Bitcoin (BTC), the leading cryptocurrency, has ignited a notable recovery in the broader cryptocurrency market, recording a 5% gain during Wednesday’s trading session to recover the $117,000 mark.
This momentum has positively impacted major altcoins, including Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Binance Coin (BNB), which have seen average increases of around 3% in what may signal the onset of a new altcoin season.
Crypto Prices Surge Amidst US Government Shutdown
The surge in crypto prices coincided with political developments as the US Senate’s failure to pass a temporary funding bill resulted in a government shutdown shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
Such uncertainty often leads investors to seek alternatives to the US dollar, and cryptocurrencies are increasingly viewed as a hedge against economic instability. On Wednesday, the dollar remained stable against a basket of other currencies, further bolstering the appeal of digital assets.
Historically, October has been a favorable month for Bitcoin, with the cryptocurrency finishing in positive territory 10 out of the past 12 years. Joel Kruger from LMAX Group also noted that Q4 has consistently been the strongest seasonal period for cryptocurrencies, adding to the bullish sentiment. However, not all analysts share the same optimistic outlook.
Extended Bull Cycle For Bitcoin?
Ash Crypto expressed caution, suggesting that the current rally might be a precursor to a more significant downturn, predicting a potential drop that could see Bitcoin retrace to around $106,000 and Ethereum to near $3,800.
This anticipated correction, he argues, could liquidate overly optimistic positions, particularly among retail investors. He forecasts that this phase of uncertainty could persist until mid-October, potentially leading to a market rebound when bearish sentiment peaks.
Conversely, Lark Davis has indicated a more bullish long-term perspective, suggesting that the current cycle may extend well into 2026 rather than peaking in the fourth quarter of the year as traditionally expected.
The general sentiment remains that if the market can navigate through the short-term fluctuations, a substantial rally could occur, potentially driving Bitcoin to prices between $150,000 and $180,000, with Ethereum reaching between $8,000 and $12,000.
According to Davis, such a scenario, in which could result in a major 53% and 200% for BTC and ETH respectively, could catalyze a significant altcoin season, with some assets potentially increasing in value by 10 to 50 times within just a few months.
When writing, Bitcoin trades at $117,130, further posting gains of nearly 8% on the monthly time frame. This positions the market’s leading cryptocurrency just 5.7% below its all-time high, currently at $124,100,
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
