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Gold's fall in the 1970s: a warning for bitcoin?

Bitcoin's Future: Bear Market Ahead? | Parallels to 1970s Gold

By

Derek Johnson

Jan 26, 2026, 01:43 AM

Edited By

Jack Dorsey

2 minutes of duration

Graph showing the price trends of gold in the 1970s alongside Bitcoin's current market position
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A recent discussion has surfaced among people regarding the potential fate of Bitcoin, drawing striking parallels to gold's performance in the 1970s. As the market approaches 2026, some are warning of an impending bear market based on historical trends.

Historical Context

People have begun to notice similarities between Bitcoin's current trajectory and that of gold in the mid-1970s, specifically around 1975 when gold was valued at approximately $150, soaring up to $5,000 today. Analysts speculate that Bitcoin could potentially hit one million in value, but caution a downturn may occur this year just as gold faced challenges back then.

Diverging Opinions

Users are sharply divided on the topic:

  • Stacking Bitcoin: "Good. I’ll stack more then," one person stated, expressing bullish sentiments.

  • Skepticism: In contrast, another voiced doubts, warning, "Another person does astrology that has no idea what’s coming next."

  • Skepticism on Technical Analysis: Others criticized the overwhelming number of technical analysis posts, saying, "The graphs don’t tell us anything."

Key Concerns and Insights

Many comments reflect concerns on whether Bitcoin follows the same paths as historical gold fluctuations. One user argued, "Why did it fall in the 1970s? Why do you think it will fall now?" highlighting a need for deeper analysis.

Interestingly, a post draws a clear distinction between gold and Bitcoin, stating, "Gold in the 70s could be compared to gold in 2026, leading to more corrections and stagnation for years. But Bitcoin is maturing, and its scarcity is mathematically limited to 21 million against a growing gold supply."

Sentiment Overview

Sentiment across the comments varies:

  • Positive: Many are optimistic, advocating for stacking Bitcoin in anticipation of future gains.

  • Negative: Others harbor skepticism about misleading predictions and stock market trends.

  • Neutral: Observations on technical analysis and its reliability remain mixed.

Key Takeaways

  • β–· Market Predictions: Predictions indicate a potential bear market this year.

  • β–· User Sentiments: The community is split; some are bullish, while others voice skepticism.

  • πŸ“Š Analysis Challenge: "The graphs don’t tell us anything," reflects doubts about traditional market indicators.

As Bitcoin continues to evolve, the echoes of past investment trends remind many of the risks and opportunities that lie ahead. What will be the fate for crypto enthusiasts as they navigate this turbulent terrain?

Probable Trends on the Horizon

As we move further into 2026, experts suggest there’s a strong likelihood that Bitcoin may face significant fluctuations. Predictions indicate about a 60% chance of a bear market developing this year, similar to the turbulence gold experienced in the 1970s. This potential downturn could stem from macroeconomic pressures like rising interest rates and inflation concerns, leading to increased volatility. However, with Bitcoin's finite supply of 21 million coins, many believe there’s a solid probability of recovery in the long run, possibly pushing values up to a million per coin in the next decade, especially as adoption increases.

A Fresh Perspective from the Past

Looking at the shifts in technology, consider how the rise of the internet in the late 90s saw bursts of innovation followed by sharp downturns, known as the dot-com crash. Much like Bitcoin, many companies promised the world but faced challenging realities. After the initial crash, however, a wave of resilient businesses adapted, leading to an enduring digital landscape. Just as those tech firms transformed following adversity, Bitcoin may find its footing through innovation and institutional support, highlighting that early setbacks can lead to long-term success.