Bitcoin's 2025 trajectory marked an expansion phase, but don't expect the momentum to carry through 2026 — all indicators suggest a shift toward deep consolidation ahead.

Here's what typically happens after major impulses: markets stop trending and begin digesting. That translates into grinding sideways action with wider trading ranges, multiple false breakouts that trap both bulls and bears, and time-based corrections taking priority over sharp price moves. This consolidation period favors patient accumulation — smart money rarely broadcasts their positions during quiet phases, they just quietly stack.

The next 12 months won't make for exciting headlines, but the boring periods often set up the most significant moves down the line.