Bitcoin posts worst first quarter since 2018, falling 24%
Bitcoin experienced its worst first quarter since 2018, dropping 24% to $66,619 due to ETF outflows and macroeconomic uncertainty.Summary
Bitcoin (BTC) concluded the first quarter of 2026 with a 23.8% decline, marking its most significant first-quarter loss since 2018. The cryptocurrency closed the quarter at $66,619, down from $87,508 at the start of the year. This drop extends a previous 23% decline in the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in a total loss of approximately 41.6% over six months. Analysts attribute the downturn to ETF outflows, persistent inflation, a cautious Federal Reserve, and broader market risk aversion, compounded by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, long-term conviction in Bitcoin remains strong, with experts noting continued institutional participation and adoption. A reversal of the trend in the second quarter of 2026 will likely require renewed ETF inflows, clearer regulatory guidance, and a more favorable macroeconomic environment.
(Source：The Block)