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Market shifts: the end of the four year bitcoin cycle?

Market Shifts | Is the Four-Year Bitcoin Cycle Really Over?

By

Emily Chang

Nov 18, 2025, 12:42 PM

Edited By

Alice Turner

Updated

Nov 19, 2025, 09:58 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A graph showing Bitcoin price fluctuations with a downward trend and a concerned trader looking at a computer screen.

A growing divide among Bitcoin enthusiasts is deepening as skepticism mounts over the relevance of the four-year cycle theory. Critics argue that Bitcoin's evolution means this model may no longer hold true, with many traders potentially risking financial loss by adhering to outdated beliefs.

Critical Commentary from the Community

Recent discussions on forums highlight significant dissent regarding the four-year cycle, reflecting a blend of skepticism and confidence among traders. One commenter suggested, "People claiming 'this time is different' more often than not get wrecked." This sentiment echoes fears that the cycle could mislead investors expecting past patterns to repeat.

Support for the Cycle Persists

Despite these warnings, some are still holding strong to the cycle. One participant pointed out, "Well so far, it has played out like clockwork the cycle top was due to be the week commencing 20th October." Another committed trader remarked, "Average cycle peak is 500 days post halving," asserting confidence in current structures based on historical averages.

The Impact of Institutional Involvement

Discussions are also touching on how significant institutional investment changes the dynamics. A user observed, "Retail is not there; they were replaced by banks, funds, and companies that see fiat collapsing." This point underlines the divide between traditional retail investors who might panic-sell out of fear and institutions that could capitalize on these movements.

Perceived Market Sentiment

The overall sentiment remains mixed:

  • β–½ Many industry insiders stress that the market is currently driven by institutional players, shifting focus from individual traders.

  • β–½ Commenters show growing acceptance that if a new all-time high emerges soon, it could mean the cycle's end.

  • β–½ Nevertheless, one critical voice stated, "Impossible to know if this will hold."

What Lies Ahead for Investors?

The upcoming months are expected to bring enhanced volatility as the market adjusts to these dynamics. One investor warned, "If the 4-year cycle is intact and the ATH barely ticked into low-end estimatesretracement won't be as harsh as forecasted either." Analysts predict a 60% chance that institutional buying could stabilize the market, but caution adds a 40% risk of downturn if retail traders panic.

Key Insights

  • βšͺ Critics assert that the cycle theory may be fading as Bitcoin matures.

  • βœ‹ "When everyone expects something to happen, it rarely does," warns an analyst on the forums.

  • 🌊 Investors are split on their beliefs, with some still following traditional cycles while others push for reevaluation of strategies.

The debate on the cycle's validity isn't just a theoretical exercise. It's emblematic of the broader transformations happening in the crypto world as new players reshape market behaviors, leaving many to question what the future holds.