British giant Barclays has revealed its expectations for 2026: "If these things don't happen, it could be a year of decline for Bitcoin!"

Bitcoin (BTC), the leading cryptocurrency, recovered above $90,000 in December after experiencing sharp and sudden drops in October and November.

However, despite all its attempts to recover, BTC was rejected around $94,000.

With repeated attempts at a recovery in Bitcoin failing, Barclays analyzed that without a clear catalyst, Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency market will continue their downward trend.

British investment bank Barclays has formed a negative outlook for the cryptocurrency market in 2026.

At this point, Barclays, in a recent year-end report, predicts that 2026 could be a year of decline without a clear catalyst to revive market activity.

Bank analysts wrote in the report that spot trading volumes had decreased and investor enthusiasm had diminished due to a lack of structural growth factors.

The bank noted a sharp decline in spot market trading volumes on major platforms such as Coinbase (COIN) and Robinhood (HOOD), as well as a significant decrease in demand from retail investors.

“Spot cryptocurrency trading volumes […] are trending downwards in fiscal year 2026. And it seems uncertain whether anything will be able to reverse this trend.”

The bank noted that major events such as the approval of a Bitcoin ETF in November 2024 or the election of a pro-crypto president could revive enthusiasm in the market.

The bank ultimately concluded that, unless such events occur, Bitcoin and market growth in 2026 will likely be limited as there is no clear catalyst to stimulate demand.

*This is not investment advice.