How was Bitcoin's performance in the first quarter of 2026

According to the CoinGape report for the first quarter of 2026, Bitcoin lost 22.6% in the first quarter, dropping below $64,000 on February 6 for the first time since September 2024.

The intense selling began on January 29 with a sharp 15% decline in one day, from $96,000 to $80,000, then worsened after Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warch, known for his hardline stance, which pushed Bitcoin’s price below $80,000. The fear and greed index reached 6, its lowest level since the FTX platform collapse.

The rally that took Bitcoin to $70,000 in mid-February (based on weaker CPI data) was halted due to U.S. strikes on Iran, although March saw a partial rebound above $70,000.

In comparison, Bitcoin ended the first quarter of 2025 up 5% in a more accommodative macroeconomic environment.

Ethereum’s performance in the first quarter of 2026
Ethereum’s price dropped 35%, reaching $1,820 on February 6 (its lowest since May 2025), after being $2,800 at the start of the year. Ethereum’s performance was weaker than Bitcoin’s due to poor ETF fund flows. For example, BlackRock’s ETHA fund experienced net outflows of 258,190 ETH, and Ethereum ETFs continued to decline during recovery periods.

Despite the price decline, Ethereum maintained over 56% of the total value locked in decentralized finance (DeFi), a stablecoin base worth $164 billion, and quarterly fees of $34.67 million. The slight rally in March above $2,115 was halted by geopolitical shocks.

In comparison, Ethereum gained 12% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by favorable factors such as ETF approvals.

Bitcoin price forecasts for Q2 2026
Bitcoin is expected to experience volatility in Q2. The key support level is currently at $64,000, while resistance levels range between $70,000 and $72,000. Potential catalysts include demand for new alternative ETF products, continued accumulation of DAT tokens (Stratigi added 42,114 BTC in Q1; MetaPlanet raised $137 million for further purchases), and possible signals from the Federal Reserve regarding easing monetary policy later in Q2.

For a deeper analysis, read the Bitcoin price forecast for Q2 2026.

Ethereum price forecasts for Q2 2026
Ethereum’s trajectory in Q2 depends on the Shanghai upgrade (first half of 2026), which targets first-layer efficiency and fair market value through the ePBS system. Structural support comes from the dominance of decentralized finance in total value locked (over 56%), the leadership in risk-weighted asset tokenization (66% market share, $14.6 billion), and a stablecoin base worth $164 billion.

For Ethereum (ETH), key levels are currently at support at $1,820 and resistance between $2,100 and $2,300. Capital inflows into Ethereum ETFs (ETH ETF) need to stabilize to achieve any sustainable rebound.