The latest Bitcoin pullback has not unsettled long-term bulls. What is rattling markets instead is the timing: the sell-off arrived just as traders were bracing for a potential Federal Reserve pivot — and now that hope has faded, the market is searching for a new catalyst rather than a new narrative.
- Analysts view the current Bitcoin drop as mid-cycle turbulence rather than a bearish breakdown.
- Some investors see increased volatility as a potential accumulation opportunity.
- Key support levels lie below current price, but testing them wouldn’t invalidate the long-term bullish thesis.
- Forecasts now lean toward consolidation through 2025, with the next major rally expected in 2026.
Instead of debating whether Bitcoin has topped, analysts are trying to determine what cycle we are in. Several market watchers note that this phase resembles past mid-cycle turbulence rather than the exhaustion peaks seen before major crashes. Bitcoin fell to around $96,000, but for many observers, the level itself isn’t the important part — the positioning of investors is.
Long-Term Investors Don’t See a Bear Market
Institutional desks and crypto funds appear to be holding their positions. Price action has been sharp, yet liquidations have not triggered the kind of supply events associated with full trend reversals.
That includes high-profile market participants such as DWF Labs’ Andrei Grachev, who stated that the volatility currently seen is closer to a buying window than a signal to sell. His view reflects a broader attitude among long-term holders: corrections are expected in fast markets, and timing exits is harder than timing accumulation.
Technical Analysts Are Focused on Defense First, Rally Later
While sentiment hasn’t collapsed, technical analysts are watching specific structural points. Arete Capital’s McKenna is one of the voices framing the situation not through panic but through the lens of risk management. His concern isn’t the current level — it’s where Bitcoin closes relative to the 50-week SMA.
If weekly positioning weakens, McKenna maps a sequence of support zones at $96.2K, $93.3K, $91K and $86K, a staircase he argues would not break the bull cycle even if tested.
The Most Controversial View Is Not About the Correction — It’s About the Timeline
Rather than predicting another immediate all-time high, McKenna pushes expectations further out. He sees 2025 as a consolidation year and suggests institutional capital, Bitcoin ETF flows and macro conditions will align more decisively in 2026.
Under that framework, he believes $150,000+ is realistic in the second half of 2026, with $200,000 possible if adoption remains strong through the end of President Trump’s term.
So What Really Changed?
The dominant takeaway among analysts isn’t that Bitcoin is breaking down — it’s that Bitcoin might be returning to a normal cycle pattern after months of oversized optimism. After a historic run, a reset period driven by rate-cut uncertainty and U.S. political turbulence is more likely a recalibration than a trend reversal.
Whether Bitcoin rebounds from current levels or leans lower first won’t define the bigger picture. The more important question traders are debating now is not whether the bull market is alive — but how long the pause lasts before the next leg begins.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/analysts-see-bitcoin-drop-as-mid-cycle-pause-not-trend-reversal/