First Quarter Summary of Cryptocurrencies: Winners, Losers, and Expert Predictions

By the end of 2024, the rapidly rising price of Bitcoin (BTC) began 2025 by surpassing its all-time high of over $108,000. Following this record, profit-taking occurred in January, leading to a price correction. Despite this downturn, Bitcoin maintained relatively high levels compared to previous years, supported by a strong rally and increased institutional interest in 2024.

Throughout the first quarter, Bitcoin experienced its weakest performance since 2020 with a decline of around 6%. By the quarter's end, BTC was trading around $88,000. Meanwhile, altcoins faced significant pressure, with major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH) suffering substantial losses. The Altcoin Season Index saw fluctuations but failed to establish a lasting "alt season." Institutional interest remained strong, especially in Bitcoin, with large-scale investments flowing into newly approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, indicating a robust appetite for digital assets.