According to Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL), the current altcoin bear market has reached 4 years, surpassing the 2.5-year cycle in 2016 and the 2-year cycle in 2018 (source: Twitter, May 6, 2025). This prolonged downturn is contributing to declining retail interest and lower trading volumes across major crypto exchanges. For traders, the historical context suggests extended periods of accumulation may precede renewed bullish momentum, but persistent low sentiment and liquidity can amplify volatility and slippage. Monitoring on-chain activity and exchange flows is critical for identifying potential reversal signals as the market tests multi-year support levels.