Bitcoin's Bleak January Extends Losing Streak to Four Consecutive Months

Bitcoin faces its worst January since 2022, marking a four-month losing streak. Geopolitical tensions and hawkish Fed speculation contribute to the downturn.

Bitcoin's Longest Monthly Slide Since 2018

Bitcoin is enduring a rough start to 2026, with the digital asset experiencing its worst January performance since 2022. Data indicates that unless a significant weekend rally occurs, Bitcoin is poised to close its fourth consecutive month in negative territory. This extended losing streak is the longest the cryptocurrency has seen since 2018, a period marked by the collapse of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) that sent the broader market into a tailspin.

Geopolitical Fears and Fed Speculation Dampen Spirits

Industry experts point to a confluence of factors contributing to Bitcoin's current slump. Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, highlighted heightened risk aversion stemming from escalating geopolitical crises. Investors are reportedly favoring traditional safe-haven assets over the typically volatile digital currency. "This shift reflects broader market behavior where bitcoin and other risk assets are treated more like high-beta plays tied to risk appetite, while real assets outperform during periods of stress," Chen explained. Adding to the uncertainty, the nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve has revived concerns about a more hawkish monetary policy, potentially sapping demand for speculative assets like Bitcoin.

ETF Outflows and Liquidations Signal Caution

The downturn is further evidenced by significant outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, which saw an exodus of $817.87 million on Thursday alone, bringing the weekly total to nearly $978 million. Crypto liquidations have also surged, reaching $1.8 billion in the past 24 hours, with a substantial portion, $792.78 million, affecting Bitcoin. Notably, the majority of these liquidations were from long positions, indicating a strong bearish sentiment among traders.

Technical Indicators and Market Sentiment

While short-term indicators show some retail buying emerging around the $84,000 mark, forming a tentative base, larger passive demand is observed in the $75,000-$81,000 range. However, analysts are cautious, awaiting confirmation of these bids. Technically, Bitcoin's four-hour chart shows a symmetrical triangle, suggesting a decisive move is imminent within 24-48 hours, though the direction remains uncertain. Near-term indicators like the RSI below its SMA and the MACD line under its signal line suggest bears still hold an edge, although the narrowing gap hints at fading bearish momentum.

A Glimmer of Hope?

Despite the current gloomy outlook, the crypto market, much like a stubborn New Yorker navigating a winter chill, always has the potential for an unexpected thaw. While the consecutive monthly losses are a tough pill to swallow, the resilience shown in previous downturns suggests that the digital gold might just be taking a breather before its next ascent. For now, it’s a waiting game, but history has taught us that in the world of Bitcoin, the only constant is change – and perhaps, the occasional comeback story.