Analysis: Despite the crypto market sentiment remaining in "extreme fear," analysts say BTC will not decline for two consecutive years

According to Odaily, alternative data shows that the cryptocurrency Fear & Greed Index reached 23 today, remaining in an "extreme fear" state for two consecutive weeks. This means that for most of December, market sentiment has hovered near a low point, making it unlikely for Tom Lee's previous $250,000 price prediction to be realized this year.

Currently, industry analysts have differing views on the performance of bitcoin in 2026. Those with a bullish outlook include: PlanC, who believes that bitcoin has never experienced two consecutive years of annual decline and, having endured the bear market, will usher in a bull market next year; Strategy CEO Phong Le, who points out that bitcoin's fundamentals remain strong; and Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, who is also optimistic about next year's rise.

Those with a bearish outlook include: veteran trader Peter Brandt, who believes bitcoin will fall to $60,000 in the third quarter of 2026; and Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro at Fidelity, who says 2026 could be a "sluggish year" for bitcoin, with prices possibly dropping to the $65,000 range.