all-time high of $3.84 in April 2024), has historically mirrored Bitcoin's price growth. As a Bitcoin Layer-2 solution, it could skyrocket to $3.6 by early 2025. This bullish momentum will be led by Bitcoin’s bullish momentum. As Bitcoin’s growth continues it could trigger a BTC boom cycle and generate the same upward momentum for STX. If STX follows suit and capitalizes on the red-hot DeFi markets, it will have no trouble exceeding $260.

Key Insights

Here are some key insights regarding the potential of STX as a Bitcoin beta play:

  • Bitcoin Price Movement: Bitcoin is currently trading at around $88,300 and is expected to reach $100k, with a potential 1.5% move to the upside taking it back above $90k.
  • STX Price Correlation: STX has climbed nearly 7% overnight as Bitcoin surges toward $90k, and its growth is expected to be driven by Bitcoin's growth due to their price correlation.
  • Stacks (STX) Role: STX plays a critical role in the newly formed Bitcoin ecosystem as a smart contracting platform built on top of Bitcoin as a layer-2 solution.
  • Potential Growth: STX's price prediction indicates a short-term target of $3.6-$3.70, a long-term target of $100, and an ultra-long-term target of $250-$260 by 2045.
  • DeFi Markets: The growth in DeFi markets, particularly in Bitcoin DeFi, is expected to drive STX's growth, with the possibility of users migrating to Bitcoin DeFi from Ethereum, Solana, and other ecosystems.

Understanding Stacks (STX)

Stacks (STX) is a Layer-2 blockchain designed to allow for more complex smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) to be built on top of the Bitcoin network. This is important because Bitcoin, at least in its base design, does not have native smart contract capabilities. Stacks adds smart contracts to Bitcoin while keeping the main Bitcoin blockchain unchanged.

Bitcoin is the secure and decentralized foundation, while Stacks adds a layer of innovation and functionality on top. This allows developers to build applications that leverage Bitcoin's security and network effects while offering the advanced features found in other blockchain ecosystems like Ethereum.

During regular intervals, STX holders can participate in a unique process known as “stacking.” By staking their STX tokens, users are excited to earn Bitcoin rewards! This results in a totally unprecedented incentive alignment that tightly couples the interests of STX holders to those of Bitcoin miners.

Evaluating the Risks and Rewards

As with any cryptocurrency, investing in STX carries risks. While its correlation with Bitcoin's price movements presents an opportunity for potential gains, it means that STX is susceptible to Bitcoin's volatility.

Before investing in STX, it's crucial to conduct thorough research, understand the project's fundamentals, and assess your risk tolerance. Consider the following:

The future of Stacks is deeply connected to the growth of Bitcoin DeFi. As a result, more users and developers are keen to leverage Bitcoin’s security and decentralization for their decentralized finance applications. Stacks is uniquely positioned to be at the center of this movement.

  • Leveraged Bitcoin Exposure: STX can provide higher percentage gains than Bitcoin itself during bull markets.
  • Growth in Bitcoin DeFi: As the Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem expands, STX is poised to benefit from increased adoption and usage.
  • Stacking Rewards: Earning Bitcoin rewards through stacking can provide a passive income stream.

Charles Schwab recently announced plans to roll out spot crypto trading in the next year. If approved by regulators, this strategic expansion could send Bitcoin and STX prices soaring to new heights. This would make it easier to trade either, potentially increasing adoption and liquidity for both assets.

  • Volatility: STX is subject to the high volatility inherent in the cryptocurrency market.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty: Regulatory developments could impact the price and adoption of STX.
  • Competition: Other Layer-2 solutions and smart contract platforms may emerge, competing with STX.
  • Technology Risk: As a relatively new technology, STX is subject to potential bugs, security vulnerabilities, and other unforeseen issues.

There is a huge incentive for these users to move over to Bitcoin DeFi from ecosystems, including Ethereum and Solana. This contorted change is an important thing to dispute. Bitcoin’s brand recognition and economic security would make it desirable for users looking for a more secure and decentralized DeFi experience.

  1. Research the Team: Investigate the background and experience of the Stacks team and developers.
  2. Understand the Technology: Familiarize yourself with the Stacks blockchain and its underlying technology.
  3. Assess the Market Potential: Evaluate the potential growth of the Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem and STX's role within it.
  4. Diversify Your Portfolio: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your investments across different asset classes.
  5. Manage Your Risk: Only invest what you can afford to lose.

The Future of Stacks and Bitcoin DeFi

MetaBlock X is committed to providing you with a competitive edge. Together with our guidance, you’ll explore the dynamic crypto environment with confidence. We offer precision-oriented price analysis and Bitcoin market breaking news. Through intelligent staking intelligence and critical security information, we put the power in your hands so you can stake safely, choose wisely, and maximize your exposure to risk.

Bitcoin continues on its path toward $100,000…and beyond. Even if STX and other potential “beta plays” don’t succeed, the exploration will pay off in discovery of other great rewards. When making significant investments like a new bridge, it’s important to be cautious, do your homework, and understand the risks before proceeding. Equipped with the right knowledge and a disciplined approach, you can navigate the often tumultuous crypto frontier with clarity and confidence.

The potential for users to migrate to Bitcoin DeFi from other ecosystems like Ethereum and Solana is also a significant factor. Bitcoin's brand recognition and security could attract users seeking a more secure and decentralized DeFi experience.

Navigating the Crypto Frontier with Clarity

MetaBlock X is committed to providing you with the strategic edge you need to navigate the crypto landscape with confidence. From precision-driven price analysis and real-time Bitcoin updates to smart staking insights and essential security guidance, we empower you to make informed decisions and manage your risk effectively.

As Bitcoin continues its journey towards $100,000 and beyond, exploring potential "beta plays" like STX can be a rewarding strategy. However, it's crucial to approach such investments with caution, conduct thorough research, and understand the risks involved. With the right knowledge and a disciplined approach, you can navigate the crypto frontier with clarity and control.