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Four year cycle believers face potential losses ahead

Bitcoin's Four-Year Cycle Faces Heavy Scrutiny | Fear Sparks Selling Amid Changing Trends

By

Sophie Reynolds

Nov 18, 2025, 12:42 PM

Edited By

Aisha Patel

Updated

Nov 19, 2025, 09:58 AM

2 minutes reading time

A graph showing declining Bitcoin prices with traders looking worried; a rising institutional investor figure in the background

As 2025 unfolds, a debate brews among crypto enthusiasts over the relevance of Bitcoin's historical four-year cycle. Analysts argue that conditions have shifted dramatically, resulting in potential consequences for many investors.

Echoes of the Past

Historically, Bitcoin has experienced significant bull and bear markets following its halving events. While many still cling to the notion that this pattern would continue, experts believe the reality is quite different now. Bitcoin's maturation and the influence of macroeconomic factors have changed the landscape.

"Every trader knows the second everyone believes in a model is when it breaks."

Traders are facing heightened fear as the traditional cycle appears to lose its grip, pushing some individuals into panic selling. Institutions could capitalize on this fear by buying up assets from those looking to unload their positions.

Diverging Opinions

Comments from various individuals highlight the ongoing dispute:

  • One commenter insisted, "The four-year cycle exists until proven otherwise," while another argued that historical patterns no longer hold water.

  • A different perspective emerged: "I think itโ€™s going to a million, but I believe the four-year cycle is still holding true."

  • Contradictory opinions questioned the cycle's integrity, suggesting it might be broken due to external influences like the S&P's performance.

Recently, new voices have added depth to the discussion, analyzing past BTC cycles as an indication of future performance. One commenter noted that the average cycle peak is around 500 days post-halving, which aligns with significant price movements observed in the past. Others argued that dismissing the four-year cycle could lead to missed opportunities, cautioning that those who change their outlook when faced with uncertainty often face losses.

Key Insights from Public Reactions

  • ๐Ÿ’” 62% of commenters doubt the four-year cycle's viability.

  • ๐Ÿง  "Thinking the four-year cycle will play out the way it has in the past is nonsensical," said a top commentator.

  • ๐Ÿฆ Many believe institutions are gathering strength in a market driven by fear.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Concerns are rising that BTC's price could see a drop of 20% in the short term if retail investors panic.

Interestingly, some users believe that while the four-year cycle provided a frame of reference, the market is now influenced more significantly by institutional moves. "The fear behind the four-year cycle ending will cause a lot of selling for no other reason than fear," stated one user, elaborating on how institutions are positioned to take advantage of retail panic.

The Market's Future?

Concerns about Bitcoin's trajectory have prompted reflection on what the future holds. With institutions acquiring Bitcoin, will retail investors start pumping or selling? One user commented, "It appears that Bitcoin is now a much harder market to move, and the halving supply reduction is becoming insignificant."

Bitcoin's current performance will likely hinge on how seriously retail investors take macroeconomic factors versus historical trends. While some maintain a positive stance on Bitcoin's future, others remain skeptical. This landscape indicates that those who depend on historical cycles for guidance may face significant risk.

Echoes of Historical Trends

Consider the rise and fall of tulip mania in the 17th centuryโ€”a unique parallel to today's crypto landscape. Just as eager buyers spiraled into frenzy and later faced dramatic losses, crypto enthusiasts could find themselves caught in similar cycles driven more by emotional responses than logical valuation. This insight underscores the need for a grounded approach to investing, reminding people to assess value beyond mere trends.