Crypto Bull Market Nears Peak Amid Diverging 2025 Forecasts

The crypto market is showing signs of entering a late-stage bull cycle, with analysts suggesting investors exercise caution as the peak may be approaching.

According to data from CryptoQuant, this cycle, which began in early 2023, could reach its zenith by the first half of 2025, driven by a surge in new investments and additional inflows from existing market participants.

Recent metrics reveal a notable trend: by late 2024, 36% of Bitcoin holdings were less than a month old, mirroring patterns seen during previous market tops. CryptoQuant anticipates this percentage could continue rising before the market transitions into a bearish phase. While opportunities for gains remain in both Bitcoin and altcoins, they urge investors to approach the market conservatively and prioritize risk management.

In contrast, other analysts maintain an optimistic view. Steno Research has labeled 2025 as potentially the most successful year in crypto history, forecasting record highs for Bitcoin and Ethereum alongside other major developments. Similarly, VanEck projects a medium-term peak in early 2025, with Bitcoin potentially reaching $180,000 and Ethereum surpassing $6,000 by year-end.

Betting platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi echo this optimism, predicting not only price surges but also regulatory breakthroughs such as the approval of new crypto ETFs and possibly even the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve in the United States. While the timeline and outcomes vary, these perspectives highlight both the opportunities and risks that lie ahead for the crypto market.

Kosta Gushterov