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Challenging the 4 year cycle belief: history vs. evolution

Rethinking Crypto's 4-Year Cycle | Belief vs. Advanced Metrics

By

Elena Rossini

Feb 11, 2026, 07:23 PM

Updated

Feb 12, 2026, 03:06 AM

2 minutes of reading

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A rising tide of discussion is challenging the long-held belief in the 4-year crypto cycle. With the recent surge of commentary on forums, voices are questioning whether this cycle stems from reality or mere belief, as skepticism about historical market reliability gains traction.

The Halving Debate

While traditionally linked to Bitcoin's halving events, a growing number of people argue that cutting miners' rewards may no longer significantly impact market behavior. One commenter pointed out that "there have been 19.9 million bitcoins already mined out of 21 million total," suggesting the halving's influence is fading. This reflects a sentiment that the market's dynamics have shifted considerably.

Changing Market Opinions

The evolving landscape of cryptocurrency was summed up by a user stating, "You have a lot of people like me, who are too stupid to ever sell backstopping it." This highlights a belief that many investors' poor decisions might prop up the market unjustifiably. Others shared their frustrations about sustained losses, emphasizing a need to change strategies, such as dollar-cost averaging (DCA) to manage downtrends.

Notable Insights from Comments

  • Influence of History on Pricing: With Bitcoin hovering around the same price as during the last halving in April 2024, many find the cycle's predictive power questionable.

  • The Weight of Belief: "Betting against human stupidity is rarely a smart bet," one commenter reflected, highlighting the unpredictable human element in trading psychology.

  • Shift from Traditional Thinking: Commenters stressed that what was appealing four years ago might not hold the same weight today, urging fellow traders to avoid driving while looking in the rearview mirror.

"Things change. Context changes. Don’t drive looking in the rearview mirror," echoed a popular sentiment.

Sentiment Patterns

The sentiment is mixed, showcasing skepticism toward the cycle's validity. Some express doubts about historical trends and emphasize the importance of adaptability in a changing market.

Key Insights

  • ❌ A growing number of voices question the relevance of the halving cycle.

  • πŸ’° "The number of new bitcoins coming into circulation is a tiny fraction of total volume traded," pointing toward a market that’s seen better days.

  • πŸ” Discussions increasingly focus on how to adapt to an unpredictable market, highlighting the need for innovative strategies.

As conversations progress, the uncertainty about the 4-year cycle suggests that future movements in crypto may depend more on human behavior and contemporary market forces than on historical models. Will this lead to a rethinking of how investors approach the space? Only time will reveal the answer.