Bitcoin Price Forecast 2026 Range: BTC Slips to $87k Amid Year-End Selloff

Bitcoin and major altcoins are feeling the heat of year-end profit-taking. As liquidity thins out across global desks, the leading cryptocurrency is struggling to maintain its recent highs.

According to CoinDesk on Dec 30, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) fell approximately 3% to hover around $87,300. Other major tokens didn't fare much better; Ether (ETH) slipped near $2,950, while XRP traded at $1.86. The price action reflects concentrated tax and book cleanup flows, particularly during U.S. trading hours.

Bitcoin Price Forecast 2026 Range: Accumulation Over Growth

Analysts suggest that the market is entering a phase of preservation rather than pursuit. Linh Tran, Senior Market Analyst at XS, noted that the outlook for Q1 2026 leans toward stability. "Price fluctuations may remain within a range of approximately USD 80,000 to USD 100,000," Tran said, citing selective ETF flows and a consolidating regulatory environment as limiting factors for a new bullish cycle.

Global Equities Cool While Copper Smashes Records

While crypto stumbles, the commodities market is seeing a historic run. Copper extended its December surge, rising 2.2% to $12,493 a ton. This marks its 10th consecutive gain, the longest streak since 2017. With an annual rise of over 40%, copper is on track for its best year since 2009 due to supply concerns and a weaker dollar.

In traditional markets, the MSCI Asia Pacific index slipped 0.1%, ending a seven-day winning streak. Global equities also dipped for the first time in eight sessions, though they remain on course for the best performance since 2019.