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Bitcoin slides 3% as assets rout; Gold smashes to $5K on oil fears

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Crypto Breaking News

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) pulled back from its recent tilt toward the $70,000 threshold as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified concerns about oil supply and global inflation. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz sparked a broad risk-off mood, with equities slipping and safe-haven assets showing mixed performance. By midday, BTC hovered near the $66,000 area after retreating from its earlier highs, underscoring how macro headlines continue to drive crypto liquidity and price action. A data point from TradingView highlighted a roughly 3.2% intraday decline, reinforcing traders’ focus on momentum and key technical levels in a volatile environment.

Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) failed to sustain a move toward $70,000 as energy-market tensions resurfaced following Hormuz-related disruptions.
  • Major equity indices were weaker at the open, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each down around 2%, and gold also retreating as risk appetite deteriorated.
  • BTC price action remained range-bound and failed to break through critical trend lines, a dynamic traders described as evidence of persistent bearish pressure.
  • Analysts linked the session to a broader risk-off cycle driven by oil supply concerns and potential inflationary stress, affecting both crypto and traditional markets.
  • While some voices cautioned that BTC could see a rotation opportunity if macro conditions stabilize, the near-term path remained uncertain.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative. BTC dropped about 3.2% on the day, returning to the $66,000 region as volatility in oil and cross-asset liquidity weighed on prices.

Market context: The move sits within a broader risk-off backdrop where energy-market shocks, inflation concerns, and geopolitical headlines shape appetite for both traditional assets and digital currencies. The episode underscored how crypto trading remains tethered to macro risk sentiment and liquidity dynamics that can shift quickly in response to geopolitical developments and energy data.

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Why it matters

The day’s price action sheds light on Bitcoin’s evolving role in diversified portfolios during periods of geopolitical stress. As oil markets react to potential supply disruptions, the resulting spillovers to equities and currencies can compress risk-on assets, including digital currencies. The observed dynamics imply that BTC is not immune to macro shocks and that its appeal as an inflation hedge or portfolio diversifier may be contingent on broader liquidity conditions and investor risk tolerance.

For market participants, the session highlighted the importance of risk controls and scenario planning. While some analysts had suggested a rotation from gold into BTC as a store of value during periods of stress, the evidence from this single session indicates a more nuanced relationship. The price resilience of BTC in some shorter timeframes contrasts with the larger-timeframe momentum that favored bears, suggesting a wait-and-watch period for a clearer directional signal.

Looking ahead, the interplay between oil-market volatility, inflation expectations, and crypto liquidity will likely calibrate how traders approach BTC in the near term. If macro headwinds ease and risk assets stabilize, BTC could retest upside levels; if not, a continuation of range-bound trading or further downside pressure remains plausible. Investors should monitor whether BTC can reclaim key levels or remain anchored in a consolidative range while macro headlines evolve.

What to watch next

  • Oil-price trajectories and official updates on energy supply risks, particularly around chokepoints like Hormuz, over the next several sessions.
  • BTC price levels: watch for a decisive move above $70,000 or a clear break below $66,000 to signal a new short- or medium-term direction.
  • General risk sentiment: observe moves in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq for continued correlation or decoupling from crypto markets.
  • Geopolitical developments: any escalation or de-escalation could rapidly reframe liquidity and volatility in crypto markets.

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Market reaction and key details

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) traded in a narrow corridor as macro headlines continued to drive prices. The market faced a risk-off tilt after the Strait of Hormuz closed, amplifying concerns about oil-supply interruptions and potential inflationary pressures. In this environment, equities pulled back and safe-haven assets vacillated, with gold not providing the shelter some had anticipated. Data from TradingView captured BTC’s movement, showing a roughly 3.2% decline on the day and a retreat toward the $66,000 mark. The price action followed a broader pattern of cross-asset sensitivity to geopolitical risk and energy-market signals.

“The market is beginning to price-in a longer war,” The Kobeissi Letter wrote on X, reflecting a shift in risk perception as geopolitical tensions persisted.

From a technical standpoint, traders highlighted that BTC once again failed to flip key trend lines that would signal renewed bullish conviction. Keith Alan, cofounder of Material Indicators, observed that “So far $BTC bulls have failed to muster any momentum,” underscoring the lack of a clear breakout above resistance levels. A weekly chart review suggested a memory-like pattern of consolidation spanning 2021 through late 2024, with recent rallies not carrying the DNA of a sustained bull recovery.

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“After losing the 2021 Top and the 21-Day SMA again, I’m having flashbacks to March – Nov 2024 when we endured 8 months of consolidation in this range. Nothing about Monday’s rally has the DNA of a bull recovery.”

