Bitcoin in the first quarter of 2026: investors are assessing growth potential, not collapse

Starting in 2026, Bitcoin accounts for a minus 3.17% from the beginning of the previous year, with a current price of $91.55K. Despite initial hopes for significant price growth of the main cryptocurrency during the holiday season, the market turned out to be much calmer than expected. However, analysts are convinced that the bitter end of the previous year does not predict a major crash of the largest crypto asset within the next three months.

Experts revise forecasts and analyze the actual prospects of BTC

Anthony Pompliano, a recognized specialist in Bitcoin investing, emphasized an important observation in his recent speech before leading financial audiences: price stagnation in the final quarter of the previous bullish phase does not align with traditional scenarios of 70-80% declines, as many analysts predicted.

“Bitcoin’s volatility has significantly decreased, but we are not observing a classic 80% crash, as is usually expected during such periods,” he noted. The investor added that the long-term trajectory of the asset remains positive: over the past two years, the cryptocurrency has provided a growth of about 100%, and over three years — around 300%. These figures demonstrate exponential growth in value due to compound interest.

Why the first quarter of 2026 will be decisive

The first three months of this year are recognized by analysts as a critical checkpoint for the entire crypto market. Traders and investors will closely monitor Bitcoin’s dynamics to understand whether this cycle remains a growth potential or is already at a peak.

Market expert Daan Crypto Trades characterized the previous month as a relatively balanced period, with restrained activity and lower trading volume. However, he predicts that the first months of 2026 will bring a more dynamic situation.

Institutional players’ expertise: VanEck provides insights

Professional asset management firm VanEck published its own review of the current situation. According to their assessment, Bitcoin will withstand entering 2026 with “mixed but constructive” signals, indicating continued market enthusiasm while exercising caution.

The company’s leadership expects that a period of consolidation is the more likely scenario than a sudden jump or sharp decline in value. This forecast aligns with Pompliano’s comments on reduced volatility and transition to a stabilization phase after turbulent periods of previous years.

Thus, the next three months will be a key indicator of whether the current wave of growth has the potential for further development or if stabilization at the achieved levels will lead to a pause.