Bitcoin bear market's three main causes revealed, but the industry expects a potential rebound to $100,000 by year-end

Odaily Bitcoin has been declining since October last year, with its current price hovering around half of its all-time high of $126,000, indicating the market remains in a deep bear phase. Multiple industry analysts believe the current pressure on Bitcoin stems primarily from three factors: the four-year cycle, macroeconomic inflationary pressures, and market leverage liquidations.

Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, stated that Bitcoin's long-standing "four-year cycle" continues to influence investor psychology. Historically, Bitcoin typically undergoes approximately three years of an upward cycle followed by a one-year correction period. Investors have developed cyclical expectations and began reducing some long-term holdings towards the end of 2025.

Additionally, the macroeconomic environment is a significant drag on Bitcoin. Zach Pandl, Head of Research at Grayscale, pointed out that rising inflationary pressures in the US have weakened market expectations for interest rate cuts. Investors are shifting towards higher-yielding traditional assets, leading to capital outflows from risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. The short-term bottom is estimated to be around $58,000, with future trends still influenced by interest rate policies, corporate Bitcoin buying behavior, and progress in US crypto regulatory legislation.

Excessive market leverage has also exacerbated this correction. As a large number of investors expanded their Bitcoin exposure through borrowing and financing during the bull market, derivatives open interest has declined as the market weakened. Digital asset treasury companies have also come under pressure. Strategy's stock price has fallen approximately 75% since October last year, and its previously promoted model of corporate Bitcoin accumulation is facing renewed market scrutiny.

However, some analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin's prospects. Adrian Fritz, Chief Investment Strategist at 21Shares, predicts that Bitcoin may bottom out this summer, rebound after interest rates shift towards easing and geopolitical conflicts ease, with a year-end price target of $100,000. (Fortune)