Analysis: While the crypto market sentiment remains "extremely panicked," analysts say BTC will not fall for two consecutive years.

According to data from Alternative, the cryptocurrency fear and greed index hit 23 today, marking two consecutive weeks of "extreme fear." This means that market sentiment has been hovering near low levels for most of December, making it difficult to achieve Tom Lee's previous price prediction of $250,000 this year.

Industry analysts currently have differing opinions on Bitcoin's performance in 2026. Those holding bullish views include: PlanC, who believes that Bitcoin has never experienced two consecutive years of annual decline and has survived the bear market, so it will usher in a bull market next year; Strategy CEO Phong Le, who points out that Bitcoin's fundamentals remain strong; and Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan, who is also optimistic about the rise next year.

Those holding a bearish view include: veteran trader Peter Brandt, who believes Bitcoin will fall to $60,000 in the third quarter of 2026; and Jurrien Timmer, global head of macroeconomic research at Fidelity, who said 2026 could be a "downturn year" for Bitcoin, with prices potentially falling to the $65,000 range.