The Bitcoin bull cycle is gaining momentum, outpacing its historical four-year pattern by 100 days, according to a recent report by CoinMarketCap (CMC). As Bitcoin’s bull market surges forward, it could be entering a “supercycle,” signaling significant potential gains for investors. The market is moving faster than expected, with signs pointing toward a peak between mid-May and mid-June 2025. The Bitcoin bull cycle is currently estimated to be around 40.66% complete, much ahead of schedule.
The Traditional Bitcoin Four-Year Cycle
Historically, Bitcoin operates within a predictable four-year cycle, largely tied to Bitcoin halving events. These halvings occur approximately every four years, reducing the rewards for miners, which in turn impacts Bitcoin’s supply dynamics. As a result, Bitcoin halvings usually significantly impact the price of BTC, with bull markets historically peaking 518 to 546 days after halving events.
The last halving occurred on April 20, 2024, placing Bitcoin in a prime position for growth. However, CMC’s report suggests that Bitcoin’s market behavior is accelerating, with the Bitcoin bull cycle running about 100 days ahead of its usual pattern. This rapid growth could bring an all-time high for Bitcoin far earlier than previous cycles, signaling a new era of cryptocurrency trading.
Bitcoin is showing signs of entering a supercycle, says CoinMarketCap in their report. Institutional adoption, ETF approvals, and evolving market dynamics are all contributing to this accelerated growth.
One of the key drivers behind the current Bitcoin bull cycle is the growing interest from institutional investors. Companies like MicroStrategy and Semler Scientific have been accumulating Bitcoin at unprecedented rates, while the approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is adding legitimacy to the asset.
On October 2, 2024, Forbes published a report titled “Why Bitcoin is Becoming a Part of Traditional Finance,” highlighting Bitcoin’s increasing integration into mainstream financial markets. The report pointed out that Bitcoin’s growing correlation with traditional assets like gold and tech stocks further solidifies its status as a mainstream financial tool.
According to Alex Thorn, Head of Firmwide Research at Galaxy Digital, Institutional adoption is pushing Bitcoin into uncharted waters. We’ve never seen such a surge of interest from major financial players before.
The term Bitcoin supercycle refers to an extended period of sustained growth in Bitcoin’s price that surpasses its usual cyclical patterns. Unlike traditional bull and bear markets, which are typically dictated by Bitcoin halving events, a supercycle is driven by external factors like macroeconomic conditions, widespread adoption, or regulatory changes.
CMC’s report suggests that Bitcoin may be breaking away from its traditional cycle, entering a supercycle driven by a confluence of factors such as institutional investment, Bitcoin ETFs, and a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the financial sector.
While Bitcoin’s price is moving ahead of schedule, there are still signs of market maturity. Slowing infrastructure growth could indicate that the broader market dynamics are evolving, making this bull cycle different from any we’ve seen before, CMC explained in the report.
Another factor contributing to the Bitcoin bull cycle is the rapid growth of the global cryptocurrency user base. The United States continues to lead in crypto adoption, holding a 17% market share. India and Brazil are also key players, with market shares of over 9% and 8%, respectively.
In addition to retail adoption, Bitcoin remains the most popular cryptocurrency across continents, dominating market share in Africa (45%) and Oceania (52%). Solana, Ethereum, and Toncoin are also gaining traction, but Bitcoin’s dominance is evident.
Dan Tapiero, founder of 10T Holdings, notes, We’re seeing global adoption of Bitcoin at an unprecedented pace. From institutional investors to retail traders in emerging markets, Bitcoin is more accessible than ever.
While Bitcoin bull cycle enthusiasts are celebrating, other sectors of the cryptocurrency market are facing challenges. Decentralized Finance (DeFi), for example, is struggling to keep up with speculative trends like memecoins, artificial intelligence, and media-based tokens.
According to CMC’s report, DeFi sectors like lending, storage, and privacy suffered losses of 39%, 37%, and 31%, respectively, in Q3 2024. This shift towards more speculative and consumer-focused sectors signals a change in the way investors are engaging with the crypto market.
Nevertheless, the Bitcoin bull cycle remains the focal point of the crypto landscape, with Bitcoin’s price performance continuing to drive the market forward.
What’s Next for the Bitcoin Bull Cycle?
With Bitcoin moving ahead of its traditional four-year cycle, all eyes are on whether the market will indeed enter a supercycle. While infrastructure growth has slowed, suggesting a possible cooling period, institutional adoption and favorable regulatory developments could keep Bitcoin’s momentum alive.
If the Bitcoin bull cycle continues to accelerate, we could see new all-time highs by mid-2025. However, investors should remain cautious and watch for potential corrections along the way.
The speed of this Bitcoin bull cycle is unlike anything we’ve seen before, but with rapid growth comes heightened volatility, says Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital. It’s important to stay informed and prepared for any market shifts.
The Bitcoin bull cycle is defying historical patterns, running 100 days ahead of schedule and hinting at the possibility of a supercycle. With institutional investment, Bitcoin ETFs, and evolving global adoption trends fueling the market, Bitcoin’s future looks bright. Investors should keep an eye on the market for signs of further acceleration, while also preparing for potential bumps along the way.
