Bitcoin Drops 23% in First 50 Trading Days of 2026, Marking Worst Annual Start on Record

Odaily News Bitcoin has fallen 23% in the first 50 trading days of 2026, marking its worst annual start on record. Bitcoin declined 10% in January and fell a further 15% in February. If the downtrend continues, this would be the first time in Bitcoin's history that it has recorded losses for two consecutive months (January and February), and it could also mark the weakest consecutive monthly performance since 2022. On-chain data platform Checkonchain pointed out that in typical down years, the average index reading on the 50th day is 0.84, while the current reading is 0.77, highlighting the significant magnitude of this pullback. Notably, Bitcoin fell 17% in 2025. Historically, years following U.S. presidential elections generally outperform election years and most up years overall, making this ongoing period of weakness particularly pronounced. (CoinDesk)