Bitcoin surpasses 2015-2018 cycle – Is $100K ATH next?

• Bitcoin breaks past key resistance levels, surpassing the 2015-2018 cycle’s high points.
• Institutional adoption and macroeconomic trends drive Bitcoin’s momentum toward a $100K target.

Bitcoin [BTC] has surged past a critical price milestone — surpassing key resistance levels that previously defined its cyclical behavior during the 2015-2018 bull market.

This latest breakout highlights the cryptocurrency’s resilience and growing maturity in a market that has evolved significantly since its early speculative days.

Unlike the dramatic peaks and valleys of the 2015-2018 cycle, Bitcoin’s current trajectory appears more measured, underpinned by stronger fundamentals and broader adoption.

With its price now exceeding levels that many believed would act as insurmountable resistance, questions arise about whether this surge marks the beginning of a new bull cycle — or even a run toward a six-figure valuation.

Breaking past historical cycles

Bitcoin’s current cycle is progressing faster than its 2015-2018 counterpart. After peaking at $20,000 in 2017, Bitcoin took nearly three years to recover, consolidating at lower levels before its next bull run.

In contrast, the 2022 bottom has been followed by a much quicker rebound, with Bitcoin surpassing $50,000 within two years — nearly a year faster than the previous recovery.

Source: TradingView

The chart shows Bitcoin maintaining momentum, with monthly RSI readings above 75 signaling strong bullish conditions.

Trading volumes have also exceeded those from the earlier cycle, reflecting increased market participation.

This milestone represents an 80% recovery from 2022 lows, supported by long-term holder accumulation and reduced exchange balances.

These on-chain shifts highlight stronger fundamentals compared to prior cycles, suggesting less speculative activity and more sustained growth. Bitcoin’s accelerated recovery sets it apart from historical patterns.

What sets this cycle apart

Two key factors define this cycle: institutional adoption and macroeconomic tailwinds.

Major players like BlackRock and Fidelity are pushing for Bitcoin ETFs, signaling mainstream acceptance and driving capital inflows.

Open Interest in Bitcoin Futures has surged, reflecting heightened institutional activity.

On the macroeconomic front, persistent inflation, geopolitical instability, and de-dollarization trends are bolstering Bitcoin’s appeal as a hedge.

Additionally, advancements like the Lightning Network have improved scalability, enhancing Bitcoin’s utility.

These dynamics, absent in earlier cycles, are fueling stronger and more sustainable demand, positioning Bitcoin as a maturing asset in both retail and institutional markets.

Can Bitcoin hit $100K?

Source: TradingView

Bitcoin’s recent price movement, coupled with strong on-chain fundamentals, makes $100K a real possibility.

Bitcoin surged past $90K in November, with a notable increase in trading volume and RSI hitting 75, suggesting robust bullish momentum.

The correction that followed has seen Bitcoin hold steady around $95K, maintaining a healthy RSI of 65, indicating that the market is not yet overbought.

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Read Bitcoin’s [BTC] Price Prediction 2024–2025

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The ongoing institutional adoption and macroeconomic factors, such as inflation concerns and growing interest in Bitcoin ETFs, further support the bullish outlook.

With supply constraints post-halving, Bitcoin’s path to $100K remains credible, though broader market volatility could still introduce risks.