Bitcoin in Negative Territory for the Year: Bear Market Analysis and Outlook

Bitcoin records negative appreciation in 2025, erasing year's gains. Comprehensive analysis of the factors leading to the downturn, impact on investors and what to expect for the coming months.

By Jonatha Pereira
Bitcoin em queda - Análise do mercado baixista

Here is the translated text:

bitcoin Wipes Out Year's Gains

The bitcoin (BTC) has officially entered negative territory in 2025, completely erasing the gains accumulated since January. The world's leading cryptocurrency, which reached historic highs above $126,000, is now trading with negative valuation for the year.

This move marks one of the most challenging periods for bitcoin investors since the 2022 market downturn, raising important questions about the cryptocurrency's future and what investors can expect in the coming months.

The Numbers of the Fall

Annual Performance

  • 📉 Yearly valuation: -5% to -10%
  • 💰 Historic high: ~$126,300
  • 📊 Current price: ~$90,000 - $92,000
  • 🔻 Fall from the top: -30%

Factors Behind the Fall

1. Macroeconomic Pressure

High Interest Rates

  • Federal Reserve maintains restrictive monetary policy
  • High capital costs reduce appetite for risk assets
  • Investors migrate to fixed-income securities with guaranteed returns

Persistent Inflation

  • Despite being controlled, inflation still concerns
  • Central banks reluctant to cut interest rates aggressively
  • Global economic uncertainty increases

2. Institutional Capital Outflow

Bitcoin ETFs

  • First-time negative flows since launch
  • Institutional investors taking profits
  • Reduction of exposure to crypto assets

Whales Selling

  • Large holders realizing profits
  • Increased selling pressure
  • Reduced market liquidity

3. Technical Factors

Breaking Critical Supports

  • Loss of 200-day moving average
  • Break of important supports
  • Bearish technical patterns confirmed

Declining Volume

  • Reduced retail interest
  • Lower participation from traders
  • Fragmented liquidity

4. Market Sentiment

Fear and Greed Index

  • Extreme levels of fear
  • Retail capitulation
  • Dominant negative narrative

Historical Perspective

💡 In previous cycles, periods of negative valuation were followed by significant recoveries. bitcoin has fallen over 80% in previous market downturns.

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Impact on Investors

ETF Investors

First-Time Red

  • ETF spot investors in the red
  • Average entry price above current prices
  • Test of conviction for institutional holders

Retail Investors

Capitulation in Progress

  • Many selling at a loss
  • Fear of further declines
  • Reduction of positions

Miners

Pressure on Margins

  • High energy costs
  • Reduced revenue with low prices
  • Some miners selling reserves

Comparison with Previous Cycles

2022 - Post-Luna/FTX Market Downturn

Metric20222025 (Current)
Fall from the Top-77%-30%
Duration12+ months3-4 months
Recovery18 months?
FundamentalsWeakStrong

2018 - Post-Bull Run Market Downturn

Metric20182025 (Current)
Fall from the Top-84%-30%
Duration14 months3-4 months
Recovery24+ months?
AdoptionLowHigh

Key Differences

✅ Unlike 2018 and 2022, bitcoin fundamentals in 2025 are significantly stronger, with consolidated institutional adoption and mature infrastructure.

What Analysts Say

Pessimistic View

Bearish Arguments:

  • Break of important technical supports
  • Macroeconomic environment still unfavorable
  • Possible further decline to $75,000 - $80,000
  • 4-year cycle may be broken

Optimistic View

Bullish Arguments:

  • Stronger fundamentals than ever
  • Institutional adoption continues
  • 2024 halving not yet priced in
  • Opportunity for accumulation

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Neutral View

Balanced Analysis:

  • Consolidation necessary after parabolic rise
  • Healthy correction of 30-40% is normal
  • Next 3-6 months will define direction
  • Patience is essential

Strategies for Different Profiles

For Long-Term Holders

Recommendations:

  1. ✅ Maintain calm and long-term perspective
  2. ✅ Consider DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)
  3. ✅ Do not sell in panic
  4. ✅ Review your investment thesis
  5. ✅ Diversify if necessary

