What exactly is the concept of a bull market: an in-depth interpretation from the perspective of the cryptocurrency market.

In the field of cryptocurrency investing, no one can bypass the core concept of “бычий тренд это.” But what exactly is a true bull market? It’s not just about rising prices; it’s the perfect combination of market confidence, capital inflows, and technological advancements. When we say “бычий тренд это,” we’re referring to those special periods filled with opportunities yet hidden risks — during which crypto asset prices steadily increase, traders’ confidence is high, and buyers’ enthusiasm far exceeds sellers’ resolve.

This definition sounds simple, but the market dynamics behind it are extremely complex. From Bitcoin’s first surge in 2013 to today’s stage with BTC at $68,370, we’ve witnessed multiple cycles of bull markets—birth, prosperity, and decline. Understanding “бычий тренд это” not only helps novice investors avoid pitfalls but also enables experienced traders to seize every opportunity.

Basic Understanding of the Cryptocurrency Market

Before diving into bull markets, it’s essential to understand the nature of cryptocurrencies themselves. Cryptocurrencies are digital assets characterized by decentralization, not relying on banks or governments. Mainstream coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum operate on independent blockchain networks, which give them unique value properties but also bring high volatility.

Basic Features of Mainstream Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin (BTC) is the pioneer of cryptocurrencies, currently priced at $68,370. Designed for value storage and peer-to-peer transactions, it has a fixed supply cap of 21 million coins.

Ethereum (ETH) introduced smart contracts, allowing developers to deploy decentralized applications. Its current price is $2,010, with a vibrant ecosystem.

Ripple (XRP) focuses on international payments and fund transfers, priced at $1.40, aiming to reduce transaction costs.

Litecoin (LTC) is often called “digital silver,” complementing Bitcoin’s “digital gold,” with a current price of $53.16.

Solana (SOL) represents a new generation of high-performance blockchain emphasizing speed and scalability, priced at $83.24.

How Bull Markets Form: The Collision of Market Forces

To truly understand “бычий тренд это,” we need to analyze the main factors driving bull markets. These factors rarely act alone; instead, they intertwine and reinforce each other.

Supply and Demand Imbalance

When cryptocurrency supply is limited and demand surges, prices inevitably rise. This has been the fundamental driver behind Bitcoin’s multiple bull runs. As market participants become more enthusiastic, buyer activity far exceeds seller willingness, creating an asymmetry that accelerates price increases.

Information Flow and Market Sentiment

Media coverage, celebrity endorsements, and social media buzz can ignite market enthusiasm. Positive news can trigger weeks of buying waves. Conversely, a single negative piece of news can cause panic selling. This emotion-driven behavior is especially evident in highly speculative crypto markets.

Regulatory and Policy Support

Government policy shifts often mark turning points in bull markets. For example, the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs in 2024 or increased acceptance of cryptocurrencies in 2023 injected confidence into the market. Favorable regulatory signals attract traditional financial institutions, and this “compliance” process usually accompanies significant price surges.

Technological Innovation and Breakthroughs

New blockchain protocols, Layer 2 solutions, or cross-chain technologies can spark market imagination. Bitcoin’s halving event in 2024 is such a technological driver, altering the rate of new coin issuance and often serving as a prelude to a bull run.

Historical Bull Markets: From 2013 to 2026

First Bull Run: Bitcoin’s Wild Growth (2013-2014)

2013 marked the awakening of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin’s price soared from $13 at the start of the year to over $1,100 by year’s end—a 1000% increase that shocked the financial world. Back then, the bull market was mainly driven by media hype and tech enthusiasts’ enthusiasm; the general public was still unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies.

Second Bull Run: Ethereum Ecosystem Explosion (2017)

2017 was a crypto carnival. Ethereum rose from $10 at the start of the year to $1,400 by year’s end—a 140-fold increase. The driving forces were the popularity of smart contracts and the ICO boom. Thousands of new projects launched on Ethereum, attracting global capital.

Third Bull Run: Institutional Entry (2020-2021)

The bull market from late 2020 to 2021 was entirely different. Bitcoin hit a record high of $69,000 in November 2021. This time, institutional investors led the charge—companies like Square and MicroStrategy announced Bitcoin holdings, and PayPal supported crypto payments. It marked the shift of crypto from retail speculation to institutional asset.

Fourth Bull Run: Recovery and Rebirth (2023-2024)

2023 was a year of market recovery. After the 2022 FTX collapse and market crash, Bitcoin surged 155.57% throughout 2023, climbing from lows at the start of the year to $42,283. The backdrop was the Fed hinting at ending rate hikes, along with growing expectations for spot Bitcoin ETF approval.

By 2024, market sentiment continued to improve, with Bitcoin breaking previous highs and reaching a new record of $126,080. This signified a market reassessment of long-term crypto value.

