Experts Expect Bitcoin Bull Run Not Until 2026 – Crypto Market in Holding Pattern

Four-Year Cycle Only Extended, Not Ended

The big crypto party isn't canceled – the DJ is just stuck in traffic. This summarizes the current assessment of leading market experts who are pushing back the expected Bitcoin bull run to 2026 ^[1]. While current market peaks "feel wrong" to many investors, analysts emphasize that everything is just now falling into place ^[1].

The central thesis: The well-known four-year cycle of the crypto market has merely been extended, not eliminated ^[1]. This raises the question of whether we are currently closer to the top or just experiencing a "brief commercial break" before things continue ^[1].

Liquidity Remains the Decisive Factor

Experts attribute the delay of the bull run primarily to macroeconomic factors. Crypto markets remain heavily dependent on the overall economic situation and central bank decisions ^[1]. Liquidity is considered the analysts' "favorite argument" ^[1].

In recent years, crypto markets have experienced enormous volatility ^[1]. While some observers believe the major crypto bull run has already begun, others assume it will only come in the future ^[1].

Bitcoin Technically Weak – Overall Market Waiting

Bitcoin's current technical condition confirms the cautious stance of many experts. The market leader appears "technically weak," fails to attack relevant resistance levels dynamically, and overall seems "tired" ^[2]. This weakness in the market leader has direct implications for the entire crypto market.

Using Cardano (ADA) as an example, the dependence of altcoins on Bitcoin is clearly evident. The ADA price is moving predominantly sideways, indicating an ongoing consolidation phase ^[2]. A bullish scenario would only emerge if Bitcoin enters an upward movement again ^[2].

Should Bitcoin trend downward again, it can be assumed that the entire crypto market will be drawn into this movement ^[2]. The market environment currently presents itself as "very quiet and lacking impulse" ^[2].

Short-Term Decision Zone in Focus

Despite the dampened sentiment, analysts also see potential for a recovery movement. In the short-term timeframe, cryptocurrencies are at technically decisive points ^[2]. The liquidation level profile shows, for example, a short delta for Cardano, with sufficient short positions above the price that could be triggered in case of an increase ^[2].

This constellation fundamentally suggests existing upward potential, but necessarily requires a corresponding impulse from the overall market ^[2]. The decisive factor will be which direction Bitcoin steers the overall market ^[2].

Conclusion: Patience Required

Overall, it is difficult to predict the exact timing of the major crypto bull run ^[1]. The market is clearly in a waiting phase ^[2]. For investors, it is important to stay informed about current developments in the crypto market and form their own opinion ^[1]. The experts' message is: The big party in the crypto market isn't canceled – it may just be starting in 2026 ^[1].