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Bitcoin’s worst november in 7 years: what happened?

Bitcoin's November: From Strongest Month to Worst November in 7 Years | Market Shock

By

Sofia Kim

Nov 29, 2025, 02:27 PM

Edited By

Nina Soboleva

3 minutes to read

Graph showing Bitcoin's significant drop in November, indicating a downward trend

Bitcoin is experiencing a brutal November, facing losses between 17% and 20% as it trades within the $90k to $92k range. This downturn comes after a strong October, leading many to question how Bitcoin could shift from historical trends of growth to such a significant drop.

A Question of Timing and Structural Changes

The situation has turned heads due to the historical context of Bitcoin's performance. Traditionally, November is a strong month for Bitcoin, with average gains of around 40%. However, this month marks a stark contrast. The worst November previously recorded was in 2018, when Bitcoin saw a crash of approximately 36%. As analysts note, the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 pulled substantial institutional investments into the market.

Sources reveal that this influx of institutional money has altered the typical bullish October and November timeline. "This November is definitely breaking Bitcoin's usual pattern!" commented a participant on a user board, expressing surprise at the current situation.

Another significant factor contributing to the downward pressure has been the liquidation of leveraged positions. Many traders had amassed oversized longs using borrowed funds. As selling intensified in October and November, billions of dollars in long positions were force-liquidated, causing prices to plummet from October's all-time high of around $126k to lows in the $80k range. This cascade of selling exacerbated the market's decline.

Analysts Weigh In

Despite the negative sentiment surrounding this month's performance, some analysts view this flush as a necessary correction. "It kills off some of the froth and can set up a healthier base for the next leg up,” one analyst noted, interpreting the current volatility as a means to clean out over-leveraged players. Notably, historical patterns show that after a red November, December also tends to finish negatively.

Sentiments from the Community

Commentary from the forums reveals a mix of despair and resignation:

  • β€œVery sad bull run… doubt the future bull cycles will interest anyone really.”

  • Concerns about institutional influence dominate discussions, with some people questioning whether "institutional money moves differently than retail enthusiasm.”

The tone is largely negative, emphasizing frustration over broken patterns and diminished enthusiasm for Bitcoin's future.

Key Insights

  • πŸ“‰ Bitcoin is down 17-20% in November, marking its worst performance since 2018.

  • πŸ’Έ Institutional investments through Bitcoin ETFs have changed the market dynamics significantly.

  • πŸ” Historical patterns suggest a possible continued downturn next month, following November's red trend.

While the December outlook remains uncertain, the prevalent question persists: Can Bitcoin recover its strength, or is prolonged volatility ahead?

For more on Bitcoin trends, visit CoinDesk for real-time updates and analysis.

What Lies Ahead for Bitcoin?

Looking forward, experts anticipate Bitcoin may struggle to regain its footing in December, with an uncertain probability of around 65% pointing toward continued volatility. Analysts suggest that if institutional interest stabilizes, a recovery could begin in early 2026, especially if the overall financial climate improves. However, a prolonged downturn is also a possibility, with some estimating a 35% chance of further declines if current sentiment persists. The caution within the markets, stemming from recent sharp sell-offs, indicates that people will likely remain hesitant to invest heavily until there is a clearer sign of recovery.

Lessons from the Unexpected

The current Bitcoin scenario eerily parallels the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s. While that crash devastated many tech companies, it ultimately led to the emergence of stronger, more sustainable businesses. Just as internet companies that survived the initial fallout adapted and thrived in the long run, Bitcoin may also face short-term challenges that pave the way for solid long-term growth. This cycle of evolution often follows crises in emerging markets, suggesting that the resilience of such digital currencies might hold, even in the face of adversity.