Crypto Bull Cycle: From Zero to $87K – What to Expect Next

Bitcoin is on the verge of a new evolution. When the network reached the mark of $87K in December 2024 ( a 1% drop over 24 hours, but a steady growth of +0.11% per month ), the cryptocurrency market demonstrates a new maturity, different from the 2017 DeFi hype or the retail speculation influx of previous cycles. This time, crypto bull market is driven by institutional money, regulatory support, and geopolitical factors.

How Bitcoin Network Evolved Through Cryptocurrency Cycles

Over 15 years, Bitcoin has experienced four distinctive bull markets, each written by different heroes and catalysts.

2013: When Bitcoin Became a Meme, Not an Asset

The first major surge was triggered by simple scarcity mathematics. Bitcoin shot up to $1,200 in nine months — a 730% increase — attracting market listeners through mass media. It was supported by bank crises in Cyprus and technical enthusiasts who understood that decentralized currency could be a store of value without government control.

However, the Mt. Gox exchange $145 which handled 70% of all transactions( collapsed in 2014, dropping the price by 75% — a crash that showed the infrastructure was still underdeveloped.

Key takeaway: Early cycle was driven by scarcity and enthusiasts, not fundamentals.

) 2017: When Retail Investors Told Their Friends

The second notable rise started from $1,000 and ended near $20,000 — a jump of 1,900%. Catalysts included:

• ICO boom: Beginners, through Telegram chats, started believing every startup idea was worth billions.
• Mass exchange accessibility: People could buy BTC from their mobile phones in a minute.
• Media FOMO cycle: Everyone knew about Bitcoin.

Result? An 84% correction by December 2018. Regulators ###especially in China( banned ICOs and local exchanges — heavily impacting sentiment.

Key takeaway: Retail cycle was driven by speculation and FOMO, not sustainable demand.

) 2020-2021: When InstitutionalDad Entered the Field

The third cycle was sharp. Bitcoin rose from $8,000 to $64,000 in 16 months ###+700%(, and the next wave pushed it to $69,000. But this was a different cycle:

• MicroStrategy, Tesla, and Square started holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets as corporate treasuries.
• Federal Reserve cut rates to zero, prompting investors to seek inflation hedges.
• Bitcoin Futures and spot ETFs provided a regulated path for pension funds.

As Bitcoin’s share in institutional portfolios grew beyond $10 billion in 2021 ), the cycle became more resilient to panic, but the record interest rate wave (2022) caused funds to shift to bonds. Price fell from (to ) during summer 2021, but institutional base remained.

Key takeaway: The third cycle balanced halving scarcity $64K with institutional demand.

2024-2025: A New Cycle or Level Up?

In early 2024, the US Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first spot Bitcoin ETF. The result:

• By November 2024, over $30K billion flowed into spot Bitcoin ETFs ( more than into gold ETFs during the same period ).
• BlackRock $28 IBIT( holds over 467,000 BTC — like a whole city acquired personally.
• The fourth halving in April 2024 reduced new coin supply, but this was already discounted by the market.

Current price $87.06K )December 2024( is not a new high like in 2021 )$69K(, but 25% higher than a year ago. However, volatility )-2.11% per hour( indicates that money is still being calculated.

) Catalysts for the Next Push

1. Pro-crypto policies from the new US administration
2. Potential addition of Bitcoin to national reserves (Senator Cynthia Lummis proposed the BITCOIN Act 2024, suggesting the US buy 1 million BTC)
3. Expansion of L2 solutions ###OP_CAT could enable Bitcoin to process thousands of transactions per second(
4. Sovereign reserves of other countries — Bhutan has over 13,000 BTC, El Salvador over 5.8K.

How to Spot the Next Bull Run

When to look for entry into crypto bull market?

) Technical signals

• RSI above 70 — strong buying impulse (like in 2024)
• Price above 50- and 200-day moving averages — uptrend
• Trading volume increasing — not just empty waves

On-Chain metrics

• Wallets accumulating BTC (instead of selling)
• Inflow of stablecoins to exchanges — cash ready to buy
• Reduction of reserves on exchanges — professionals are taking coins

Macro factors

• Geopolitical uncertainty — Bitcoin as “digital gold”
• Inflationary pressure or low rates — people seek escape
• Regulatory approval — from SEC or other authorities

Practical Steps for Investors

( 1. Build basic knowledge Read the Bitcoin Whitepaper or review authoritative sources on Gate.io and other platforms. Understand why halving cycles reduce supply every four years.

) 2. Develop a strategy based on your horizon

• **Long-term ###3+ years###: accumulate during panic, hold through cycles
• **Medium-term ###6-18 months(: use ETFs for regulated access
• Short-term: trade volatility, but use stop-loss

) 3. Choose a reliable platform The exchange should offer:

• Reliable security protocols (2FA, cold storage)
• Low fees
• Transparency of fund flows

4. Secure your assets

• For long-term holding: hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor)
• For trading: accounts on exchanges with maximum security
• Keep records for taxes — profits from sales are taxable

5. Follow the cycles

Calendar for your agenda:

• Next halving: 2028 (approximately)
• New ETF products: expected from 2025
• Regulatory decisions: US, EU, Asia may approve new norms

6. Avoid classic mistakes

• Don’t buy on hype — FOMO kills portfolios
• Don’t keep everything on exchanges — when exchange falls, money does too
• Don’t ignore stop-loss — even professionals use them
• Don’t forget diversification — Bitcoin is cool, but not everything

Scenarios for 2025

( Bullish scenario )price target: $120-150K### If ETF flows continue, the US truly considers Bitcoin as a reserve, and macro conditions remain soft, the next cycle could reach new ATHs in H2 2025.

Neutral scenario (range: $70-100K)

Market consolidates; institutional money accumulates, but volatility remains. Suitable for both investors and traders.

Bearish scenario (price target: $40-60K)

Macro shock ###financial crisis, geopolitical conflict( or regulatory blow forces capital to flee. Old base disintegrates.

Practical Final Checklist

• [ ] Do you understand Bitcoin history and halving cycles?
• [ ] Do you have an idea of your risk tolerance?
• [ ] Have you chosen a platform with good security?
• [ ] Set up 2FA and whitelist addresses?
• [ ] Know where you will store Bitcoin )hot wallet or hardware(?
• [ ] Keep records for taxes?
• [ ] Follow news from Gate.io, Reuters, Bloomberg?
• [ ] Do you have a plan for a 50% drop?

Final Word

Crypto bull cycles are not just price movements. Each cycle is written by a new wave of participants and new preconditions. 2013 was about faith and scarcity. 2017 was about FOMO. 2021 was about institutions. 2024-2025 could be about government reserves and global adoption.

Bitcoin is currently at 87K, 25% higher than in 2023. This is not a peak. It’s a transitional point. For those who understand cycles, prepare in advance, and manage risk, the next rally could be the most dramatic. For believers in the technology and long-term stance, Bitcoin remains an asset with transformative potential.

Be prepared. Stay informed. Be cautious. And most importantly — don’t buy at the top.