Next Crypto Bull Run: Everything You Need to Know

Here’s what’s making this cycle move.

The main driver behind every bull run is the Bitcoin halving. It’s a mechanism built into Bitcoin’s code. When a halving happens, the reward miners get for adding a new block is cut in half.

Miners add blocks to the blockchain by solving complex math puzzles. Each time a puzzle is solved, a new block is created, and miners get paid in Bitcoin. The network is set up so that one block is found roughly every ten minutes. Since the reward drops every 210,000 blocks, a halving and the market cycle around it happen about every four years. The next halving and next bitcoin bull run are expected to happen sometime in Q2 2028.

→ To learn more about halvings, check out our full article “What is Bitcoin Halving?”.

This means fewer coins entering the market, just as more people want in. This “supply shock” has always pushed prices up.

→ In crypto, “narratives” are the popular stories and ideas that shape how people see different coins and projects. These trends can sway investor mood, move prices, and push new tech into the spotlight.

During this bull run, a few narratives are standing out:

The actions of the Fed and overall monetary policy have always had an influence on the crypto market. This connection has only grown stronger, especially after the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and Trump’s executive order to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

Crypto, like stocks, reacts quickly to changes in Fed policy and global liquidity. Higher interest rates usually pull money out of riskier assets like crypto and into safer, traditional markets. When the banking sector looks shaky, more capital flows into digital assets.

For example, during every bull market, investors pay close attention to the monthly CPI report. If inflation comes in higher than expected, a pullback in crypto prices often follows. Softer inflation numbers tend to push Bitcoin and altcoins higher. In July 2025, Bitcoin dipped below $120,000 after the June CPI report on July 15 showed rising inflation and dashed hopes for lower rates any time soon.

As of August 2025, Bitcoin is showing a “Power of 3” pattern. This pattern suggests there’s a strong chance Bitcoin could break its all-time high again and reach $126,000 or more.

The “Power of 3” is a price setup in technical analysis. It usually involves three key moves: accumulation phase (sideways trading), manipulation (a quick fake-out), and expansion (a big breakout in one direction). When traders spot this pattern, they watch for a strong move to follow.

Right now, Bitcoin’s price is sitting close to some important levels on the chart. These are called key levels — specific price zones where the market has reacted strongly in the past. Key levels often act as support or resistance.

• Support level. This is a price area where Bitcoin usually finds “buying power.” When the price drops to this zone, buyers step in, stopping the fall and often pushing the price up again.
• Resistance level. This is the opposite. It’s a zone where selling pressure builds up. When the price rises to resistance, sellers often take profit, which can stop the rally or even push prices lower.

Spotting these levels is one of the most common techniques in technical analysis. It helps traders plan when to enter or exit the market, set stop losses, and build their strategies. When the next bull run is underway, support and resistance levels become even more important and are closely watched as the next big move unfolds.

In July–August 2025, bitcoin is testing a key zone around $117,000. This price point has been both support and resistance before. Breaking above $117,000 could open the door to the next big rally. It’s also where the main point of control (POC) and the 20-day moving average come together, making this level especially important for traders right now.

Looking ahead, expert opinions on Bitcoin’s future are mixed but generally positive. Most analysts expect strong growth in the second half of 2025. For example, Standard Chartered makes a bitcoin price prediction around $135,000 in Q3 and possibly climb to $200,000 by the end of the year, as long as the economy stays strong and ETF momentum continues.

Other analysts see a range between $120,000 and $210,000 for 2025, with some models aiming for $200,000 or more in Q4. Fundstrat and Glassnode predict the price could double in late 2025, hitting $250,000 if the bull run continues, supply stays tight, and institutional money keeps coming in.

According to Finder.com’s expert survey, the average forecast for the end of 2025 is around $161,000. Some are more cautious, expecting dips below $80,000 or even $70,000, while the most optimistic see Bitcoin pushing above $200,000 or even $250,000.

Altcoin season is a period when most altcoins start rising faster than Bitcoin. As Bitcoin’s dominance drops, investors move their money from Bitcoin into riskier, higher-reward altcoins.

You can never predict the future in trading with full certainty. The crypto market reacts to hundreds of factors, sometimes even to things like the latest NFP report. Here’s what to watch for during this bull run:

• Changes in Fed policy or unexpected rate hikes.
• Sharp drops in global liquidity.
• Negative news about ETFs or stricter crypto regulations.
• Security breaches, major hacks, or exchange problems.
• Sudden corrections in Bitcoin or large altcoins.
• Weakening demand from institutions.
• Unfavorable inflation or economic data.
• Geopolitical tensions or sudden market shocks.

Any of these could trigger a pullback or even mark the start of a new bear phase.

That’s why many casual investors stick to a DCA strategy — buying a fixed amount of crypto on a regular schedule. This helps smooth out the ups and downs of a volatile market.

If you want to put your skills to the test and trade in real market conditions, consider joining the next trading challenge at Hash Hedge. It’s a great way to stay sharp and see how you handle the ups and downs of the crypto cycle.