In 2025, Bitcoin defied bullish forecasts, ending the year at $87,000, disappointing many in the crypto world. Despite starting strong at $102,000, it fell to $76,000 in April, peaked at $126,000 in October, and traded sideways to close the year. The gap between predictions and reality remains large.

ARK Invest’s CEO, Cathie Wood, believes 2026 could look different with accelerating growth and lower inflation. She predicts a potential “Goldilocks year” due to unexpected asset price resilience despite challenges in 2025. Wood sees a favorable macro setup for risk assets like Bitcoin following long tightening cycles.

Despite optimistic long-term forecasts, caution lingers in the Bitcoin market. Standard Chartered lowered its 2026 forecast to $150,000 from $300,000, citing weaker spot demand. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicted Bitcoin could hit $180,000 by 2026, pointing to institutional adoption and clearer regulations as driving factors.

As 2026 begins, the gap between wild predictions and actual performance in the Bitcoin market remains wide. The faith in Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory remains strong, with the current price at $89,410.65, showing a 1.8% increase in the past 24 hours.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Eric Trump, Saylor, ‘Rich Dad’ and billionaires were wrong about Bitcoin’s 2025 price