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Bitcoin's struggle: when will real growth begin?

Bitcoin's Decline | Is a Stronger Recovery on the Horizon?

By

Fatima Noor

Feb 17, 2026, 08:00 AM

Edited By

Alice Tran

3 minutes reading time

A digital representation of Bitcoin struggling to gain value, with price charts and trading volumes fluctuating around $60,000.

Bitcoin's recent decline has left the crypto community divided and uncertain. Trading volume has surged even as the price steadily dropped since late January, leading some to question when real growth will return. With a critical piece of legislation awaiting approval, the future of Bitcoin hinges on regulatory developments that could revive market interest.

Current Market Trends

Since reaching a peak around $65K to $70K, Bitcoin's appeal has dwindled, especially among long-term investors. Commentators highlight that this price level attracts FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) traders more than serious buyers.

Interestingly, the drop to $60K is seen as significant; some investors consider it a fair price since it aligns closely with mining costs. The backing of Bitcoin was temporarily bolstered by hopes that the U.S. government under President Trump would provide new regulations for digital assets, which has yet to materialize.

"Too many bear thesis' right now after BTC has fallen 50%. Iโ€™m convinced weโ€™ve bottomed," one investor noted.

The Role of the Clarity Act

The Clarity Act, currently stalled in the Senate, could be a game changer. Analysts speculate that passing this act would pave the way for substantial liquidity to flow into the blockchain space, potentially generating up to a trillion dollars in new investments. This includes innovative projects like stablecoins and the tokenization of securities that may elevate Bitcoin's utility.

There are voices in the community urging patience:

  • "You gotta remember there are always counter rallies as it falls."

  • "It was growing 3 years straight; let it cool off one year, dawg."

Looking Forward

As the hopes for the Clarity Act grow, so do speculations about market recovery. Some believe that growth will resume once Congress reconvenes this spring. Conversely, others predict a long crypto winter without any legislative action, suggesting a prolonged bearish sentiment.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ป Bitcoin's price drop has raised investor uncertainty.

  • ๐ŸŒ A trillion dollars could enter the market if the Clarity Act passes.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ "For real Bitcoin growth to start, hope for a dream of real growth!"

While optimism exists, the outcome largely depends on upcoming political developmentsโ€”can the Clarity Act spark the rebound Bitcoin desperately needs? As the situation unfolds, investors remain cautious but hopeful.

Bright Horizons Ahead for Bitcoin?

There's a reasonable expectation that Bitcoin could see a rebound in the coming months. Experts estimate a 65% chance that the Clarity Act will pass in the next Senate session, which would stimulate investment flowing into the digital asset realm. Should the Act become law, many predict Bitcoin's price could rise back above $70K as institutional investors seek exposure in a regulatory-friendly environment. Alternatively, if the Act stalls, there's approximately a 30% chance of a prolonged bearish phase lasting through part of 2026, keeping many investors wary. The next few months will likely serve as a critical point in determining Bitcoin's trajectory, hinging heavily on political maneuvering and sentiment within the crypto community.

An Unexpected Parallel from History

Looking back, the situation mirrors the rise of the personal computer market in the late 1970s. Initially, there was immense excitement around computers, but as competition surged, many feared the market would collapse. What turned things around was the introduction of clear software standards and systems, enabling various manufacturers to innovate safely. Similarly, if Bitcoin receives the regulatory clarity it needs, it could lead to a surge in new projects and investments, much like how PC standards opened the floodgates for consumer technology. Just as those early fears gave way to growth, the crypto community waits to see if clarity will bring a new era for Bitcoin.