 
 
Market sentiment across the Ether, XRP, BNB, Cardano, Solana, and Shiba Inu sectors is beginning to tilt toward optimism.
Still, analysts caution that a genuine altcoin rally may depend on a broader return of risk-on appetite.
Renowned crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe highlighted that as long as gold continues its extraordinary climb after surging 155% in less than three years, investors are unlikely to rotate capital into riskier digital assets.
Michaël noted that such steep movements in a traditionally stable asset “aren’t sustainable” and could be “dangerous for the entire economy,” signaling deeper uncertainty within global financial markets.
Van de Poppe’s remarks reflect growing concern that Gold’s parabolic run might be absorbing liquidity that would typically flow into cryptocurrencies. The shift in macro preference highlights investors’ caution amid inflationary pressures and interest rate debates.
 
“The real bull on altcoins happens when there’s a more risk-on appetite,” he said, implying that only a renewed willingness to embrace risk will ignite the next leg of the crypto market’s expansion.
The market responds to bullish projections
Meanwhile, other analysts are already setting timelines for what they believe could be the next surge in digital assets. Market commentator 0xChiefy projected that a “Golden Altcoin Season” could begin as early as October 20, pointing to anticipated rate cuts and renewed optimism around Bitcoin (BTC) and major altcoins.
He argued that cyclical patterns usually span around four years, and usher in alternating phases of fear, recovery, and exuberance, with temporary shakeouts serving as healthy resets before fresh highs.
In that context, on-chain and market data reinforce mixed but strengthening fundamentals. Ethereum (ETH) is riding momentum from institutional accumulation and an upcoming network upgrade, XRP is awaiting potential ETF approvals, and BNB continues to attract investor attention through ecosystem developments and deflationary mechanics.
As gold’s dominance stretches to new heights, the crypto market faces a critical juncture. If risk sentiment improves and capital rotates back into speculative assets, altcoins could lead the next major market cycle.