The Impact of Seasonal Trends on Crypto Prices

Rosemary Kasiobi Nwadike -

Table of Contents

  • What Are Seasonal Trends?
  • How Seasonal Trends Affect Crypto Prices
  • Key Seasonal Trends to Watch in Crypto Markets
  • Fun Facts on Seasonal Trends in Crypto
  • Why Do These Trends Happen?
  • How to Use Seasonal Trends in Crypto Trading
  • Risks of Relying on Seasonal Trends
  • To Recap
  • FAQs

One well-known fact about cryptocurrency markets is their highs and lows, backs and forths, and ups and downs. 

Prices rise and fall more rapidly than the heart rate of a Samsung Galaxy owner who falls with their phone in their pocket. 

Although some of these price swings are predictable and can be seen from miles away, others leave investors wondering where the sudden waves of “bullishness” or “bearishness” are sweeping in from.

One of the lesser-discussed factors influencing these price swings is seasonal trends. 

In this article, we’ll discuss seasonal trends, how they impact crypto prices, and what this means for investors.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trader, this guide will help you better understand the effects of seasonal changes on the crypto market and how to use them to your advantage.

via GIPHY

Seasonal trends are patterns or behaviours that happen at specific times of the year due to predictable events, market activities, or human habits. 

With cryptocurrencies, these trends often arise from factors like holiday spending, tax deadlines, or major annual events in the crypto world. 

For example, Bitcoin has historically seen a price boost in December, sometimes called the "Santa rally," due to increased buying around the holidays. 

On the other hand, some months, like September, are known for market dips. 

These patterns are not unique to crypto alone. Similar trends are seen in traditional financial markets, like higher retail sales during the festive season. 

1. Seasonal Inflows of Capital:

At the beginning of the year, many investors inject fresh capital into financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. 

This phenomenon, often called the “January Effect,” is driven by people starting the year with new financial goals, extra savings, or fresh bonuses. 

Increased demand for assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum during this period can push prices higher. 

2. Tax Season Effects:

Tax deadlines, especially in countries like the United States (where taxes are due in April), create a different kind of market movement. 

Investors may sell off some of their crypto holdings to generate cash to pay taxes. 

This selling pressure can temporarily lower crypto prices. 

3. Holiday Spending and Crypto Use:

Photo by Traxer on Unsplash

Festive periods, such as Christmas and New Year, bring mixed impacts to the crypto market. 

Some people sell cryptocurrencies to cover holiday expenses, such as buying gifts or funding vacations. 

Others, however, use their year-end bonuses to buy digital assets, hoping for future gains. 

These contrasting behaviours can stabilise or create unpredictable fluctuations in crypto prices. 

1. January Effect:

The “January Effect” is a trend where cryptocurrencies often see a price increase at the start of the year. 

This happens because many investors start the new year with fresh capital, optimistic investment plans, and rebalanced portfolios. 

We know that Bitcoin has been getting a lot of attention this year, but this isn’t limited to Bitcoin; other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum have also experienced similar trends in January. 

While this pattern isn’t guaranteed every year, it’s worth keeping an eye on how the market behaves at the beginning of the year.

2. Summer Lull:

During the summer months (June, July, August), trading volumes in the crypto market often decline. 

This period, known as the “Summer Lull,” happens because many investors take vacations, leading to reduced market activity. 

Lower trading volumes can cause prices to stagnate or even drop slightly because there’s less demand and liquidity in the market. 

If you’re trading or investing in crypto, this is a time to be cautious, as the market may be slower than usual.

3. End-of-Year Rally:

The end of the year can bring a significant rally in cryptocurrency prices, often referred to as the “End-of-Year Rally.” 

This is driven by factors such as holiday spending, investor optimism, and strategic investments made to manage tax liabilities before the year closes. 

While not a certainty, this trend often creates opportunities for traders to capitalise on rising prices as the year wraps up.

  • Bitcoin prices have increased in 7 out of the 10 January months since 2013.
  • During summer months, trading volumes tend to decline by 5-10%. 
  • In December 2017 and 2020, Bitcoin hit its all-time highs, with prices rallying significantly during the festive period. 
  • A common saying in crypto trading is "Sell in May and go away." Prices often dip or remain stagnant during mid-year months.
  • September and October have occasionally sparked mini bull runs.
  • In April, the U.S. tax deadline often sees higher sell-offs as investors cash out profits to cover their tax liabilities. 
  • Bitcoin halving years often see prices gaining momentum in the months following the halving event, typically in summer or autumn.

1. Human Behaviour:

Investors’ actions often align with personal and societal events. 

Many individuals receive bonuses or other financial rewards at the end of the year, leading to increased investment in cryptocurrencies during this period.

Similarly, tax deadlines push people to sell assets, including crypto, to settle liabilities or claim deductions. 

Holidays and vacations also affect market activity, with some investors cashing out for travel and spending, causing temporary price drops.

2. Institutional Influences:

Photo by Patrick Weissenberger on Unsplash

Large financial players, such as hedge funds and institutional investors, have their own cycles. 

At the end of a fiscal quarter or year, these organisations make portfolio adjustments to balance their books or maximise tax benefits. 

Such actions, like selling off assets or buying into safer investments, ripple through the market, influencing crypto prices.

3. Market Liquidity:

During certain times of the year, market activity slows down, reducing liquidity. 

For instance, during summer vacations in many countries, fewer people actively trade, leading to higher price volatility. 

On the other hand, when trading activity spikes during key market events or after significant news, prices can swing widely.

