By approximately what percentage had Bitcoin declined from its October 2025 high by late February 2026?

After reaching an all-time high in early October 2025, Bitcoin experienced a significant downturn, declining by approximately 50 percent by late February 2026. In October 2025, the cryptocurrency surged to a peak of around $126,000, fueled by robust inflows into newly approved spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and strong institutional demand. This rally reflected growing investor confidence in digital assets, with many viewing Bitcoin as a potential hedge against economic uncertainty.

However, the period that followed saw a reversal of fortunes. By late February 2026, Bitcoin's price was hovering around $66,000 to $67,000. This represented a drop of roughly 46% to 47% from its October 2025 high, aligning with the approximate 50 percent decline observed. The cryptocurrency's performance in February 2026 was notably poor, marking its third-worst monthly return since 2013.

Several factors contributed to this substantial decline. Macroeconomic uncertainties, a general shift to "risk-off" sentiment among investors, and diminishing institutional capital flows into Bitcoin ETFs played a significant role. Falling liquidity in the broader economy, influenced by quantitative tightening measures and the U.S. Treasury's efforts to rebuild its accounts, also exerted downward pressure on the cryptocurrency. Furthermore, Bitcoin began to behave more like a high-beta tech asset rather than a safe-haven asset, causing it to fall in tandem with equities when risk appetite waned. Geopolitical events, such as military actions involving the U.S. and Israel, further exacerbated price dips. The market also saw an unwinding of leveraged trading positions, leading to forced liquidations that accelerated the selloff.