In 2014, we entered a long down market where we saw periods of side ways followed by a slide down, repeat and rinse. Is 2017 shaping up to be another 2014?
Yep.
Bitcoin has had it's parabolic blow off top, and in comparison with 2013 and 2011, the interest is just not there, at least not from outwith China. Joe has been burned by Bitcoin too many times by now, both through 'legit' manufactured pump n dumps and from exchanges just outright stealing from it's customers.....
USD volume is a mere fraction of what it was during previous pumps and google trends shows also a distinct lack in interest compared with previous blow off top pump:
Of course, there are still 'believers' who think they are getting 'cheap coins' at $800 range, but I would wager that nervous bagholders outweigh them....and besides, that pump was 100% Made in China, and the PBOC has just announced they intend to investigate the big Chinese exchanges. If the Bitcoin Cowboys are all scurrying around with their tails in between their legs, busy trying to get their ducks in rows for the PBOC, who is left to really drive the market up?
I would be very surprised if bitcoin didn't go on and have another pop at $1000 or so, but I wouldn't be expecting any new highs anytime soon.