The behavior of Bitcoin over time shows a striking characteristic: for most of the time, the price of the cryptocurrency remains in a sideways trend or even in decline. This can discourage many investors, especially the less experienced, who expect quick and constant gains. However, those who have been following the market for longer know that the true impact on returns does not come from consistent performance, but rather from a few intense moments of highs.
An analysis of recent years — between 2022 and 2024 — reveals that the days when Bitcoin rises more than 5% are extremely rare. In 2022, there were only two days with increases exceeding this threshold. The same occurred in 2023. In 2024, there were only three days. In other words, out of more than a thousand trading days during this period, fewer than ten showed extraordinary gains. These occasional moments often define the success or failure of an investment in Bitcoin.
This dynamic reinforces an uncomfortable truth: those who are out of the market during these key days end up falling behind. If an investor tries to 'time the market', selling and buying in an attempt to anticipate movements, they run the serious risk of being out when Bitcoin explodes upward. Missing these few days can drastically reduce the gains accumulated over the years, even if the person gets a few downturns right.
This is why many experts advocate the strategy of simply staying exposed to Bitcoin for long periods — the so-called 'buy and hold'. Although this approach requires patience and nerves of steel, it ensures that the investor will be present when major movements occur. And since no one knows precisely when these highs will happen, exiting the market at the wrong time can be costly.
In summary, investing in Bitcoin is not just a matter of understanding technology or following news. It is also about discipline and long-term vision. High moments are rare but powerful. Those who are willing to endure sideways movement and corrections will have the chance to be rewarded — as long as they are in the market when the next big appreciation occurs.
