Yeliz Akmaca 
Altcoins delivered strong performance this week, signaling the potential start of a new altcoin season. The decline in Bitcoin dominance indicates the market is shifting in favor of altcoins. Analyst Ito Shimotsuma stated, “A new signal for the altcoin season has appeared, and it’s bigger than anything you’ve seen so far.”
Bitcoin dominance fell from a June peak of 66% by 12%, now sitting just below 58%. This marks the largest drop in BTC market share since mid-2022. Similar scenarios occurred in 2016 and 2021, leading to parabolic gains in altcoins.
Another Altseason signal has flashed.
And it's much bigger than anything you have seen.
Bitcoin dominance has formed a rare death cross, which only happens once each cycle.
It happened in 2016, 2021 and has now happened.
The last 2 instances resulted in parabolic gains for… pic.twitter.com/gKU5t3x4zo
— Ito Shimotsuma (@ItoShimotsuma) September 18, 2025
Which Altcoins Are Leading?
Among altcoins, Hyperliquid (HYPE) reached a record $59.30, while Binance Coin (BNB) surpassed $1,000, marking a strong week. Ethereum and iFinex Leo Token (LEO) remain close to their all-time highs. XRP and Solana (SOL) are down about 16% from their peaks, and Tron (TRX) is 19% below its all-time high.
The remaining top 30 altcoins are still 55–85% below their all-time highs, suggesting Ethereum has the strongest potential to reach a new peak first. Analysts emphasize that the Total3 index rise is a critical signal for altcoin performance.
Current Altcoin Moves and Analyst Insights
Chainlink (LINK) rose 3% to $24.50, while Avalanche (AVAX) gained 5.4%, climbing above $35. Near Protocol (NEAR) increased 12% to $3.20, and Immutable (IMX) surged 17%. Analyst ‘0xNobler’ noted that altcoin seasons typically begin in September, and this year is expected to follow the pattern.
Experts point to recurring cyclical chart patterns that suggest the altcoin season is approaching. These trends offer investors clues about which coins may outperform in the coming weeks, helping them monitor market movements more effectively.
Altcoins Poised for New Highs
- Ethereum (ETH): Strong momentum and market interest make it a potential peak contender.
- Avalanche (AVAX): Up 50% in the last month, showing robust performance.
- Near Protocol (NEAR) & Immutable (IMX): Daily upward trends and rising demand indicate significant growth potential.
As the altcoin season approaches, investors may consider diversifying their crypto portfolios. However, due to market volatility, careful analysis and strategic planning remain essential.
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