As of January 31, 2026, Bitcoin (BTC) is breaking a technical rule that analysts once considered “destiny.” Since the 2014 chart, each major correction cycle has started with a specific sequence of events. However, the current market is rewriting this script in a completely new way.
Historical Pattern from 2014 to 2022: Classic Warning Signals
Looking back at the three main bear cycles (2014, 2018, 2022), a successful formula has repeated: weekly closing prices drop below the SMA 100, followed by the death cross between EMA 100 and SMA 100. This is the final confirmation before a severe sell-off.
From the 2014 chart when Bitcoin was at low prices, through subsequent cycles, this pattern has always led to ruthless corrections. Technical experts have regarded this as a “market law,” but 2026 seems different.
Technical Structure of 2026: Unusual Confirmation of SMA 100 and EMA 100
Despite recent weekly volatility, the current price remains around $82.84K — almost unchanged from $82,831.8 on January 22. Notably, the EMA 100 and SMA 100 lines still maintain a healthy bullish arrangement, rather than allowing prices to “free fall.”
The action to defend these moving averages — instead of capitulating as in previous cycles — indicates an objective structural difference. This is not a “game over” signal, but a re-establishment, a rebalancing of market forces.
Organizational Absorption: A Barrier to the Historical Scenario
Deeper analysis shows that absorption by institutions is preventing the collapse scenario that marked the start of the 2014 chart. Instead of just retail panic selling, we are witnessing a strategic redistribution.
The divergence between technical forecasts and actual price action clearly indicates: major players are still building positions rather than retreating. This marks a fundamental difference from previous cycles.
Conclusion: The 2026 Cycle Operates on a New Reference Frame
The reversal of the scenario that once defined all events from the 2014 chart shows that the Bitcoin market is entering a different phase. While risks still exist, the current technical structure — with vigorous protection of the moving averages — clearly indicates that history does not necessarily have to repeat itself.
BTC is currently at a relatively stable level, reflecting a longer-term balancing process rather than a free fall, especially compared to the panic selling seen in earlier cycles.
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
Bitcoin cycle reversed: Why the 2014 calendar no longer repeats?
As of January 31, 2026, Bitcoin (BTC) is breaking a technical rule that analysts once considered “destiny.” Since the 2014 chart, each major correction cycle has started with a specific sequence of events. However, the current market is rewriting this script in a completely new way.
Historical Pattern from 2014 to 2022: Classic Warning Signals
Looking back at the three main bear cycles (2014, 2018, 2022), a successful formula has repeated: weekly closing prices drop below the SMA 100, followed by the death cross between EMA 100 and SMA 100. This is the final confirmation before a severe sell-off.
From the 2014 chart when Bitcoin was at low prices, through subsequent cycles, this pattern has always led to ruthless corrections. Technical experts have regarded this as a “market law,” but 2026 seems different.
Technical Structure of 2026: Unusual Confirmation of SMA 100 and EMA 100
Despite recent weekly volatility, the current price remains around $82.84K — almost unchanged from $82,831.8 on January 22. Notably, the EMA 100 and SMA 100 lines still maintain a healthy bullish arrangement, rather than allowing prices to “free fall.”
The action to defend these moving averages — instead of capitulating as in previous cycles — indicates an objective structural difference. This is not a “game over” signal, but a re-establishment, a rebalancing of market forces.
Organizational Absorption: A Barrier to the Historical Scenario
Deeper analysis shows that absorption by institutions is preventing the collapse scenario that marked the start of the 2014 chart. Instead of just retail panic selling, we are witnessing a strategic redistribution.
The divergence between technical forecasts and actual price action clearly indicates: major players are still building positions rather than retreating. This marks a fundamental difference from previous cycles.
Conclusion: The 2026 Cycle Operates on a New Reference Frame
The reversal of the scenario that once defined all events from the 2014 chart shows that the Bitcoin market is entering a different phase. While risks still exist, the current technical structure — with vigorous protection of the moving averages — clearly indicates that history does not necessarily have to repeat itself.
BTC is currently at a relatively stable level, reflecting a longer-term balancing process rather than a free fall, especially compared to the panic selling seen in earlier cycles.