Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) peaked at $126,000 in October 2025, but it didn’t last. A tariff shock and a wave of liquidations starting on October 10, pulled BTC below $105,000. Then, months of ETF outflows dragged it into the $80,000s through November and December, and by early February 2026 it had plunged to $60,000—less than half its peak.

At press time, the Bitcoin price is trading around $77,500, but that’s still 39% below its peak. So, can Bitcoin recover to its ATH convincingly, and what needs to happen before it actually does?

What Caused Bitcoin’s Crash After $126,000

The weekend of October 10-12 is one a lot of crypto holders won’t forget. In just a matter of hours, Bitcoin fell below…