Despite the bearish tone, some participants sought opportunities in the near term. A widely cited observation from traders noted that, relative to other assets, Bitcoin appeared to hold up better than some precious metals during the crisis, a theme that prompted discussions of potential capital rotation. Yet the prevailing consensus emphasized that volatility remained elevated and that BTC’s intermediate-term direction would hinge on how the oil-market dynamics and inflation outlook evolved in the days ahead.

“Not doing the worst since the escalation in the middle east. Actually outperforming stocks & precious metals for a change,” commented Daan Crypto Trades, highlighting the nuanced performance within a broad risk-off phase.

As the session progressed, gold came under pressure as macro concerns persisted. Nik Bhatia, founder of The Bitcoin Layer, described gold as “absolutely smashed,” while noting it had posted year-to-date gains of around 16%. This juxtaposition—gold weakening even as Bitcoin remains in a tight range—helped illustrate the complexity of risk markets during this period. Some observers, including Michaël van de Poppe, suggested that a rotation of capital from gold to BTC could be underway, a narrative that would require more data to confirm but remains a subject of debate among market watchers.

What’s next in the oil-BTC dynamic

The current episode underscores how energy-market shocks can feed into crypto liquidity, especially when inflation expectations are in flux. As traders reassess macro scenarios, BTC could either test higher resistance levels if risk appetite returns or continue trading within a defined range until new catalysts emerge. The next steps will hinge on how quickly energy markets stabilize, how central banks respond to any escalation in oil prices, and whether risk-on assets regain footing in a global environment of heightened uncertainty.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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AVAX Tests Key Support as Descending Triangle Signals Possible Trend Reversal Ahead

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • AVAX trades near $9 as price consolidates above key support within a multi-year descending triangle structure
  • Strong buyer activity appears around $8–$10, with reduced volatility signaling a possible accumulation phase
  • Resistance between $13 and $16 remains critical, with a breakout needed to shift short-term momentum
  • A confirmed move above the descending trendline could open a path toward the $60–$80 price range

Avalanche (AVAX) is trading near a key support zone as its weekly chart shows a long-term descending triangle. Price action suggests buyers are stepping in, with consolidation forming near the lower boundary of the structure.

AVAX Holds Key Support as Buyers Step In

AVAX has remained within a broad downtrend since its 2021 peak above $130. The weekly chart shows a clear pattern of lower highs, guided by a descending resistance trendline. This structure has kept selling pressure active during each rally attempt.

According to analyst Butterfly on X, AVAX is bouncing from the lower edge of the triangle. The post added that buyers are showing interest near this support, with early signs of control shifting toward bulls.

Price is now hovering around $9.18, just above a strong support zone between $10.5 and $11. This area has been tested several times, making it a key level for market participants. Below this, the $8 to $9 range has acted as a short-term accumulation zone.

The chart also shows reduced volatility within this range. Price movement has tightened, forming a consolidation pattern. This behavior often appears when selling pressure slows and buyers begin absorbing available supply.

Volume data supports this view. Larger spikes appeared during earlier sell-offs and rebounds. More recently, volume has stabilized, with no sharp increase in selling activity. This trend suggests that the market may be entering a transition phase.

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Resistance Levels Define Next Direction

While support has held, several resistance levels remain in focus. The first barrier sits between $13.5 and $16.5, where recent price rejection occurred. A move above this range could shift short-term momentum.

Beyond that, the $20.5 to $25.5 range represents a mid-level resistance zone. This area aligns with the previous price structure and could slow movement upward if reached. The descending trendline near $30 remains the most critical level.

A breakout above this trendline would change the long-term structure. It would end the pattern of lower highs and open the path for a broader recovery. Projections from the chart suggest that such a move could push the price toward the $60 to $80 range.

On the downside, a break below $8 would weaken the current setup. In that case, price could move toward the $6 to $7.5 region. This level has served as support in the past and may attract new buying interest.

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For now, AVAX remains in a narrow range between $8 and $12. This zone has become a key area where both buyers and sellers are active. The longer the price stays within this band, the stronger the next move could be.

Market participants are watching closely as the structure approaches a decision point. The repeated defense of support suggests ongoing demand. At the same time, resistance levels continue to cap upward movement.

The weekly chart reflects a market in balance, with both sides waiting for confirmation. A move beyond these defined levels will likely set the next direction for AVAX.

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Bitcoin Dips Below $75,000 as Strait of Hormuz Sees Zero Oil Tankers for First Time in History

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Bitcoin Price Performance.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped below $75,000 on April 19 as the Strait of Hormuz shut down entirely and Iran rejected a second round of negotiations with the United States.

