- The crypto market fell 1.21% to $3.69T, with the Altcoin Season Index at a low of 28
- Analysts see early altseason signs as the ETH/BTC pair holds a 5-year support level
- This will be an ‘institutional cycle,’ favoring fundamentals (AAVE, Maker) over hype
The crypto market has entered another decline, with total capitalization falling to $3.69 trillion, marking a 1.21% drop over the past 24 hours. Bitcoin trades at $109,745, down 0.45%, while Ethereum has dropped 1.87% to $3,843.
Other cryptocurrencies, including XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Dogecoin (DOGE), are also in the red. The Altcoin Season Index has slipped to 28 out of 100, confirming that Bitcoin continues to dominate market momentum.
Related: ETH News Today: Funding Rates Flip Bullish for November After $764M in Longs Cleared
Why Are Analysts Watching the ETH/BTC Chart?
Despite the current weakness, analysts say that early signs of a coming altcoin season are beginning to appear. Bitcoin dominance has been rejected from major resistance, and the ETH/BTC pair is holding near a five-year support zone, conditions that often precede a shift toward altcoin rally.
While the next cycle may not match the explosive rallies of past bull markets, many expect a strong run once Bitcoin reaches a new all-time high.
Bitcoin First, Then the Altcoins
Co-founder of The Rollup, Andy predicts that a full altcoin season will only start after Bitcoin breaks its record, likely before the end of the year. He expects Ethereum, Solana, and several AI-linked crypto projects to lead the next phase of growth once the market stabilizes.
Ethereum, which previously failed to hold momentum near $4,900, is considered ready for a stronger breakout. Solana could also see a boost from its new ETF listings, which may attract additional institutional money.
Related: Bitcoin’s December Dilemma: FOMC Split on Rate Cut Raises Uncertainty for Altcoins
Why This Altseason Is an ‘Institutional Cycle’
This phase of the market looks different from previous ones. Andy describes it as the start of an institutional cycle where investors focus on projects with solid fundamentals rather than hype. Transparency, cash flow, real users, and sustainable business models are now key.
Some of the projects turning heads include AAVE, Maple, Hyperliquid, Sky, Maker, and Synthetix. These tokens represent strong DeFi and AI-driven ecosystems that already generate real on-chain revenue.
The analyst said, “I just feel so comfy holding these types of tokens knowing it’s an institutional cycle.”
2026 Outlook: Shorter Cycles, Shorter Corrections
The long-standing four-year crypto cycle appears to be fading. Andy now expects shorter, more compressed cycles where rallies and corrections unfold within months instead of years.
If Bitcoin climbs toward $150,000 or higher in the next phase, it could mark the top of this cycle. After that, a short correction in 2026, possibly lasting six to nine months, may reset the market without triggering a long bear phase.
During that period, holding altcoins could become risky, as history shows Bitcoin tends to hold its value better while smaller tokens face heavier losses.
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