Bitcoin Bear Market Could Be Shortest and Shallowest on Record

If the Bitcoin market bottomed on June 30, 2026, the current cycle would mark the shortest and shallowest bear market since 2013, lasting 267 days with a 52% decline. Financial services firm River suggests the recent price recovery is supply-driven, as demand remains lower than 2024 levels and long-term holders have absorbed significant selling pressure. Skeptics argue that the shallow decline reflects a weaker preceding bull market, and Bitcoin remains down approximately 5% year-to-date as of September 30, 2026.