The Altcoin Season Index , tracked by CoinMarketCap (CMC) , rose by four points to 48 on January 24, 2025 , as of 00:30 UTC. Despite the increase, the index indicates the market remains firmly in Bitcoin Season , meaning Bitcoin continues to outperform most altcoins in the cryptocurrency market. The Altcoin Season Index, updated daily, compares the performance of the top 100 coins (excluding stablecoins and wrapped tokens) against Bitcoin over the past 90 days. For the market to enter Altcoin Season , 75% or more of these coins must outperform Bitcoin. What is the Altcoin Season Index? The Altcoin Season Index is a market sentiment indicator that helps investors understand whether the cryptocurrency market is favoring altcoins or Bitcoin : Altcoin Season : Occurs when 75% or more of the top 100 coins outperform Bitcoin over the past 90 days. Bitcoin Season : Occurs when 25% or fewer coins outperform Bitcoin, signaling Bitcoin dominance in the market. Current Market Dynamics: Bitcoin Season at 48 With the index at 48 , the market remains in Bitcoin Season , signaling the following trends: Bitcoin Outperformance Most altcoins are struggling to match Bitcoin’s performance, which has shown steady growth in recent months. Investor Preference Investors are favoring Bitcoin as a safer and more stable asset amid ongoing volatility in the altcoin market. Altcoin Momentum While Bitcoin leads, the slight rise in the index (from 44 to 48) suggests some altcoins are starting to close the performance gap. How is the Altcoin Season Index Calculated? The Altcoin Season Index considers the 90-day performance of the top 100 coins listed on CoinMarketCap: Excludes Stablecoins and Wrapped Tokens Coins like USDT (Tether) or WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin) are omitted to ensure accurate comparisons. Outperformance vs. Bitcoin The index measures how many coins have outperformed Bitcoin in price gains. Daily Updates The index is recalculated daily to reflect the latest market conditions. Historical Trends of the Altcoin Season Index 2021 Altcoin Bull Run The index consistently stayed above 75 during early 2021, signaling a strong altcoin season fueled by DeFi and NFT growth. Bitcoin Dominance in 2022 The crypto winter of 2022 saw the index dip below 25, indicating overwhelming Bitcoin dominance as investors sought safer assets. Recent Recovery in 2025 The index’s gradual climb toward 50 suggests a potential shift as some altcoins begin to gain traction. Why Does Bitcoin Season Matter? Market Sentiment Bitcoin Season often reflects conservative investor behavior, favoring Bitcoin’s stability over altcoin speculation. Altcoin Investment Strategy Investors looking for altcoin opportunities often wait for the index to approach or surpass 75, signaling the start of Altcoin Season. Bitcoin Dominance Indicator A lower index often correlates with higher Bitcoin dominance, while a rising index hints at growing altcoin activity. Key Takeaways for Investors For Bitcoin Investors With the market in Bitcoin Season, Bitcoin remains the preferred asset, offering relative stability and continued growth potential. For Altcoin Traders The index’s rise to 48 may indicate early signs of recovery for certain altcoins, warranting closer observation of market trends. Risk Management Diversification between Bitcoin and promising altcoins can help balance risk during transitional periods like the current market phase. Expert Perspectives on the Index John Wu (Blockchain Analyst) : “A score of 48 suggests that Bitcoin is still in the driver’s seat, but the rising index hints that some altcoins are starting to catch up.” Priya Sharma (Crypto Market Strategist) : “The market dynamics are shifting subtly. Altcoin activity may pick up if Bitcoin stabilizes or faces resistance at higher price levels.” Conclusion The Altcoin Season Index’s rise to 48 highlights the continued dominance of Bitcoin in the cryptocurrency market while showing early signs of recovery among altcoins. As the index remains in the Bitcoin Season range, investors are favoring Bitcoin for its stability, but the rising score suggests that select altcoins are gaining traction. For investors, this transitional phase offers opportunities to monitor market trends closely. Diversification between Bitcoin and high-potential altcoins could prove beneficial as the market evolves. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on the latest news, where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential. FAQs What does a score of 48 on the Altcoin Season Index mean? A score of 48 indicates the market is still in Bitcoin Season, with most altcoins underperforming compared to Bitcoin over the past 90 days. How is the Altcoin Season Index calculated? The index compares the performance of the top 100 coins (excluding stablecoins and wrapped tokens) against Bitcoin over the past 90 days. What is the difference between Bitcoin Season and Altcoin Season? Bitcoin Season occurs when 25% or fewer coins outperform Bitcoin, while Altcoin Season occurs when 75% or more of the top 100 coins outperform Bitcoin. Why is the Altcoin Season Index important? The index helps investors gauge market sentiment, indicating whether the market is favoring Bitcoin or altcoins. What does the rise in the index to 48 suggest? The rise suggests that while Bitcoin still dominates, certain altcoins are starting to gain momentum and may be closing the performance gap. Has the Altcoin Season Index ever exceeded 75? Yes, during strong altcoin rallies, such as in early 2021, the index exceeded 75, indicating a clear Altcoin Season. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on latest news, where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential to disrupt traditional industries.