The developments mark a sharp escalation in the US-Iran standoff, with zero oil tankers passing through the strait and diplomatic channels appearing to collapse.

Strait of Hormuz Shuts Down as Diplomacy Stalls

No oil tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing the waterway that handles roughly 20% of global seaborne oil trade.

“It appears that the Strait of Hormuz is now completely closed for the first time in history. The US “blockade” and Iran’s closure are in full force,” wrote The Kobeissi Letter.

Reportedly, thirteen tankers had already turned back mid-route the day before, freezing shipping flows through the critical chokepoint.

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Iran’s state media confirmed that Tehran rejected participating in a second round of talks with Washington. Iranian officials cited what they called “deception” from President Trump, pointing to “inconsistency with what is actually happening” during negotiations.

The rejection came after the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement last week.

Trump Escalates Threats Against Iran

President Trump accused Iran of firing on ships in the strait in violation of the ceasefire agreement. He threatened to “knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran” if Tehran refuses a deal.

General sentiment is that both countries are on the verge of a new round of escalation, with futures markets set to open within hours.

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Bitcoin has faced sustained pressure from the US-Iran conflict since February 28. The pioneer crypto previously fell from above $100,000 when Iran first moved to close the strait earlier this year. Amid Sunday’s risk-off sentiment, the king of crypto fell below $75,000 for yet another time.

Bitcoin Price Performance.
Bitcoin Price Performance. Source: TradingView

Rising oil prices and inflation fears have repeatedly pushed investors toward traditional safe-haven assets over crypto.

The coming hours may prove critical as futures markets open and traders price in the diplomatic breakdown.

The post Bitcoin Dips Below $75,000 as Strait of Hormuz Sees Zero Oil Tankers for First Time in History appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Solana Holds Cup and Handle Structure as Price Trades Within Key Consolidation Range

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TLDR:

  • Solana’s monthly chart shows a cup-and-handle pattern forming after a long recovery from 2023 lows.
  • Price remains inside a descending channel, with $70–$80 support acting as a key short-term level.
  • Resistance between $240–$280 marks the breakout zone needed to confirm the bullish continuation pattern.
  • A breakdown below $70 may weaken the structure, while holding support keeps the consolidation phase active.

Solana’s monthly price structure is drawing attention as it continues to form a classic cup-and-handle pattern. The asset remains within a consolidation phase, with price currently moving inside the handle range after a strong recovery from earlier lows.

Long-Term Structure Shows Gradual Recovery

Solana’s macro chart reflects a rounded bottom that formed between 2021 and 2024. Price peaked near $240–$260 in 2021 before entering a prolonged decline. It later found support near $10–$12 in early 2023, marking the cycle low.

Bitcoinsensus describes this structure as a developing cup-and-handle pattern on the monthly timeframe.

The post notes that the recovery from the 2023 lows formed a rounded base, which is often linked to steady accumulation rather than rapid speculation.

From that bottom, price climbed steadily toward the previous highs, completing the cup formation. This move established a broader bullish structure, supported by higher highs during the recovery phase. The return to the $240–$260 range defined the upper boundary of the cup.

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Since reaching that zone, the price has not broken out. Instead, it has entered a controlled pullback. This phase forms the handle portion of the structure, which typically follows a rounded recovery.

The handle appears as a downward-sloping channel. Current price action remains within this range, with resistance near $180–$200 and support around $70–$80. At the time of observation, the price traded near $89.97, closer to the lower boundary.

Consolidation Phase Keeps Market in Balance

The handle structure reflects short-term pressure, although the broader trend remains intact. This phase often involves reduced volatility compared to the earlier recovery. Price movement within this channel suggests a pause rather than a confirmed reversal.

Key resistance levels remain clearly defined. The descending channel top sits near $170–$200, acting as immediate resistance. Beyond that, the $240–$280 range marks the major breakout zone tied to the cup formation.

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On the downside, the $70–$80 region serves as critical support. A breakdown below this level could shift market structure. In such a case, the price may move toward $60 or lower, weakening the current pattern.

The broader structure remains intact as long as support holds. The cup-and-handle pattern traditionally requires a breakout above the rim for confirmation. In this case, that level lies near $240–$280.

If price moves above this zone with strong momentum, the pattern projects a larger upside range. The depth of the cup suggests a possible extension toward $450–$550. However, such movement depends on sustained strength and a confirmed breakout.

For now, the price continues to move within the handle. This keeps the market in a neutral position, with both upward and downward scenarios still open.

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A hold above support may allow a move toward channel resistance. A break below support could delay further recovery.

