Why Bitcoin's $126K Peak Wasn't The Cycle Top, According To ISM Data

Bitcoin 2026-01-10 19:16

Why Bitcoin's 6K Peak Wasn't The Cycle Top, According To ISM Data

Bitcoin hasn't reached its bull market peak despite touching $126,000 last year, according to crypto analyst Plan C, who argues the business cycle — currently at 47.9 on the ISM PMI index — must climb to between 55 and 65 before the flagship cryptocurrency typically records its cycle high.

What Happened: Business Cycle Analysis

Plan C shared the analysis on X, noting that historical BTC bull market peaks have occurred when the ISM PMI reaches between 55 and 65. The December reading of 47.9 remains below the critical 50 threshold that typically precedes parabolic price movements.

The analyst was responding to fellow BTC analyst Sminston, who posted a chart showing Bitcoin tends to rally sharply once the ISM PMI breaks above 50.

Sminston described the current market as "the spring still coiling." His chart projected BTC could rise well above $100,000 as the ISM PMI targets the 65 level.

Also Read: Stablecoins Now Handle 84% Of Illegal Crypto Activity, Dwarfing Bitcoin

Why It Matters: Recovery Threshold

On-chain analytics platform Glassnode identified a sustained reclaim of the Short-Term Holder Cost Basis at $99,100 as the first meaningful confirmation of Bitcoin's recovery.

The firm warned the current structure resembles early 2022, when prolonged inability to recover above this level preceded a deeper bearish extension.

CryptoQuant added that large Bitcoin investors are not buying the dip, with a similar rollover occurring between 2021 and 2022 before BTC topped.

Read Next: Solana Faces $144 Rejection Yet Analysts Predict Rally Toward $171

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

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