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Rethinking bitcoin's 4 year cycle: past and future

Rethinking Bitcoin's Future | 4-Year Cycles in Debate

By

Isabella Moreno

Nov 17, 2025, 02:12 AM

Edited By

Tina Roberts

3 minutes reading time

A graph showing Bitcoin price fluctuations with a noticeable upward trend, symbolizing changing market dynamics

A split among people is emerging over Bitcoin's price behavior, with some insisting on the old 4-year cycle theory, while others believe it no longer applies. As discussions heat up, opinions vary on the implications of Bitcoin's evolution in the market.

The Evolving Landscape of Bitcoin

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts and experts are divided. One group firmly believes in the traditional 4-year cycle, primarily influenced by historical price patterns tied to Bitcoin's halving events. However, another faction argues that macroeconomic factors and broader adoption have fundamentally altered Bitcoin's trajectory.

"If you follow the 4-year cycle model, this cycle might look disappointing, but the growth has been substantial over the past few years," a commentator noted. From facing discussions of bans just a few years ago to now being endorsed by governments, Bitcoin's ascent is noteworthy.

Key Themes Emerging from the Debate

  1. The Role of Halving: Many still hold that the halving event significantly impacts Bitcoin's price due to supply scarcity, stating, "As long as it halves, there will be a cycle."

  2. Market Acceptance: The conversation has shifted to acceptance and mainstream adoption, evidenced by recent discussions from politicians and regulatory approvals for several ETFs, which some argue are insufficient to suggest a robust bull market.

  3. Skepticism About Past Patterns: Amid the excitement, several skeptics question the relevance of past cycles, arguing that Bitcoin's price movements no longer conform to prior patterns.

"Believing in a 4-year cycle based on something thatโ€™s been around for 15 years is pretty stupid," remarked one commenter, challenging traditional viewpoints.

Are We Entering a Bear Market?

Currently, Bitcoin trades under the 50-week moving average, raising red flags about a potential bear market. Thereโ€™s fear that closing above 103k could leave unfilled CME gaps, indicating volatility ahead. The tone of skepticism reflects a mix of concern and hope among Bitcoin aficionados.

Sentiment Among Community Members

The responses vary. A blend of optimism about potential growth is tangled with caution about current market trends. Many echo the sentiment that cycles inherently shift and that foundational understanding of Bitcoinโ€™s value is pivotal.

Key Points to Note:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ A portion of people advocates for viewing Bitcoin through the lens of liquidity cycles, claiming itโ€™s less about halving and more about economic conditions.

  • ๐Ÿ‘ Adoption of Bitcoin is taking center stage, with notable recognition from regulatory bodies boosting confidence.

  • โ— A notable portion expresses doubt about returning to traditional patterns, as past performance may not predict future results effectively.

As this debate continues, the community eagerly awaits the unfolding of events that may redefine Bitcoin's future. Will the traditional cycle emerge again, or is a new approach necessary in this rapidly changing digital economy?

Future Prospects for Bitcoin

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Bitcoin could experience more volatility in the coming months, as market sentiment remains split. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that Bitcoin will stabilize above the $100,000 mark, driven by increased adoption and regulatory acceptance. However, if it fails to break this threshold, a potential bear market could materialize, reducing confidence among investors. Many are watching key indicators like the halving events and liquidity cycles closely; shifts in these areas could steer price movements in unpredictable directions. \n\n### A Parallel from the Past: The Dot-Com Bubble

Consider the late 1990s, during the dot-com boom, when tech stocks skyrocketed based on potential rather than profits. Much like todayโ€™s Bitcoin debates, investors were caught up in narratives of the future while ignoring underlying performance. The burst of that bubble brought many to question traditional metrics, just as Bitcoin enthusiasts are now reevaluating the old 4-year cycle. This unexpected shift in perception created an opportunity for innovation, leading to a more mature tech market afterward. It serves as a reminder that what seems like chaos in one era can lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in another.