The current trend will probably continue this cycle... slow downfall - fast drop - sudden spike up - another slow downfall..
I think that's because the biggest investors are moving out. If you were holding 10 000+ BTC, then this method would be the most profitable way to get out with relatively good profit.
I predict that this will continue until 200-300$ when it will settle with couple of months of stability. There won't be another stable boom without opening new markets with decent volumes. I think that bitcoin has 1-2 bubbles still left in it before it dies. Another step is probably south-America, but it takes some time to market bitcoin to the people there. News articles have to be bought, officials have to be bribed, amazing success stories have to be told...
dream on. The most prophitable way out for whales would be just selling slower than the new entrants rate. And just that would need no PR and it would keep price rising. Now any insider has a reason to not rock the boat -unless he's an insider of something much bigger.
This would only work if bitcoin demand would be steady at least. But demand is dropping, so there is no time to mess around. It's simple for small investors, just sell and you are out. Not so easy to move out when you are a big investor.
There are two types of whales, those who dream big things for bitcoin and those who have invested money just to get some kicks out of taking risks. These other types don't know much about bitcoin and they don't care, they just saw the growing demand in China and made their decision based on that.
Now, it's certain that the chinese market is dead and there are no new markets with decent volume to show any signs of rising demand. That is why those want out who don't care much about bitcoin in general.
News like overstock accepting bitcoin are just news based on hot air, when you consider the future value of bitcoin. Only thing that gives certain value to bitcoin is rising demand. The EU/US markets have been saturated and not much more potential can be made. Most already know about bitcoin and have decided if they want in or not.
Only place left to market bitcoin where to expect demand is south- and central America. And I agree that this region is very potential for bitcoin since lawlessness and corruption actually suits bitcoin very well. The thing that is worrying tho is that you can't see any steps that are taken to enter this market. I think the same thing is worrying those passive investors who now want out. Without taking S/C-America, bitcoin will just slowly die because there is very little potential left in EU or US.