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Why this bear market feels worse than past bear markets

Why This Bear Market Seems Worse | Analysis of Crypto Sentiment

By

Sophie Lin

Feb 11, 2026, 07:32 PM

3 minutes reading time

A graph showing a downward trend in cryptocurrency prices with symbols for BTC, ETH, and XRP beside it

A growing sentiment among people suggests that the current bear market stands out as the hardest yet. The struggle becomes clearer when contrasting the performance of top cryptocurrencies and the overall market climate.

Current Market Dynamics

Currently, Bitcoin (BTC) is sitting at $66,000, not far from its all-time high of $69,000 from 2021. Ethereum (ETH) lags behind, just slightly over $4,000, failing to maintain momentum like BTC. While BTC has doubled its previous all-time high from 2021, ETHโ€™s performance has been considerably weaker. Many are beginning to feel that these price shifts indicate a deeper issue within the market.

"It feels worse because we never got a true alt season," lamented one commenter, reflecting the frustration felt by many.

The Ripple Effect of Market Performance

In past bear markets, large drops were anticipated but didnโ€™t always breach the last bull run's peaks. Now, ETH risks falling below its 2018 ATH, leading to a prevailing unstable sentiment. One analyst pointed out that if BTC slides to $45,000, ETH could plummet below $1,000, causing significant discontent.

"The fear is simple," a seasoned crypto watcher noted in a forum. "If BTC continues downward, everything else will follow."

Market Sentiment Tied to External Factors

Commenters have linked the bearish sentiment to broader economic indicators. With the stock market remaining at an all-time high, people expect major downturns in crypto prices as liquidity becomes vital. One comment stated, **"The market will get nasty when the stock market really slumps, making our current prices look bullish."

Another user speculated about external influences, citing unconventional political decisions and market pressures. They argued, **"Trump causing world-changing economic shifts is significant for cryptocurrencies."

** This view reflects anxiety surrounding presidential policy impacts on economic stability and investor confidence.

Key Issues Highlighted

  • Historical Comparisons: People express that past bear markets have not felt as severe due to larger expected drops.

  • ETHโ€™s Weak Performance: Critical comparisons are made about ETH failing to keep pace with BTC's gains.

  • External Economic Influences: The stability of traditional markets creates fear for crypto's future.

Market Sentiments at a Glance

  • ๐Ÿ” 70% of commenters echo concerns about ETHโ€™s performance.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Many anticipate a market slumping alongside the stock market.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "If they sell now, they lose 90% of their investment" โ€“ A stark reminder from the community.

As the crypto space grapples with these feelings, the push for recovery remains uncertain. Is there light at the end of this bearish tunnel? Only time will tell.

For up-to-date information on this market situation, check out resources like CoinMarketCap for real-time pricing and Yahoo Finance for insights into market trends.

Forecasting the Crypto Journey Ahead

There's a strong chance that if Bitcoin slips below the $60,000 mark, we could see Ethereum and other altcoins cascading down even further. Market sentiment often mirrors Bitcoin's movement, suggesting a significant correlation exists. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that if the broader stock market experiences a decline, crypto prices will follow, leading potentially to ETH testing the $1,000 threshold. The interconnectedness of traditional and digital markets means that investors must brace for just about anything as liquidity tightens.

A Lesson in Historical Resilience

Reflecting back, the crypto market of 2018 shares a striking similarity with the housing market in 2008. In that crisis, many experts pointed to unstable financial systems and external policy shifts that triggered widespread panic and distrust. As with real estate then, the current crypto space is wrestling with how external economic pressures can derail even the most promising investments. Just as homeowners adapted to new standards post-crisis, the crypto community may need to evolve its strategies and mindsets in the face of market uncertainties.