Expect The Bitcoin Bottom By….. (With Ben Cowen)
Expect The Bitcoin Bottom By….. (With Ben Cowen)
90 days agoCrypto Banter
Podcast40 min 20 sec
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Note: AI-generated summary based on third-party content. Not financial advice. Read more.
Quick Insights

The analysis suggests Bitcoin (BTC) is in a bear market, so consider waiting for potential buying opportunities in the $40,000 to $55,000 range. It is strongly recommended to avoid or sell altcoins, as they are expected to significantly underperform Bitcoin during this market phase. As a potential hedge against weakness in both stocks and crypto, consider adding exposure to Gold (XAU), which shows strong bullish signals. In contrast, it is advised to avoid Silver (XAG) for now, as it is expected to underperform Gold for the next couple of years. For equity exposure, the Energy sector, specifically the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE), is highlighted as a bullish opportunity.

Detailed Analysis

Bitcoin (BTC)

  • Sentiment: The overall sentiment is bearish for the short to medium term, with the analysis indicating that Bitcoin is in a bear market.
  • Cycle Analysis: The discussion heavily relies on the 4-year cycle, which is seen as the most dominant indicator. The recent market top occurred on day 1,062 of the cycle, which is almost identical to the previous two cycles (1,059 and 1,068 days), suggesting the cycle timing remains intact.
  • Projected Bottom Timing:
    • The most likely time for the cycle bottom is projected to be the first half of October 2026. This is based on historical cycle lengths and is reinforced by an analysis of MicroStrategy (MSTR), which is seen as a leading indicator.
    • A secondary, less likely possibility for the bottom is May 2026. This is based on historical precedents where markets capitulated earlier than expected (e.g., S&P 500 in May 1970).
  • Projected Bottom Price Levels:
    • The analysis points to a potential bottom in the $40,000 to $55,000 range.
    • A 70% drop from the highs, similar to the 2019 correction, would place the price at $40,000.
    • On-chain indicators suggest a bottom is not yet in:
      • The Realized Price is at $55,000, and the Balance Price is at $40,000. Historically, Bitcoin bottoms below both of these levels.
      • The Supply in Profit and Loss indicator has not yet had its bearish cross, which typically signals a bottoming process. This cross is projected to happen in the $45,000 to $55,000 range.
  • Bitcoin's Identity: The speakers question Bitcoin's role, noting it did not perform as a "store of value" during the recent run in other safe-haven assets. Ben Cowen defines Bitcoin as a "levered version of the NASDAQ" and an "expression of excess liquidity."
  • Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D): Dominance is expected to struggle in the short term. However, the analysis suggests it will eventually rise back to its highs, particularly when the next bull market begins and Bitcoin's price moves parabolically, initially leaving altcoins behind.

Takeaways

  • Investors should be cautious, as the analysis suggests Bitcoin is in a bear market with further downside expected.
  • Consider waiting for key timeframes like May or, more likely, October to look for buying opportunities.
  • The price range of $40,000 to $55,000 is identified as a potential zone for the cycle bottom, which could represent a long-term accumulation opportunity.
  • Holding Bitcoin is seen as preferable to holding altcoins during this phase of the market.

Altcoins

  • Sentiment: Very bearish.
  • Context: Altcoins are described as having already been "annihilated" but are expected to continue to lose value as Bitcoin trends down.
  • Reasoning: The argument is that it's difficult to justify holding altcoins for two main reasons:
    1. When Bitcoin is in a bear market, it drags the entire altcoin market down with it.
    2. When the next bull market begins, Bitcoin is expected to outperform altcoins initially, causing Bitcoin Dominance to spike.
  • Valuation: The relative valuation of altcoins against Bitcoin is expected to retest its lows in the coming months.

Takeaways

  • The current market is considered high-risk for altcoin investors.
  • The analysis suggests that capital is better allocated to Bitcoin or other asset classes (like metals) until the market cycle turns more favorable for altcoins.

Gold (XAU)

  • Sentiment: Very bullish.
  • Context: Gold is described as having "more room to run," and its weekly price chart is viewed as very strong.
  • Intermarket Analysis: A key chart discussed is the S&P 500 divided by Gold. This ratio is breaking down, similar to how it did in 1973 and 2008. In those instances, the breakdown preceded a major correction in the stock market while Gold's price rose.
  • Positioning: Gold is referred to as the "blue chip" of the metals asset class.

Takeaways

  • Gold is presented as a strong potential hedge against weakness in both crypto and traditional stock markets.
  • For investors looking to gain exposure to metals, the analysis strongly suggests prioritizing Gold as the primary holding over other metals like Silver.

