Bitcoin News Today: Altcoin Season Index at 48 Signals Strong Bitcoin Dominance in Crypto Market

Generated by AI AgentCoin World
Sunday, Aug 17, 2025 9:18 pm ET1min read
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- The Altcoin Season Index at 48 indicates strong Bitcoin dominance, with over 25% but less than 75% of altcoins outperforming Bitcoin in 90 days.

- Excluding stablecoins and wrapped tokens, the index measures top 100 altcoins’ performance relative to Bitcoin over 90 days.

- Bitcoin Season sees investors favoring Bitcoin as a safer asset, increasing its market dominance during uncertainty.

- The index aids investors in adjusting strategies, advising portfolio rebalancing toward Bitcoin while noting some altcoins may still deliver returns.

- Historically, Bitcoin leads rallies before altcoin momentum shifts, but the current index suggests such a shift hasn’t occurred yet.

The Altcoin Season Index currently stands at 48, indicating that the cryptocurrency market is in a period of

dominance [1]. This figure is derived from CoinMarketCap’s measurement of the performance of the top 100 altcoins relative to Bitcoin over the past 90 days. The index excludes stablecoins and wrapped tokens, focusing solely on speculative altcoins [1]. A reading below 25 signals a strong Bitcoin Season, while scores between 25 and 75 suggest a mixed or neutral market. With 48 on the index, it means fewer than 75% but more than 25% of altcoins have outperformed Bitcoin in the last 90 days [1].

Bitcoin Season is often characterized by increased investor preference for Bitcoin over smaller cryptocurrencies. Investors tend to consolidate their holdings in Bitcoin, treating it as a safer asset during times of market uncertainty [1]. This trend also reflects in Bitcoin dominance, as the leading cryptocurrency captures a larger share of the total crypto market capitalization. In such periods, altcoins may struggle to gain traction, and market rallies are often driven by Bitcoin rather than broader altcoin performance [1].

The Altcoin Season Index helps investors understand market dynamics and adjust their strategies accordingly. During Bitcoin Season, it is advisable to reassess risk tolerance and consider rebalancing portfolios toward Bitcoin. However, while the majority of altcoins underperform, some projects with strong fundamentals or active development may still deliver returns. Investors are encouraged to conduct thorough research before making decisions [1].

The index also provides insight into the broader cryptocurrency cycle. Historically, Bitcoin tends to lead price rallies, drawing new capital into the market. This often precedes a shift in momentum toward altcoins, as investors seek higher returns. The current reading suggests that such a shift has not yet occurred, and the market is still waiting for a widespread altcoin resurgence [1].

Understanding these trends is essential for long-term success in the crypto space. The Altcoin Season Index is a useful tool to track these cycles and adjust investment approaches accordingly. As the index evolves, so do the opportunities and risks for investors, making adaptability a key factor in navigating the crypto landscape [1].

Source: [1] Altcoin Season Index: Decoding the Crypto Market’s Current Bitcoin Dominance (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68a27c318512ac1836bd7152/)