Bitwise CEO Suggests Bitcoin Bear Market May Be Nearing End Despite Extreme Fear

• Investor sentiment hits extreme fear levels at 16 on the Crypto Fear and Greed Index, the lowest since February 2025.

• Bitcoin prices have dropped to a six-month low of $94,590, but analysts see potential recovery as liquidity improves.

• With only 44% of traders expecting a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, per Chicago Mercantile Exchange data, market dynamics are shifting toward maturity.

Discover why crypto market fundamentals remain strong in 2025 amid bearish sentiment. Explore Bitwise CEO insights on Bitcoin ETFs and regulatory changes. Stay informed and position yourself for the next bull run today.

What are the current crypto market fundamentals in 2025?

Crypto market fundamentals in 2025 show resilience despite recent price declines and low investor confidence. Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley argues that the traditional four-year cycle has evolved into a more mature structure influenced by Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and supportive U.S. regulatory shifts under the new administration. This setup, he notes, introduces new participants and trading motivations, positioning the market for stronger growth ahead.

Horsley’s perspective counters the widespread pessimism, emphasizing that underlying factors like institutional adoption and policy changes provide a solid foundation. Even as Bitcoin trades below its 2024 peaks, these elements suggest a potential turning point in the market cycle.

In a recent statement on X, Horsley explained: “Since the launch of the Bitcoin ETFs and new administration, we’ve entered a new market structure: new players, new dynamics, new reasons people buy and sell.” He further added that the market might have been in a bear phase for nearly six months but is close to emerging from it, with the current environment offering unprecedented strength.

How has investor sentiment impacted the crypto bear market?

Investor sentiment has plunged into “extreme fear,” as indicated by the Crypto Fear and Greed Index reaching 16, according to data from CoinMarketCap. This marks the lowest point since February 2025, reflecting broad concerns over price stagnation and macroeconomic pressures. Bitcoin’s drop to $94,590 on Friday underscores this downturn, with some analysts projecting further declines to $86,000 if liquidity remains constrained.

Market analyst Nuc Puckrin from CoinBureau observed that while the recent 25% correction is milder than past cycles’ 30% plus dips, the emotional response has been severe. Low liquidity, tied to tighter credit and uncertain interest rate policies, exacerbates the fear. Robert Kiyosaki, a noted investor and financial educator, attributes the slump to insufficient money supply expansion, predicting rises in crypto and precious metals once governments increase printing to cover deficits.

The U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts offer some relief, but trader expectations are mixed. Chicago Mercantile Exchange data shows only 44% anticipating a December cut, which could prolong the bearish pressure if unmet. Despite this, historical patterns indicate that extreme fear often precedes rebounds, as seen in previous cycles where sentiment bottoms signaled buying opportunities.

Liquidity dynamics play a pivotal role in asset pricing. During periods of low interest rates and monetary expansion, crypto values typically surge due to increased capital flow. Conversely, restricted credit leads to stagnation or declines, as observed currently. Experts from firms like Bitwise stress that the influx of institutional investors via ETFs mitigates some risks, fostering a more stable ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the crypto investor sentiment to drop to a six-month low in 2025?

The drop to extreme fear levels stems from Bitcoin’s price falling to $94,590 and broader market corrections amid low liquidity and uncertain Federal Reserve policies. With the Crypto Fear and Greed Index at 16 per CoinMarketCap data, investors are reacting to a 25% dip, though milder than historical precedents, highlighting amplified emotional responses in this cycle.

Is the four-year crypto market cycle still relevant in 2025?

No, the traditional four-year cycle appears outdated, replaced by a mature structure influenced by Bitcoin ETFs and pro-crypto U.S. regulations. As Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley notes, new market participants and dynamics are driving changes, potentially shortening bear phases and enhancing long-term fundamentals for assets like Bitcoin.

Key Takeaways

• Stronger Fundamentals Amid Fear: Despite extreme investor fear, crypto market fundamentals are bolstered by ETF launches and regulatory support, signaling a potential end to the bear phase.
• Liquidity’s Role in Recovery: Low liquidity has fueled the downturn, but anticipated Federal Reserve actions could reverse this, driving prices higher as money supply expands.
• Contrarian Investment Opportunity: Experts like Hunter Horsley recommend viewing current sentiment lows as entry points, preparing for a robust rebound in the evolving market structure.

Conclusion

The crypto bear market in 2025, marked by plunging investor sentiment and Bitcoin’s six-month lows, masks robust market fundamentals shaped by institutional inflows and policy pivots. As voices like Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley highlight, this period of extreme fear may soon give way to renewed growth, with liquidity improvements and ETF adoption paving the path forward. Investors should monitor Federal Reserve decisions closely and consider building positions now to capitalize on the anticipated upswing.