Bitcoin News Today: Institutions Bet Big on Bitcoin’s Bull Run, Delaying the Bear

David Bailey, an entrepreneur and Bitcoin adviser to former US President Donald Trump, has stated that a Bitcoin bear market is unlikely to occur for several years due to growing institutional interest in the cryptocurrency market. In a recent post on X, Bailey highlighted that institutions such as sovereign wealth funds, banks, insurers, corporations, and pension funds are increasingly investing in Bitcoin. He emphasized that the process of institutional adoption is still in its early stages and that the total addressable market remains largely untapped, suggesting a strong upward trajectory for Bitcoin prices in the foreseeable future [1].

Bailey’s remarks come amid a backdrop of rising institutional exposure to cryptocurrencies, particularly through investment vehicles like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the establishment of crypto treasuries. According to data, institutional holdings of cryptocurrencies have surpassed $100 billion, with Bitcoin making up the bulk of these assets. This growing interest from major financial institutions signals a shift in perception, with Bitcoin increasingly viewed as a strategic asset class [1].

Despite this optimism, some analysts have highlighted potential risks that could lead to a bear market. A recent report from venture capital firm Breed warned that many of the companies managing crypto treasuries may not survive long term, which could contribute to market instability. Additionally, CK Zheng, co-founder and chief investment officer at ZX Squared Capital, noted that the crypto market remains highly correlated with the broader stock market. If the stock market enters a bear phase, it is likely that crypto would follow suit. However, Zheng pointed out that the stock market’s recent recovery, driven in part by a Federal Reserve pivot toward lower interest rates, has reduced the likelihood of a near-term downturn [1].

Pav Hundal, lead market analyst at Australian crypto broker Swyftx, echoed this sentiment, stating that the market is currently in a risk-on phase, favoring high-momentum assets such as Bitcoin and Ether (ETH). However, he cautioned that macroeconomic shocks could emerge unexpectedly, leading to a correction. Hundal also noted that the market might eventually shift back toward fixed-income instruments, which could affect Bitcoin’s price dynamics. While the path of least resistance for Bitcoin is higher, he stressed that a bear market could still occur if key macroeconomic conditions shift [1].

Looking further ahead, Ryan McMillin, co-founder and chief investment officer at Merkle Tree Capital, outlined a potential scenario in which a bear market could occur by mid-2026. He noted that a bull market must first reach a peak before a bear market can follow, and that factors such as leverage unwinds from debt-fueled Bitcoin purchases or regulatory shocks could act as catalysts for a downturn. However, McMillin also acknowledged the possibility that a bear market may not occur at all, particularly if the bull market continues in a pattern of steady gains with periodic corrections [1].

Steven McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, has predicted that Bitcoin could reach between $140,000 and $150,000 in 2025 before a potential bear market in 2026. He attributed the upward momentum to strong institutional demand and the involvement of major players such as sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies. McClurg also expressed a bearish view on Ethereum, calling it outdated technology and suggesting that faster and cheaper blockchains like Solana and Sui may surpass it in the future. His outlook aligns with the broader narrative of institutional adoption reshaping the crypto landscape [3].

Source: [1] Bitcoin bear market is likely years away (https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-bear-market-years-away-david-bailey) [2] If people are expecting a Bitcoin bear market in 2026, why ... (https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1myfr13/if_people_are_expecting_a_bitcoin_bear_market_in/) [3] Bitcoin Could Hit $150K in 2025 Before Next Bear Market ... (https://cryptonews.com.au/news/bitcoin-could-hit-150k-in-2025-before-next-bear-market-says-canary-capital-ceo-130439/)