Bitcoin bulls vs bears 🐂🐻

Analysts are split on the near-term outlook for Bitcoin, with some predicting a short squeeze and others expecting a drawn-out grind downwards.

Author

Stephen Graves
February 10, 2026

📝 What you need to know

Analysts are divided on Bitcoin’s near-term outlook following its recent crash, with bulls and bears setting out their stalls.

In one corner, bulls anticipate a “violent, upside expansion” as Bitcoin decouples from macroeconomic headwinds, with on-chain data appearing to indicate that Bitcoin’s drawdown is running out of steam. Analysts pointed to deeper institutional participation, more liquid derivatives markets and the emergence of stablecoins as a “macro buffer” for crypto markets as evidence for their theory.

Bears, meanwhile, see an unfolding “gravity phase,” with Bitcoin grinding lower over the next six to twelve months as the rebound from “ETF-driven excess” prompts a drawn-out consolidation.

Over on prediction market Myriad, owned by Decrypt’s parent company Dastan, users remain bearish on Bitcoin’s outlook—but the chances of a pump to $84,000 have surged by almost 20% from last week’s lows.

Where Next for Bitcoin? The Bull and Bear Case

Analysts remain split on Bitcoin's next move: a short squeeze toward $84K or a 6-12-month grind toward $55K.

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