Bitcoin Bull Cycle Delayed: Analysts Predict Explosive Market Peak by 2026

Bitcoin (BTC)

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  • Bitcoin’s traditional 4-year cycle appears to be breaking down.
  • Experts expect the next major bull market peak in 2026.
  • Institutional accumulation could trigger the next explosive rally.

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The long-anticipated Bitcoin bull market is taking its time. Despite early enthusiasm and record highs before the 2024 halving, the market has moved sideways for months. Analysts now suggest that both Bitcoin and altcoins are stuck in an extended consolidation phase—one that’s thrown the traditional four-year cycle out of sync.

Historically, Bitcoin’s price tends to peak about a year after each halving. This time, however, the pattern broke early: Bitcoin hit a new all-time high before the halving, and altcoins failed to follow through. The expected “altseason” never fully arrived, leaving traders questioning whether the old playbook still applies.

Analysts Point to New Market Dynamics

Experts believe several factors are reshaping this market cycle. Institutional buying, ETF approvals, and global economic shifts have changed how liquidity flows into crypto. Ethereum, for instance, took almost a year to reach its new all-time high, only to lose momentum soon after.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin remains the dominant performer, though even its growth has been slower than anticipated. According to analysts, the delay isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of transformation. The market may now be transitioning from predictable four-year waves to a more complex, macro-driven structure.

2026: The Likely Peak Year

Most experts now expect the real bull market peak to hit in 2026. The consensus view is that the market is currently in a “gradual pump phase,” soon to shift into a “sudden pump phase” that typically defines the height of a cycle.

Also Read: Bitcoin Options Surge: $1.15B in Institutional Puts Signals BTC Could Test $110K

Institutional investors are reportedly accumulating during this lull, setting the stage for a sharp rally once market momentum returns. When that happens, analysts say, the rush of FOMO could push Bitcoin and major altcoins into unprecedented price territory.

The crypto bull market isn’t canceled—it’s just running late. With fundamentals strengthening and accumulation underway, the current slowdown could be setting the stage for the next explosive move. If experts are right, patience may pay off by 2026.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.