Bitcoin (Crypto:BTC) investors enter 2026 with mixed sentiment after a volatile and expectation-defying year.
Coin Bureau co-founder Nic Puckrin said 2025 delivered more positives than many investors acknowledge.
He noted that disappointment stems largely from Bitcoin ending the year below key psychological levels.
Bitcoin struggled to hold the $90,000 mark as 2025 drew to a close.
Precious metals outperformed during the same period, drawing capital and attention away from crypto markets.
Despite the weak finish, Puckrin stressed that Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $126,000 in 2025.
He said that achievement alone marked a significant milestone in Bitcoin’s longer-term trajectory.
Institutional adoption accelerated during the year, strengthening Bitcoin’s market legitimacy.
Major asset managers acknowledged Bitcoin’s role within diversified investment portfolios.
BlackRock and Vanguard both recognised Bitcoin as a viable financial instrument.
It was also the year that saw BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) become one of the most successful launches of all time, while several altcoin ETFs were approved and have seen strong demand.
Nic Puckrin said.
He added that short-term sell-offs often obscure broader structural progress in the market.
Sometimes, during sell-offs, it can be hard to see the forest for the trees.
Nic Puckrin added.
Puckrin reminded investors that a $90,000 Bitcoin was unimaginable only a few years ago.
He contrasted Bitcoin’s consolidation with the strong rally in precious metals.
Gold and silver rose sharply during 2025, outperforming most major asset classes.
What has been particularly unexpected, however, is the stellar performance of precious metals.
Puckrin highlighted.
He attributed the rally to rate cuts, geopolitical tensions, and currency debasement concerns.
Ongoing instability in Venezuela also contributed to renewed safe-haven demand.
Puckrin acknowledged that Bitcoin failed to respond to traditional macroeconomic tailwinds.
Rate cut expectations and dollar weakness typically support Bitcoin prices.
He said this divergence does not invalidate Bitcoin’s long-term investment case.
Puckrin believes sustained macro pressures could reignite Bitcoin momentum in 2026.
He noted that momentum shifts can occur quickly across competing asset classes.
Heading into year-end, while precious metals and the US stock market are rallying, Bitcoin remains jittery.
Puckrin emphasised.
Large options expiries added short-term volatility late in the year.
Around $24 billion in Bitcoin options were set to expire on Boxing Day.
Puckrin said year-end price action should not be overinterpreted by investors.
What we see in the final days of 2025 will not dictate what happens next year.
Puckrin pointed out.
He outlined several macro catalysts that could shape markets in 2026.
These include the appointment of a new Federal Reserve Chair early in January.
Monetary and fiscal policy shifts are also expected to influence risk assets.
The US midterm elections could inject further volatility into global markets.
For crypto, regulatory clarity remains a major swing factor.
Puckrin highlighted the potential market impact of developments around the Clarity Bill.
Crucially, there’s still every possibility that Bitcoin will reverse course and hit new ATHs in 2026.
Puckrin remarked.
He suggested gold and silver may lose momentum as conditions evolve.
Puckrin expects US equities to continue benefiting from artificial intelligence trends.
He concluded that Bitcoin’s weak finish to 2025 says little about its 2026 potential.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $93,665.73.