- Bitcoin forms Golden Cross, historically linked to major rallies of 139%, 2,200%, and 1,190%.
- Current Golden Cross shows 7% rise, with traders eyeing potential move above $135K in Q3.
- Institutional interest grows as Trump allows crypto in 401(k) plans, boosting long-term outlook.
Bitcoin has once again printed the Golden Cross pattern on the weekly chart, a technical signal that has preceded large rallies in past cycles. Traders are pointing to historical gains of 139% in 2016, 2,200% in 2017, and 1,190% in 2020. At the time of writing, BTC was trading at $116,954.
Historical Golden Cross Performance and Current Setup
According to analysis prepared by Merlijn The Trader via X, the Golden Cross occurs when a shorter-term moving average crosses above a longer-term moving average. This signal often marks a shift toward upward market momentum.
Historical data shows that in 2016, Bitcoin’s price rose by 139% after the cross. The 2017 cycle produced a rally of around 2,200%, while the 2020 event led to gains of approximately 1,190%. In 2025, the newly formed Golden Cross has so far produced a 7% increase.
Chart visuals display yellow circles marking the Golden Cross points and green boxes showing the subsequent percentage gains. The repeated occurrence across cycles suggests a pattern where the crossover precedes substantial price growth over the following months.
Market Conditions and Institutional Factors Supporting the Signal
According to an observation by Ether Wizz, Bitcoin remains the preferred asset for institutions and is viewed as a safe haven. The trader noted, “I think $BTC is going above $135K in Q3,” while pointing out that altcoins are currently taking most of the liquidity.
Market data from Binance shows Bitcoin holding above key support despite recent volatility. The asset’s total value locked in DeFi stands at $6.821 billion, and active addresses have reached 960,615 in the last 24 hours. Regulatory developments are also adding to the long-term bullish outlook.
President Trump’s recent executive order allowing cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement plans opens potential access to nearly $9 trillion in retirement funds. This policy shift, combined with strong network fundamentals such as record hashrates, provides a backdrop that could align with the historical performance of previous Golden Cross signals.
