The cryptocurrency market may be entering a pivotal phase, with signs pointing to a potential shift in momentum from Bitcoin to altcoins. Veteran crypto strategist Michaël van de Poppe has reignited optimism among investors by suggesting that the prolonged period of altcoin underperformance is nearing its end. With fresh technical signals emerging across key assets, the stage could be set for a broader market rally—one where altcoins finally take the spotlight.
Altcoins Poised for a Comeback
For years, Bitcoin has dominated the crypto landscape, both in terms of market capitalization and investor attention. However, recent developments in the Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D) chart suggest a turning point may be approaching. BTC.D measures Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market cap, and a declining trend typically signals growing strength in altcoins.
Van de Poppe, who commands a following of over 789,000 on X (formerly Twitter), has highlighted a strong bearish divergence on the weekly BTC.D chart. This technical pattern often precedes a reversal, indicating that altcoins could soon outperform Bitcoin after a prolonged bear market.
“The end of the bear market (yes, a bear market on altcoins underperforming Bitcoin) is still here. Strong bearish divergence on the Bitcoin dominance, implying we’re about to reverse and altcoins about to shine. Nothing has changed.”
At the time of writing, BTC.D stands at 63.89%, down from recent highs—a subtle but significant shift that could foreshadow increased capital rotation into alternative cryptocurrencies. Historically, such transitions have led to explosive rallies in major altcoins like Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano.
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Bitcoin Outlook: Correction Ahead Before New Highs?
While attention turns to altcoins, Bitcoin remains central to the broader market narrative. Currently trading at $109,112, BTC appears to be consolidating after a strong upward move. Van de Poppe believes a minor correction is likely before the next leg of the bull run unfolds.
He notes that macroeconomic factors or short-term profit-taking could trigger a pullback, but views any dip as a healthy development—allowing the market to build “stamina” before resuming its upward trajectory.
“I’m monitoring the current price action and I won’t be surprised if we’re seeing a slight correction happening on Bitcoin. Probably macro-driven or whatever reason, but I wouldn’t be surprised to build some more stamina before we continue the rally to $120,000–$130,000.”
This forecast aligns with growing institutional interest and increasing adoption of Bitcoin as a macro hedge. With spot Bitcoin ETFs gaining traction and global liquidity conditions improving, the long-term fundamentals remain robust.
Ethereum: A Dip to $2,000 Could Be a Golden Entry
Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, is also in focus. Trading at **$2,663**, ETH has shown strong momentum recently, surging from $1,800 to $2,700 in just a few days. Yet Van de Poppe sees value in any near-term weakness.
He suggests that a drop below **$2,400**, particularly toward the $2,000 level, would present a compelling buying opportunity for long-term investors.
“Similarly, I think it’s vital that, if ETH drops beneath $2,400, that will give a tremendous opportunity. Ethereum rallied from $1,800 to $2,700 in a few days. If there’s a 10–20% correction, pretty normal, great opportunity to get yourself positioned into it.”
Such corrections are common in fast-moving markets and often serve as healthy resets. Ethereum’s ongoing ecosystem growth—driven by DeFi, NFTs, and Layer-2 scaling solutions—adds weight to the bullish case.
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Core Market Dynamics to Watch
Several factors support the analyst’s outlook:
- On-chain activity: Increased wallet creation and transaction volume across multiple blockchains suggest growing user engagement.
- Developer activity: GitHub commits and protocol upgrades remain strong, particularly in Ethereum and select altcoin ecosystems.
- Market sentiment: Fear & Greed indicators show moderate optimism, leaving room for further upside.
- Institutional inflows: Rising allocations to crypto funds signal sustained confidence.
These elements collectively point to maturing market conditions where altcoins can thrive beyond Bitcoin’s shadow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D) indicate?
A: BTC.D reflects Bitcoin’s share of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization. A declining BTC.D often signals increased investor interest in altcoins.
Q: Why is a bearish divergence on BTC.D important?
A: A bearish divergence suggests weakening momentum in Bitcoin’s dominance, historically preceding periods where altcoins outperform.
Q: Is now a good time to invest in altcoins?
A: While timing the market is challenging, technical indicators and expert analysis suggest altcoins may be entering a favorable phase. Always conduct thorough research before investing.
Q: Could Bitcoin really reach $130,000?
A: Price targets depend on multiple factors including adoption, macro trends, and regulatory developments. Van de Poppe’s forecast reflects technical analysis and market structure.
Q: What should investors watch for in Ethereum?
A: Key levels to monitor include $2,400 and $2,000 as potential support zones. Any dip into these ranges could offer strategic entry points.
Q: How reliable are crypto analyst predictions?
A: Analysts use technical and on-chain data to form educated opinions, but markets are inherently volatile. Their insights should inform—not dictate—investment decisions.
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Final Thoughts
The current market environment presents a unique convergence of technical signals and macro trends. With Bitcoin dominance showing signs of exhaustion and Ethereum maintaining strong fundamentals, the foundation appears set for a broader crypto rally.
While short-term volatility is inevitable, the overarching narrative points toward renewed momentum—especially for altcoins that have long waited in Bitcoin’s shadow. As Van de Poppe emphasizes, the bear market for altcoin underperformance may finally be over.
Investors who stay informed, manage risk wisely, and leverage real-time data tools will be best positioned to navigate this evolving landscape.
Note: This article does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always perform independent research before making any investment decisions.