• Bitcoin hit $125,000 on October 6, 2025, marking a possible cycle peak in price and time.

• Fidelity’s macro director predicts a “Bitcoin winter” lasting about a year, with support levels at $65,000 to $75,000.

• Contrasting views from analysts like Delphi Digital’s Tom Shaughnessy foresee new all-time highs in 2026, driven by regulatory tailwinds and institutional adoption, following a $19 billion market crash in early October.

Bitcoin four-year cycle may end in 2025, signaling $65K bottom in 2026 per Fidelity expert. Explore bullish outlooks amid regulatory progress. Stay informed on crypto trends—subscribe for updates today!

What is the Bitcoin Four-Year Cycle and Has It Ended?

The Bitcoin four-year cycle refers to the recurring pattern tied to Bitcoin’s halving events, which occur approximately every four years and reduce mining rewards by half, historically influencing price surges followed by corrections. According to Jurrien Timmer, director of global macroeconomic research at Fidelity, Bitcoin’s recent all-time high of $125,000 on October 6, 2025, likely marked the end of the current cycle in both price and time. While this suggests a potential “Bitcoin winter” ahead, Timmer emphasizes his long-term bullish stance on the asset’s secular growth.

Source: Jurrien Timmer

Bitcoin winters, as Timmer describes them, typically last about a year, positioning 2026 as a potential “off year” with price support between $65,000 and $75,000. This analysis comes from his recent post on X, highlighting concerns over the cycle’s completion despite broader market optimism. Timmer’s insights draw from historical data, where halvings in 2012, 2016, and 2020 preceded bull runs but were followed by significant drawdowns.

How Might Regulatory Tailwinds Affect Bitcoin’s 2026 Outlook?

Regulatory developments could extend Bitcoin’s bull market beyond the traditional four-year cycle, countering predictions of an immediate downturn. Experts like Tom Shaughnessy, co-founder of Delphi Digital, anticipate new all-time highs in 2026 once the market recovers from October’s $19 billion liquidation event. Shaughnessy attributes this to “fundamental progress,” including Wall Street’s increasing embrace of crypto products and clearer U.S. policies.

Recent stablecoin legislation marks a milestone, with implementation focusing on examinations, disclosures, and integration into payments and financial infrastructure. Cathy Yoon, general counsel at crypto research firm Temporal and Solana block building system Harmonic, notes that 2026 will differ from prior years by emphasizing practical application of these laws. Policy advancements are expected to attract more institutional investment, potentially stabilizing prices and fostering adoption.

Supporting data from market intelligence platform Santiment shows investor sentiment hit lows this week as Bitcoin fell below $85,000, with bearish commentary dominating platforms like X, Reddit, and Telegram. However, historical patterns suggest rebounds follow such events, bolstered by growing regulated investment options.

Source: Santiment

Blockchain intelligence from Nansen reveals “smart money” traders—top performers by returns—are net short on Bitcoin for $123 million, indicating short-term caution. Yet, they hold $475 million in net long positions on Ether, suggesting diversified optimism within the ecosystem.

Smart money traders top perpetual futures positions on Hyperliquid. Source: Nansen

Bitcoin treasuries have stalled in the fourth quarter of 2025, but major holders continue accumulating, per industry reports. This accumulation, alongside quantum-resistant upgrade discussions like BIP-360, underscores Bitcoin’s evolving resilience against technical and market challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the end of Bitcoin’s four-year cycle mean for investors in 2026?

The end of the cycle, as predicted by Fidelity’s Jurrien Timmer, implies a potential year of consolidation or decline, with a bottom around $65,000. Investors should prepare for volatility but view it as a buying opportunity in a secular bull market, focusing on long-term fundamentals like adoption and regulation.

Will Bitcoin reach new highs in 2026 despite cycle concerns?

Yes, many analysts, including Delphi Digital’s Tom Shaughnessy, expect Bitcoin to surpass its $125,000 peak in 2026. Recovery from the October crash, combined with regulatory progress and institutional inflows, should drive prices higher, reflecting the cryptocurrency’s underlying advancements.

Key Takeaways

• Cycle End Prediction: Fidelity’s Timmer sees Bitcoin’s four-year halving cycle concluding in 2025, forecasting a 2026 bottom at $65,000-$75,000 amid a typical “winter” phase.
• Bullish Counterpoints: Contrasting views highlight regulatory tailwinds and a $19 billion crash recovery, with experts like Shaughnessy predicting new all-time highs driven by Wall Street integration.
• Investor Sentiment: Bearish social media trends and smart money shorts on Bitcoin signal short-term caution, but long positions on Ether and ongoing accumulation suggest broader ecosystem strength.

Conclusion

In summary, the potential end of Bitcoin’s four-year cycle raises questions about 2026’s trajectory, with Fidelity’s analysis pointing to a near-term bottom near $65,000, while regulatory tailwinds offer hope for extended growth. As stablecoin laws take effect and institutional participation deepens, the crypto market’s resilience shines through. Investors are encouraged to monitor these developments closely and consider diversified strategies for the evolving landscape ahead.