- Altcoin market cap retests $1.14T, matching 2021 highs after years of correction and recovery since mid-2023.
- Analysts highlight $900B–$1T as strong support if resistance holds, providing a support against deeper downside risks.
- Ethereum leads sector momentum, while TOTAL and TOTAL2 hit weekly highs; TOTAL3 yet to confirm similar strength.
The altcoin market capitalization, excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum, has climbed back toward levels last seen in 2021. Current data shows capitalization hovering between $1.13 trillion and $1.14 trillion, matching the previous all-time high from the last cycle. This places altcoins at a decisive point where either a breakout into price discovery occurs or strong resistance holds the advance.
Historical Levels Shape Current Momentum
The 2017 all-time high of roughly $470 billion was key in earlier market phases. That level capped growth until late 2020, when a clear breakout led to fast gains.
Following the breach, the market rose parabolically, ultimately peaking near $1.14 trillion in 2021. However, the subsequent cycle shifted as deep corrections throughout 2022 erased a significant portion of gains before stabilization returned.
By mid 2023, conditions shifted again, with altcoin capitalization forming higher lows and showing consistent upward momentum. This gradual climb established the foundation for the current retest of 2021 highs. Notably, consolidation during 2024 and 2025 below $1.14 trillion highlights sustained accumulation across the sector.
Resistance Zone
According to analyst Daan Crypto on X, the average altcoin has lagged behind Bitcoin during the current cycle. He noted that Ethereum has recently led the recovery, raising prospects for renewed sector momentum.
He further added that once altcoin capitalization closes above the 2021 all-time high, the market may enter a price discovery phase. Historical comparisons underline the importance of such breakouts.
After surpassing the 2017 peak in 2021, altcoin capitalization tripled before topping. While similar expansion is not anticipated now, past examples show how decisive breaks often trigger extended continuation.
Support Levels and Potential Outcomes
Analysts point to strong support in the $900 billion to $1 trillion range if resistance proves firm. This zone could limit downside risks and provide a buffer for market structure.
Meanwhile, further bullish catalysts remain under watch, including possible monetary policy shifts and broader liquidity expansion. Adding to the outlook, analyst Cryptoinsightuk noted that $TOTAL and $TOTAL2 already marked new weekly all-time highs last week.
However, he emphasized that $TOTAL3 has yet to confirm the same strength. He suggested that short-term dips could provide entry points, while strong upward moves should be held rather than chased.
