Bitcoin attempts to reclaim $88,000 as altcoins are painted red. The last quarter of 2025 hasn’t met expectations for investors, and hopes have significantly dwindled. As we approach 2026, we’re examining current market expectations from on-chain experts. What awaits cryptocurrency investors now?
U.S. Continues Cryptocurrency Sell-Off
Coinbase Premium Index has long indicated weakening risk appetite. Each attempt to rise has ended in failure, linked to U.S.-based investors consistently pressuring the price. Bitcoin has made several attempts to surpass $90,000, but U.S. sales have turned the direction back downwards.
On-chain analyst, anlcnc1, suggests that if this trend persists, we might witness a deeper correction, extending to $81,000.
“As we see from the Coinbase Premium Index in Bitcoin, U.S. continues to sell and pressure any rise to the 89-90K range. After the attempt to reach 90K overnight, the same pressure was applied again. Bart pattern continues, and this is unpleasant as it may force a retest of the 81-82K level if this pressure persists with every rise. For healthy, sustainable price movements, Coinbase Premium needs to turn positive and show strong momentum.”
Long-Term Investors’ Sales
One of the primary challenges unsettling cryptocurrency markets in recent months has been the sales from long-term investors. On-chain analyst Anıl notes that the supply from long-term Bitcoin holders has shown signs of recovery over the past 15 days, which is a positive development. If the selling motivation on the U.S. front diminishes with the year’s end, the increasing accumulation by long-term investors could pave the way for a recovery in cryptocurrencies. The graph below appears positive for cryptocurrency investors in the medium term.
Derivative Markets and Bitcoin
The movement that started earlier today caused the BTC price to increase by $3,000 within a few hours. This activity is largely driven by interest in derivative markets. Open positions suddenly increased by $2 billion. However, CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost cautions investors.
“In this case, the movement is typically short-lived. Leveraged positions tend to be temporary, which generally hinders the market from establishing a healthy basis for a sustainable upward trend.”
