What Was Happening in 2023
Bitcoin began 2023 at $23,130, recovering from the wreckage of 2022. The year was defined by one theme: anticipation. BlackRock filed for a spot Bitcoin ETF in June, sending prices surging. By December, Bitcoin had climbed to $42,265, an 83% gain for the year, as markets priced in the near-certainty that spot ETFs would be approved in early 2024.
Starting a DCA in 2023 meant buying during a recovery phase. Prices ranged from $23,130 to $42,265. There were no dramatic crashes, just steady upward momentum punctuated by the occasional pullback. Your average cost for 2023 was around $29,000.
The ETF approval came in January 2024, validating the thesis that had been building all year. Your accumulated bitcoin from 2023 purchases was well-positioned for the rally that followed.
The Crashes You Survived
Starting in 2023, you've experienced relatively mild volatility compared to earlier cohorts. The main drawdown has been the current correction from the October 2025 highs near $115,758 to $68,000 today, a 41% decline. Your 2023 purchases (average cost ~$29,000) are still significantly in profit even through this correction. DCA from 2023 has been a smoother ride than most starting years.
- 2025-2026 Correction: -41% ($115,758 to $68,000)
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Open DCA Calculator →Ready to start your own plan? Read our Bitcoin savings plan guide. Wondering if you should invest all at once instead? See our DCA vs lump sum analysis. Not sure how much to allocate? Our sizing guide walks through practical frameworks.