Home
/
Market trends
/
Volatility reports
/

Bitcoin falls since 2021 peak, but dca still strong

Bitcoin's Dip Continues | DCA Strategy Still Holds Strong

By

Kimberly Lee

Jul 8, 2026, 12:33 AM

Edited By

Akira Tanaka

Updated

Jul 8, 2026, 06:26 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A graphic showing Bitcoin's decline since 2021 alongside a rising S&P 500 ETF, illustrating market trends in cryptocurrency and stocks.
popular

Bitcoin’s ongoing struggles persist as it remains down about 13% from its all-time high in 2021. In contrast, the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has surged nearly 60%. Despite the market slump, dollar-cost averaging (DCA) into Bitcoin has delivered a 42% return, not far behind the S&P's 48%. This divergence is fueling heated debates among people in crypto forums.

Ongoing Forum Discussions

Amid this challenging landscape, many people are questioning the long-term viability of Bitcoin. Some argue that Bitcoin could face a prolonged downturn that might render it irrelevant, with one commenter stating, "If Bitcoin trades down or sideways for a decade, it will probably not be an economic factor anymore."

Analysis of Current Sentiments

  1. Caution on Bitcoin's Future

    Several people are skeptical about Bitcoin's returns, with critiques pointing to its high volatility. As one comment put it, "We are measuring it when BTC is -50% from its high… I'd say BTC does its job."

  2. Support for DCA

    Commentary on the effectiveness of DCA continues, emphasizing that trying to time the market often leads to missed opportunities. People are noting that this strategy may yield better long-term results.

  3. Comparative Perspectives

    Critics suggest that assessing Bitcoin's performance alongside the S&P 500 may be misleading. One participant humorously remarked, "'still almost' πŸ˜‚" when discussing Bitcoin's near return to the S&P.

Some users argue that the comparison isn't truly fair, suggesting indices like QQQ or SMH better reflect tech industry trends instead.

Takeaways from the Discussion

  • β–³ Bitcoin is currently down 13% since its peak in 2021; S&P 500 increases by 60%.

  • β–½ DCA into Bitcoin means a robust 42% return, proving its potential during downturns.

  • β€» "If Bitcoin trades down or sideways for a decade" - User warning on Bitcoin's future relevance.

The Future of Bitcoin

Bitcoin's path to recovery may depend on institutional interest and regulatory clarity. Experts predict that if major players show increased support, it could bolster Bitcoin's standing. However, stricter regulations also pose risks to its growth potential.

With the discussions evolving, a significant portion of people are reconsidering their risk tolerance moving into 2026. As they weigh these dynamics, the market may see varied strategies emerge, shaping the narrative for cryptocurrencies in the coming years.