Bitcoin's share of the total cryptocurrency market has risen to 60.98%, its highest level since May 2026, putting the metric within reach of a 61% threshold that could signal another stretch of underperformance for altcoins.
The climb is notable because it has occurred while Bitcoin itself is falling. Trader cyrilXBT flagged the dynamic on Wednesday, noting that Bitcoin dropped 2% while its dominance increased — a combination that indicates altcoins suffered heavier losses than Bitcoin.
Dominance presses against a year-long ceiling
Bitcoin dominance has struggled to remain above 60.5% since August 2025, and three separate attempts to reclaim that level have failed, according to the report. The technical picture, however, is shifting.
The weekly Supertrend indicator has turned bullish for the first time since February 2025, and dominance has broken out of a months-long triangle pattern. A weekly close above 61% would strengthen the bullish signal and could push dominance toward 62%.
There is a counterweight on the shorter timeframe. The daily chart shows dominance reaching the top of a rising channel, a zone where previous rallies have stalled. A rejection at that level could pull dominance back toward 60%, offering altcoins temporary relief.
Altcoin season gauges remain far from official territory
Measures of altcoin performance suggest investors in the sector are already under pressure:
- The CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index stands at 39, meaning roughly one-third of the top 50 cryptocurrencies have outperformed Bitcoin over the past 90 days.
- An official altcoin season reading requires that figure to reach 75%.
- The 30-day version of the index has fallen to 24, a level the report describes as firmly in Bitcoin season territory.
The next move in dominance is the key variable for altcoin holders. A sustained breakout above 61% could extend altcoin weakness, while a rejection followed by a drop below 60% would improve the chances of a recovery.
Until one of those outcomes materializes, the market continues to favor Bitcoin — even when Bitcoin itself is struggling.
