Here is what what’s been prepared—
Let’s dive deeper into each stage and explore why this dynamic between Bitcoin and altcoins unfolds the way it does:
1. Bitcoin Gains Attention (Driven by Smart Money)
When the market enters a bullish phase, Bitcoin is almost always the first asset to gain attention. This happens for a few key reasons:
Trust and Recognition: Bitcoin is the most established cryptocurrency, widely seen as a store of value or “digital gold.”
Smart Money Influence: Institutions, funds, and other large investors typically allocate to Bitcoin first due to its liquidity, lower volatility (compared to altcoins), and status as the market leader.
Retail FOMO: As Bitcoin rises, media attention and retail investors start piling in, driving demand even higher.
During this phase, Bitcoin dominance—the percentage of the total crypto market cap held by Bitcoin—usually increases, as most capital flows into BTC.
2. Altcoins Devalue or Stagnate
As Bitcoin starts its run, altcoins often lose value or underperform for several reasons:
Liquidity Drain: Capital flows out of altcoins and into Bitcoin, leaving less liquidity for smaller assets.
Market Sentiment: Traders prioritize Bitcoin during its strong moves, sidelining altcoins temporarily.
Altcoin Volatility: Many altcoins are more speculative and experience sharper corrections, which can scare off investors during Bitcoin’s bull run.
However, some altcoins—especially those tied to major narratives (e.g., Ethereum during the DeFi boom)—may perform well and “break out,” even as others stagnate.
3. Bitcoin Consolidates or Peaks, Altcoins Start Gaining
Once Bitcoin’s rally slows down or peaks, capital often rotates into altcoins, initiating the “alt season.” This happens because:
Profit-Taking from Bitcoin: Investors who gained substantial profits from Bitcoin’s rise start reallocating those gains into altcoins for higher risk-reward opportunities.
Market Euphoria: As Bitcoin stabilizes, investors look for “the next big thing,” turning their focus to altcoins.
Lower Barriers: Many altcoins are cheaper per unit, which attracts retail investors looking for high-percentage gains.
During this phase, altcoins often outperform Bitcoin, and many see explosive gains. Bitcoin dominance usually falls as altcoins capture more of the market’s attention.
4. Bitcoin Goes Bullish Again, Altcoins Follow or Stall
If Bitcoin resumes its bullish momentum after altcoins have had their run, two scenarios can unfold:
Altcoins Follow Bitcoin: If Bitcoin rises steadily, altcoins often follow suit, though not necessarily at the same pace. This leads to broader market growth.
Altcoins Stall or Retrace: If Bitcoin rises too aggressively, altcoins may struggle. This is because capital flows back into Bitcoin as traders chase its momentum, leaving less liquidity for altcoins.
Why This Cycle Happens
This pattern is driven by the interplay of market psychology, liquidity, and investor behavior:
Smart Money Leads, Retail Follows: Smart money allocates to Bitcoin first for stability, while retail investors often follow trends and narratives.
Liquidity and Volatility: Bitcoin absorbs liquidity first due to its larger market cap and lower risk. Altcoins, being more volatile and speculative, typically see attention once Bitcoin stabilizes.
Market Sentiment: Bitcoin is seen as the market’s “anchor.” When it performs well, it inspires confidence across the crypto space. Conversely, sharp Bitcoin moves can create fear or FOMO, influencing altcoin performance.
Final Thoughts
The order you initially provided aligns somewhat with the typical cycle but misses key nuances:
Altcoins devaluing isn’t always tied to Bitcoin’s rise—it depends on how aggressive Bitcoin’s move is and whether altcoins have compelling narratives driving them.
Altcoin seasons often rely on Bitcoin stabilizing, not just losing attention.
Bitcoin and altcoins can rise together, but Bitcoin’s dominance often dictates whether altcoins thrive or stall.