Silver (XAG)

  • Sentiment: Bearish for the near term.
  • Context: The speaker believes Silver has "probably topped for the year."
  • Reasoning:
    • Historically, Silver often tops out months before Gold does (examples given were 2011 and 1973).
    • The Gold-to-Silver ratio is at a level that historically indicates Gold is about to outperform Silver for a significant period (a year or two).
  • Recommendation: The speaker suggests waiting until mid-2027 to consider buying Silver.

Takeaways

  • Investors should be cautious with Silver, as it is expected to underperform Gold.
  • The analysis suggests avoiding new positions in Silver for now and favoring Gold instead.

Other Investment Themes & Sectors

  • US Stocks (S&P 500):
    • Sentiment: Neutral to bearish.
    • Context: A correction is expected, with a potential bottom aligning with Bitcoin's projected lows in May or October. Midterm election years are historically the weakest for the stock market.
  • International Stocks:
    • Sentiment: More bullish than US stocks.
    • Context: Markets in Latin America, China, and Germany (DAX) are mentioned as looking more attractive than the domestic US market.
  • Energy Sector (XLE ETF):
    • Sentiment: Bullish.
    • Context: The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) is performing well. Historically, Bitcoin tends to underperform energy during midterm years. The speaker is bullish on energy, anticipating a future spike in oil prices.
  • Other Sectors:
    • Manufacturing and Defense stocks are also mentioned with a bullish outlook.
  • Other Metals:
    • Metals like Uranium, Lithium, and Nickel are mentioned as part of a bullish theme.
    • Copper is seen as bullish but is underperforming Gold, reinforcing the "hold the blue chip" thesis.

Takeaways

  • Consider diversifying away from US-centric stock index funds in the short term.
  • Look for opportunities in international markets and specific sectors like Energy (XLE), Manufacturing, and Defense.
  • For a 3-year investment horizon starting now, the guest suggests slowly scaling into metals (primarily Gold), energy stocks, and manufacturing stocks, while waiting for a better entry point on crypto and US index funds later in the year.
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Episode Description
Ran and Ben Cowen sit down to tackle the 2026 crypto roadmap and the shifting "pulse" of the four-year cycle. They explore why Bitcoin no longer moves in a vacuum and how the S&P 500’s historical rhythm is now dictating the timeline for the next major market floor. From the "May vs. October" debate to the impact of deceptive countertrend rallies, Ben breaks down the data-driven scenarios every investor needs to watch. This is a deep dive into the regime change currently hitting the markets, and how to tell if the bottom is actually in.___________________________________________𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪!⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇💰 𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗧 - 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸!!🎁 Sign up before Tuesday 17th Feb for a chance to WIN 1 of 2 Gold Cards!👉 Download App: https://bit.ly/Kast-Ran☑️ Pay with your crypto and earn 5-8% cashback when you spend!☑️ Hold and manage USD worldwide! ___________________________________________𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧 & 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗦⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇📣 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗻 - 𝗖𝗘𝗢/𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲👉 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗫: https://x.com/intocryptoverse👉 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝗧𝗖 𝗼𝗻 𝗫: https://x.com/ITC_Crypto🪐 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 - 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲!🚨Use code 𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 for 15% off any tier!👉 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://intothecryptoverse.com/👉 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀: https://intothecryptoverse.com/#plans✅ Get Risk Indicators, Charts, Tools, Exclusive Videos, Private Telegram Channels and more._________👉 𝗥𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗫: https://x.com/cryptomanran👉 𝗥𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://bit.ly/ran-insta___________________________________________👁️‍🗨️ 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁:https://www.cryptobanter.com/our-ethics/We take our code of ethics very seriously and have engaged @zachxbt ( / zachxbt ) to monitor our progress. If you feel we’re not living up to it and have hard evidence please mail ZachXBT directly at reportcb@protonmail.com ⚠️ 𝗕𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗦___________________________________________📝 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿:Crypto Banter is a social podcast for entertainment purposes only!All opinions expressed by the hosts, guests and callers should not be construed as financial advice! Views expressed by guests and hosts do not reflect the views of the station. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research.#CryptoNews #Bitcoin #BenCowen #Trading #Ran⏱ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀:00:00 Why Bitcoin Is Heading To $40,000 01:21 Ben Cowen: Predicting The Cycle Bottom 03:27 The October vs May Bottom Scenario 06:33 1973 Market Fractal: A Warning Sign 09:03 How Low Will Bitcoin Actually Go? 12:57 The Secret To Altcoin Dominance 18:38 S&P 500 vs Gold: The Real Chart 24:53 Why I’m Bullish On Energy Stocks 27:38 Top Assets To Buy For 2028 32:57 Is The Bitcoin Bull Case Dead? 36:23 Fed Policy & The 2028 Recession
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