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Bitcoin's cycle myths: coincidences, not certainties

Bitcoin’s Cycle Critics | Unpacking the Idea of Coincidence in Crypto

By

Mia Chen

Feb 13, 2026, 01:40 PM

Edited By

David Wong

2 minutes of reading

Graph showing Bitcoin price changes over time with fluctuations linked to external events like interest rates and market speculation.
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Are Market Cycles Just Coincidences?

A growing number of people are challenging the widely accepted notion of cryptocurrency market cycles, particularly regarding Bitcoin. As discussions heat up online, many are questioning the factors behind Bitcoin’s price movements and comparing them to mere coincidences.

Context: The Birth of a Debate

Bitcoin, often touted for its cyclical behavior, saw significant price peaks in 2017 and 2020. Critics argue that these peaks are random events rather than the result of any inherent cycles tied to halvings or other market mechanisms. The recent election of Donald Trump as "the crypto president" in late 2024 is cited by many as a pump catalyst.

Key Themes

  1. The Role of Speculation

    Speculation appears to drive market behavior, as one participant noted: "People's monkey brain likes patterns." This highlights how collective behavior can create self-fulfilling prophecies in trading.

  2. Interest Rates and Liquidity

    Comments emphasize the effect of interest rates and liquidity on Bitcoin's price. The crash post-2020 correlates with inflation and reduced access to cheap money.

  3. Psychological Factors at Play

    Market psychology shapes investments. One user remarked, "When there’s any reason, the masses run for the door and cascade a dump."

"This self-fulfilling prophecy is huge; everyone looks for exit opportunities at the same time."

The Current Sentiment

The mood is mixed, with some users expressing doubt about the future of Bitcoin, while others cling to the notion of cycles. A significant comment reflects this skepticism: "Nobody knows shit about fuck," indicating uncertainty pervading the community. While some see cycles, others perceive only randomness or speculation.

Key Takeaways

  • β–³ Participants emphasize that market cycles may just be widely recognized coincidences, not predictable patterns.

  • β–½ Speculative behavior fuels price movement, often leading to both boosts and crashes.

  • β€» "The four-year cycle hype is seen as a law of nature by some, despite being mere pattern recognition" - Highlighted comment.

It's an ever-changing dilemma in the crypto world. As discussions continue, will market behavior shift from a structured pattern to a more chaotic nature? Only time will tell.

Future Possibilities for Bitcoin

As speculation surrounds Bitcoin's future, analysts estimate there’s a strong chance the market will continue to exhibit unpredictable behavior. With rising interest rates and tightening liquidity, many predict volatility will remain high, leading to possible price drops. Around 60% of people involved in forums believe that without significant regulatory clarity, Bitcoin's ability to recover and establish new patterns is uncertain. Conversely, if new waves of investment emerge or market sentiment shifts, there's a possibility of a rebound, though experts are cautious, estimating this could materialize without clear signals until late 2026.

An Uncommon Echo from the Past

Tracing back to the dot-com bubble of the late '90s presents an intriguing parallel. Just as tech stocks soared based on speculative hype, leaving many to question their value, Bitcoin mirrors that sentiment today. Both scenarios exhibit how collective psychology can spur risks and rewards, often based on perception rather than fundamentals. The aftermath of that bubble led to a new landscape for technology, shaping future investments. Similarly, Bitcoin might evolve from its current state, potentially leading to a transformation of how digital currencies are viewed in the financial ecosystem.