Bitcoin showed the worst dynamics in many years at the beginning of 2026

The first quarter of 2026 turned out to be extremely unsuccessful for bitcoin: according to the CoinGlass analytical platform, the leading cryptocurrency lost 22.2% of its value in the first three months of the year. This is the weakest start to the new year for BTC since 2018, when the asset fell by almost 50% over the same period.

The negative trend has been building gradually for several months. After reaching an all-time high of $ 126,198 in October 2025, bitcoin entered a prolonged decline phase. In November, it lost more than 17.5%, in December — another 3%, and in January and February 2026, it recorded double-digit drops. Thus, from October to February inclusive, there was a series of five consecutive unprofitable months — a characteristic sign of a bear market.