Bitcoin remains firmly in a bull market despite dropping to the $80,000 range this week, according to renowned cryptocurrency strategist Michaël van de Poppe. While short-term price swings have sparked concern among investors, van de Poppe maintains that the current correction is not only normal but also a sign that the cycle is far from over. In fact, he forecasts that Bitcoin could surge as high as **$250,000 by the end of this market cycle — a potential increase of nearly 195%** from current levels.
This bold prediction comes amid growing uncertainty in the crypto markets, making expert insights more valuable than ever for long-term investors navigating volatility.
👉 Discover how market cycles shape Bitcoin’s price trajectory and what it means for your strategy.
Bitcoin’s Bull Run: Just Getting Started?
Van de Poppe shared his analysis with his 778,500 followers on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the current market environment still has significant room to grow. “I don’t think the cycle is over,” he stated. “In fact, I believe it’s just beginning — and we haven’t even reached peak hype yet.”
Market psychology plays a crucial role in identifying the stages of a bull run. Historically, widespread media attention, retail FOMO (fear of missing out), and elevated social sentiment signal the final phases. By van de Poppe’s assessment, none of these conditions are fully present today — suggesting the rally is still in its intermediate phase.
His forecast places Bitcoin’s ultimate target between $200,000 and $250,000, achievable before the cycle concludes. This range aligns with several on-chain models and historical patterns observed in past four-year cycles tied to Bitcoin halvings.
Why Corrections Are Healthy for Bull Markets
One of the key points van de Poppe emphasized is that market corrections are not only expected but necessary for sustainable growth. He compared the current downturn to previous bull runs, particularly the 2017 cycle, where Bitcoin endured multiple drawdowns of 30% or more before reaching its all-time high.
Today’s decline — approximately 25% from recent peaks — falls within this normal range. “That’s a typical correction,” van de Poppe noted. “There’s nothing unusual or alarming about it.”
These pullbacks serve several purposes:
- They shake out weak hands (short-term traders).
- Allow new investors to enter at lower prices.
- Reset momentum indicators, setting the stage for stronger upward moves.
From a technical perspective, corrections help consolidate gains and prevent overheated markets, ultimately extending the lifespan of the bull run.
Key Price Levels to Watch in March
Looking ahead to March, van de Poppe highlighted specific price thresholds that could signal renewed bullish momentum. He identified the $88,000–$89,000 zone as a critical resistance level. If Bitcoin regains and sustains trading above this range, it could trigger a powerful upward move.
He also pointed to chart patterns such as a potential long lower wick — a candlestick formation indicating strong buying pressure at lower prices. Such a pattern would suggest that sellers failed to push the price down further, reinforcing bullish sentiment.
“If we see a weekly close above $89,000 with strong volume support,” van de Poppe explained, “March could turn out to be an excellent month for crypto markets.”
This kind of technical insight helps traders distinguish between temporary dips and structural reversals — a vital skill during volatile periods.
The Rise of “Utility Tokens” in a Maturing Ecosystem
Beyond Bitcoin’s price action, van de Poppe also shared his outlook on altcoins. He believes that once macro conditions stabilize and confidence returns, utility tokens — digital assets tied to real-world applications like decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts, or data networks — may outperform Bitcoin.
“We’re going to see a year where the ecosystem outperforms BTC,” he predicted. This shift often occurs in the later stages of bull markets when investor attention moves from Bitcoin dominance to broader adoption stories across Layer 1 platforms, DeFi protocols, and Web3 infrastructure.
Such trends highlight the importance of portfolio diversification and staying informed about emerging sectors within the blockchain space.
Current Market Snapshot
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at **$84,710**, showing little movement on the day. While down from its recent highs near $90,000, the price remains well above key support levels. Trading volume and on-chain activity suggest accumulation rather than panic selling, reinforcing the idea that institutional and experienced retail investors view this dip as a buying opportunity.
On-chain metrics such as exchange outflows, long-term holder behavior, and realized profit/loss ratios continue to reflect underlying strength in the network — further supporting van de Poppe’s optimistic stance.
👉 Learn how on-chain data can help you anticipate market moves before they happen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Bitcoin still in a bull market after dropping 25%?
Yes. A 25% correction is common during strong bull runs. Historical cycles show deeper pullbacks before new highs. As long as key support holds and momentum rebuilds, the overall trend can remain bullish.
What does “peak hype” mean in crypto cycles?
Peak hype refers to the point when mainstream media coverage surges, social media buzz peaks, and retail investors flood in — often near the top of a market cycle. We are not there yet.
Why does van de Poppe expect utility tokens to outperform Bitcoin?
During certain phases of bull markets, capital rotates into altcoins — especially those with real-world use cases. As confidence grows, investors seek higher-growth opportunities beyond Bitcoin.
How reliable are price predictions like $250,000 for Bitcoin?
While no forecast is guaranteed, analysts like van de Poppe base their projections on technical analysis, historical patterns, and market psychology. These provide context, not certainty — always combine them with personal research.
What should investors do during a market correction?
Stay informed, avoid emotional decisions, and consider dollar-cost averaging (DCA). Corrections often present strategic entry points for long-term holders.
👉 See how dollar-cost averaging can reduce risk and improve long-term returns in volatile markets.
Final Thoughts: Patience Pays in Crypto
Michaël van de Poppe’s analysis offers a balanced and data-driven perspective during a time of market uncertainty. His core message — that Bitcoin’s bull market is still alive — resonates with many seasoned observers who understand that volatility is inherent to this asset class.
With a projected target of $250,000, supported by historical precedent and technical structure, now may be an opportune moment to reassess your investment strategy — not out of fear, but with clarity and purpose.
As always, conduct thorough due diligence and consider consulting financial professionals before making any investment decisions. The crypto journey rewards patience, discipline, and informed decision-making.
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