Is This the End of Bitcoin's 4-Year Bull/Bear Market Cycle?

BTC

$70,789.99

+2.39%

FOR

$0.04215

+14.91%

JST

$0.03983

-0.05%

With Bitcoin's halving event just around the corner, it certainly seems like we're on the cusp of something big. While everyone's eyes are glued to the skyrocketing bitcoin {{BTC}} price and the possibility of record-breaking highs, the ripple effects are far-reaching. They will touch every corner of the crypto market, and could even signal an end to crypto’s four-year bull/bear cycle.

This feature is part of CoinDesk’s “Future of Bitcoin” package published to coincide with the fourth Bitcoin “halving” in April 2024.

Daniel Polotsky is the founder of CoinFlip.

Yet, it's not just about the numbers; it's about the potential for a seismic shift in how we perceive and interact with digital currency. Brace yourself — this could be the beginning of a whole new era for crypto.

Bitcoin's ascendance

Bitcoin's value has surged of late, buoyed by anticipation surrounding the upcoming halving event in April, alongside milestones like the approval of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the U.S. and major financial institutions such as BlackRock publicly entering the space. This institutional interest has led to unprecedented demand, with bitcoin hitting a new all-time high above $73,000 on March 13. This was likely driven by record-breaking inflows into ETFs, including a $1.045 billion influx on March 12.

This transition marks a more widespread acknowledgment of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset category, marking the onset of a new phase in institutional investment. It has also further bolstered Bitcoin's credibility and accessibility to retail investors.

These landmark developments enable investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without the complexities associated with direct ownership. The increased liquidity and stability will likely continue to attract a broader range of investors, driving greater mainstream adoption and helping further fuel the current surge in bitcoin's valuation.

The end of the crypto boom/bust cycle?