The Market Status in 2026: Bull or Bear?

Now, in February 2026, Bitcoin’s price is $68,370—roughly half of its all-time high of $126,080. Is this a bull or bear sign?

This is a critical question. Short-term, Bitcoin has declined 10.01% over the past 7 days, 25.86% over 30 days, and 29.84% over a year. These figures seem warning signs. However, true bull and bear markets are not judged by a single point in time but by fundamental market conditions and long-term trends.

From $13 (2013) to $69,000 (2021), to $126,080 (2024), and now $68,370 (2026), we see a typical “two steps up, one step back” market pattern. Each correction builds momentum for the next rise. Understanding “бычий тренд это” hinges on this—real bull markets don’t go straight up; they advance wave-like.

Recognizing a Bull Market: From Theory to Practice

Key Technical Indicators

1. Price Trends and Moving Averages: When the long-term moving average (like the 200-day MA) is trending upward, and short-term prices stay above it, it’s a basic bull market sign.

2. Volume Confirmation: Rising prices accompanied by high trading volume indicate genuine market participation, not false breakouts. Bitcoin’s recovery in 2023 was marked by increasing volume.

3. Market Sentiment Indicators: Fear & Greed Index, on-chain data like long-term holder ratios, reflect real market sentiment.

Fundamental Analysis

• Regulatory developments: Are there favorable policies?
• Institutional movements: Are big funds entering or exiting?
• Technological progress: Are there major upgrades or innovations?
• Market adoption: Are more companies and individuals using crypto?

Practical Strategies During a Bull Market

Diversification

Don’t put all your funds into a single coin. During 2023-2024, while Bitcoin outperformed, Ethereum and other Layer 1s gained over 50%. Diversification reduces risk and captures opportunities across different sectors.

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Regular, fixed investments help counteract volatility. During Bitcoin’s rise from $16,500 to $42,283 in 2023, DCA investors paid a lower average cost than those chasing highs. This approach is especially effective early in a bull market when uncertainty is high.

Long-Term Holding

The real wealth in crypto comes from “buy and hold.” Early investors who bought at $13 and held until $69,000 saw returns of over 5,300 times. While predicting exact peaks is impossible, the long-term trend tends upward.

Risk Management

• Set stop-loss points: automatically sell if prices fall to protect capital.
• Use staggered entries: avoid putting all funds in at once.
• Maintain liquidity: keep cash reserves for opportunities or emergencies.

Hidden Traps in a Bull Market

Volatility

Crypto can still see 30% short-term corrections during bull runs. In 2024, Bitcoin experienced such swings, testing investors’ nerves. Those with low risk tolerance often sell at lows.

Market Manipulation and Fraud

Lack of regulation can foster illegal activities. The 2023 FTX collapse reminds us—even seemingly compliant platforms can be risky. Choosing reputable exchanges like Gate.io is crucial.

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Seeing prices soar and missing out can drive investors to buy at highs—often leading to losses. Many entered near $126K, only to see prices correct sharply afterward.

Security Threats

Poor private key management, phishing, exchange bankruptcies—these risks persist. During market euphoria, investors often neglect basic security measures.

Final Advice: Core Principles for Bull Market Investing

“бычий тренд это” isn’t a guarantee of quick riches but a period full of opportunities and risks.

First, educate yourself. Understand blockchain tech, learn technical analysis, and research project fundamentals. Knowledge is the best shield against risks.

Second, plan ahead. Define your goals, stop-loss levels, and exit strategies before entering. Emotional decisions often lead to failure.

Third, invest only what you can afford to lose. Crypto remains high-risk; loss of principal is always possible.

Fourth, keep learning. Markets evolve, and strategies must adapt. What worked in 2013 might be outdated in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a bull market last?

There’s no fixed cycle. From 2013-2014’s year-long run to 2020-2021’s year and a half, each cycle varies. The key is recognizing the phases rather than waiting for a set duration.

Is now (February 2026) a bull market?

It depends on your timeframe. Short-term, there’s a clear correction, but long-term (over 5 years), crypto fundamentals are improving. A more accurate view is that we might be in a correction phase of a larger bull cycle, not a full bear market.

Should I buy aggressively or wait?

Neither extreme is ideal. Full deployment risks missing the market or getting caught at the top; waiting risks missing gains. DCA offers a balanced approach—participate while reducing risk.

What are the most common mistakes in a bull market?

FOMO buying, over-leverage, ignoring risks, trusting rumors, and chasing highs. History shows that decisions made at euphoric tops often lead to losses.

The crypto market is maturing, but its volatility remains far above traditional assets. Understanding “бычий тренд это” means recognizing that it’s not just about price increases but about market structure, participants, technology, and policy evolution—this is the first step to becoming a savvy investor.