According to The Clear Crypto Podcast featuring @NathanOnCrypto, @gazza_jenks, @StarkWareLtd, and @Cointelegraph, the current stage of the Bitcoin cycle was analyzed alongside the rise of Bitcoin DeFi and Layer 2 solutions. The guests emphasized that Bitcoin's ongoing cycle appears to be in a consolidation phase, with increased focus on Layer 2 scaling and DeFi protocols driving new trading opportunities and liquidity on the Bitcoin network (source: The Clear Crypto Podcast via Cointelegraph). These trends are expected to shape trading strategies as Bitcoin DeFi adoption grows and Layer 2 innovations attract both retail and institutional participants.