- Bitcoin and Ethereum are set for their worst February in years, with BTC down 7.8% and ETH dropping 9.47%.
- Analysts say altcoin rallies like 2017 and 2021 may never return, as the market has grown too large.
- Bitcoin’s bull run may be slower this time, with macroeconomic pressures and institutional adoption shaping its trajectory.
Bitcoin and Ethereum are closing out a brutal month, with BTC down 7.8% to $86,774 and ETH dropping 9.47% to $2,403. If both finish at these levels, this would be their worst February in years.
Still, many analysts aren’t calling it quits. While market cycles seem to be shifting, long-term bulls argue that a deeper transformation is underway.
Altcoins May Never See 2017 or 2021-Like Rallies Again
Crypto trader Pentoshi believes the explosive altcoin runs of the past may be gone for good.
- The market has grown too big, making it harder for altcoins to deliver massive gains like in 2017 and 2021.
- With hundreds of millions of investors in crypto now, price movements require more capital than ever.
- Pentoshi also sees the next speculative bubble forming outside of crypto—likely in AI and robotics.
The altcoin market is evolving, and those expecting another wild run like before may need to recalibrate their expectations.
Bitcoin’s Halving Might Not Spark a Parabolic Run This Time
Historically, Bitcoin halvings have triggered massive price surges, but this cycle could be different.
- Pierre Rochard of Riot Platforms says each halving’s impact diminishes over time, as the reduction in new BTC supply becomes smaller.
- Instead of a rapid spike, Rochard expects a slower, steadier climb, driven by demand rather than supply shocks.
- Trump’s administration could play a role too, with potentially favorable regulations helping Bitcoin’s adoption.
“The long-term strategy for Bitcoin remains ongoing accumulation,” Rochard added, noting that ETFs, institutional adoption, and corporate holdings are all solidifying BTC’s place in traditional finance.
Macroeconomics & Equities—How They’re Impacting Crypto
The broader economic landscape is also shaping Bitcoin’s path.
- Ari Paul of BlockTower Capital warns that equities could face 4-15 months of pain due to deflationary policies, tariffs, and layoffs.
- He believes alts may follow stocks down at first but could bottom out before equities do.
- Bitcoin, acting as both gold and a stock market proxy, could see a retrace to $73,000 before its next leg up.
“If gold stays strong, Bitcoin will outperform struggling equities—but maybe not by much,” Paul explained.
Big Picture—A Changing Market, But the Bull Run Isn’t Dead
Crypto isn’t the wild, niche industry it was years ago.
- More institutional involvement.
- Clearer regulations forming.
- A shift toward more sustainable growth.
While Bitcoin isn’t following past bull run patterns, that doesn’t mean it’s over. The road ahead might be slower—but it’s still pointing up.
