Ethereum [ETH] has outperformed Bitcoin [BTC] over the past week, signaling the potential onset of a major altcoin season. While Bitcoin crossed the historic $100,000 mark, Ethereum stole the spotlight by recording a rare golden cross, where its 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) flipped above the 200-day SMA for the first time since 2023. Historically, such patterns have coincided with strong market performance for altcoins, fueling optimism among investors.
ETH’s market bulls drove an 8% weekly price surge, significantly outpacing Bitcoin’s modest 3% gain. A fall in Ethereum's Network Value to Transactions (NVT) ratio also suggests the asset is undervalued, indicating potential for further price increases. Additional indicators such as the MACD and Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) confirm the growing buying pressure, setting the stage for an extended uptrend.
Ethereum’s rally has had a ripple effect across the altcoin market. Coins like XRP, BNB, and Dogecoin (DOGE) recorded 24-hour gains of 6%, 3.3%, and 4%, respectively, showcasing renewed investor interest. Meanwhile, Bitcoin dominance has declined to around 55%, a key indicator of altcoin season. Coins such as HBAR, XLM, and ALGO have surged by over 300% in the past month, highlighting the broader altcoin market's potential.
However, sentiment analysis paints a mixed picture. Despite price gains, the weighted sentiment for major altcoins, including XRP, BNB, and DOGE, has dipped, reflecting investor caution amidst the bullish momentum. Market experts suggest that this altcoin season may differ from previous cycles, with only select tokens achieving extraordinary growth.
Bitcoin remains a central focus as it consolidates above $100,000, signaling continued bullish momentum. Technical indicators such as the RSI and MACD support a prolonged bull market into 2025. Analysts point to a symmetrical triangle pattern, with Bitcoin’s immediate resistance at $102,000. A breakout could propel it to $113,000, while support at $89,000 provides a safety net for short-term corrections.
The evolving dynamic between Bitcoin and altcoins underscores a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency market. While Bitcoin’s dominance wanes, altcoins like Ethereum are seizing the opportunity to redefine their market positions, making this cycle particularly exciting for investors.