Perhaps you’re a seasoned investor with tons of experience in cryptocurrency or traditional markets. Maybe you’re just setting out on your investing journey and looking to learn a few things. Either way this article will help you master the art of market seasonality.

If you’ve been following the market closely you’d know that things have cooled off over the last few months. Bitcoin (BTC) hit an all-time high in March but has since been in a prolonged correction. BTC recently dropped below its May 1 low of $58,000 as you can see below.

Price dips are to be expected in crypto, this is a volatile market after all. However, what if you could reveal patterns of when to expect rallies and when to expect corrections? When accounting for seasonality you may be able to come up with a better idea of crypto’s general direction.

What is Seasonality in Financial Markets?

Seasonality refers to predictable and recurring patterns in market behavior that occur at specific times of the year. In financial markets, seasonality can influence asset prices, trading volumes, and overall market sentiment. These patterns are often driven by various factors such as economic cycles, investor psychology, and historical trends.

Understanding seasonality is crucial for investors because it provides insights into when certain assets might perform better or worse based on historical data. By recognizing these patterns, investors can make more informed decisions about when to enter or exit positions, potentially improving their investment returns.

Seasonality can be observed in various financial instruments, including stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. For instance, retail sales often peak during the holiday season, impacting stock prices of retail companies. Similarly, certain commodities might experience price increases during specific agricultural harvest periods.

In the context of Bitcoin, seasonality can reveal trends such as periods of high volatility or consistent price increases and decreases. By analyzing Bitcoin’s historical monthly returns, investors can identify months that typically yield positive or negative performance, helping them strategize their investments more effectively.

While seasonality provides valuable insights, it is essential to note that it is not a foolproof predictor of future performance. Market conditions, regulatory changes, technological advancements, and macroeconomic factors can all influence asset prices in ways that may deviate from historical seasonal patterns. Therefore, investors should use seasonality as one of many tools in their decision-making process, alongside fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and a thorough understanding of market dynamics.

Bitcoin’s Historical Monthly Returns

Here is a list of Bitcoin’s average monthly returns:

– January: -1%

– February: +8%

– March: +3%

– April: +29%

– May: +19%

– June: +11%

– July: +7%

– August: -2%

– September: -10%

– October: +13%

– November: +21%

– December: +7%

Analyzing Bitcoin’s Monthly Performance

January to March

The first quarter of the year tends to be relatively modest in terms of Bitcoin’s performance. January typically shows a slight negative return of -1%, reflecting a cautious start to the year for investors. This is often followed by a positive turn in February, with an average return of +8%, and continues into March with +3%. The early part of the year sees gradual gains as market participants slowly re-enter the market after the holiday season.

April to June

April marks a significant uptick in Bitcoin’s performance, boasting an impressive average return of +29%. This strong performance suggests a period of renewed optimism and increased trading activity. May follows with solid returns of +19%, and June continues the positive trend with +11%. This period is typically bullish for Bitcoin, possibly driven by favorable market conditions and increased investor confidence. Historically, these months represent some of the best times for Bitcoin, often seeing robust price rallies.

July to September

The summer months present a mixed bag for Bitcoin. July shows moderate returns of +7%, indicating a continued but less vigorous upward trend. However, August sees a slight decline of -2%, which might suggest a temporary slowdown or consolidation phase. The most notable drop occurs in September, with a significant average return of -10%. This seasonal decline could be attributed to various factors, including market corrections, regulatory news, or broader economic events impacting investor sentiment.

October to December

The final quarter of the year tends to be more optimistic for Bitcoin. October shows positive returns of +13%, often seen as a recovery period following the September slump. November continues this trend with impressive returns of +21%, marking one of the strongest months for Bitcoin. December maintains the positive momentum with an average return of +7%.

This period often witnesses renewed investor interest and bullish momentum, possibly driven by end-of-year market dynamics and holiday season activities. Bitcoin has topped out in November in both the 2017 and 2021 bull markets. This is the period when the crypto market enters its “Euphoria” stage of the cycle.

Current Market Situation

Currently, Bitcoin prices have been stagnating, reflecting a slow summer for the crypto market. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as I had warned of a slow summer. Crypto investors must maintain their patience over these summer months, as the period with the best returns of the year is coming up soon in the fall. “Sell in May and go away” is a real thing in crypto, however you must remember to buy back in before the fall.

We are starting to see the signs that many cryptocurrencies are forming a bottom pattern. We are likely nearing the end of this recent correction period, if we haven’t already hit the low. Those investors looking to play the next leg of the bull market would be wise to load up on altcoins in the next few weeks.

What Investors Can Expect Moving Forward

Based on historical performance, investors have reasons to be optimistic as we approach the final months of the year. Historically, October, November, and December have shown strong returns, with average gains of +13%, +21%, and +7% respectively. This seasonal pattern suggests a potential rebound in Bitcoin prices, driven by renewed investor interest and favorable market conditions.

As the market transitions from the slow summer months, there is a high probability that Bitcoin will regain momentum, attracting both retail and institutional investors. The end-of-year period often brings increased trading activity and bullish sentiment, making it an opportune time for investors to capitalize on potential price rallies.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s seasonality reveals a clear pattern of performance variations throughout the year. Historical data shows modest returns in the early months, strong gains in the spring, a mixed summer, and a bullish end to the year. Investors should take note of these trends and stay informed to make data-driven decisions.

While the current market may seem stagnant, the historical performance of Bitcoin provides a positive outlook for the coming months. By understanding and leveraging seasonality, investors can better navigate market fluctuations and position themselves for potential gains as Bitcoin enters a historically strong period. Stay optimistic and informed; the data suggests promising times ahead for Bitcoin.

Editor’s Note: Crypto is making ordinary investors rich, and it also serves as an inflation hedge. But you need to make your move now before the next leg-up in the crypto bull market of 2024. Every day you wait is literally costing you thousands in profits.

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This article previously appeared on Investing Daily.