Bitcoin posted a -23.21% return in Q1 2026 and marked the third-worst first-quarter efficiency since 2013 in keeping with CoinGlass knowledge.
Abstract
- Bitcoin fell 23% in Q1 2026, its third-worst first quarter on file.
- Ethereum dropped 32%, additionally marking its third-worst Q1 efficiency.
- Again-to-back quarterly losses observe the October 2025 market peak.
The loss falls far beneath Bitcoin’s (BTC) historic Q1 common of 45.90% and sits effectively beneath the median return of -2.26%.
Solely two prior first quarters posted worse efficiency: Q1 2018 at -49.7% and Q1 2014 at -37.42%.
Ethereum fared worse with -32.17% in Q1 2026, additionally the third-worst since 2016, trailing its historic Q1 common of 66.45% and median return of 4.37%.
Bitcoin historic Q1 sample exhibits combined efficiency throughout years
Bitcoin’s quarterly returns since 2013 present no constant first-quarter sample. Sturdy Q1 positive aspects in 2013 (+539.96%), 2021 (+103.17%), 2023 (+71.77%), and 2024 (+68.68%) distinction sharply with losses in 2014 (-37.42%), 2015 (-24.14%), 2018 (-49.7%), 2022 (-1.46%), 2025 (-11.82%), and 2026 (-23.21%).
The historic Q1 common of 45.90% will get pulled increased by excessive outliers like 2013’s +539.96% and 2021’s +103.17%.
The median Q1 return of -2.26% gives a extra correct image, exhibiting first quarters have a tendency towards slight losses extra usually than positive aspects.
This autumn traditionally posts the strongest efficiency with a 77.07% common and 47.73% median. Q2 averages 27.11% with a 7.57% median, whereas Q3 averages 6.05% with a 0.96% median.
Current years present rising volatility. 2024 posted sturdy positive aspects throughout Q1 (+68.68%), Q3 (+0.96%), and This autumn (+47.73%) whereas Q2 dropped -11.92%. 2025 noticed Q2 (+29.74%) and Q3 (+6.31%) positive aspects offset by Q1 (-11.82%) and This autumn (-23.07%) losses.
2026 Q1 decline follows October liquidation occasion
The Q1 2026 loss follows Bitcoin’s October 2025 all-time excessive and the October 10 liquidation occasion that triggered $19 billion in market-wide liquidations.
Bitcoin fell from $126,080 to present ranges round $66,000, a 48% decline from the height.
Q1 2026’s -23.21% return exceeds This autumn 2025’s -23.07% loss, creating back-to-back shedding quarters.
The final time Bitcoin posted consecutive quarterly declines occurred in 2022, which noticed losses throughout all 4 quarters: -1.46%, -56.2%, -2.57%, and -14.75%.
