Bitcoin (BTC) spent the weekend below $90,000 after crashing nearly 3% as a cascade of leveraged liquidations dragged the market lower. The flagship cryptocurrency could see an extended decline if bulls fail to defend $84,000.
Meanwhile, veteran trader Peter Brandt remains concerned about Bitcoin’s price outlook, stating that the recent rally could be the only retest of the broadening top pattern traders will get.
Are We Witnessing A Shift To A Two-Year Cycle?
Bitcoin investors have typically relied on the ever-dependable four-year cycle to navigate market bull runs, capitulations, and halving events. However, the four-year cycle is beginning to look dated in 2025, with analysts desperately looking for a new framework to understand the flagship cryptocurrency’s price action.
Some argue institutional capital has reshaped the market, while others highlight the waning impact of Bitcoin halving events. The emergence of AI as an alternative investment avenue has also potentially contributed to recent changes in Bitcoin’s evolving price action. Jeff Park, Chief Investment Officer at ProCap BTC, believes Bitcoin is transitioning into a shorter two-year cycle. According to an interview with Cointelegraph, Park believes Bitcoin’s market structure has undergone a fundamental shift because institutional investors have different incentives than retail investors. According to Park, a shorter cycle could dramatically alter how investors think about timing, volatility, and Bitcoin’s price action in 2026.
Peter Brandt Cautious As Bitcoin (BTC) Stalls
Veteran trader Peter Brandt has adopted a cautious stance regarding Bitcoin’s (BTC) price outlook. In a post on X, the veteran trader stated that the recent rally could be the only retest of the broadening top pattern traders may get. The trader highlighted a “megaphone” pattern, often interpreted as a sign that price action could be approaching a bearish reversal. Brandt wrote on X,
“This week’s rally may be all the retesting of the broadening top we will see. Of course, we will see.”
The veteran trader gave a 30% probability that Bitcoin had already topped during the ongoing cycle. Brandt stated back in September,
“If the top comes in the second half of September, it could even be remembered as the Brandt Top.”
Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis
Bitcoin (BTC) started December trading around $85,000 before rebounding to reclaim $90,000 and push towards $93,000. However, momentum fizzled out as selling pressure returned, forcing the flagship cryptocurrency back below $90,000.
The flagship cryptocurrency ended the previous weekend marginally down at $90,369. Selling pressure intensified on Monday with BTC falling to an intraday low of $83,800 before settling at $86,282. Despite the overwhelming selling pressure, the price recovered on Tuesday, rising nearly 6% to reclaim $90,000 and settle at $91,308. Buyers retained control on Wednesday as BTC rose 2.35% to $93,453.
Source: TradingView
However, BTC lost momentum on Thursday, falling 1.46% to $92,093. Selling pressure intensified on Friday with the flagship cryptocurrency falling below $90,000 to $89,345. Price action remained bearish on Saturday as BTC registered a marginal decline and settled at $89,267. The price is marginally down during the ongoing session, with investor attention on next week’s price action. If sellers drag BTC below $84,000, it could go as low as $80,000. On the other hand, if positive sentiment returns, BTC will look to retest the $93,000 level.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
