As the Year of the Snake unfolds, let’s take a moment to reflect on how the crypto market fared during the Year of the Dragon.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, East Asia prepares to usher in the Year of the Snake, making it an ideal time to look back at bitcoin (BTC) and the CoinDesk 20 (CD20)’s performance in the previous year.

Hong Kong-based brokerage CLSA, known for its tradition of forecasting market trends based on the lunar cycle, has once again provided an interesting lens through which to view both traditional and crypto markets. These lunar-based predictions, though initially intended for traditional markets, have found relevance in the crypto space as well.

Looking back, CLSA’s predictions were largely spot-on. Bitcoin surged 137% last year, while the CoinDesk 20, an index tracking the largest digital assets, grew by 128%. The rally can be largely attributed to the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, which coincided with the anticipated market volatility followed by the subsequent price rally predicted by astrologers.

However, ether (ETH) didn’t perform as strongly as anticipated. Analysts had expected a significant boost from the potential launch of ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the Ethereum network’s Dencun upgrade. Despite the positive news, ETH only increased by 35%, lagging behind the broader market’s performance.

Now, as we enter the Year of the Snake, CLSA’s forecast predicts a year of unexpected twists. The year begins with cautious optimism, as liquidity-driven growth mirrors the Rough Green Snake seeking higher ground for a better view.

However, volatility may emerge as early spring brings challenges, with the Garter Snake’s energy testing limits. By mid-year, the fire of the Brown Tree Snake could bring a surge, pushing markets to new heights. Summer may bring stagnation, while autumn could offer minor setbacks. But the end of the year is expected to be marked by renewed momentum, with the market picking up strength as the year closes.

CLSA reminds investors to rely on professional financial advice rather than solely trusting astrological predictions. These forecasts, based on lunar cycles, offer an interesting perspective, but they should not be considered formal investment advice.