Bitcoin slips below $81,000 after recent weekly volatility in crypto market
The price of Bitcoin declined against the US dollar on Friday, reflecting continued volatility in the cryptocurrency market after sharp swings during the past week.
As of May 15, 2026, one Bitcoin was valued at $80,565.99, compared with $81,435.90 recorded a day earlier, showing a daily decline of $869.91 or 1.08%.
During the past seven days, Bitcoin witnessed significant fluctuations. The cryptocurrency climbed above $82,000 on May 10 before losing momentum amid profit-taking and cautious investor sentiment in global financial markets.
Despite the recent decline, Bitcoin remained slightly lower on a weekly basis, posting an overall decrease of $160.03 over the seven-day period.
On a monthly basis, however, the digital currency continued to show strong gains. Bitcoin rose by $5,575.28, or 6.92%, compared with its value of $74,990.71 on April 15, 2026.
Market analysts said improving risk appetite and institutional interest had supported Bitcoin prices during recent weeks, although uncertainty in global macroeconomic conditions continued to trigger short-term volatility.
Compared with the same period last year, Bitcoin remained significantly lower. The cryptocurrency traded at $103,552.16 on May 15, 2025, meaning its value has fallen by $22,986.17, or 28.53%, over the past 12 months.
Crypto market experts said investor sentiment remains sensitive to global interest rate expectations, regulatory developments, and broader movements in international equity and commodity markets.
They added that Bitcoin continues to experience rapid price movements as traders react to shifts in economic outlook and geopolitical uncertainty.