Bitcoin closes March higher after five-month downtrend, breaking the streak amid geopolitical tensions

Bitcoin ended March 1.8% higher after five straight months of price declines, breaking the downtrend’s streak and narrowly avoiding a rare pattern that has occurred only once in the coin’s history.

March closes higher, ending a five-month slide

After the month’s close, Bitcoin avoided a six-month losing run—an outcome seen only once previously. The earlier instance was during the 2018 bear market, when Bitcoin posted six consecutive monthly declines from August 2018 through January 2019.

Recent drawdown: October 2025 to February 2026

Between October 2025 and February 2026, Bitcoin fell every single month, dropping roughly 45% from its all-time high near $126,000 reached in October 2025. Despite the decline, the drawdown was described as not exceptional compared with other periods in Bitcoin’s history.

The article notes that Bitcoin has previously declined by about 80% from prior highs before later reaching new all-time highs at least four times.

Historical parallel: 2018-2019 recovery

The only time Bitcoin strung together six red months was in 2018. From February through June 2019, Bitcoin rallied more than 200%, rising from around $3,400 to above $13,000 in a rapid rebound that benefited investors who bought during the downturn.

This time, the losing streak stopped at five months rather than six, so the comparison is not exact. Still, the article suggests a similar dynamic could be developing: prolonged pressure testing holders’ resolve followed by a sharp rally.

Why today’s backdrop differs

The article says the 2018-2019 recovery occurred amid a relatively calm macroeconomic and geopolitical environment compared with the present.

It points to the war in Iran keeping oil prices elevated, with uncertainty around how any ceasefire might unfold. At the same time, the Federal Reserve’s path toward interest rate cuts has become less clear as energy-driven inflation pressures intensify—conditions that would typically complicate support for risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin’s resilience during the Iran conflict

Despite the disruption, Bitcoin has shown resilience. During the Iran conflict, the coin reportedly held roughly between $65,000 and $73,000, at times outperforming stocks even as oil prices spiked.

Outlook and portfolio implications

For investors planning to hold Bitcoin for more than five years, the article frames the outlook as cautiously optimistic, citing the eventual end of conflicts and the continued relevance of Bitcoin as part of a diversified portfolio.

It adds that if Bitcoin accelerates upward from here, that would be an additional benefit.