Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen says Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) remains the strongest asset in the digital asset market, as he outlined expectations for the current bear cycle to follow historical patterns.

Cycle Timing Points To Potential Late-2026 Bottom

In an Apr. 22 discussion with Jacob from BeInCrypto, Cowen compared the current cycle to previous ones, noting that Bitcoin has historically bottomed roughly one year after its peak.

Based on that framework, he identified October 2026 as a base-case timeline for a market bottom. He added that an earlier bottom, potentially as soon as May 2026, would likely require a significant capitulation event, which he said has not yet materialized.

Cowen argued that the current cycle differs not in timing, but in market behavior.

Unlike prior cycles that peaked amid strong retail enthusiasm, this cycle topped with relatively muted interest. That lack of euphoria, he said, has limited the typical post-peak surge in altcoins.

Instead, he compared the current environment to 2019, describing it as a late-stage cycle in which altcoins gradually weaken against Bitcoin without a broad-based rally.

Bitcoin Dominance And Portfolio Strategy

Cowen reiterated his view that Bitcoin remains the most reliable long-term investment in the crypto market.

He argued that while altcoins may see short-term gains, they tend to lose value relative to Bitcoin over time. He also noted that many crypto-related assets, including altcoins and mining stocks, historically underperform Bitcoin on a relative basis.

He emphasized the importance of risk management, cautioning that higher-risk assets often fail to deliver superior returns despite their volatility.

Instead, Cowen said a Bitcoin-heavy portfolio has historically provided stronger risk-adjusted performance. He also suggested maintaining some cash during mid-cycle downturns to take advantage of potential buying opportunities near market bottoms.

Image: Shutterstock