The current phase remains focused on consolidation. Market participants continue to watch the $70–$80 support and the descending resistance line for direction. Movement beyond these levels will likely define the next stage of the trend.

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Money Market Funds See Record $172B Outflows as Capital Rotates Across Markets

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Money market funds recorded a $172.2B weekly outflow, the largest ever, far exceeding typical April withdrawal trends.
  • Equity funds attracted $11.3B while bond funds saw $7.9B inflows, showing a shift toward diversified allocations.
  • Crypto and gold funds each gained $1.2B, reflecting steady demand for alternative assets during capital rotation.
  • Seasonal tax payments and portfolio adjustments drove withdrawals, pushing the four-week average to early 2024 levels.

Money market funds recorded a historic weekly outflow as capital rotated across asset classes. Recent data shows a sharp withdrawal trend, with funds moving into equities, bonds, and alternative assets during a period that often aligns with seasonal tax payments.

Record Outflows Reshape Short-Term Liquidity Trends

Money market funds saw a weekly outflow of $172.2 billion, marking the largest drawdown ever recorded. The scale of withdrawals exceeded typical April averages, reflecting an unusual shift in short-term liquidity positioning.

According to a post shared by The Kobeissi Letter on X, the weekly outflow was over 320% above the average April movement seen in recent years.

The data also showed that the four-week moving average dropped to negative $30.0 billion, reaching levels last seen in early 2024.

This change in flow patterns coincided with capital moving into other financial instruments. Equity funds attracted $11.3 billion, while bond funds recorded inflows of $7.9 billion during the same period. These figures suggest that investors adjusted allocations rather than exiting markets entirely.

At the same time, alternative assets saw moderate interest. Gold and crypto-related funds each received $1.2 billion in inflows. While smaller in size compared to equities and bonds, these inflows indicate continued diversification across asset classes.

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April often brings seasonal liquidity changes due to tax obligations. As a result, part of the outflow from money market funds was linked to tax-related withdrawals. This pattern tends to repeat annually, although the magnitude this time stands out.

Capital Rotation Signals Broader Allocation Shifts

The movement of funds into equities and bonds points to a broader reallocation strategy. Investors appear to be balancing short-term liquidity needs with longer-term positioning across markets.

Equity inflows suggest a willingness to maintain exposure to risk assets despite recent volatility. Meanwhile, bond inflows indicate continued interest in fixed-income securities, often used for stability during uncertain conditions.

The inflows into gold and crypto funds, although smaller, add another layer to the overall picture. These assets are often viewed as alternative stores of value, especially during periods of shifting liquidity trends.

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The decline in the four-week moving average of withdrawals also provides context. It shows that while the weekly outflow was large, the broader trend reflects sustained but less extreme withdrawals over time.

Taken together, the data show that capital is not leaving the financial system but moving between asset classes. Seasonal factors, combined with changing market preferences, continue to shape these flows.

As April progresses, similar patterns may continue, especially if tax-related withdrawals remain active. However, the redistribution of funds suggests ongoing engagement across multiple markets rather than a retreat from risk.

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Michael Saylor Signals Rising Bitcoin Cost Basis as $75K Emerges as Key Support Zone

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Institutional Bitcoin buying continues across cycles, with cost basis rising steadily toward the $75K range
  • Large purchase clusters at higher prices reflect increased capital deployment during bullish momentum phases
  • The $75K level aligns with average cost, making it a key support zone for current market positioning
  • Bitcoin price near cost basis signals a decision point as market direction remains uncertain in the short term

Bitcoin accumulation trends tied to large institutional buyers continue to draw market attention as price action tests key levels.

A recent dataset shared publicly outlines long-term purchasing behavior, cost basis movement, and evolving strategy across multiple market cycles up to April 19, 2026.

Institutional Accumulation Strategy Expands Across Market Cycles

A post by Michael Saylor introduced the chart with a brief statement urging larger thinking. The shared data tracks a “Strategy Tracker,” presenting Bitcoin purchases over time alongside price movement and average cost trends.

The dataset shows total holdings of 780,897 BTC valued at $59.10 billion. The average acquisition cost stands at $75,577 per Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, cumulative tracked purchases reach 8,780,897 BTC across 106 events, reflecting long-term accumulation behavior.

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Early accumulation occurred when Bitcoin traded between $10,000 and $40,000. During this period, purchases remained consistent but relatively small.

As a result, the average cost line moved gradually upward, showing controlled exposure during lower price levels.

As prices declined toward the $20,000 to $30,000 range, buying activity continued. This phase reflects steady accumulation during market weakness. The average cost stabilized before rising again, indicating continued capital deployment without hesitation.

