Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Tumbles on Fear, 2026 Bulls Stand Firm in Crypto Winter

Bitcoin's volatile descent below $85,000 in late November has sparked fears of a deeper bear market, yet some high-profile figures remain bullish on its long-term trajectory. Robert Kiyosaki, the "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" author and vocal Bitcoin advocate, recently sold his $2.25 million BTC holdings, acquired years ago at $6,000, to fund new ventures including surgery centers and a billboard business. Despite the sale, Kiyosaki reiterated his optimism, forecasting a 2026 price target of $250,000. His move, however, coincided with a broader market selloff, as Bitcoin's price tumbled to a 10-month low of $80,537 before rebounding to $84,000.

The cryptocurrency's struggles intensified in November, with record outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs reaching $3.79 billion, the highest since their launch. BlackRock's IBIT led the exodus, shedding over $2 billion, while Ether ETFs also faced $1.79 billion in redemptions. The selloff pushed Bitcoin's monthly loss to over 23%, its worst since 2022, as leveraged positions and macroeconomic headwinds-including fading Federal Reserve cut hopes-exacerbated panic. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index plummeted to a multi-year low of 11, signaling "extreme fear".

Amid the turmoil, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) has emerged as a standout in the presale arena, leveraging a $100 million foundation to attract investors. The project's focus on privacy-enhancing blockchain technology has positioned it as a top contender, outpacing even established names like AAVE and Pi Network in fundraising momentum. Analysts attribute ZKP's success to growing demand for scalable, privacy-centric solutions in a regulatory climate increasingly wary of untraceable transactions.

Bitcoin's short-term challenges are compounded by structural issues. Open interest in perpetual futures has fallen 35% from October's $94 billion peak, reflecting waning institutional participation. Meanwhile, Bitfinex analysts argue that the outflows and price declines reflect temporary distress rather than a fundamental shift in demand. Peter Brandt, a veteran trader, remains bullish, projecting a $200,000 price tag for Bitcoin by 2029.

The market's mixed signals underscore the tension between immediate volatility and long-term potential. While Kiyosaki and Brandt advocate for Bitcoin's eventual ascension to six figures, the path remains fraught with hurdles. Regulatory scrutiny, macroeconomic uncertainties, and the lingering effects of the October liquidation event-where $19 billion in leveraged bets were wiped out- continue to weigh on sentiment.

As Bitcoin hovers near critical support levels, the spotlight now shifts to ZKP and similar projects that aim to redefine the crypto landscape. Their success could signal a new era where privacy and institutional adoption coexist, even as traditional investors grapple with the crypto winter.

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