Analysis: While the crypto market sentiment remains "extremely panicked," analysts say BTC will not fall for two consecutive years.

Alternative data shows that the cryptocurrency fear and greed index hit 23 today, remaining in a "high fear" state for two consecutive weeks. This means that market sentiment will remain low for most of December, making it difficult to achieve Tom Lee's previous price prediction of $250,000 this year. Currently, industry analysts have differing opinions on Bitcoin's performance in 2026. Those holding bullish views include: PlanC, who believes Bitcoin has never experienced two consecutive years of annual declines and has weathered the bear market, thus ushering in a bull market next year; Strategy CEO Phong Le, who points out that Bitcoin's fundamentals remain strong; and Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan, who is also optimistic about next year's rise. Those holding bearish views include: veteran trader Peter Brandt, who believes Bitcoin will fall to $60,000 in the third quarter of 2026; and Jurrien Timmer, Global Head of Macroeconomic Research at Fidelity, who says 2026 could be a "depressing year" for Bitcoin, with prices potentially falling to the $65,000 range.