Really, now? The Bitcoin price allegedly targets $500.000. Many experts see a new bull run on the horizon given the 2024 Bitcoin halving, a term that echoes with great significance throughout the crypto industry. For those in the dark, the term ‘Bitcoin halving‘ may seem esoteric. Still, once unraveled, its pivotal role in shaping the price trajectory of Bitcoin – the leading cryptocurrency, becomes crystal clear. So, what exactly does Bitcoin halving entail?
Understanding Bitcoin Halving
Bitcoin halving is a programmed event in Bitcoin’s blockchain protocol, which cuts the rewards for Bitcoin mining in half. This event occurs approximately every four years, or after every 210,000 blocks are mined. The original reward was 50 Bitcoin per block, but after the first Bitcoin halving in 2012, it decreased to 25 Bitcoin. It further dropped to 12.5 Bitcoin in 2016, and to 6.25 Bitcoin in 2020 following the third halving event.
The halving is a fundamental aspect of Bitcoin’s deflationary economic model, a distinguishing feature setting it apart from traditional fiat currencies. This event works to limit the total supply of Bitcoin, ensuring that only 21 million coins will ever exist. By decreasing the number of Bitcoin awarded to miners, the cryptocurrency becomes more scarce over time. This scarcity, as dictated by the principles of supply and demand, often leads to a surge in Bitcoin’s price.
Bitcoin Halving and Crypto Bull Runs
A closer look at Bitcoin’s price history reveals a connection between halving events and crypto bull runs. A bull run represents a sustained period of rising prices, often triggered by increased investor enthusiasm. The reason Bitcoin halving has a history of triggering these bull runs is a direct result of the principles of supply and demand.
As Bitcoin halving decreases the supply of new coins entering circulation, it inadvertently creates scarcity. If demand for Bitcoin remains steady or increases, this scarcity can lead to a surge in Bitcoin’s price, signaling the onset of a bull run. Traders and investors often anticipate these halving events, and their resulting price surges, leading to an amplified sense of market optimism and contributing to the bull run.
In the past, each Bitcoin halving has preceded a significant bull run. For instance, in 2012, a year following the first Bitcoin halving, the cryptocurrency’s price spiked from around $12 to over $260. Similarly, a year after the second halving in 2016, Bitcoin experienced its most remarkable bull run, catapulting its price from around $650 to nearly $20,000 in 2017.
While Bitcoin halving has historically triggered bull runs, it’s essential to remember that the cryptocurrency market is influenced by various factors, and its volatile nature means nothing is guaranteed. As with any investment, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and seek expert advice before making decisions.
In conclusion, Bitcoin halving is a significant event in the cryptocurrency calendar, and it plays a vital role in shaping Bitcoin’s price trajectory. Its historical correlation with bull runs underscores Bitcoin’s deflationary nature, making it a unique asset class that continues to draw interest from investors worldwide.
