Bitcoin News Today: Google Altcoin Searches Hit 5-Year High as Market Cap Rises 2.31%

Google searches for “altcoins” have surged to a five-year high, according to data from Google Trends, suggesting a growing retail interest in alternative cryptocurrencies as capital shifts from Bitcoin (BTC) [1]. This trend has sparked speculation about the potential for a new “altcoin season,” reminiscent of 2021, when Bitcoin’s market dominance declined and altcoins such as Ethereum (ETH) experienced significant gains [2].

The total crypto market cap rose 2.31% in the past 24 hours, reaching $4.11 trillion, with daily trading volume climbing 30.31% to $237.92 billion [1]. Bitcoin recently reclaimed the $120,000 level following the release of U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which triggered a broader market rebound [1].

The Altcoin Season Index has risen to 39 from 29 a month ago, inching closer to the 75 threshold often associated with a full altcoin season [1]. Merlijn The Trader described the index’s movement as a “bull flag” that could lead to a breakout, suggesting a potential rotation of capital out of Bitcoin into altcoins may result in “explosive” gains [1].

Bitcoin’s dominance has fallen from 65% to 59% over two months, indicating a gradual shift in investor preferences toward altcoins [1]. Ethereum, the largest altcoin, has surged 81% over the past 90 days compared to Bitcoin’s 17% [1]. The odds of Ethereum hitting a new all-time high by August 31, according to Polymarket, stand at 80% [1].

Historically, altcoin seasons have occurred in the year following a Bitcoin halving, and the current conditions appear to mirror those seen in 2017 and 2021 [1]. The total altcoin market cap has reached a three-month high of $1.67 trillion, while Bitcoin’s market cap remains at $2.39 trillion [1]. On-chain data also shows that decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volumes hit a quarterly record of $898 billion in Q2 2025, despite a softening in centralized spot trading volumes [1].

Standard Chartered has revised its Ethereum price targets, citing the growing retail interest in altcoins and the potential for a broader bull market [5]. Meanwhile, Ethereum has seen record inflows into non-Bitcoin crypto investment products, with CoinShares reporting $2.12 billion in Ethereum-related inflows [1].

While the current signs are encouraging, the sustainability of this trend remains dependent on Bitcoin’s price action. If Bitcoin consolidates near its all-time highs, the environment will remain favorable for altcoins. However, a move above the 60% dominance threshold could signal a reconsolidation of Bitcoin’s leadership, potentially curbing altcoin momentum [1].

Sources:

[1] Liam 'Akiba' Wright, Google 'altcoin' searches hit 5 year high as 'alt szn' fever returns to retail traders, https://cryptoslate.com/google-altcoin-searches-hit-5-year-high-as-alt-szn-fever-returns-to-retail-traders/

[2] AInvest, Ethereum Soars 41% as Altcoin Interest Hits Five-Year High, https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-ethereum-soars-41-altcoin-interest-hits-year-high-2508/

[4] 99Bitcoins, BTC Dominance Drop Under 60%: Crypto Expecting A Massive Rally Mirroring 2021, https://99bitcoins.com/news/altcoins/live-btc-dominance-drop-under-60-crypto-expecting-a-massive-rally-mirroring-2021/

[5] Standard Chartered, Standard Chartered has revised its Ethereum targets..., https://www.instagram.com/p/DNTQrAmv6PR/