Bitcoin Slides 22% in Q1 2026, Faces Worst Start Since 2018 Bear Market

Bitcoin is on track for its weakest first quarter since 2018 after falling 22.3% since the beginning of the year. The digital asset started January trading near $87,700 and has since declined to around $68,000, erasing roughly $20,000 in value in less than three months.

If losses persist through March, this would mark Bitcoin’s poorest Q1 showing since the 2018 bear market, when prices plunged nearly 50% in the first three months, according to historical market data. Over the past 13 years, Bitcoin has closed the first quarter in negative territory seven times, highlighting the period’s volatility. Recent declines include Q1 2025 (-11.8%) and Q1 2020 (-10.8%).

First-Ever Consecutive Red January and February?

Bitcoin is also at risk of posting back to back losses in January and February for the first time in its history. The asset fell 10.2% in January and is down 13.4% so far in February. A recovery above $80,000 would be needed to reverse February’s downturn.

Market analysts describe the current slide as a correction rather than a structural breakdown. Broader macroeconomic uncertainty has pressured risk assets, but historical patterns show Bitcoin often rebounds strongly later in the year, particularly around institutional adoption trends and halving-cycle momentum.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.