Bitcoin Records 11.7% Drop in Worst First Quarter Since 2015

Bitcoin experienced its worst first quarter in a decade, dropping 11.7%. It ranked 12th out of the last 15 first quarters according to NYDIG Research.

The last similar performance was in 2015, during a slump post-2013 peak and following the Mt. Gox collapse.
In Q1 2020, Bitcoin dropped 9.4% amid COVID-19 fears but ended the year up over 300%.
Previous years with negative Q1 returns (2014, 2018, 2022) saw Bitcoin end down sharply.

The current economic situation is uncertain. Following Trump's election victory, cryptocurrency prices surged, benefiting from increased regulatory clarity. However, recent tariff announcements led to significant losses in U.S. equities, impacting market sentiment.

The S&P 500 fell to its lowest level in 11 months, and the Nasdaq 100 entered bear market territory.
Despite past weak Q1 performances, Bitcoin has historically bounced back in half of those years.
Analysts have raised recession odds, which may affect Bitcoin's perceived status as a hedge.