Later, Bitcoin entered a strong upward move, climbing beyond $100,000. During this phase, purchase sizes increased, and buying frequency rose. The average cost also climbed sharply, signaling a shift toward momentum-driven accumulation.

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Price Levels and Cost Basis Shape Market Positioning

The chart outlines key price zones that now frame market structure. The $75,000 to $80,000 range aligns closely with the average acquisition cost. This level now serves as a central support zone tied to institutional positioning.

Below that, the $60,000 to $65,000 range marks a previous consolidation area. This zone acted as a base before the breakout that pushed prices higher. These levels remain relevant for traders assessing downside scenarios.

On the upside, $100,000 continues to act as a psychological barrier. The price has tested this level multiple times. Above that, the $120,000 to $130,000 range represents the recent peak and a clear resistance zone.

The relationship between price and average cost remains central to the current setup. When Bitcoin trades above the cost basis, positions remain in profit. When price approaches this level, it becomes a decision point for market participants.

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Recent data shows Bitcoin hovering near this cost level. This places the market in a narrow range where direction remains uncertain. At the same time, continued buying during both rallies and pullbacks reflects a steady approach.

Purchase markers on the chart also show larger allocations at higher price levels. This pattern suggests increasing capital commitment over time. It also reflects a willingness to accumulate regardless of short-term price fluctuations.

The absence of selling activity across the timeline reinforces a long-term positioning strategy. Rather than reacting to price swings, the approach remains focused on building exposure across cycles.

Future price movement now depends on how Bitcoin behaves around the $75,000 level. Holding above this range may support another move toward $100,000 and beyond. However, a breakdown below this level could shift short-term market direction toward lower support zones.

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The chart presents a structured view of accumulation, cost growth, and price interaction. It captures how institutional participation has evolved alongside Bitcoin’s expanding market cycle.

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Current BTC Price Action Shows Dramatic Underperformance: Analyst

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Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving

The current Bitcoin (BTC) market cycle is “dramatically” weaker than the three previous cycles, according to Alex Thorn, the head of firmwide research at investment firm Galaxy.

Thorn compared price action since the April 2024 Bitcoin halving to cycles triggered in 2012, 2016 and 2020; the current cycle shows significantly dampened volatility and lower upside. The all-time high above $125,000 on Oct. 5, 2025 was only 97% above the 2024 halving price around $63,000.

BTC’s price increased by about 9,294% during the 2012 halving cycle, reaching a high of about $1,163, and climbed by about 2,950% during the 2016 halving cycle, reaching a high of about $19,891. The 2020 halving saw a price increase of about 761%.

Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving
A comparison of Bitcoin’s price action in previous halving cycles. Source: Alex Thorn

“Cycle four is dramatically underperforming prior cycles,” Thorn said in an X post, asking, “Is this the new normal, or is it the new normal until it isn’t?”

The decreasing volatility in each successive BTC halving cycle suggests that traditional market dynamics are changing and that BTC’s price may start to be influenced more by other factors, rather than the halving or the four-year cycle market theory.

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The 30-day Bitcoin Volatility Index, which spiked to 9.64% on April 2, 2020, has not been above 3.11% in the current cycle, a reading last tipped on Aug. 24, 2024. At last look, the latest 30-day estimate for that volatility gauge is 1.75%, according to Bitbo data.

Related: Bitcoin bull run ‘still too early’ to call as demand lags exiting capital: Analyst

Critics say current cycle performance ignores the premature all-time high before 2024’s halving

BTC reached what was then the all-time high above the $70,000 level in March 2024 — one month before the April 2024 halving.

The approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States in January 2024 was the primary catalyst for the price pump.

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Bitcoin Price, Bitcoin Analysis, Halving, Bitcoin Halving
The price of BTC hit an all-time high before the April 2024 halving. Source: TradingView

This historic anomaly of BTC hitting a new all-time high before the halving skewed the current cycle’s price performance, critics of Thorn’s analysis said.

Bitcoin drawdowns have also become less severe, as volatility has declined, according to Fidelity Digital Assets.

Previous Bitcoin bear markets have seen declines between 80% and 90%, according to Zack Wainwright, a Fidelity Digital Assets research analyst.

However, Bitcoin’s crash to $60,000 from the all-time high above $125,000 represents a decline just north of 50%, Fidelity’s analysis noted.

In March, Jan van Eck, CEO of asset management company VanEck, said that BTC is close to bottoming out and that he expects the price to begin gradually rising again in 2026. 

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At last look, the biggest crypto was trading at about $74,703, up almost 5% in the last seven days, according to TradingView data.

Magazine: Bitcoin will not hit $1M by 2030, says veteran trader Peter Brandt