The Four-Phase Crypto Cycle
The cryptocurrency market’s 4-year master cycle consists of four distinct phases: accumulation (typically 9–12 months), mark-up (approximately 12 months), distribution (2–4 months), and mark-down (approximately 12–18 months). Each transition can be projected in advance.
The 90-Day Sub-Cycle: The Market's Quarterly Heartbeat
Within the 4-year master cycle, the 90-day (quarterly) sub-cycle oscillates consistently in every phase. The 90-day marks from significant highs and lows in Bitcoin consistently produce intermediate reversals.
Identifying Current Phase Position
Determining where the market currently sits within the 4-year cycle requires identifying the most recent cycle low and measuring elapsed time from it. Phase transitions can be refined using the 90-day sub-cycle and Gann angle analysis.
How Traditional Analysis Misses the Architecture
Most crypto market commentary focuses on narratives — the halving story, institutional adoption, regulatory concerns. Gann’s framework ignores the narrative and focuses on the structure: time elapsed, cycle position, angle relationship, and sub-cycle position.
The 4-year crypto cycle is not a coincidence of supply mechanics. It is an expression of the same 4-year market rhythm that Gann identified in commodity markets over a century ago.