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Bitcoin's 2017 bull market: lessons for today

Bitcoin's Current Sentiment Mirrors 2017's Roller Coaster | Are We in a Bear Trap?

By

Ethan Johnson

Nov 19, 2025, 09:45 AM

Edited By

Alice Mercer

Updated

Nov 19, 2025, 10:59 AM

3 minutes reading time

A line graph illustrating Bitcoin's price fluctuations during 2017 and a recent drop, hinting at potential recovery.
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The bitcoin market faces uncertainty as recent price movements echo the tumultuous days of 2017. Following a high of nearly $3,000, many people express fears of a downturn. But is this just a repeat of a common bear trap?

A Look Back at 2017's Highs and Lows

In February 2017, bitcoin surged past $1,100, igniting unparalleled excitement. The following months saw the price skyrocket to around $3,000. Earlier highs had breached expectationsโ€”bitcoin jumped 1,700% from its previous lows, causing widespread euphoria. Yet, as the price fell 40% to $1,800 amid growing doubts, many declared the bull run over.

Just a week later, bitcoin rebounded back near $3,000, eventually topping off at $20,000 six months later. This pattern of dramatic highs and lows hints at a possible repeat today, suggesting that recent declines could similarly be a bear trap.

Present Day Reflection

Fast-forward to now, and bitcoin's recent performance bears striking similarities. After hitting a high not much greater than the previous peak, it has declined by 28%. Some people are already claiming the bull market is finished, expressing concern over the absence of euphoria compared to 2017. One commenter remarked, "Nothing will ever match the 2017 euphoriaโ€ฆ. That was insane."

A prevalent sentiment is that current resistance signifies an end rather than a slowdown. However, a remark on the comments underlines, "This bull market doesnโ€™t have to end just because it has lasted the same amount of time as the last bull market.โ€

Market Dynamics and Peopleโ€™s Reactions

  1. Diverse Predictions: Many people defend their bullish outlook. Some believe a return to significant growth, even speculating that bitcoin could reach $300,000, is possible. Yet, skepticism remains, with conflicting thoughts on market cap issues: "You don't need 23 trillion to push the price up significantly, you need billions."

  2. Concerns over Market Dynamics: Thereโ€™s a mixture of attitudes. Some admit to selling portions of their investments as the price climbed, influenced by personal experiences from previous cycles. As one commenter noted, "After selling a bit at $95k, I'm mentally preparing myself for the bear."

  3. Bear Trap Indicators: There's growing speculation that this recent correction mirrors the previous bull trap. Observations suggest that widespread sell-offs could lead to a rapid recovery, much like in 2017. As one person said, "People will sell hoping to buy back lower, but we might surprise them all."

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Recent price drops invoke fears echoing 2017, leading some to anticipate a bear trap.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ "That was f***ing insane" - comment highlighting the stark contrast to 2017โ€™s peak excitement.

  • โš–๏ธ Current market views fluctuate between bearish caution and bullish optimism as some prepare for potential gains.

The narrative of bull runs and bear traps in the crypto world continues as market sentiment swings. Will the current dip prove to be a pivotal moment leading to new highs, or is this the beginning of a prolonged downturn?

What the Future Holds for Bitcoin

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that bitcoin might experience an upward trend in the coming months. Market analysts suggest a 60% probability of recovery as institutional interest grows, along with increasing adoption and network effects seen in the past few cycles. If sentiment shifts positively, prices could bounce back, potentially reaching new highs above $30,000. However, caution is crucial as a significant downturn remains plausible. Experts estimate around a 40% chance that current volatility could lead to further losses, particularly if external pressures, like regulatory changes or economic conditions, impact confidence.

Historyโ€™s Surprising Echoes

An interesting metaphor can be drawn from the late 1980s tech boom and bust, which initially sent shares of companies soaring. Back then, many investors experienced loss and skepticism only to witness the rise of resilient firms that adapted post-crash, ultimately transforming entire sectors. Just as those tech stocks revived, so too could bitcoin, provided it evolves and captures new opportunities in the face of uncertainty. This parallel underscores that transformative shifts can often hide in plain sight amid market chaos.