- Bitcoin dominance dropping below 49% often signals the final bull run peak.
- Altcoins usually rally weeks after Bitcoin tops out in each market cycle.
- Analysts predict major highs for Bitcoin and Ethereum through early to mid-2025.
The market always leaves hints before major turns, and this bull cycle is no different. Bitcoin dominance now hovers around 61%, yet traders sense a shift coming soon. Every previous bull run showed the same pattern—Bitcoin climbs first, then dominance falls, and altcoins take over. The signs are forming again. Those watching closely may soon spot the final phase before both Bitcoin and altcoins reach explosive new highs.
When Bitcoin Dominance Drops, Altseason Begins
During the final stretch of a Bitcoin rally, BTC/USD often surges while dominance falls sharply. This drop signals traders rotating profits into altcoins, creating the famous “altseason.” Historically, every time Bitcoin dominance sank below 49%, the bull market peak arrived soon after. That metric matters now more than ever. With dominance still around 61%, Bitcoin appears to have room for another strong leg upward before topping out.
When that 49% level finally breaks, history suggests Bitcoin’s top will be near, while altcoins could soon explode in value. Market analysts expect this transition around mid-November, supported by several on-chain indicators. Bitcoin needs one last upward push to confirm the top phase. Once that move finishes, altcoins usually begin their parabolic climb, rewarding patient holders.
CryptoQuant’s recent data supports this view. Their research shows that by late 2024, 36% of Bitcoin holdings were less than a month old. This matches patterns seen near past market peaks , as new money floods in and long-term investors start rotating profits. CryptoQuant expects this trend to continue into early 2025, potentially marking the top before the market shifts toward a bearish phase.
Experts Split on How High Bitcoin Can Go
While some analysts call for caution, others see much more upside. Steno Research believes 2025 could be the most successful year in crypto history. They forecast record highs for both Bitcoin and Ethereum, supported by expanding adoption and renewed investor confidence. VanEck shares a similar outlook, projecting Bitcoin to reach around $180,000 and Ethereum to surpass $6,000 by the end of 2025.
Betting platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi also lean bullish, expecting strong price rallies and major regulatory wins, including potential ETF approvals and even a U.S. Bitcoin reserve proposal. These predictions, though optimistic, highlight the balance between opportunity and risk. Traders who understand the dominance cycle can position smarter—taking profits from Bitcoin strength and preparing for altcoin momentum.
The hidden rhythm between Bitcoin and altcoins continues to define every cycle. As dominance nears another turning point, the next big move could soon unfold. Those who recognize the signs early may once again ride the wave from Bitcoin tops to altcoin rallies, following the same time-tested pattern that has shaped every crypto bull run before.
