Alt season could already be here, only is winter seasonThe Crypto Market at a Crossroads: What’s Could Next for Bitcoin and Altcoins?
The cryptocurrency market is at a critical juncture, and the narratives being pushed by crypto influencers might not be telling the full story. Over the next weeks and months, the altcoin landscape could undergo significant changes, and there are signals emerging that few are discussing. In this post, I’ll analyze Bitcoin, altcoins, and Bitcoin dominance and what I expect in the coming months.
Bitcoin’s Current Position: Are We Near the Top?
When analyzing Bitcoin, it’s crucial to zoom out and assess the bigger picture. On a weekly chart, Bitcoin’s price action suggests that we might be nearing a top. While some argue that the peak has already occurred, the current structure indicates that Bitcoin could enter a sideways/ downward movement like we saw last year.
If Bitcoin continues to move sideways, altcoins are likely to follow suit. However, during these phases, some altcoins may experience brief runs, especially if Bitcoin dominance starts to decline.
But here’s the catch: Bitcoin dominance has been steadily rising since Bitcoin’s bottom, which is unusual. Typically, during the late stages of a cycle, Bitcoin dominance drops as altcoins surge. This time, however, the landscape seems different.
Altcoin Season: A Muted Rally?
The idea of a massive altcoin season, where all altcoins surge simultaneously, might be a thing of the past. While some coins like BINANCE:SOLUSDT have already seen significant runs (from nearly $80 to $300 top in one year), the broader altcoin market has not experienced the same explosive growth. Instead, only a select few altcoins made significant moves.
This doesn’t mean that altcoins are dead. There will still be opportunities, but they will likely be more selective. Coins that have already made substantial gains, like Solana, may have already topped out.
Going forward the key should be to focus on coins that show strong volume breakouts and price action, rather than holding onto underperforming assets.
Bitcoin Dominance and the Changing Landscape
Bitcoin dominance has been on an upward trajectory, which is unusual for this stage of the cycle. Historically, Bitcoin dominance falls as altcoins begin to rally.
However, this time, the dominance chart suggests that the market dynamics are shifting. While a drop in Bitcoin dominance is still possible, it may not be as pronounced as in previous cycles.
This changing landscape could be due to the sheer number of altcoins in the market. With thousands of coins vying for attention, there simply isn’t enough liquidity to pump all of them. This dilution effect means that only a handful of coins will likely see significant gains, while the majority will continue to underperform.
The Role of Meme Coins and Newer Projects
One of the standout trends in this cycle has been the rise of meme coins and newer projects. Coins like BINANCE:SUIUSDT , which launched during this cycle, have already broken their all-time highs. However, even these newer coins may be entering a bear market phase.
The market is saturated, and without a significant influx of liquidity, it’s unlikely that we’ll see another massive altcoin season.
Meme coins, in particular, have been a double-edged sword. While they’ve provided some of the most explosive gains, they’ve also drained liquidity from the broader market.
This extraction of value has made it harder for other altcoins to gain traction, further complicating the market dynamics.
The Bigger Picture: A Potential Bear Market
Looking at the broader market, there’s a growing possibility that we could be entering a bear market.
The sheer number of coins in the market, combined with the lack of liquidity, suggests that the crypto space is due for a significant shakeout.
Coins like BINANCE:DOTUSD , CAPITALCOM:FILUSD and even BINANCE:ADAUSDT , which have been in a bear market since 2021, are a prime example of this trend.
Many altcoins are already down 80-90% from their all-time highs, and the chances of them recovering are slim.
This is why it’s crucial to focus on coins that have already established a bull trend and are hovering around their support zones, as they have a higher probability of breaking out and continuing their upward trajectory.
Key Takeaways and What to Watch For
1. Bitcoin’s Sideways Movement: Bitcoin is likely to move sideways or slightly downward in the coming weeks, which could create opportunities for select altcoins.
2. Selective Altcoin Runs: Not all altcoins will rally. Focus on coins with strong volume breakouts and price action.
3. Bitcoin Dominance: Keep an eye on Bitcoin dominance. A drop could signal a brief altcoin rally, but it may not be as significant as in previous cycles.
4. Meme Coins and Newer Projects: While meme coins and newer projects have seen gains, they may be entering a bear market phase. Be cautious with these assets.
5. Long-Term Bear Market : The crypto market could be entering a bear market. Focus on preserving capital and avoid holding onto underperforming assets.
Final Thoughts:
The crypto market is at a crossroads, and the next few months could be pivotal. While there will still be opportunities, they will likely be more selective and harder to come by.
By focusing on strong projects with solid fundamentals and avoiding the hype, you can navigate this changing landscape more effectively.
Remember, the key to success in crypto is not just about making money—it’s also about avoiding losses.
Best of Luck!
Mihai Iacob
