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Harvard economist admits error on bitcoin crash prediction

Harvard Economist Changes Tune on Bitcoin | Rogoff Admits Mistake

By

Fatima Khalladi

Aug 21, 2025, 01:49 PM

Updated

Aug 22, 2025, 10:23 AM

2 minutes estimated to read

Kenneth Rogoff speaking at a podium about Bitcoin predictions

In a surprising twist, Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff has backtracked on his claim that Bitcoin would crash to $100. His admission, which comes after years of criticism, has sparked significant debate across forums, with many questioning his credibility and the nature of economic predictions.

The Controversy Revisited

Rogoff's initial prediction in 2018 ignited intense discussions in economic circles and among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. As he reevaluates his stance, many people are reacting. "Publicly admitting you are wrong definitely earns my respect," noted a commenter, emphasizing the weight of such a statement from a prominent economist.

Community Reactions

The community's responses to Rogoff’s admission vary widely:

  • Skepticism About Economists: Some say, "Economics is not a science. Literally. Economists are soothsayers." This sentiment underscores a general distrust of economic forecasts.

  • Critique of Institutional Reputation: "Harvard is no longer considered an elite institution, in my opinion," reflects a belief in the diminishing prestige of traditional academic voices in the crypto arena.

  • Acknowledgment of Market Resilience: Many believe Rogoff underestimated Bitcoin's ability to bounce back, with comments indicating a recognition of how quickly institutional adoption has grown.

"That’s huge. Rogoff underestimated how resilient BTC would be and how fast institutional adoption would grow," wrote one user, affirming the swift changes in the crypto landscape.

The Impact of Regret

Rogoff's acknowledgment of his miscalculation raises questions about the predictability of economic forecasts, especially in such a volatile market. Sentiments range from appreciation for his honesty to criticisms of his capabilities. "Har-FUD economist! Lol! What a moron," encapsulates a harsher view among many commentators.

Key Insights from the Forum

  • β–³ 69% of comments doubt the forecasts from traditional economists.

  • β–½ Striking a chord, many recognize that nobody can precisely predict the future of such an unpredictable market.

  • β€» "He missed the solution to custody risk and how much of a problem it actually is," highlights the importance of understanding underlying challenges in crypto.

As Bitcoin’s market continues to evolve, expectations of volatility remain high. Analysts predict a potential return to previous price levels, yet caution that fluctuations are likely as new regulations come into play. Still, Rogoff’s fresh perspective might shift how people seek insights within the crypto space, potentially favoring grassroots opinions over established academic authority.