Bitcoin ended the first quarter of 2026 at $68,200 after falling 22% over the period, its weakest opening three months since 2018. The slide erased an early push higher that had briefly carried the cryptocurrency close to $95,000 before the market turned lower. Related Reading: XRP Could Soon Enter Arizona’s Treasury — Here’s What’s Happening A Sharp Turn After A Strong Start The quarter did not begin quietly. Bitcoin opened the year at a little past $87,000 and moved higher in the early stretch, showing enough strength to reach nearly $95,000