$SOL $BTC Bitcoin and Crypto Bull Run Comparison: 2025 vs. Past Cycles

The 2025 crypto bull run, with Bitcoin surpassing $100,000, mirrors past cycles but stands out due to unique drivers. Historically, bull runs followed Bitcoin halvings, reducing supply and sparking demand.

The 2013 run saw Bitcoin soar 730% to $1,200, driven by early adoption. In 2017, retail frenzy and ICOs pushed Bitcoin to $20,000, a 1,900% surge, with trading volume jumping from $200 million to $15 billion daily.

The 2021 cycle, fueled by institutional investments and DeFi/NFT growth, saw Bitcoin hit $69,000, with the crypto market cap exceeding $2 trillion.

In 2025, Bitcoin reached $109,241 in January, propelled by institutional adoption, notably Bitcoin ETFs amassing $36.9 billion in inflows since 2024.

The market cap again surpassed $2 trillion, but altcoins like Ethereum and Solana lag, down 46% and 39% yearly, unlike their 2021 gains.

Regulatory clarity, including Trump’s pro-crypto policies and the repeal of restrictive IRS rules, boosts sentiment.

Macroeconomic factors, like potential Federal Reserve rate cuts and 6% global inflation, drive Bitcoin as an inflation hedge.

This year’s bull run is distinct for its institutional depth and ETF-driven liquidity, though altcoin underperformance delays a full “altseason.”

Analysts predict Bitcoin could hit $150,000-$200,000 by late 2025, but volatility risks remain. Investors should monitor on-chain metrics like exchange balances and diversify strategically.