Bitcoin and Crypto Market Cycle

Crypto market cycles can give investors the bigger picture on the price fluctuations of a crypto asset. This guide will explain what a market cycle pattern is and how to attempt to identify the various stages. 

What is a  market cycle? 

A market cycle is a blueprint of all the ‘stages’ between the peak and low of a market. It attempts to map the psychological factors that influence price trends over a long period of time. Cycles occur in all financial markets and tend to repeat over time.  

Interpreting crypto and Bitcoin market cycles

Identifying and capitalising on market cycles is an important skill that every trader and investor should have. Market cycles offer a macro perspective on price fluctuations, which provides a useful contrast to the daily volatility seen in the crypto market. If used correctly, it can provide you with some interesting insights into what might be happening in a market at large, based on investor sentiment.  

The Wyckoff method separates cycles into four phases:

• Accumulation phase
• Mark-up phase
• Distribution phase
• Mark-down phase.

The Wyckoff method is a very useful method, especially for quick reference, however, there is a lot more nuance in using the more traditional model made famous by the Wall St Cheat Sheet, which contains 13 different stages (as seen below). 

Attempting to match the price activity of a cheat sheet with a real chart, such as Bitcoin, is a common mistake. The chart appears to have followed some logical concepts, but its purpose is to aid with sentiment analysis. It’s not a guide for future price changes. 

Figure 1 – The stages of a market cycle. Source Wall Street Cheat Sheet

The stages of a typical market cycle 

The most widely used market cycle model includes 13 different stages that detail the key points between the low of the cycle to the peak and back down again. Each stage is characterised by a catchphrase that summarises the psychology of traders at that point in the current market cycle.  

It’s worth noting that accurately identifying each cycle as it’s happening can be very difficult – otherwise, everyone would know exactly when to sell or buy into the market. For example, there is not always a clear phase, and in reality, market movements are more of a fluid evolvement over time. This type of chart can only really be applied and validated looking back historically. 

Nonetheless, it can be a helpful guideline to understand as part of a broader investment strategy. 

Bitcoin and Crypto Market Cycles

The Bitcoin halving has historically been one of the crypto market cycle’s most significant events. A Bitcoin halving occurs roughly every four years. The code built into Bitcoin’s blockchain determines that for every 210,000 blocks, the reward distributed to miners is cut in half.  

Historically, a huge Bitcoin price surge has occurred after each Bitcoin halving event, followed by a large pull back until the market establishes an equilibrium and prepares for the next  Bitcoin halving (see Figure 3). 

These events have historically had a profound impact on the crypto market largely due to their effect on Bitcoin’s, as the original crypto coin, supply and demand. As less and less BTC is released in the ecosystem, it means that new investors are snapping up Bitcoin that’s already in circulation. This is especially true during crypto bear markets when most BTC owners lock-up their coins and throw away the key. The dwindling supply, combined with growing demand, can create a perfect storm of upward price pressure on Bitcoin and has previously kickstarted a widespread bull market. 

Figure 3 – Bitcoin price action following reward halvings 

The next Bitcoin halving is slated for early-mid 2024, which will see the block reward reduced to 3.125 BTC. The crypto market’s run into the major event appears to exhibit some similarities to that of previous cycles – after a crash (2021), the coin’s price slowly builds (like in 2023, with BTC up nearly 100%). However, it is important to remember that there are more factors than just the halving that can impact Bitcoin (and the broader crypto market) price. These include regulation and macroeconomic factors, such as the conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as substantial inflation, resulting in the cost of living crisis.  

The above price data was taken from Coinmarketcap, is in USD, and show the price just before the halving event to the high in the cycle that follows.  

It’s important to note that Bitcoin is only 14 years old, meaning it’s still in its infancy. It is unlikely that the entire crypto market will follow this 4-year halving cycle forever, meaning a bull market starting in 2024 is not guaranteed, nor may any price increase see increases that occurred in previous halving events.   

Summary

It’s vital that investors understand all crypto markets move in cycles. Because, as much as we wish it were – it’s impossible for markets only to move upwards. 

Interpreting market cycles can provide investors with a useful macro perspective, helping them make more informed decisions before entering a trade. In addition, the cycles measure market activity over a longer period of time, ensuring inexperienced investors don’t get trapped in the emotion of short-term trading. 

This piece has explained what a market cycle is, how to attempt to identify the stages, and what is a Bitcoin halving.