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The presidential cycle strategy: bitcoin's price evolution

Presidential Cycle Strategy | Why Investors Are Eyeing Bitcoin Before Elections

By

Lucas Ribeiro

Sep 2, 2026, 12:59 PM

2 minutes reading time

A graphic showing Bitcoin symbols linked with US presidential election elements, like a ballot and a voting booth, representing the correlation between Bitcoin price changes and election cycles.

The theory linking Bitcoin prices to U.S. presidential elections continues to gain traction, as historical trends suggest buying the cryptocurrency two years prior may yield substantial returns. This cycle aligns with the political calendar, creating a unique investment opportunity for those paying attention.

Historical Overview of Bitcoin Price Cycles

A quick look back at the last four election cycles shows a clear pattern:

  1. 2012 Election Cycle

    • November 2010: Bitcoinโ€™s price was just starting around $0.06

    • November 2012: Prices rose to around $11-13

    • Post-Election 2013: A bull market surged prices to nearly $1,100.

  2. 2016 Election Cycle

    • November 2014: After a crash, Bitcoin was at $320-380

    • November 2016: Value increased to $700-710

    • Post-Election 2017: The market peaked at $20,000 by December 2017.

  3. 2020 Election Cycle

    • November 2018: Bitcoin dipped to $3,800-4,000

    • November 2020: Prices climbed to $13,500-15,000

    • Post-Election Late 2020 โ€“ Spring 2021: Skyrocketed to $69,000 in November 2021.

  4. 2024 Election Cycle

    • November 2022: A market low saw Bitcoin at $16,000-17,000 during the FTX fallout

    • November 2024: Following Trump's election victory, the price soared to $70,000-75,000

    • Post-Election Late 2024 โ€“ 2025: The asset continued to rally, hitting highs of $126,000 in October 2025.

Current Sentiments and User Perspectives

Some people are skeptical about this investment theory. Comments across forums reveal a mixed sentiment:

  • Caution with Dollar-Cost Averaging: "Interesting, but Iโ€™m sticking with DCA," one commentator mentioned, suggesting a preference for steady investment rather than timing the market.

  • Questioning Future Cycles: Another remarked, "So now what, wait till 2028?" indicating uncertainty about future trends.

  • Chance for Mistakes: As one user wisely noted, "You only have one chance to make a mistake."

Key Insights from the Cycle Theory

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Four-time Cycle: Each cycle shows Bitcoin prices are notably lower two years before elections.

  • ๐Ÿ”ผ Post-election Rally Average: Prices tend to soar post-election based on historical data.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก DCA Comparison: Commenters highlighted that this strategy essentially mirrors Dollar-Cost Averaging with added considerations.

Culmination

With the upcoming 2028 election on the horizon, the cycle's consistency raises the question for investors: is this trend likely to continue? As history suggests, those eyeing Bitcoin in the initial stages of the election cycle may find lucrative opportunities ahead. Is it worth the gamble? Only time will tell.

Looking at the Horizon

With the 2028 election looming, there's a strong chance Bitcoin continues following the historical patterns. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that investors buying Bitcoin now will see substantial price increases, especially after the election as bullish sentiments usually emerge around this time. This is driven by an influx of interest and activity in the market, alongside overall economic trends that could favor cryptocurrencies. The interplay of the political climate and public sentiment about Bitcoin positions it as a potentially lucrative investment.

Unlikely Connections to Recovery

Drawing parallels with recovery after economic downturns, consider the way many cities have rebuilt after natural disasters. Just as communities often see a boom in construction and business following these crises due to renewed optimism and federal funding, Bitcoin could experience a similar resurgence. The uncertainty surrounding new elections often prompts a change in sentiment, fostering a cycle where hope rejuvenates the market, much like how a city rebounds with vigor and innovation. This underlines a significant pointโ€”that in both situations, a catalyst for growth emerges when people least expect it.