Polymarket odds of Bitcoin under $55K at 72% as BTC market cap dives

CoinTelegraph

by Helen Partz

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin’s market capitalization dropped to $1.31 trillion, placing it at the 15th position globally by market cap as its price fell below $65,000. This decline has sparked increased bearish activity on Polymarket, a prediction market platform, with traders betting heavily on further price drops. The odds of Bitcoin (BTC) falling below $55,000 rose to 72%, accompanied by significant trading volumes of $1.2 million. Other bearish bets include Bitcoin dropping below $50,000 and $45,000, with probabilities of 61% and 47%, respectively, and respective trading volumes of $170,000 and $1.4 million. This shift in sentiment reflects a growing belief among traders that Bitcoin’s recent pullback may continue. The cryptocurrency’s price dipped below $65,000 over the weekend but stabilized slightly by Monday. This volatility has drawn heightened attention to Polymarket, where users can trade outcomes tied to specific price points. The increased volume on bearish bets suggests a growing consensus that Bitcoin’s current trajectory could lead to further declines. For crypto enthusiasts and investors, this development underscores the importance of monitoring market sentiment and adjusting strategies accordingly. While Bitcoin remains one of the largest assets globally, its recent struggles highlight broader market dynamics and investor uncertainty. As trading volumes on Polymarket indicate, the bearish outlook is gaining traction, signaling potential challenges ahead for the cryptocurrency. In a broader context, this shift in sentiment aligns with broader market trends, where risk-off behaviors and macroeconomic concerns have weighed on crypto markets. Bitcoin’s drop to $15th globally by market cap also highlights its vulnerability compared to traditional assets like gold and stocks. As institutional investors remain cautious, retail traders’ activity on platforms like Polymarket serves as an indicator of broader market sentiment. Ultimately, the increasing bearish bets on Bitcoin reflect a complex interplay of factors, including technical indicators, macroeconomic conditions, and investor psychology. For those interested in

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/23/2026