Bitcoin (BTC) has started the year with a strong upward momentum, sparking enthusiasm among supporters who anticipate that 2026 could bring substantial gains.
Conversely, some market watchers predict that the upcoming year may favor bears, expecting a significant downturn instead.
The Optimistic Outlook
In 2025, Bitcoin experienced notable highs, reaching an all-time peak exceeding $126,000 in early October. However, the subsequent months were challenging as BTC ended the year near $87,000—a decline marking its first post-halving annual loss.
Despite this setback, many analysts remain confident about 2026’s prospects. Twitter user KAY highlighted BTC’s recent rebound above $90,000 and identified an “Adam and Eve” chart pattern forming. This pattern suggests a brief dip followed by a rounded bottom shape. According to KAY’s analysis, breaking decisively past $94,000 would signal renewed bullish control over the market.
More optimistic voices like JAVON MARKS and Crypto GEMS project even higher targets: Marks anticipates BTC climbing back to around $126,200 while Crypto GEMS envisions it soaring to approximately $210,000 within this year.
This week also saw Ali Martinez report nearly 20,000 BTC withdrawn from exchanges in just seven days—valued at close to $1.8 billion USD—bolstering bullish sentiment. Moving coins off centralized platforms into private wallets typically reduces selling pressure; conversely increased exchange holdings might hint at preparation for selling activity.
A Potential Major Decline?
On the other hand are those forecasting bleak outcomes for Bitcoin throughout 2026. Twitter user CryptoBullet described Bitcoin’s performance in 2025 as “very bad” and dismissed any chance of new all-time highs next year.
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“If you believe this wasn’t the cycle top and expect BTC to hit new ATHs in 2026, you’re mistaken,” they asserted.
A number of experts argue that Bitcoin's traditional four-year cycle may no longer apply reliably. Yet if it still does hold true for now, some warn about a steep price drop possibly occurring as soon as January. For example, Twitter user Chiefy stated:
“If this four-year cycle remains valid, BTC could plunge down to around $32,000 — if you aren't ready for such a scenario, youd better prepare yourself.”
Additionally, Crypto Caeser predicted that Bitcoin might trade sideways within quite broad limits between roughly $80,687 & $98,880 “bracing” a prolonged period ahead.”
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