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Not just bitcoin, all the markets are known for reacting earlier than expected time frame; this is because when there would be more competition for grabbing cheaper prices. Yes, just FOMO. When bitcoin market behaviours change around halving event, then we can expect more traders and investors do participate and take bitcoin market into new high earlier than what we have witnessed on previous market cycles.
I mean, we may break a new ATH at any time soon and this halving year as well might transform into a complete bullish year, who knows? Market phycology about uptrend is driven by how many people believe on upcoming bullish market, when more people decide about making use of current dips then new ATH on every week is not a bullish year event which may happen on halving year also.
The macroeconomic turmoil that has occurred so far may also play an important role in the growth of the crypto market, especially bitcoin. Investors are unlikely to blindly throw their money into the market and buy as much as possible, of course they need to observe and wait for things to change that will benefit them. Saying it's likely doesn't mean it's true, but the state of the global economy so far is believed to be one of the causes.
ATH can be expected at any time when many investors (institutional or personal) are involved in the market. They buy and collect as many bitcoin as possible, but of course this will not happen without reason, including belief in long-term potential.