Bitcoin Price Prediction: Markets See Low Odds of $100K BTC in Early 2026
Bitcoin market sentiment continues to cool, with prediction markets increasingly pricing out a near-term return to six-figure levels as macro uncertainty weighs on risk assets.Traders on major prediction platforms now see a low probability of Bitcoin reclaiming $100,000 in the first half of 2026, reflecting fading bullish momentum following last year’s October crash.Key takeawaysPrediction markets give less than a 10% chance of Bitcoin reaching $100,000 before Feb. 1.Traders expect $100K to remain out of reach until at least mid-2026.Markets price high odds that Bitcoin will drop below Strategy’s average cost basis this year.Less than 10% odds BTC hits $100K by FebruaryAs of Thursday, traders on leading prediction platforms show limited confidence in a short-term Bitcoin breakout.Polymarket: ~6% probability BTC crosses $100,000 before Jan. 31Kalshi: ~7% probability BTC reaches $100,000 before month-endBitcoin’s 2026 high so far stands at $97,900, recorded on Jan. 14. The asset last traded above $100,000 on Nov. 13, before a sharp sell-off reset market sentiment.Historically, Bitcoin has reclaimed $100,000 after similar pullbacks. The previous drawdown of 25.5% saw BTC regain six figures after roughly 93 days, implying a potential mid-February recovery — if history repeats.However, prediction market traders appear far less optimistic.Traders expect $100K only after June — if at allKalshi participants assign roughly 65% odds that Bitcoin will break above $100,000 before June, suggesting the market expects prolonged consolidation rather than a rapid rebound.Meanwhile, Polymarket traders increasingly anticipate further downside first:65% odds BTC falls to $80,000 before returning to $100K54% odds of a $70,000 bottom in 202650% odds of $65,00042% odds BTC drops as low as $60,000The skew reflects growing caution amid tightening financial conditions, rising bond yields, and persistent geopolitical risks.Will Bitcoin fall below Strategy’s cost basis?Prediction markets are also focused on whether Bitcoin will trade below Strategy’s average purchase price, currently around $75,979 per BTC.Polymarket data shows:75% probability Bitcoin trades below Strategy’s cost basis in 2026Despite those expectations, markets remain confident that Strategy itself will not capitulate.Less than 26% odds Strategy sells Bitcoin this year84% probability the firm holds more than 800,000 BTC by Dec. 31Last week, Strategy expanded its treasury to 709,715 BTC, purchasing 22,305 BTC for approximately $2.13 billion — reinforcing its long-term accumulation strategy even as near-term price outlooks deteriorate.Market outlook remains cautiousPrediction market pricing highlights a broader shift in sentiment since the October 2025 crash. While long-term conviction among institutions and treasury buyers remains intact, short-term optimism has faded sharply.With Bitcoin trading near $89,500, traders appear focused on capital preservation rather than breakout speculation — waiting for clearer macro catalysts, liquidity relief, or renewed ETF inflows before reassessing the $100,000 level.For now, prediction markets suggest that Bitcoin’s next major move may come later in 2026 — not in the weeks ahead, according to Cointelegraph.
