Bitcoin Faces Longest Losing Streak Since 2018 Bear Market

Bitcoin's Four-Month Decline Signals Market Shift

The world's leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, is experiencing its longest losing streak since the 2018 bear market, with prices falling for four consecutive months through January 2026. The digital asset dropped nearly 11% in January alone, bringing its total decline to approximately 40% from its November 2025 peak of $126,000. This weekend saw Bitcoin dip below $76,000, a level not seen since early 2025, as investor sentiment continues to deteriorate.

Market Experts Point to Shifting Investment Priorities

According to market analysts, Bitcoin is facing a perfect storm of challenges including waning investor interest, regulatory uncertainty, and competition from traditional safe-haven assets. 'Bitcoin was news three years ago, not today,' states an analyst from Ferro BTC Volatility Fund. 'Investors are focusing more on AI stocks and traditional assets like gold and silver.' This sentiment is echoed by Paul Howard, director at crypto trading firm Wincent, who adds, 'I don't think we'll see a new record price for Bitcoin in 2026.'

Historical Context and Market Comparisons

The current four-month losing streak marks Bitcoin's longest period of consecutive monthly declines since 2018-2019, when the cryptocurrency experienced six straight negative months during that bear cycle. Even during the severe 2022 crypto winter, Bitcoin didn't record more than three consecutive monthly losses. The current decline represents a 36% drop from Bitcoin's October 2025 all-time high, according to data from CoinDesk.

Competition from Traditional Assets

While Bitcoin struggles, traditional safe-haven assets are seeing renewed interest. Gold has approached $6,000 per ounce as central banks make record purchases amid dollar weakness and inflation concerns, while silver maintained strong momentum with 142.6% growth in 2025, according to AInvest analysis. This divergence highlights how investors are increasingly viewing gold and silver as proven systemic hedges with crisis resilience, while Bitcoin remains a high-risk, speculative asset.

Technical Analysis and Future Outlook

Technical indicators suggest Bitcoin may be entering a bear market phase. The cryptocurrency has broken below the critical 365-day moving average for the first sustained period since early 2022. Key support levels are identified at $77,164 and $73,000, with potential further declines to $60,000 if these break, according to BTCC analysis. Despite spot price weakness, derivatives markets show some optimism with $8.5 billion in options expiring on January 30, 2026, featuring $900 million in $100,000 call options.

Institutional Outflows and Regulatory Pressure

The primary trigger for Bitcoin's recent decline appears to be massive institutional outflows from U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, totaling $817.9 million in a single day and $2.7 billion over two weeks in early 2026. Regulatory uncertainty continues to weigh on the market, with several countries implementing stricter cryptocurrency regulations. As Wikipedia notes, Bitcoin's use by criminals has attracted regulatory attention, leading to bans by several countries.

Long-Term Perspective

Despite the current downturn, Bitcoin has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout its history. From virtually worthless in 2008-2009 to reaching an all-time high of $126,000 in 2025, the cryptocurrency has weathered numerous cycles. Historical patterns indicate that crypto winters often precede bull runs, similar to the 2022 crash that preceded new highs. For long-term investors, this correction may represent a buying opportunity using dollar-cost averaging strategies.