Bitcoin price nears the end of 2025 under pressure even after a new October record near $126,000. Bitcoin traded near $87,000 to $89,000 on December 27 after a volatile year. 

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index stood at 20 on December 26 and stayed in extreme fear territory. Furthermore, Bitcoin fell by 3% over the past 30 days as traders reduced leverage, with derivative markets showing lighter open interest on major venues during the month.

Samson Mow Labels 2025 a Bear Phase for Bitcoin

Jan3 founder Samson Mow called 2025 a bear market and predicted a decade-long Bitcoin bull run. Mow said on X that Bitcoin already lived through its bear market in 2025. He told Bitcoin could now start a bull run that lasts into 2035. Bitcoin analyst PlanC supported that view, pointing to yearly candles.

PlanC said Bitcoin has never closed two consecutive years in the red. Bitcoin fell about 9% from its January opening level, based on market data. The decline kept Bitcoin below several late-year targets from high-profile forecasters.

Some analysts also track year-end liquidity and large options expiries for short-term volatility. According to analysts, the $90,000 zone acts as near-term resistance, and the $85,000 area as a key support. Any breakout above $92,650 could shift momentum, while failure could extend the range.

Analysts Debate Whether October Marked the Cycle Top

Some market watchers treated Bitcoin’s October all-time high as a cycle peak. They argued that 2026 could mark the start of a new bear market after a cooling period.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt projected a potential drop toward $60,000 by 2026’s third quarter. Fidelity macro researcher Jurrien Timmer said 2026 could be a “year off,” with a $65,000 risk.

Other executives cited stronger demand signals and a steadier market structure. Strategy CEO Phong Le said Bitcoin’s fundamentals held up during 2025 despite weaker sentiment.

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan said 2026 could still deliver a bullish year for Bitcoin. He tied that view to broader adoption and more routes for traditional investors.

Also Read: Russian Officer Jailed for Bitcoin Theft as Market Prices Slide

SEC Filings and On-Chain Signals Point to Institutional Focus

Mentions of blockchain in SEC filings rose to around 8,000 in 2025 and stayed elevated into November. Bitcoin led many of those references as spot Bitcoin ETFs expanded access for large allocators.

US policy updates also reduced uncertainty for some firms entering crypto markets. The GENIUS Act set stablecoin reserve and disclosure rules, while lawmakers advanced a bill on market structure.

Japanese researchers reported that blockchain transaction networks can flag significant Bitcoin swings early. They said AI models can track influential wallets and network nodes that precede price anomalies.

Corporate treasuries in Japan also increased Bitcoin exposure during late December purchases. ANAP reported buying about 109.3551 BTC, while Metaplanet reported holding about 30,823 BTC.