Bitcoin Falls Again. Why Cryptos Are Entering a ‘Decisive Phase.’

Bitcoin remains stuck below $90,000 heading into the final few days of 2025. (Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

Key Points

• Bitcoin fell less than 1% over 24 hours to around $87,000, remaining below $90,000 for weeks.
• The current price reflects a 30% decline from Bitcoin’s record high above $125,000 in October.
• An analyst predicts Bitcoin’s first quarter 2026 outlook leans towards stability, with prices ranging from $80,000 to $100,000.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were falling Monday as digital assets continued a period of stagnant trading—but there may be more than meets the eye in this quiet patch for cryptos.

The price of Bitcoin fell less than 1% over the past 24 hours and was hovering around $87,000 early in the day, according to CoinDesk data. The largest digital asset has remained below $90,000 for weeks now, consolidating around levels that mark a 30% decline from its record high above $125,000 in October.

While those bearish on Bitcoin may see the recent lackluster price moves as evidence of the faddish nature of cryptos, one analyst views this period as a moment that will decide Bitcoin’s next step.

“Bitcoin is entering a decisive phase following a significant correction in the final quarter of 2025,” said Linh Tran, an analyst at broker XS.com.

Tran views Bitcoin as being in a phase of maturation, with the macroeconomic outlook—including the Federal Reserve’s next move on interest rates—being the most important catalyst for major price trends in crypto.

While maturation may be good news in the long-run, it does little to satisfy traders that have been betting on a comeback for Bitcoin—and Tran’s outlook for prices suggests that a return to record highs may not come soon.

Bitcoin’s outlook for Q1 2026 leans more toward a scenario of stability and renewed accumulation rather than a strong growth phase at the beginning of the year,” said Tran. “Price fluctuations may remain within a range of approximately $80,000 to $100,000.”

Beyond Bitcoin, Ethereum —the second-largest crypto—fell 0.5% and remained below the $3,000 level. Smaller cryptos or altcoins were also falling, with XRP and Solana both edging lower, and Dogecoin down 0.3%.