TLDR

  • CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju stated Bitcoin could move sideways throughout the first quarter of 2026.
  • He noted that capital inflows into Bitcoin have slowed as investors shift their focus to equities and precious metals.
  • At the time of his statement, Bitcoin was trading around $90,900 and had fallen over 2 percent on the day.
  • Historical data shows Bitcoin typically posts gains in the early months of the year, but that trend may not hold in 2026.
  • Analysts Peter Brandt and Jurrien Timmer warned Bitcoin could retest the $60,000 to $65,000 range.

Bitcoin might have a flat start to 2026 as capital inflows soften—with investor attention shifting to equities and precious metals—according to CryptoQuant. The firm’s CEO, Ki Young Ju, said Bitcoin could trade sideways through the first quarter, lacking strong buying momentum. Institutional inflows persist, but recent data indicates traders remain cautious even as long-term holders stay optimistic.

CryptoQuant Expects Weak First-Quarter Momentum for Bitcoin

CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju said on Wednesday that Bitcoin isn’t likely to see sharp price swings early in the year. He pointed to slower capital inflows as a key reason for the expected lack of volatility. “Capital inflows into Bitcoin have dried up,” Ju stated, highlighting the recent rotation toward stocks and metals.

Bitcoin was trading close to $90,900 at the time, down 2% for the day, with a recent high of $94,400. While past Januarys have delivered gains, activity is lower and movement more muted this time around.

He said, “The market is more likely headed for boring sideways trading.”

Although past years saw average January returns of 3.8%, Ju believes that trend may not continue in 2026. According to CoinGlass, February and March have historically averaged returns of 13.1% and 12.2%, respectively. But those patterns could break if investor interest keeps shifting.

Bitcoin Price
Source: X

Analysts Flag Potential Short-Term Pullbacks

Veteran trader Peter Brandt and Fidelity’s Jurrien Timmer both anticipate price dips in the coming months. They warned Bitcoin could revisit the $60,000–$65,000 range this year. These forecasts align with weak sentiment data across the market.

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index hit 28 on Thursday, marking a continued trend in the “fear” range. It has stayed between fear and extreme fear since November 2025—indicating traders remain hesitant even after last year’s rally.

Despite this, some metrics show ongoing institutional support for Bitcoin. Farside Investors reported $925.3 million in net ETF inflows during the first three trading days of 2026. This points to interest from long-term investors, even as short-term sentiment fades.

Long-Term Bulls Still Back High 2026 Bitcoin Price Targets

Tim Draper reaffirmed his $250,000 price target, saying Bitcoin remains on track for a breakout year. He has stuck to this forecast despite past volatility and slow starts—reflecting ongoing optimism among long-term holders.

Bitwise’s Ryan Rasmussen argued that Bitcoin could break from its usual four-year cycle this year. He expects the price to push past previous highs, potentially rewriting market expectations. This view differs from those who anticipate limited price movement early in 2026.

Abra CEO Bill Barhydt added that looser monetary policy could support Bitcoin gains this year. He said the Federal Reserve is already preparing to ease conditions—which may boost liquidity and renew interest in crypto markets.

Barhydt believes easier policy could drive fresh capital toward digital assets by midyear. For now, Bitcoin trades between $90,000 and $94,000.