Crypto Markets Heat Up as Bitcoin Tests All-Time High — But Altcoins Remain in Waiting Mode

Momentum is building across the digital asset space as Bitcoin edges closer to its previous peak near $109,000, igniting renewed speculation about whether a broader altcoin surge is about to follow.

The rally comes amid increased investor confidence after the Senate advanced the GENIUS stablecoin bill—seen by many as a key signal of growing regulatory clarity.

While Bitcoin continues to dominate market headlines, the real question is whether altcoins are ready to run. Historically, major Bitcoin breakouts have preceded altcoin rallies. But for now, the numbers tell a more cautious story.

Bitcoin currently holds around 63–64% of total market share—a critical zone. If BTC’s dominance climbs higher, capital may stay concentrated, leaving altcoins in the shadows. A reversal, however, could open the door for alternative assets to outperform in the weeks ahead.

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Bitcoin Market Patterns Suggest Another Consolidation Phase May Be Near

Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes believes the real altcoin momentum won’t begin until Bitcoin clears $110,000. He expects BTC to climb toward $150,000 or more before profits begin spilling into the altcoin sector—though he warns the 2025 alt season may be far more selective than the one seen in 2021.

Ethereum’s recent outperformance has sparked early excitement, with the ETH/BTC ratio up 34% in just one week. But metrics like the Altcoin Season Index, currently sitting at 25, suggest a full-blown altcoin cycle hasn’t begun. In stronger altcoin cycles, over 70% of top coins typically outperform BTC—today, that figure is under 20%.

Some market watchers caution against assuming a rapid altcoin breakout. While macro tailwinds like possible rate cuts and ETF inflows support a bullish bias, investors remain sensitive to volatility. The market may simply be entering a phase of broader strength—without a clear winner between Bitcoin and altcoins just yet.

Alexander Stefanov