[DigitalToday reporter Yoonseo Lee (이윤서)] Bitcoin has gained 13.71 percent so far in April, nearing the highest April return since 2020.

According to blockchain media outlet BeInCrypto on April 25 (all times local), Bitcoin would need about another 0.5 percent rise by the end of April to beat last April’s 14.08 percent return and record the strongest April performance in the past five years.

There are still a few days left until the monthly close. If Bitcoin extends gains a little more by April 30, it could surpass last April’s return. If momentum weakens, April could still end below last year’s result.

April is traditionally seen as a strong month for Bitcoin. CoinGlass data show the average April return is 13.11 percent and the median is 10.49 percent. This April’s return is already above both figures.

Recent years have been uneven. Bitcoin rose 14.08 percent in April 2025 and 34.26 percent in April 2020, but fell 14.76 percent in 2024 and declined 17.30 percent and 1.98 percent in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The gain in April 2023 was limited to 2.81 percent.

This rebound is also significant because it has partly made up for weakness earlier this year. Bitcoin fell 10.17 percent in January and slid 14.94 percent in February. It rose only 1.81 percent in March, but the April rebound has recovered about half of the year-to-date losses. Improved exchange-traded fund (ETF) fund flows and a easing in dollar strength were cited as factors behind the rebound.

A gap remains between the price rebound and investor sentiment. The Fear and Greed Index was 31 as of April 25, staying in the "fear" zone. It fell as low as 10, an "extreme fear" level, a month earlier and has improved slightly from last week’s 26, but it is hard to say investor conviction has returned strongly.

Bitcoin is trading around $77,500. That is about 38 percent below the all-time high (ATH) of $126,198 recorded in October 2025. Even with a strong monthly rebound, retail investors and positioning in derivatives markets remain cautious.

Geopolitical factors also remain a burden. Tensions between the United States and Iran and broader conflict in the Middle East pressured markets throughout April, and bitcoin perpetual futures funding rates stayed for a time near zero or in negative territory. That is a sign market participants did not chase the rise by using leverage.

The remaining six trading days are expected to be a turning point for April’s final result. If Bitcoin ends the month strongly, it would record the second-highest April return since 2020. If it closes about 0.5 percent higher by April 30, it could beat last April’s record, but thin liquidity and ongoing geopolitical factors remain elements that could shake an end-of-month rally. The market is watching whether the rebound leads to a new monthly record or whether gains stay limited amid cautious sentiment.