With the opening of the U.S. market, cryptocurrencies didn’t experience an immediate plunge. However, it remains to be seen what will happen in the following hours. Bitcoin 
$89,476 has been declining at market openings for some time, yet today there is hope for some positive momentum, as the concerns surrounding Japan have subsided, and inflation bulls are providing support. The so-called “crypto prophet” is notably assertive about these dynamics.
2022 and 2026 Cryptocurrency Market Declines
Historically, this year was expected to see higher peaks, and to some extent, Bitcoin achieved this. The end of 2024 mirrored the rise seen in 2020. Under these conditions, 2026, according to historical data, should resemble 2022. Since October, people have been selling for this very reason. The narrative of a four-year cycle convinced many that selling was a wise decision despite Bitcoin lingering above $100,000.
Since June, the crypto sage Roman Trading has predicted deeper lows. On June 5, before Bitcoin even reached an all-time high, he speculated that the events of 2022 might repeat, leading to significant declines awaiting the market.
“I am still amazed at how people overlook the obvious sell signals in Bitcoin. It shows how few truly understand what they are doing. Most are just lucky scam artists.” – Roman Trading, December 19 (referencing the June chart in his last warning).
The chart above seems familiar, and the decline we’ve experienced suggests we’re in the second phase. If we don’t see a recovery toward $87,000, closures below this will occur. Should the crypto prophet’s predictions hold true, Bitcoin might slip to $56,000 after losing $76,177 in the coming year.
The Bull Case Scenario for 2026
Roman Trading has been adamant for two quarters about the long-term MACD and RSI structure breaking down, and thus far, he’s been correct. However, if Bitcoin manages to hold $88,000 in January, the sales driven by the four-year cycle narrative might come to an end.
In the second phase, a rise could begin as investors purchasing aggressively in fear of missing out might convert to rocket fuel for the rally. Demand in the ETF channel could multiply, and with new major institutional players like Charles Schwab launching crypto services in 2026, could we see these entities perhaps bolster the rally’s strength?
