As the year draws to a close, Bitcoin (BTC) has reached new heights, fueling bullish forecasts for the continuation of its current cycle. Reports from Bitfinex provide insights into when BTC might reach its peak and quantify the potential remaining growth for this leading cryptocurrency.
The most recent Alpha Report by Bitfinex underscores the remarkable evolution of the cryptocurrency sector this year. This period has been unique due to the widespread adoption and mainstream acceptance that Bitcoin has experienced. A key development within this cycle has been the introduction and heightened institutional interest in Bitcoin and Ethereum spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The advent of these financial products has exceeded expectations, ushering a "new class of investors" into the crypto sphere. The report notes this cycle's uniqueness as these novel investors, attracted by the burgeoning ETF market, have propelled BTC's price to new all-time highs (ATH) prior to the anticipated Halving event. Historically, Bitcoin has surged to new record highs within 5-7 months post-halving.
Additionally, several national governments have shown increased interest in diversifying their reserves with cryptocurrencies. This interest has prompted considerations for adopting a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve following Bitcoin's impressive recent performance. According to Bitfinex experts, these developments have led to milder BTC price corrections compared to previous cycles. It's anticipated that this trend will persist, given the consistent buying pressure from institutional and ETF investors, thereby limiting the magnitude and duration of future market corrections.
In recent times, the burgeoning anticipation of a crypto-friendly U.S. administration has further bolstered positive sentiment regarding the industry, catalyzing an extensive post-election market surge. Consequently, the crypto market has escalated by 130% year-to-date (YTD), achieving a market capitalization of $3.69 trillion, marking an impressive 70% growth this quarter.
Bitfinex's analysis highlights Bitcoin's impressive trajectory. From a low of $15,487 in 2022, BTC has skyrocketed by 573%. Year-to-date, the cryptocurrency has appreciated by 130%, driven by the industry's notable advancements this year. Earlier this month, Bitcoin breached the $100,000 mark, reaching a new ATH nearer to $110,000. Bitfinex projects that Bitcoin still has several milestones ahead in 2025.
Historical trends suggest a peak in Bitcoin’s price toward Q3 and Q4 of 2025, approximately 450 days after the halving event. Indicators such as Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV), Net Unrealized Profit and Loss (NUPL), and the Bull-Bear market gauge suggest the market remains in a bullish phase while distant from euphoric highs.
Bitfinex elaborates on the historical precision of the Pi Cycle Top Indicator for predicting cycle highs, generally forecasting these peaks within a three-day margin. Previous data indicate a potential Bitcoin peak between mid-2025 and early 2026.
If Bitcoin follows its 2021 trajectory, prices might rise by 40% to around $339,000, with the peak occurring around June or July of 2025. However, the report also acknowledges a trend of diminishing returns across cycles. As a result, Bitcoin might see an increase of 15% to 20%, landing in the $160,000 to $200,000 bracket. Conversely, if Bitcoin mimics its 2017 cycle, the rally could extend to January 2026, peaking at $229,000.
Currently, BTC trades at $104,650, just marginally below its latest ATH.