Limited long-term patterns suggest a rally over the next 2-3 years. However, in the short term, Bitcoin will need to reclaim at least $94617 first to bolster this possibility.
2025 was a bad year for Bitcoin, as it ended lower. However, despite limited data, BTC has never closed lower for two consecutive years. See Figure 1 below. Since 2024 was a green year, we should therefore expect 2026 through possibly 2028 to be green. So far, January has not disappointed, with crypto rallying every day, gaining 7.6% YTD.
However, at this stage, as in 2015 and as discussed in our previous update, we can’t rule out a lower low near the upper end of long-term support ($69-73K) this year before Bitcoin really takes off. But for now, if Bitcoin can break above the December 9 high of $94617, we can allow it to complete a five-wave impulse move to ideally $110 ± 1K. See Figure 2 below.
Namely, Bitcoin reclaimed its (blue) 50d SMA, a positive sign, after moving above its 10d and 20d SMA (green arrows). A first since October 9, 2025. However, it needs to break above the potential (gray) W-i high, as indicated by the leading diagonal formed on December 9 at $94617. We can then begin looking for the W-iii, as shown.
The Bulls’ warning levels are now adjusted to 91483, 90327, 88410, 86704, and 84424. Each successive break below these levels increases the probability by 20% that BTC will reach the low to mid $70Ks before attempting another rally.
Finally, financial markets tend to fluctuate—especially in the short term, which is typically more volatile than the long term. The yearly charts show a clear, consistent long-term uptrend, with higher highs and higher lows, whereas the daily-to-monthly charts exhibit more noise, i.e., more volatility. Trade and invest according to the time frame you can handle. Don’t manage long-term investments with daily charts, and vice versa.
Dr. Ter Schure founded Intelligent Investing, LLC where he provides detailed daily updates to individuals and private funds on the US markets, Metals & Miners, USD,and Crypto Currencies