Bitcoin slid nearly 25% in Q1 as rate-hike odds rise and Q2 outlook darkens

Bitcoin posted a nearly 25% drawdown in Q1, as macro volatility intensified and markets leaned toward tighter U.S. monetary policy. Rate expectations shifted toward potential hikes into 2027, while sentiment weakened and short-term holders sent about 21,700 BTC to exchanges in the past 24 hours at a loss. The mix of falling risk appetite and muted institutional demand is raising questions about whether the pullback is turning into a broader bearish phase.