- Bitcoin is stealing the spotlight again as altcoins can’t seem to catch a break, showing where the real strength lies in this market.
- Since Bitcoin ETFs came out, the money and excitement have mostly stayed with Bitcoin, leaving altcoins running in slow motion.
- Traders are quietly moving their cash from altcoins into Bitcoin, making it clear who’s still calling the shots in crypto right now.
The crypto market is showing a rare divergence not seen in previous cycles, with Bitcoin’s dominance rising while altcoins continue to lag far behind. According to analyst CryptoBullet, Bitcoin bottomed out in November 2022 and has since been on a consistent upward trajectory.
The OTHERSBTC index, which monitors all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin and Ethereum, has been steadily declining. Due to this peculiar trend, cryptocurrency investors are currently dealing with one of the most difficult market cycles in recent memory.
Bitcoin Leads, Altcoins Struggle to Catch Up
CryptoBullet explained that in past bull cycles—specifically 2015–2017 and 2019–2021—Bitcoin and altcoins rose in sync. However, this cycle has been drastically different. “$BTC bottomed out first, $OTHERSBTC made a Lower Low in six months while $BTC rallied,” he said.
That divergence began repeating the 2019 pattern, suggesting a possible altcoin recovery. However, the approval of Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 disrupted that rhythm. “Do you know what happened in January 2024? F*cking #Bitcoin ETFs got approved. It’s been ‘down only’ for $Alts since then,” he added.
Consequently, Bitcoin has continued to post all-time highs, while altcoin valuations against Bitcoin sit near four-year lows. The chart shared by CryptoBullet shows Bitcoin’s market capitalization climbing steadily since late 2022, while broader altcoin markets remain under pressure. Moreover, support zones that once triggered altcoin rallies have failed to produce sustained momentum this time.
Market Data Confirms Structural Divergence
The chart shown by him displays Bitcoin moving sharply higher with visible peaks in early and mid-2021, while Ethereum grows more gradually. Additionally, a green trend line highlights long-term support zones that align with Bitcoin’s key recoveries.
Trading volumes fluctuate across the timeline, confirming investor rotation from altcoins into Bitcoin-driven assets. CryptoBullet noted that while some assets like Solana (SOL) managed to outperform due to strong narratives, most altcoins are “waiting for a $BTC.D meltdown and a steady $OTHERSBTC uptrend.”
