In 2025, bitcoin showed how spectacularly wrong price forecasts can be

Core Insights - The crypto market experienced a dramatic "flash crash" on October 10, 2025, where Bitcoin (BTC) fell by $12,000, nearly 10%, leading to over $19 billion in liquidations and a total market cap loss of $500 billion [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - Following the crash, Bitcoin's value dropped more than 30% from its peak of $126,223 set just six days prior, indicating a potential for the first full-year loss since the crypto winter of 2022 [2]. - The year began with optimistic Bitcoin price predictions, but the October crash significantly altered the outlook, with many forecasts failing to materialize [3]. Group 2: Price Predictions - Long-term forecasts for Bitcoin included predictions as high as $1 million by 2025 from various analysts, including Samson Mow and Adam Back, driven by factors like ETF inflows and institutional buying [5][6]. - Even conservative estimates, such as those from JPMorgan, had raised year-end targets to $165,000 before the crash, reflecting a growing demand for alternative stores of value [6]. - Post-crash, Michael Saylor maintained bullish sentiment, predicting Bitcoin could reach $150,000 by year-end, supported by significant purchases of BTC by his company [7].