PANews reported on December 27th that Alternative data shows the cryptocurrency fear and greed index is at 23 today, indicating the market has been in a state of "extreme fear" for two consecutive weeks. Market sentiment has hovered near low levels for most of December. Industry analysts have differing opinions on Bitcoin's performance in 2026. For example, PlanC believes that Bitcoin has never experienced two consecutive years of annual decline, so next year will see a bull market. Bitwise's Chief Investment Officer, Matt Hougan, is also optimistic about next year's rise. However, veteran trader Peter Brandt and Fidelity's Global Head of Macroeconomic Research, Jurrien Timmer, believe that 2026 may be a "depressing year" for Bitcoin, with prices potentially falling to the $60,000-$65,000 range.