| Indicator | Value | Signal |
|---|
What is Bitcoin Regime Detection with Hidden Markov Models?
Hidden Markov Models (HMM) are probabilistic graphical models that identify latent (hidden) market states from observable price and volatility data. Unlike simple moving-average crossovers, HMMs model the full probability distribution of returns within each regime — capturing the clustering of volatility and directional drift that characterizes Bitcoin's distinct market phases.
This dashboard implements a 4-state Gaussian HMM trained on daily log-returns and realized volatility. States correspond to: Low Volatility Bull (trending upward, σ < 30%), Low Volatility Bear (slow downtrend), High Volatility Bear (crash/capitulation, σ > 80%), and Transition (regime-switching, elevated uncertainty).
Parameters are estimated via the Baum-Welch algorithm (Expectation-Maximization). Real-time state decoding uses the Viterbi algorithm for the most probable state sequence, and the forward algorithm for filtered posterior probabilities. Institutional traders and quant funds use regime detection to dynamically adjust position sizing, hedge ratios, and risk limits based on the current volatility and trend environment.