4. Economic Indicators:

Global economic factors, such as inflation rates, interest rate changes, or GDP reports, influence investor confidence. 

When economic uncertainty is high, people may view cryptocurrencies as a hedge, driving demand. 

On the other hand, during stable economic periods, traditional investments like stocks may attract more attention, reducing crypto activity.

5. Bitcoin Halving Cycles:

Historically, the Bitcoin halving has triggered a bull run in crypto markets, as reduced supply and increased demand drive prices up. 

This phenomenon indirectly affects the entire crypto ecosystem.

6. Global Events and News:

Major global events, such as geopolitical tensions, regulatory updates, or technological breakthroughs in blockchain, can amplify seasonal trends. 

For instance, positive regulatory news during a period of high trading activity can cause prices to spike, while negative news can lead to widespread sell-offs.

7. Retail Investor Sentiment:

The rise of retail trading platforms has made it easier for everyday people to enter the crypto market. 

These investors often rely on social media trends, online communities, and market hype to make decisions. 

For example, a viral tweet or new meme coin can create sudden price shifts, especially during times of heightened market interest.

1. Plan Ahead for Known Trends: If historical data shows that crypto prices tend to rise in January, consider buying in December, ahead of the rally.

2. Monitor Tax Deadlines and Holidays: Keep an eye on tax deadlines, especially around April in the U.S., as these can trigger market movements. Also, watch out for global holidays, as they can affect trading volumes.

3. Use Stop-Loss Orders: Protecting your investments is crucial during uncertain periods, such as around major global events or economic downturns. Use stop-loss orders to automatically sell your crypto when its price falls below a set level.

4. Watch for Holiday and End-of-Year Selling: Many traders sell their assets at the end of the year to lock in gains or reduce taxable income, which can lead to price drops. Watch out for this pattern, as it can help you avoid buying during a potential dip and give you a chance to buy low if prices drop significantly.

5. Look for Patterns in Specific Coins: Not all cryptocurrencies follow the same seasonal trends. For example, Bitcoin and Ethereum often follow broader market trends, but other altcoins might have their own cycles.

6. Stay Updated on Global Events: Global events like regulatory changes, institutional investments, or technological advancements can influence seasonal trends. Staying informed about these developments will help you predict how they might affect the market and act accordingly.

via GIPHY

1. Regulatory changes: Governments may introduce new regulations that can disrupt market trends.

2. Macroeconomic shifts: Economic events, like a recession or inflation, can influence investor behaviour and disrupt patterns.

3. Market sentiment changes: The overall mood of investors can fluctuate unexpectedly. If people suddenly lose confidence in the market due to news or speculation, it can cause prices to fall, even during a traditionally strong season for crypto.

4. Technological disruptions: Advancements or setbacks in technology related to cryptocurrencies, such as blockchain upgrades or security breaches, can lead to significant price shifts that don’t follow seasonal patterns.

5. Overestimating predictability: Relying solely on seasonal trends can lead to poor decisions. If a trader assumes prices will follow the usual pattern and ignores other market signals, they may face unexpected losses.

6. External shocks: Events like geopolitical conflicts, cyberattacks, or financial crises can disrupt the market in ways that seasonal trends cannot predict, causing prices to behave unpredictably.

7. Seasonal trends may not always repeat: Just because a pattern occurred in past years doesn’t guarantee it will continue. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and past performance is not always a reliable indicator of future prices.

To Recap

  • Seasonal trends in cryptocurrency markets are patterns that emerge at specific times of the year, influenced by events like holidays, tax deadlines, and market activities.
  • Cryptocurrencies often see price increases as investors start the year with fresh capital.
  • Tax deadlines, particularly in April, may lead to selling pressure as investors liquidate assets to cover tax liabilities.
  • Holiday spending can create mixed effects, with some selling to cover expenses and others investing year-end bonuses in crypto.
  • The Summer Lull and End-of-Year Rally are two common trends to watch out for, as trading volumes drop in summer and rise in December due to holiday spending and tax strategies.
  • Factors such as human behaviour, institutional influences, market liquidity, and global events shape these trends.
  • Traders can plan around known trends, such as buying in December before the January Effect, and monitor tax deadlines and global events for potential price movements.
  • Overreliance on seasonal patterns can lead to poor decisions, as unexpected events like regulatory changes, macroeconomic shifts, or technological disruptions can cause market volatility.

FAQs

Q1. What are seasonal trends in crypto?

Patterns that repeat at specific times of the year, influencing prices and trading behaviour.

Q2. Does Bitcoin always rise in January?

No, but it has shown a tendency to do so for many years.

Q3. Why do crypto prices drop in summer?

Lower trading activity during vacations often leads to reduced demand.

Q4. What is the January Effect?

A phenomenon where markets, including crypto, rise due to fresh investments.

Q5. Do holidays affect crypto prices?

Yes, as people buy or sell crypto depending on their financial needs.

Q6. Can seasonal trends predict the market?

They offer insights but should not be solely relied upon.

Q7. How does tax season impact crypto?

Many investors sell to pay taxes, temporarily lowering prices.

Q8. What’s the best time to buy crypto?

Timing depends on multiple factors, but seasonal trends like December lows may offer opportunities.

Q9. Do institutional investors follow seasonal trends?

Yes, as their actions often align with reporting and tax cycles.

Q10. Are seasonal trends guaranteed?

No, they are patterns, not certainties. Other factors can disrupt them.

Disclaimer: This article was written to provide guidance and understanding. It is not an exhaustive article and should not be taken as financial advice. Obiex will not be held liable for your investment decisions.