Bitcoin experienced a significant decline in the first quarter of 2026, falling over 30% from its early-year high of approximately $97,000 to close at around $66,727. This downturn marks Bitcoin as the worst-performing major asset class this quarter, amid heightened geopolitical tensions and shifting macroeconomic conditions. The cryptocurrency market's total capitalization contracted by about 25% to $2.5 trillion, with the Fear & Greed Index indicating extreme fear. The broader financial markets also faced challenges, with the S&P 500 dropping more than 7% for the quarter, and both the Dow Jones and Nasdaq entering correction territory. The technology sector, in particular, suffered its longest consecutive monthly decline since 2002. Meanwhile, oil prices surged approximately 80% due to geopolitical conflicts, while gold, despite a 17% drop in March, posted positive quarterly returns.