Amid Extreme Crypto Fear, Expert Says Shiba Inu and Bitcoin Supercycle Is Beginning

▲ Bitcoin (BTC), Shiba Inu (SHIB)/ChatGPT-generated image

An expert analysis suggests that the extreme fear and uncertainty engulfing the cryptocurrency market could instead serve as a foundation for historic surges in Shiba Inu (SHIB) and Bitcoin (BTC).

According to crypto-focused outlet The Crypto Basic on February 17 (local time), Eze Wilberforce, founder of virtual asset services firm Leaftin, diagnosed the current market downturn as a potential precursor to a massive bullish super cycle. Wilberforce referenced past explosive rallies in Bitcoin and Shiba Inu, emphasizing that unprecedented rebounds have occurred whenever the market experienced its worst levels of fear. Notably, the recent drop of the crypto fear index to a record low of 5, signaling extreme fear, suggests the market may have reached a turning point.

Wilberforce recalled that when Shiba Inu erased multiple zeros and posted record-breaking gains in 2021, the majority of investors were skeptical. Likewise, when Bitcoin traded sideways between $10,000 and $19,000 in late 2020 amid concerns of further declines, the market ultimately surged to $69,000 in 2021. He predicted that history could repeat itself and that 2026 may mark the beginning of a super cycle characterized by the largest liquidity shift in global financial history.

The super cycle outlook is gaining traction among prominent industry figures. Changpeng Zhao, co-founder of Binance; Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX; and Raoul Pal, CEO of Real Vision, have all pointed to expanding macro liquidity and accelerated institutional adoption as key drivers of the next bull run. These crypto heavyweights argue that structural forces within the market will ultimately generate strong upward momentum regardless of investor sentiment.

Price targets from leading figures are also striking. Cardano (ADA) founder Charles Hoskinson forecast Bitcoin reaching $250,000, while Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse set a target of $180,000. Tom Lee, chairman of Bitmine Immersion Technologies, projected a range between $200,000 and $250,000. Shiba Inu, which has shown a high correlation with Bitcoin, is seen targeting between $0.000009 and $0.000115.

The cryptocurrency market currently remains under strong downward pressure, with Bitcoin trading around $67,900 and Shiba Inu hovering at $0.000006552. Earlier this month, Bitcoin dipped near $60,000, extending the bearish trend, and investors are largely waiting on the sidelines for significant liquidity inflows. As confidence in a super cycle collides with cautious perspectives, global investors are closely watching how structural shifts in the market will ultimately unfold.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses resulting from decisions based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*