Bitcoin logs third-worst Q1, Ethereum falls 32%

Bitcoin fell 23.21% in Q1 2026, marking its third-worst first-quarter performance since 2013. Ethereum dropped 32.17%, also its third-worst Q1. The losses extend a downturn that began after October 2025's market peak and produced two consecutive losing quarters.

Bitcoin's historical Q1 average of 45.90% is skewed by outliers such as 2013's +539.96% and 2021's +103.17%, while the median Q1 return is -2.26%, suggesting first quarters more often show slight losses. Only Q1 2018 (-49.7%) and Q1 2014 (-37.42%) posted worse performances than 2026.

Ethereum's Q1 average and median sit at 66.45% and 4.37%, respectively. Quarterly performance has varied widely: notable Q1 gains include 2023 (+71.77%) and 2024 (+68.68%), while losses occurred in 2015 (-24.14%), 2018 (-49.7%), 2022 (-1.46%) and 2025 (-11.82%).

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