Bitcoin steadies as ETF inflows test 4-year halving cycle

Key Takeaway:

  • Late-cycle weakness suggests post-halving bottom forming, per VanEck's Jan van Eck.
  • Institutions foresee caution near term, yet structural demand supports bottoming thesis.
  • Standard Chartered pivots from rigid halving cycle, emphasizing moderate, participation-driven expectations.
Bitcoin bottom case as 4-year halving wanes: Analysis of ETF flows

Bitcoin may be nearing a price bottom as the four-year halving cycle winds down, according to Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, as reported by Cointelegraph. The remark frames recent weakness as late-cycle behavior rather than the start of a new downtrend.

An institutional Q1 2026 outlook characterized 2025 as a break from the historic four-year pattern and urged caution over the next three to six months, as reported by CoinCentral. The report nonetheless pointed to longer-term structural demand themes consistent with a bottoming or consolidation phase.

Large banks have likewise adjusted their frameworks; Standard Chartered has suggested the classic cycle is no longer valid and now presents more moderate expectations. That stance reflects a shift toward valuing structural participation over rigid halving templates.

On technicals, CoinDesk noted a series of higher lows after a March 2025 drawdown, a pattern consistent with seller fatigue. Such structures often mark stabilization phases, though confirmation typically requires time.

Market mood has also deteriorated sharply; fear fell to one of the lowest readings observed in recent history, as reported by CryptoNews. Extreme pessimism can coincide with late-stage selling pressure.

Still, a durable bottom is not assured; analysts continue to warn the bear trend could persist if supports fail, as per KuCoin’s coverage. Risk management remains paramount amid uneven liquidity.

Some institutional voices argue that growing participation by large investors is dampening boom-bust dynamics. “We may have seen the low a couple of weeks ago,” said Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest.

Cross-asset context also matters; Investing.com’s market analysis spans gold, the U.S. dollar, the S&P 500, and silver, underscoring how broader risk appetite can influence crypto. These correlations can strengthen or weaken across regimes.

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin trades near $68,179 with a 14-day RSI around 47.53, a neutral reading. The 50-day simple moving average sits near 77,542, while recent volatility is about 5.12% and sentiment is flagged as bearish. Recent green days total 12 of the past 30.

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