JPMorgan has just dropped a bold target for $BTC: $165K. The firm cited gold’s record-setting run and the growing ‘debasement trade’ as tailwinds.

At the same time, Uptober is living up to its name, with despite the U.S. government shutdown, proving just how resilient this market has become.

Historically, when Bitcoin asserts dominance like this, it doesn’t take long for capital to rotate into the , as that’s often where the larger gains emerge.

With momentum building, hot alternatives like , , and are catching attention as potential breakout plays during Q4.

JPMorgan’s $165K Call + Uptober Momentum

JPMorgan analysts forecast by benchmarking it against gold on a volatility-adjusted basis.

Their thesis is simple: if gold can rip to record highs on currency debasement fears, Bitcoin (the harder, more portable alternative) should eventually catch up. That’s what analysts refer to as the ‘debasement trade,’ where investors hedge against fiat erosion by piling into scarce assets like gold and Bitcoin.

Flows back this up. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have experienced significant retail inflows since late 2024, with approximately 605.18 K Bitcoin added . Institutions are still net buyers via CME futures, though retail has been leading the charge. JPMorgan’s model suggests Bitcoin remains undervalued by about $45K compared to gold.

On the charts, Uptober is firing yet again. Bitcoin already broke $120K, extending a run that fits with historical October trends, where Bitcoin has been in existence.

Even the US government shutdown, which left the SEC and CFTC underpowered, hasn’t dented momentum. If anything, it’s underscored Bitcoin’s resilience. When $BTC sets the tone, liquidity often rotates into the top altcoins.

With structural support for Bitcoin now clear, investors are eyeing these three with outsized upside potential during the next leg higher:

1. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) – First Real Bitcoin Layer 2

is behind the first genuine Bitcoin Layer 2. It’s not a side chain, not wrapped $BTC, but a full execution layer powered by (SVM).

The project uses a trustless bridge to mint $BTC on Hyper, enabling sub-second transactions with near-zero gas fees. regularly anchor activity back to Bitcoin Layer 1, keeping the network secure while unlocking the speed and flexibility $BTC has always lacked.

That means Bitcoin is no longer just a ‘store of value.’ It can finally host dApps, , and DeFi. For traders, that’s a huge deal. If JPMorgan’s $165K projection plays out, $HYPER is positioned to absorb the next wave of liquidity as Bitcoin demand spills into higher-beta plays.

Numbers show conviction is already building. The presale has raised over $21M to date, with . The tokens are priced at just $0.013045; however, a price of $0.02595 by the end of the year. Early buyers can also stake with 56% APY.

Bitcoin Hyper is effectively trying to give Bitcoin its ‘Ethereum 2017 moment,’ by transforming it from a vault into a usable financial layer.

With Uptober momentum carrying $BTC higher, $HYPER’s narrative looks increasingly aligned.

2. Best Wallet Token ($BEST) – Web3 Wallet Power Play

has already carved out a reputation as one of the most advanced on the market, offering a cleaner, more intuitive alternative to MetaMask.

With features like built-in presale access, integrated portfolio tracking, and top-tier , it’s quickly become a go-to hub for crypto newcomers and veterans alike.

The is designed to take that ecosystem to the next level. As the native asset, $BEST powers reduced transaction fees, early access to on presale, staking rewards, and ecosystem governance. It effectively ‘gamifies’ wallet engagement.

One of the most highly anticipated additions is Best Card, a crypto debit card that allows you to spend directly from your wallet balance anywhere Mastercard is accepted, complete with cashback rewards.

Combined with the presale hub, this will make Best Wallet a one-stop shop where Web3 meets everyday finance.

Investors have already bought in, with over $16.2M raised so far. Tokens are priced at $0.025735, but as a possibility by 2030. Staking yields are as high as 81% APY, allowing $BEST to position itself as both a utility token and a growth play.

As Uptober drives fresh adoption, are the first gateway, and demand should explode.

3. Aster ($ASTER) – High-Volume DEX Challenger

If Uptober keeps fueling risk appetite, are set to capture a major share of the flows. And is already proving it can handle the surge.

The multi-chain DEX runs on BNB, Ethereum, Solana, and Arbitrum, offering perpetuals, spot trading, and unique features like hidden orders.

Its big draw is MEV-free, one-click execution in Simple Mode, while Pro Mode caters to advanced traders with stock perps and grid strategies.

The volumes tell the story. Aster processed over the last 24 hours and $463.1B over the past week. Spot activity is surging too, hitting $1.11B in volume, while the project’s . Few DEXs outside of Hyperliquid can rival that pace.

Aster is aiming to scale even further. The team is rolling out Aster Chain, a blockchain built specifically for trading utilities – not another generalized EVM chain, but a network focused on liquidity, transparency, and smoother UX.

They’re also planning community-guided buybacks that recycle income into $ASTER without locking the project into rigid schedules.

With backing from YZi Labs and open endorsement from Binance founder CZ, Aster has heavyweight credibility.

And with $BTC momentum driving leverage demand, $ASTER looks primed to keep absorbing liquidity during this Uptober rally.

Recap: JPMorgan’s $165K call and Bitcoin’s Uptober rally past $120K show how resilient the market has become, even amid a U.S. government shutdown. For alt seekers, , , and stand out as projects positioned to capture the next wave of momentum.

This article is not financial advice. Crypto carries inherent risks so please do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you are willing to lose. Authored by Aidan Weeks, NewsBTC —