Bitcoin Falls Again. Why Cryptos Are Entering a 'Decisive Phase.' — Barrons.com
By Jack DentonBitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were falling Monday as digital assets continued a period of stagnant trading — but there may be more than meets the eye in this quiet patch for cryptos.The price of Bitcoin fell less than 1% over the past 24 hours and was hovering around $87,000 early in the day, according to CoinDesk data. The largest digital asset has remained below $90,000 for weeks now, consolidating around levels that mark a 30% decline from its record high above $125,000 in October.While those bearish on Bitcoin may see the recent lackluster price moves as evidence of the faddish nature of cryptos, one analyst views this period as a moment that will decide Bitcoin's next step."Bitcoin is entering a decisive phase following a significant correction in the final quarter of 2025," said Linh Tran, an analyst at broker XS.com.Tran views Bitcoin as being in a phase of maturation, with the macroeconomic outlook — including the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates — being the most important catalyst for major price trends in crypto.While maturation may be good news in the long-run, it does little to satisfy traders that have been betting on a comeback for Bitcoin — and Tran's outlook for prices suggests that a return to record highs may not come soon.Bitcoin's outlook for Q1 2026 leans more toward a scenario of stability and renewed accumulation rather than a strong growth phase at the beginning of the year," said Tran. "Price fluctuations may remain within a range of approximately $80,000 to $100,000."Beyond Bitcoin, Ethereum — the second-largest crypto — fell 0.5% and remained below the $3,000 level. Smaller cryptos or altcoins were also falling, with XRP and Solana both edging lower, and Dogecoin down 0.3%.This content was created by Barron's, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. Barron's is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.