For Active Traders

Strategies:

  1. 📊 Wait for confirmation of reversal
  2. 📉 Use stop-loss rigorously
  3. 📈 Seek clear support levels
  4. ⚠️ Reduce position size
  5. 🎯 Set realistic targets

For New Investors

Guidelines:

  1. 🎓 Educate yourself before investing
  2. 💰 Start with small values
  3. ⏰ Think in years, not days
  4. 🔍 Do your own research
  5. ⚖️ Never invest more than you can lose

Important Technical Levels

Supports

Short-Term:

  • $88,000 - $90,000 (current)
  • $85,000 (intermediate support)
  • $80,000 (strong support)

Medium-Term:

  • $75,700 (MVRV -0.5σ)
  • $70,000 (psychological support)
  • $65,000 (last resort)

Resistances

Short-Term:

  • $95,000 (immediate resistance)
  • $100,000 (psychological)
  • $105,000 (strong resistance)

Medium-Term:

  • $110,000 (previous top)
  • $120,000 (distribution zone)
  • $126,300 (historic high)

Scenarios for the Next Few Months

Scenario 1: V-Shaped Recovery (30%)

Characteristics:

  • Rapid reversal above $100,000
  • Retake of the uptrend
  • New test of highs by Q1 2026

Triggers:

  • Aggressive interest rate cut by the Fed
  • Massive institutional capital inflow
  • Unexpected positive catalyst

Scenario 2: Lateral Consolidation (50%)

Characteristics:

  • Range between $80,000 - $100,000
  • Accumulation for 3-6 months
  • Gradual recovery in 2026

Triggers:

  • Macro stabilization
  • Neutral ETF flows
  • Absence of strong catalysts
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Scenario 3: Further Decline (20%)

Characteristics:

  • Test of $70,000 - $75,000
  • Final capitulation
  • Base for a 2026 rally

Triggers:

  • Global recession
  • Crypto market crisis
  • Aggressive regulation

⚠️ Warning: Scenarios are speculative and based on technical and fundamental analysis. The crypto market is highly volatile and unpredictable.

Lessons from the Market Downturn

1. Volatility is Normal

Falls of 30-40% are part of the natural cycle of bitcoin. Long-term investors should be prepared.

2. Fundamentals Matter

Despite the price fall, bitcoin fundamentals (adoption, infrastructure, technology) continue to improve.

3. Timing is Difficult

Trying to catch tops and bottoms is extremely challenging. DCA is a more consistent strategy.

4. Emotion is an Enemy

Decisions based on fear or greed rarely are good. Maintain discipline and strategy.

5. Diversification Protects

Having diversified exposure reduces risk and stress during falls.

Conclusion: Opportunity or Trap?

The negative valuation of bitcoin in 2025 represents a crucial test for the crypto market. While the price falls, fundamentals remain solid:

Positive Points:

  • ✅ Consolidated institutional adoption
  • ✅ ETFs operating normally
  • ✅ More mature infrastructure
  • ✅ Recent halving (2024)
  • ✅ Intact scarcity program

Negative Points:

  • ❌ Unfavorable macro environment
  • ❌ Negative sentiment
  • ❌ Negative ETF flows
  • ❌ Broken technical supports
  • ❌ Regulatory uncertainty

The $1 Trillion Question

Are we facing a buying opportunity or the start of a prolonged market downturn?

The answer depends on your time horizon:

  • Short-term (3-6 months): Uncertain, expected volatility
  • Medium-term (6-12 months): Probable recovery
  • Long-term (2-4 years): Positive prospects

Remember: Invest only what you can lose, do your own research, and maintain a long-term perspective. Market downturns create millionaires, but only for those with patience and discipline.

Additional Resources

Key Points

  • 📉 bitcoin in negative territory for the first time since 2022
  • 💰 30% fall from historic high of $126,300
  • 🏦 ETF investors in the red for the first time
  • 📊 Fundamentals remain strong despite the fall
  • 🎯 Important support levels at $75K-80K
  • ⏰ Recovery may take 3-12 months
  • ✅ Opportunity for accumulation for long-term investors
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