Time For An Alt Season: Bitcoin Dominance Breaks Down, TOTAL3 Index Hints At Altcoin Outperformance

Bitcoin had a stellar 2024, reaching new heights and solidifying its position as the market leader. As 2025 unfolds, BTC continues to show strength

After a promising start to the year, with Bitcoin surging over 7% and spearheading a crypto market rebound, many investors are shifting their attention to altcoins, anticipating greater opportunities in the broader crypto space. This shift aligns with historical trends, as BTC rallies often pave the way for subsequent rallies in altcoins.

Top analyst Jelle recently highlighted this dynamic in a compelling technical analysis, indicating a potential shift in market attention. According to Jelle's analysis, TOTAL3—a market cap index that excludes BTC and ETH—appears poised to enter a price discovery phase, a period where assets tend to rally to new highs driven by strong buying pressure.

This shift in market attention is further supported by a breakdown in Bitcoin dominance, a measure of BTC's share of the total cryptocurrency market. This signals a weakening of BTC's market control, which could spur greater attention and capital flowing into altcoins.

Collectively, these indicators point to the potential onset of an alt season, a period when alternative cryptocurrencies typically outperform BTC. With BTC stabilizing at crucial levels, the conditions appear favorable for altcoins to capture investor attention in the coming weeks. This will be a pivotal period in determining whether this trend gains momentum and reshapes the market landscape for 2025.

Time For An Alt Season: Analysis and Key Takeaways

Bitcoin had a stellar 2024, reaching new all-time highs and solidifying its position as the market leader. As 2025 unfolds, BTC continues to show strength, but a shift in market dynamics could be on the horizon.

Historically, Bitcoin’s dominance often recedes during periods when altcoins gain traction, and this year could be no exception. Top analyst Jelle recently provided insights into these shifting dynamics through a detailed technical analysis of TOTAL3 and BTC dominance.

TOTAL3, an index tracking the market cap of altcoins excluding BTC and Ethereum, appears poised to enter price discovery – a phase where assets usually rally to new highs driven by heightened demand. At the same time, Bitcoin's market dominance has just experienced a significant breakdown, suggesting that altcoins may soon take the lead in capturing investor interest.

Jelle’s analysis highlights that as Bitcoin stabilizes near key levels, liquidity often flows into altcoins, triggering what is popularly known as an alt season. During these periods, altcoins historically outperform BTC, providing substantial returns for investors willing to diversify.

The combination of Bitcoin's strong foundation and the potential for altcoin outperformance sets the stage for 2025 to be a remarkable year for the broader crypto market. As TOTAL3 inches closer to price discovery and BTC dominance weakens, the opportunity for altcoins to shine becomes increasingly evident.

Price Action: Key Levels To Watch

Bitcoin is currently trading at $97,900, with the price testing the crucial 4-hour 200 Moving Average (MA) at $98,139. This level has become a pivotal point for BTC, determining whether the bulls can regain control and push the price above the $100K mark. Reclaiming and holding above this level would signal renewed bullish momentum, paving the way for a strong breakout.

However, the market is proceeding with caution. If Bitcoin fails to hold the 4-hour 200 MA, we could see an extended period of consolidation in the price action of BTC. This sideways movement would likely test the patience of traders and investors alike.

The key support to monitor is the 4-hour 200 Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $95,881. Losing this level could signal a deeper correction, raising concerns about a potential retest of lower demand zones.

For now, Bitcoin’s ability to hold above the 4-hour 200 MA and push higher will define its short-term trajectory. A sustained move above $98,139 and a breakthrough past $100K would confirm bullish strength. Conversely, a break below the 4-hour EMA could delay the next leg of the rally, leaving the market in a state of uncertainty. The coming days will be critical for BTC's direction.