Altcoin Season Incoming: ETH, XRP, and Others Follow Bitcoin

Bitcoin (BTC) has been the main player in the crypto market for many months. But now, signs show that things might be changing. Bitcoin dominance, or the share of the total crypto market that Bitcoin holds, has declined by almost 5% in the last 10 days. Over the past week, Bitcoin’s price rose about 1%, but altcoins such as Ethereum and XRP increased by 22% and 34%.

This signals a shift in attention from Bitcoin to other coins. Several important charts and market signals point toward the possibility of an "altcoin season."

Bitcoin Dominance on the Decline

The charts tracking Bitcoin’s dominance have been falling since the end of June, with the figure recently hitting a multi-week low just under 60 percent. This metric represents Bitcoin’s share compared to the entire crypto market. Its decline usually aligns with growing demand and capital entering altcoins. While Bitcoin held a solid lead over most of 2025, recent trends point to a change in where investors are directing their interest.

Analysts like Mikybull Crypto have noted that Bitcoin dominance has dropped below the 50-day and 100-day simple moving averages. These levels are significant, as they often indicate the general sentiment of the market. The current dip suggests investors may be growing more confident in altcoins, spurring their rally.

Yet, not all experts agree it’s a full-fledged altcoin season just yet. Daan Crypto Trades points out that Bitcoin dominance is slipping, but it requires a further drop and sustained levels below key points to verify a genuine transition. The CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index stands at 48 of 100 right now, meaning the Bitcoin season remains active, yet the trend is moving toward altcoins. This narrow margin leaves room for market fluctuations but signals a definite rotation underway.

Ethereum’s Growing Institutional Appeal

Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, has recently seen institutional demand outpace Bitcoin’s in relative terms. BlackRock bought $547 million worth of Ethereum last week, surpassing their $497 million purchase of Bitcoin. This is significant considering Bitcoin's much larger market cap. Ethereum rose about 21% in seven days, reaching roughly $3,600, while Bitcoin's price increased only about 1.5% during the same timeframe.

The increasing interest from institutions highlights Ethereum’s changing significance within the crypto world. Commonly called “digital oil,” Ethereum powers decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contract platforms.

Thanks to regulatory guidance from legislation such as the CLARITY Act, ETH has gained favor with more cautious investors. The ETH/BTC ratio is testing a key resistance level near 0.03, a point many traders are watching. If it moves past this level, ETH could see continued outperformance.

This development highlights how crypto investors are moving beyond Bitcoin toward altcoins that show strong practical use and progress. It also indicates more varied portfolios, which is a positive sign for Ethereum’s near-term prospects.

Regulation Sparks Altcoin Surge

Altcoins like XRP and tokens connected to stablecoins have also gained from recent policy changes and market shifts. XRP surged more than 30% in one week after the GENIUS Act was approved in Congress. This law offers clearer regulations for stablecoins and payment tokens. Such regulatory clarity often encourages price increases and boosts investor confidence.

Moreover, other altcoins with specific utilities have experienced impressive gains. For example, $ERA, connected to Rollups-as-a-Service, went up a lot after it was listed on BitMart. At the same time, $UNI rose as the total value locked in DeFi passed $5.7 billion. These examples show that altcoin gains come not only from the market but also from real progress in technology and rules.

Here are some other altcoins that have surged the most over the last week:

• Curve DAO Token: +53%
• BONK: +46%
• Stellar: +45%
• Pudgy Penguins: +40%
• Algorand: +35%
• Hedera: +33%

Taken together, these movements signal that altcoins are not only catching up to Bitcoin but also carving out distinct value propositions that appeal to different segments of the market. This broadening base strengthens the case for an altcoin season, as capital flows diversify and focus on assets beyond BTC.

What This Means for Investors?

A decline in Bitcoin dominance alongside rising altcoins points to a possible market change. Capital is shifting toward Ethereum, XRP, and others after months of BTC leadership. Yet, the altcoin season is just beginning and needs further signs, like dominance holding under 60% and consistent altcoin growth.

In summary, Bitcoin remains central to the crypto market, but recent charts and activity suggest its dominance may be fading. This could lead to a more diverse and active market. Whether this signals a lasting altcoin season or just a brief shift, the coming months look promising for crypto investors.