- Bitcoin is pulling back after hitting $180K, but the long-term chart still shows a strong uptrend with higher highs and lows.
- BTC’s staircase structure remains solid, and analysts expect a final rally toward $200K if current support zones hold.
- This correction looks like a healthy pause in Bitcoin’s bull run, not the end, with market structure still pointing upward.
Bitcoin’s current price action signals a classic cycle structure, according to analyst Bitcoinsensus. BTC trades near $118,344.11. However, the price follows a natural pattern seen in previous bull cycles. The correction appears to mark a pause before the final leg toward a potential $200,000 target.
The chart, shared by Bitcoinsensus, outlines Bitcoin’s macro uptrend from the 2021 high to the projected 2026 cycle top. It shows BTC forming higher highs and higher lows—signs of a strong staircase market structure. This formation remains intact, even after recent price drops. Hence, the analyst believes the uptrend has not been broken.
Staircase Market Structure Still Holds Firm
Bitcoin’s price journey started from its 2021 peak of $69,000 and bottomed near $16,000 in late 2022. That low marked the “Cycle Bottom.” From there, BTC began a solid recovery phase through 2023 and 2024. It consistently formed higher lows and broke key resistance zones with clean retests.
Source: Bitcoinsensus
The most recent breakout past $100,000 was a major psychological milestone. It led to a parabolic move that touched $180,000+. However, this rally now appears to be cooling. Despite that, technical patterns suggest the pullback is part of a healthy reset, not the end of the bull run.
Next Target: $200K in the Markup Phase
According to the chart, BTC now enters the markup phase—historically followed by a parabolic climb toward cycle highs. Bitcoinsensus expects the next target to hit $200,000, provided the current structure holds.
Moreover, support lies around previous resistance levels, creating a cushion beneath current prices. This adds confidence that the long-term uptrend could resume shortly.
The “Cycle Top” label demands attention, but it doesn’t signal collapse. Rather, it shows a period of rest before a likely final surge.
