Edited By
Olivia Murphy

As Bitcoin's price hovers around $80K, analysts debate if the bull market has truly begun. Key indicators suggest the trend might still be forming, stirring controversy across forums.
The conversation surrounding Bitcoin's price trajectory has amplified recently. With BTC breaking new records, many are questioning if this upward trend is the start of a genuine bull market or merely a prelude to a future correction. Analysts note that the price surged past the 100-week moving average in October 2023 but failed to retest that significant level as support, a pattern usually seen in confirmed bull markets.
Historical patterns reveal that after previous bear markets, price movements above the 100-week moving average often signal a genuine bull market.
Bitcoin rose sharply from around $30K to highs of $73K without a solid retest of the moving average. Many in the community now speculate that the current phase may not be the start of a bull market at all, but rather just the initial run-up.
βPreviously, the price would break above the 100-week moving average, go on a bullish run, then come back to retest the 100-week moving average before the real bull market began,β one observer noted.
This ongoing rally, from October 2023 through March 2024, is believed to have created a misleading sense of bullish momentum, leading to speculations about a potentially elongated cycle that could last several years.
The prevailing sentiment among people on community boards runs a mixed course:
Cautions About Market Trends: Some warn that rapid price increases could trap investors if a sell-off occurs. A comment stated, βIf it had shot up very quickly to 150-180K, perhaps.β
Uncertainty on Retail Participation: Concerns about retail investors' ability to buy Bitcoin at current levels arise. As one commentator put it, βWho in retail has 80K to buy a coin?β
Increased Institutional Demand: Some analysts argue that institutional purchases might be stabilizing Bitcoin, suggesting that retail demand isnβt as crucial for the marketβs ascent.
Current Price Movements: BTC's recent price behavior raises alarms about potential corrections.
Market Dynamics: The closing comments highlight a shift away from traditional market cycles, suggesting a longer bullish phase ahead.
Institutional Influence: Increased institutional buying versus retail participation brings questions about the market's future direction and resilience.
As the community continues to navigate these discussions, the question remains: Is the bull market truly here, or is the market still in an unpredictable early phase? π
Stay tuned for further analysis as this developing story unfolds.
There's a strong chance that Bitcoin could experience fluctuations in prices over the coming months as market dynamics play a vital role. Analysts predict a 60% probability for Bitcoin to retest the 100-week moving average, which would signal a significant shift. Should it fail to hold above this level, we may see a deeper correction, potentially dropping to the $50K range. Alternatively, if BTC maintains support and continues to attract institutional interest, a path upward toward $100K may form within the next year. Investors should remain vigilant, as the balance between retail and institutional purchasing can significantly impact Bitcoinβs trajectory.
Consider the evolution of the vinyl record industry in the late 20th century. After nearly being eclipsed by CDs and cassettes, vinyl saw a surprising resurgence, driven not by mainstream demands but by a dedicated niche community's love for analog sound. Similarly, Bitcoinβs current situation may reflect a microcosm of this transition. Institutional interest might provide the necessary boost, just as vinyl enthusiasts revived a format many thought was obsolete. If this trend persists, Bitcoin, much like vinyl records, could cement its place in the market, contrary to initial expectations.