Bitcoin News Today: Crypto Market Torn Between Bitcoin Dominance and Altcoin Rally Hopes

The Shitcoin Season Index, a key metric tracking altcoin performance relative to Bitcoin, fell to 35 as of August 13, 2025, marking a two-month low after dropping to 29 on August 11, according to CoinMarketCap data. This reading suggests that only 35 of the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization have outperformed Bitcoin in price growth over the past 90 days. The index, which oscillates between 0 (Bitcoin dominance) and 100 (altcoin season), has been a critical tool for investors gauging market sentiment shifts.

Despite the recent dip, crypto analysts remain bullish on altcoins, with some predicting a more robust 2025 altcoin season than the 2021 cycle. Trader Tardigrade, a prominent crypto analyst, highlighted the TOTAL3 index-a metric tracking altcoins excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum-forming a textbook "Cup & Handle" chart pattern. If confirmed, this could push the altcoin market cap to $4.37 trillion, a 290% surge from current levels. Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and other major altcoins are expected to lead the rally, with potential multipliers of 3–5x during the upcoming season.

The decline in the Shitcoin Season Index coincided with a drop in Bitcoin's dominance to 58.53% as of October 9, 2025, according to a weekly fundamental analysis report. While Bitcoin has maintained its dominance above 59% for much of 2025, capital rotation into altcoins has accelerated, particularly in the meme coin sector. Maxi Doge, a rising Dog-themed meme coin, has drawn significant retail interest, with its presale raising over $2.25 million. Analysts argue that low-cap altcoins often outperform during bullish cycles, echoing historical patterns seen in 2017 and 2021.

However, the path to a full-blown altcoin season is not without challenges. The October 10 analysis report noted mixed signals, with the Altcoin Season Index fluctuating between 46 and 78 in late October. While the index briefly hit 78 on October 7, it retreated to 46 by October 9, reflecting volatile market dynamics. Bitcoin's dominance, though slightly reduced, remains a key factor, as institutional demand for Bitcoin ETFs continues to outpace altcoin inflows.

The conflicting signals highlight the complexity of current market conditions. While some indicators, such as the TOTAL3 index and Ethereum's waning dominance, point to an impending altcoin rally, others, like Bitcoin's strong ETF inflows, suggest Bitcoin Season may persist. Investors are advised to monitor the index closely, as a sustained move above 75 could signal a full-scale altcoin resurgence. For now, the market remains in a transitional phase, with capital cautiously shifting between Bitcoin and high-potential altcoins.

Source: [1] Shitcoin Season Index Rises to 35 - BlockBeats (https://www.theblockbeats.info/en/flash/307160)

[2] Altcoin Season 2025 Will Be Bigger Than 2021 - Here's ... (https://coinpedia.org/news/altcoin-season-2025-will-be-bigger-than-2021-heres-why/)

[3] Altcoin Season Confirmed: Best Crypto to Buy Before 2025 Altcoin ... (https://icobench.com/news/altcoin-season-confirmed-best-crypto-to-buy-before-2025-altcoin-rally/)

[6] Weekly Fundamental Analysis Report – October 10 (https://academy.darkex.com/analysis/weekly-fundamental-reports/weekly-fundamental-analysis-report-october-10-2025/)

[8] Only 16 of the 100 Biggest Altcoins Outperformed Bitcoin in the ... (https://en.bitcoinsistemi.com/only-16-of-the-100-biggest-altcoins-outperformed-bitcoin-in-the-last-90-days-heres-the-list/)