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Why the four year bitcoin cycle is about to break

Four-Year Cycle Believers May Face Market Reality Check | Bitcoin's Maturing Dynamics Are Changing the Game

By

Ravi Mehta

Nov 19, 2025, 09:57 AM

2 minutes reading time

Traders analyzing Bitcoin charts with worried expressions as prices fluctuate.
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A growing number of people are expressing concerns that the longstanding belief in the four-year cycle for Bitcoin might be coming to an end. Recent discussions highlight the market's shift toward macroeconomic factors, suggesting that fear could trigger widespread selling.

The Evolution of Bitcoin's Market

In the past, Bitcoin's price closely responded to supply shocks after halving events, leading to predictable bull and bear trends. However, experts argue that as Bitcoin matures, it has become more resistant to these cycles. โ€œAll models are wrong, but some are useful,โ€ a statistician once remarked, reflecting the current sentiment around traditional market expectations.

"Thinking the four-year cycle will play out the way it has before is nonsensical," commented one trader, highlighting the growing skepticism among market participants.

Fear Driving Market Movements

The impending fear of the four-year cycle's end suggests that many are unprepared for market shifts. Comments from various forum participants reveal a spectrum of beliefs regarding market timing and investor psychology:

  • Cycle Pattern Advocates: Some allege that historical cycling patterns are still valid. As one commenter pointed out, averages for cycle peaks indicate a pattern that will hold until at least September 2025.

  • Cynics and the Market Realists: Others believe that expecting traditional patterns will lead to losses, especially as more institutional investors enter the scene, altering market dynamics.

  • Technological Trust: A number of participants argue that adoption and liquidity have changed the landscape, making the old rules outdated.

Key Quotes from the Discussion

  • "When everyone expects something to happen, it rarely does," emphasizes a user questioning the reliability of the cycle.

  • "Retail has been replaced by institutions, and they see the fiat's collapse coming," stated another, suggesting a major shift in market power.

Market Sentiment

Interestingly, sentiment appears mixed but leans towards caution. While some remain hopeful about the past cycles, many fear getting left behind as the dynamics of the market shift.

Important Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Beliefs in the four-year cycle are increasingly challenged.

  • โš ๏ธ Institutional investment is reshaping Bitcoinโ€™s future.

  • ๐Ÿง Many traders are concerned about potential losses due to fear-induced selling.

Closure

The market is at a crossroads. With stronger institutional involvement and a more cynical view of the historical cycle, how will the next few months unfold for Bitcoin investors? Only time will show if faith in old patterns will withstand the new reality.

Shifting Tides Ahead

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the next few months will see increased volatility as traders grapple with the changing landscape. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that Bitcoin will experience sharp swings in price, driven by heightened institutional activity and shifting investor sentiment. Some might adapt quickly to these new dynamics, while others could face significant losses if they cling too tightly to historical patterns. As fear spreads, itโ€™s likely some veterans in the game will pivot their strategies to develop new pathways for navigating this uncertain environment.

Echoes from the Past

An unexpected parallel can be drawn to the transition in the music industry from physical albums to digital streaming. Many artists clung to the old models, believing traditional sales would sustain their careers, while a few embraced technology and thrived. In this fast-evolving cryptocurrency market, those who adapt to emerging trends may find greater success, while those stuck in previous cycles risk being outperformed, ultimately altering the entire ecosystem as it did in music.