Bitcoin and Ethereum are off to their worst start of the year in a decade—but some see a rebound in sight

Fortune

by Ben Weiss

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin and Ethereum are experiencing their worst start of the year in over a decade, with Bitcoin down nearly 24% to around $67,000 and Ethereum dropping about 34% to approximately $2,000. This sharp decline marks one of the most bearish periods for both cryptocurrencies since records began, according to data from CoinGecko. Despite minor gains on Friday, the broader crypto market continues to lag behind traditional assets like stocks and precious metals, which have seen positive performances so far this year. The divergence between the crypto market and traditional financial markets has led many industry experts to declare the onset of a new "Crypto Winter." This comes despite Bitcoin reaching all-time highs just four months ago. Analysts note that investor sentiment remains subdued, with even good news failing to提振 prices significantly. The situation is compounded by recent challenges in the crypto sector, including a massive $19 billion flash crash in October following tariff threats from President Donald Trump and subsequent struggles for major exchanges like Coinbase and Gemini. The prolonged decline has left many in the crypto community puzzled, as it lacks an obvious catalyst such as the collapse of major platforms like FTX last year. Despite this lack of clarity, some analysts remain optimistic about the long-term future of cryptocurrencies. They argue that crypto's underlying infrastructure is strengthening and that the current downturn could be temporary, with opportunities for recovery emerging in the near future. For readers interested in business and finance, this situation highlights the volatility and risks associated with cryptocurrency investments. While the market has seen significant growth and acceptance over the past few years, it remains highly unpredictable. The ongoing struggles of major players like BlockFills, which suspended withdrawals due to heavy losses, underscore the challenges faced by even established crypto firms. Despite these setbacks, some industry insiders believe that crypto's integration into mainstream finance and regulatory acceptance in the U.S. could signal a rebound. Analysts suggest that the current downturn may be an opportunity for long-term investors to accumulate assets at discounted prices. As the market continues to evolve, its ability to adapt and recover will likely determine its future trajectory.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/20/2026