News View Non-AMP

Cryptoquant CEO Sees Bullish Setup Despite Bitcoin Dropping Below $85K

Published by
Nidhi Kolhapur and Sohrab Khawas

Bitcoin and the broader crypto market continue to face extreme pressure with Bitcoin slipping below the $85K mark. Markets are in extreme fear, with the Crypto Fear and Greed Index dropping below 10. With many wondering if crypto has officially entered the bear market, analysts are closely watching for further declines, with some predicting Bitcoin could fall as low as $60K.

Is all hope lost? Here’s another cautious but optimistic view. 

Long-Term Opportunities Amid Volatility

CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju notes that for Bitcoin spot holders, not futures traders, the current levels could be a reasonable zone for long-term accumulation.

From an on-chain cycle perspective, he explains that the recent bull cycle technically ended earlier this year when Bitcoin reached around $100K. According to the classical cycle theory, the market should revisit the realized price near $56K to form a cyclical bottom.

However, Ju believes that it may not happen since institutional holders like Michael Saylor’s Strategy, are unlikely to sell. This takes a significant portion of coins off the market. 

He also pointed to broader macroeconomic factors, suggesting that governments may continue injecting liquidity until mid-next year for political reasons. So the sentiment could rebound anytime and therefore selling or shorting now is a potentially risky move according to the analyst. 

The Bull Cycle Is Not Over

Although Ju admits that he does not use leverage and is not focused on timing exact entry points, he is confident in Bitcoin’s long-term growth. Ju also clarified that while the on-chain bull cycle for Bitcoin has technically ended, the overall bull market is not over. The macroeconomic conditions can quickly change market trends as seen earlier this year. 

So while short-term volatility may seem intense, this view suggests that these dips could be a prime opportunity for long-term holders to accumulate and prepare for the next cycle.

Building A Stronger Investor Base

Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley also shared his take on the current crypto market, calling it a period of consolidation.

In his view, right now, high-conviction investors are buying assets from low conviction investors. For instance, one investor might see Bitcoin or Solana and decide to sell, while another investor sees the same price and sees it as a strong opportunity to buy, happily taking it as their cost basis.

According to Horsley, the lower the price goes during this phase, the more confident the new holders become, and that is a positive sign for the market.

Once the consolidation phase is complete, it leaves the market with a refreshed base of investors who have stronger conviction in their holdings, setting the stage for the next growth cycle. 

FAQs

Has Bitcoin officially entered a bear market?

Bitcoin is under pressure, but many analysts say it’s not a confirmed bear market yet. Market cycles and macro trends still leave room for recovery.

Is the bull cycle for Bitcoin really over?

The on-chain bull cycle may have cooled, but analysts say the macro bull market isn’t over. Shifts in liquidity could quickly revive momentum.

How are institutional holders affecting Bitcoin’s downside risk?

Large institutions holding Bitcoin long-term reduce sell pressure, limiting steep declines and supporting price stability in volatile periods.

What does consolidation mean for the crypto market right now?

Consolidation means strong holders are buying from weaker ones, building a more confident investor base that often fuels the next market cycle.

Nidhi Kolhapur and Sohrab Khawas

Nidhi is a Certified Digital Marketing Executive and Passionate crypto Journalist covering the world of alternative currencies. She shares the latest and trending news on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain.

Trust with CoinPedia:

CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

Investment Disclaimer:

All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

Sponsored and Advertisements:

Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.

Recent Posts

Bitcoin Price Rebound After President Donald Trump Announced a Deal on Greenland: Is It a Dead-cat-bounce?

Bitcoin (BTC) price has led the wider crypto market in a bullish outlook today. After…

January 22, 2026

Cathie Wood Says Bitcoin Price Bottom is In After Shallowest Cycle Decline

Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, has made a bold prediction for Bitcoin (BTC). While…

January 22, 2026

Solana Price Forecast: SOL Price Eyes $100 Amid Network’s Robust Fundamentals

Solana (SOL) price has slipped over 12% in the past seven days to trade at…

January 22, 2026

Bitcoin Leads and Altcoins Follow, but 2026 Isn’t 2016: Here’s What You Need to Know

The cryptocurrency market is being viewed through a cyclical lens, with investors debating whether past…

January 22, 2026

Crypto Sell-Off Hits Bitcoin and XRP Even After Trump’s Pro-Crypto Davos Speech

The crypto market moved sharply lower on Tuesday, even after U.S. President Donald Trump said…

January 21, 2026

Big News: President Trump Says Crypto Market Structure Bill Will Be Signed ‘Very Soon’

U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to sign a major crypto market structure bill…

January 21, 2026