Is the Bitcoin Bull Cycle Over?

By Finance News On Aug 25, 2024

After reaching new all-time highs earlier this year, Bitcoin has entered a multi-month period of choppy price action, leading many to wonder if the bull cycle is over. In this article, we dive deep into key metrics and trends to understand if the market is just cooling off or if we’ve already seen the peak for this cycle.

Fundamentally Overvalued?

One of the most reliable tools for gauging Bitcoin’s market cycles is the MVRV Z-Score. This metric measures the difference between Bitcoin’s market cap and its realized cap, or cost-basis for all circulating BTC, helping investors determine whether Bitcoin is over or undervalued according to this ‘fundamental’ cost of BTC.

Recent data shows that the MVRV Z-Score has demonstrated a sustained downward movement, which might suggest that Bitcoin’s upward trajectory has ended. However, a historical analysis tells a different story. During previous bull cycles, including those in 2016-2017 and 2019-2020, similar declines in the MVRV Z-Score were observed. These drawdown periods were followed by significant rallies, leading to new all-time highs. Thus, while the current downtrend may seem concerning, it’s not necessarily indicative of the bull cycle being over.

*Figure 1: MVRV Z-Score typically experiences a sustained retracement during bull cycles.* **Access Live Chart 🔍**

The MVRV Momentum Indicator helps distinguish between bull and bear cycles by applying a moving average to the raw MVRV data. It recently dipped below its moving average and turned red, which may signal the start of a bear cycle. However, historical data shows that similar dips have occurred without leading to a prolonged bear market.

*Figure 2: MVRV is beneath its yearly average, but similar blips have occurred before significantly higher prices.* **Access Live Chart 🔍**

Struggling Beneath Resistance?

Another essential metric to consider is the Short-Term Holder (STH) Realized Price, which represents the average price at which recent market participants acquired their Bitcoin. Currently, the STH Realized Price is around $63,000, slightly above the current market price. This means that many new investors are holding Bitcoin at a loss.

However, during previous bull cycles, Bitcoin’s price dipped below the STH Realized Price multiple times without signaling the end of the bull market. These dips often presented opportunities for investors to accumulate Bitcoin at discounted prices before the next leg up.

*Figure 3: STH cost-basis price presenting accumulation opportunities.* **Access Live Chart 🔍**

Investor Capitulation?

The Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR) assesses whether Bitcoin holders are selling at a…