Bitcoin’s traditional four-year cycle appears to have come to an end as institutional adoption and regulatory clarity reshape the market landscape. The notion of a four-year halving cycle is no longer applicable in today’s crypto market, according to multiple executives.
As Bitcoin approaches its all-time high near $4 trillion, Trader Edge highlights that regulatory developments and institutional investment have created new long-term forces in the cryptocurrency space. Additionally, current interest rates favoring digital assets more than previous cycles contribute to this shift.
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan predicts 2026 will be Bitcoin’s next major “up year,” diverging from expectations of a peak in 2025. He points out that halvings have become less impactful over time, reducing their market influence. The increasing institutional adoption and regulatory clarity also decrease the impact of these events on cryptocurrency prices.
Furthermore, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju agrees with this assessment, stating the Bitcoin four-year cycle theory “is dead” and can no longer be used for reliable market signals. He notes that large holders are now selling their coins to new institutional investors, rather than retail investors as seen in previous cycles.
The recent passage of legislation like the GENIUS Act provides a more stable environment for institutional participation. Pension funds and endowments have begun exploring crypto as an asset class.
The current crypto market cap sits at approximately $3.82 trillion. In conclusion, Bitcoin has entered a new era with long-term growth potential and is expected to continue this upward trend.
Please note that Trader Edge does not provide financial advice; however, it’s essential for investors to be aware of these changes in the market landscape as they make informed decisions.
Source: coincentral.com