Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, hit an all-time high of $73,780 in March 2024, just before its latest halving event. Investors were anticipating a significant price surge similar to previous halving cycles. However, the aftermath was disappointing, with Bitcoin’s value declining by 15% over the next six months. Currently trading at $59,881, Bitcoin has struggled to regain its momentum, casting doubt on the once-reliable four-year halving cycle.
In our regular HiRiBi blog, we try to figure out what went wrong and why this year’s halving has such unexpected results.
Past Halving Successes: A Comparison
Historically, Bitcoin’s halving events have been crucial in driving price surges. The reduction in block rewards would trigger a decrease in the rate of new Bitcoin entering the market, leading to supply constraints and, typically, a bull run. For instance, the 2016 halving saw Bitcoin’s price skyrocket by 739% over the following year, while the 2020 halving also delivered impressive gains, albeit at a slower pace. This established pattern convinced many investors that halving events was almost guaranteed to push prices up.
In contrast, the 2024 halving has not followed this trend. Despite strong expectations, the cryptocurrency failed to break the $60,000 resistance level, and market forces indicate a further decline in value. Experts suggest Bitcoin could slump another 20% due to several macroeconomic factors.
Current Market Dynamics: What Went Wrong?
One of the main reasons behind Bitcoin’s weak post-halving performance is the increasing influence of macroeconomic conditions on the market. Unlike in previous cycles, Bitcoin is now more closely tied to broader economic trends. Institutional investors, retail traders, and even whales have begun to react more to factors such as inflation, interest rates, and economic uncertainty rather than relying on the cryptocurrency’s internal halving mechanism.
The upcoming Federal Reserve rate cut and the U.S. presidential election are shaping Bitcoin’s price movement in the near term. Analysts believe that the uncertainty surrounding these events has caused investors to adopt a cautious approach, dampening the usual halving-driven enthusiasm.
Additionally, Bitcoin’s market is maturing. The entry of more institutional investors has changed the dynamics, with short-term profit booking becoming more common. This has led to reduced volatility, making it harder for Bitcoin to experience the rapid price increases it did in earlier halving cycles.
Falling Short of Expectations: Future Predictions
Looking ahead, many are asking whether Bitcoin will ever experience the same explosive growth following halving events. Current indicators suggest that the 2024 cycle may not deliver the gains investors were hoping for. The Fibonacci Retracement method, used by many traders to predict future price levels, shows that Bitcoin is in a downward spiral and is unlikely to reach beyond $65,000 soon.
Several oscillators point to Bitcoin being in an overbought zone, which signals potential further declines. If macroeconomic conditions worsen or investors continue booking profits, Bitcoin’s price could face even more downward pressure. Some experts suggest that Bitcoin may reach $100,000 by 2025, but this projection depends heavily on favourable market conditions, increased retail participation, and adoption of Bitcoin ETFs.
Has the Halving Cycle Lost Its Relevance?
The diminishing impact of the halving cycle raises a key question: has the four-year cycle become obsolete? Analysts are now questioning whether the halving event still holds the same relevance it once did. The correlation between halving and price increases has weakened over time, with Bitcoin showing less upward movement after each successive halving.
Justin Bennett, a popular analyst, argues that Bitcoin’s price is now more closely tied to broader economic cycles, rather than the internal supply mechanics of the cryptocurrency itself. He points to the U.S. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which measures the health of the economy, as a significant driver of Bitcoin’s price movements. As the global economy contracts, Bitcoin has mirrored these trends, moving in sync with broader market sentiments.
This shift in dynamics suggests that the halving cycle, once a key determinant of Bitcoin’s price, may no longer be the driving force it used to be. Investors may need to move away from the expectation that halving will lead to inevitable price increases, instead focusing on external economic indicators.
What Lies Ahead for Bitcoin
The future of Bitcoin remains uncertain, and the outlook depends on several factors. The potential Federal Reserve rate cut and the outcome of the U.S. presidential election are two pivotal events that could influence the cryptocurrency’s price in the coming months. Should these events result in favourable economic conditions, Bitcoin may regain some of its lost momentum and approach the $65,000 mark.
However, the market’s growing sensitivity to external factors suggests that Bitcoin’s next major breakout could be delayed. If inflation and economic contraction persist, the cryptocurrency could remain in its current range, struggling to break through the resistance levels that once seemed easily attainable.
Conclusion: Has Halving Lost Its Edge?
The disappointing performance following Bitcoin’s 2024 halving event signals a shift in how the market views the four-year cycle. Once a reliable predictor of price surges, the halving event now appears to have less influence on Bitcoin’s valuation. This shift reflects a maturing market, where broader economic factors play a larger role in determining price movements.
While some analysts believe that Bitcoin could still reach new highs in the future, the halving cycle may no longer be the key factor driving its price. Investors must now consider the wider economic landscape when making decisions, as macroeconomic trends increasingly influence Bitcoin’s price movements.
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