Bitcoin may be entering a price consolidation phase after reaching a new all-time high, but that doesn’t mean the bull run is over. According to crypto analyst and Derive founder Nick Forster, the current pause in momentum is not a bearish indicator. Instead, it may help the market prepare for its next move.
“While the surge above $111,000 was impressive, current activity points to a healthy consolidation rather than an immediate breakout,” Forster told Cointelegraph.
Why Bitcoin Price Consolidation Can Be Bullish
Forster believes consolidation is a natural phase in any bull cycle. It allows the market to digest recent gains and set up for a stronger long-term trend. As of May 29, Bitcoin was trading around $105,976, after peaking at $111,970 on May 22, according to CoinMarketCap.

Analysts remain bullish on long-term growth. Researcher Sminston With predicts a price surge of up to 200%, forecasting a cycle top between $220,000 and $330,000. Crypto trader Apsk32 projects a more modest peak of around $220,000 by 2025.
Court Ruling and Fed Policy Could Influence Bitcoin’s Next Move
A recent U.S. trade court ruling may have influenced Bitcoin’s short-term price action. On May 28, the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked former President Donald Trump’s tariff expansion, ruling that he had exceeded his authority. This development eased concerns about trade-related inflation.
However, the situation remains fluid. The Court of Appeals allowed Trump to temporarily continue tariffs under emergency powers, pending an appeal.
According to Forster, all eyes are now on the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision, expected on June 18, which could act as another key driver for Bitcoin’s price movement.
Bitcoin’s Q3 Outlook Could Break Historical Trends
Historically, Q3 is a weaker quarter for Bitcoin, averaging a 6.03% gain since 2013, according to CoinGlass. But Forster believes Q3 2025 could be different. With growing institutional adoption and potential regulatory clarity, the third quarter may offer stronger-than-expected returns.
ETF Inflows Continue to Climb
Despite Bitcoin’s sideways action, institutional investment remains strong. In May 2025 alone, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust recorded $6.2 billion in inflows. The week ending May 23 saw spot Bitcoin ETFs take in $2.75 billion.
Forster explained that this has not yet shown up in spot prices. That’s because ETF investments often come from institutions seeking long-term exposure, not short-term price moves.
“ETF inflows don’t always cause immediate market spikes, but they build long-term price strength,” he said.
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