Is the Next Crypto Bull Run Your Last Chance for Huge Gains?
The monumental 2021 crypto bull run produced stunning windfalls and ushered in an influx of mainstream interest. But by all metrics, it will pale in comparison to the next cycle poised to shake up global finance.
Bitcoin’s Price Action Signals Another Major Bull Run
Bitcoin’s current price action is reminiscent of its run-up to its all-time high, indicating that another major bull run is on the horizon.
Decreasing Returns and Volatility as the Market Matures
Previous crypto cycles have shown decreasing returns and volatility over time as the market matures.
Mainstream FOMO in the Next Bull Run
If history repeats itself, the next bull run will have lower returns than 2021 but will see more mainstream fear of missing out (FOMO) than ever before.
Crypto’s Maturity Phase Approaching
Regulatory battles and institutional adoption suggest that crypto is entering its maturity phase soon.
Last Major Growing Pains Before Stability
Crypto will likely face its last major growing pains before achieving stability as regulations eventually ease.
Potential Arrival of Bitcoin ETFs
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could arrive soon and unlock a flood of institutional capital into crypto, surpassing anything seen before.
Volatility and ‘Wild West’ Nature Will Remain
Even as the market matures, crypto will always retain some volatility and maintain its ‘wild west’ character at its fringes.
Many optimists argue that crypto is on the verge of entering a new era characterized by stability, reliability, and reduced volatility as it becomes a mainstream asset class. However, this transition is far from certain.
There are indications that crypto is slowly shedding its early chaotic reputation as the “wild west.” Ethereum, in particular, has diligently followed its technical roadmap, gaining greater legitimacy in the process. The days of haphazardly moving forward are giving way to a methodical approach with planned upgrades.
Furthermore, the approval of Bitcoin ETFs seems imminent, with major asset managers seeking approval to bring institutional investment into the space. Increased oversight is also reducing regulatory uncertainties that deter risk-averse investors. As infrastructure matures and regulations become clearer, crypto appears to be coming of age.
If this trend continues, the reduced volatility in the next cycle could be seen as a positive feature rather than a drawback. Each step towards mainstream acceptance is celebrated as evidence of crypto’s progress towards becoming a reputable asset class.
However, it may be premature to declare crypto’s adulthood when considering the bigger picture. Bitcoin surpassing its previous all-time high in the last cycle led to predictions that its best days were behind it. Yet, spectacular gains followed, proving critics wrong.
Ongoing technological advancements suggest that decentralized networks will become more accessible, opening doors for creative use cases. Lower barriers to entry and seamless onboarding could fuel hype cycles as retail investors join in.
Regulation is a double-edged sword. While increased oversight facilitates institutional acceptance, excessive regulation could hinder permissionless innovation.
Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that crypto’s growth will come in waves rather than a linear progression. Mature systems that enable mainstream access can coexist with frontier experimentation that fuels crypto idealism.
The key is to acknowledge both sides rather than force a false dichotomy between the open wild west and closed civilization. With careful governance, crypto can maintain its unique character while appealing to a wide audience.
In the coming decades, crypto bull runs may continue with decreasing volatility but are unlikely to disappear completely. Greed and euphoria are likely to accompany each leap forward in this transformative technological shift.
Rather than declaring an end to wild cycles, it is wise to expect a gradual reduction in extreme fluctuations as the market matures. However, those anticipating the next frenzy may be surprised if use cases for hedging against inflation prevent a full-blown mania.
One certainty is that there are no certainties when predicting the future of crypto. Its transparency allows for observation of macro trends, but surprises will always emerge.
Perhaps the most balanced perspective is acknowledging that the next wave lies somewhere between exuberance and stability.
Hot Take: The Next Crypto Bull Run Holds Promise Amidst Maturity
The upcoming crypto bull run presents an exciting opportunity despite the industry’s maturation. While previous cycles have shown decreasing returns and volatility as the market matures, the next cycle is expected to have lower returns than 2021 but witness more mainstream FOMO than ever before. Crypto’s entry into its maturity phase is indicated by regulatory battles and institutional adoption. The potential arrival of Bitcoin ETFs could unlock significant institutional capital, surpassing previous levels. However, even as crypto becomes more mature, it will retain some volatility and its distinctive “wild west” character at its fringes. The future of crypto is a balanced evolution that acknowledges both mainstream acceptance and frontier experimentation.