Edited By
Vikram Patel

Bitcoin is facing one of its worst Novembers in years, down 17โ20% and trading at approximately $90โ92k. This drop is reminiscent of the 2018 bear market, sending shockwaves through the crypto community. Historically, November has offered traders significant gains, averaging a 40% increase in past cycles. Whatโs changed this year?
November has seen substantial pullbacks. With the losses this month, Bitcoin is nearing levels last seen in November 2019, when it fell around 17โ18%. 2018 marked the worst November on record, with a devastating 36% drop during the bear market. The trend poses a stark contrast to Bitcoinโs previously bullish reputation.
According to analysts, several key factors are at play here.
The recent launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 has pulled in significant institutional investment. These changes have altered market dynamics, with analysts noting that the typical post-halving "euphoria" phase might have shifted. Institutional players now play a more significant role in price fluctuations, complicating previous patterns. One commentator reflected, "The breakdown isn't mysterious. When a market runs on leverage and speculation, bad months expose everything."
Over-leveraging has played a critical role in the current downturn. Many traders held oversized long positions, leading to mass liquidations during sell-offs. Analysts argue that these liquidations amplified the decline, dragging Bitcoin down from an all-time high of around $126k in October to the low $80k range during its worst days this month. As one commentator put it, "This isnโt how markets work, regardless of strong emotions."
Interestingly, historical data indicates a pattern: when Bitcoin experiences a red November, December tends to follow suit. That raises questions about potential recoveries. With a combination of forced liquidations and a shift in institutional focus, many analysts suggest recovery may take longer, extending into 2026 rather than rebounding shortly.
"Bitcoin's reputation for strong November performances was built in cycles before ETFs. Now, the price moves based on liquidations and ETF timing, not organic demand," stated an experienced trader.
๐ Bitcoin is down 17โ20% this November, closely mirroring previous downturns.
๐ฐ Institutional investment through spot Bitcoin ETFs has reshaped market movements.
โ ๏ธ Over-leveraging has led to extensive liquidations, driving Bitcoin into a downturn.
Overall, this November has defied expectations, raising concerns among the crypto community. With analysts suggesting a longer recovery period, will traders adjust their strategies ahead of future shifts?
Looking forward, Bitcoin's market is poised for continued volatility, with a strong chance that prices may struggle to regain their previous highs in the near term. Analysts estimate around a 60% probability that the asset will experience further downward pressure throughout December, primarily due to lingering effects from over-leveraging and ongoing liquidations. As institutions adjust their strategies post-ETF introduction, many believe this could lead to a slower recovery trajectory, possibly extending into 2026. If the trend holds, traders might need to recalibrate their expectations, focusing on a more cautious approach while closely monitoring market shifts.
This situation bears some resemblance to the Tulip Mania of the 17th century, where an initial surge in interest led to reckless speculation followed by severe market corrections. Investors became entranced by extraordinary price increases, similar to recent Bitcoin phenomena. When the tulip bubble burst, the aftermath forced traders to reassess their strategies and rebuild the market in a more sustainable manner. Just as that historic encounter illustrated, the current crypto landscape highlights the need for disciplined investment amid heightened excitement, reminding today's traders that resilience often blooms from adversity.