BTC records its worst start to a year through the first 50 days.

Bitcoin is heading toward an unprecedented pattern of consecutive losses in January and February, marking one of the weakest openings to a year in its history.

Fifty days into 2026, bitcoin is down 23% year to date, according to Checkonchain data — its worst start to any recorded financial year. The asset declined 10% in January and has fallen an additional 15% so far in February.

Data from Coinglass shows bitcoin has never previously posted back-to-back losses in the first two months of the calendar year. Even during challenging periods such as 2015, 2016, and 2018 — when January logged double-digit declines — February delivered gains. Should current losses persist, bitcoin would also register its weakest consecutive monthly stretch since 2022.

Checkonchain’s index metrics further illustrate the depth of the downturn. In a typical bearish year, the average index reading sits around 0.84 at the 50-day mark, a level traders monitor to assess cyclical drawdowns. Bitcoin currently reads 0.77, signaling a more pronounced pullback than historical norms.

The sluggish performance comes on the heels of a 17% decline in 2025, a post-election year. Historically, post-election years have tended to outperform election years and, on aggregate, have also delivered stronger returns than other up years. The continued weakness in early 2026 therefore stands out against long-term seasonal and political cycle trends.

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