Despite recent surges in Ethereum and isolated altcoin rallies, the broader crypto market remains firmly in Bitcoin’s grasp.
The latest data from CoinMarketCap shows the Altcoin Season Index rising slightly to 41/100—still well within “Bitcoin Season” territory—while Bitcoin’s dominance ticked up to 60.71%, reflecting the coin’s ongoing influence over the market.
Ethereum has been the standout among altcoins, gaining over 45% against Bitcoin’s 16% over the past 30 days. This performance, buoyed by $1.13 billion in ETF inflows and renewed interest in DeFi yields, suggests growing institutional attention on utility-driven assets. However, Bitcoin’s stronger liquidity and lower volatility continue to make it the core holding for most investors.
Meanwhile, DeFi tokens like Pendle, which offers triple-digit yield opportunities, and Binance ecosystem tokens such as BNB, up 17% in 30 days, have captured attention. Sonic’s 40% growth in total value locked adds to the mix. But outside of these isolated surges, the majority of top altcoins—about 83%—continue to lag behind Bitcoin over a 90-day span.
Investor sentiment, as measured by the Fear & Greed Index, sits at 62, hinting at cautious optimism. However, the lack of a broad-based altcoin breakout reinforces the current dynamic: capital is flowing into high-conviction plays rather than signaling a full altseason.
What’s Next for Altcoins?
For a true regime shift to occur, analysts say the Altcoin Season Index would need to push beyond 75, coupled with Bitcoin dominance falling below 58%. Until then, selective narratives may thrive, but Bitcoin will likely remain the center of gravity in crypto.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/altcoin-season-delayed-as-bitcoin-holds-the-throne/