In the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market, all eyes are on analyst Michael van de Poppe’s forecast of a significant 76% surge in altcoins. The altcoin market’s total value stands at $1.16 trillion, lagging by 23.63% from the year’s peak. The Altcoin Season Index remains at 29, reaffirming Bitcoin’s dominance. Yet, van de Poppe highlights that this index typically bottoms out in June, paving the way for a robust recovery, bolstered by upcoming monetary easing favorable to altcoins.
What Does the Altcoin Season Index Indicate?
The Altcoin Season Index gauges the market climate by assessing whether the top 100 cryptocurrencies have outperformed Bitcoin 
$91,967 over the past 90 days. A value of 75 or more indicates an altcoin season, while a value of 25 or less implies a Bitcoin dominance period. The current level at 29 shows that only 29 altcoins outperformed Bitcoin, which has seen a 36.65% rally in the same timeframe. This suggests that most capital remains in Bitcoin, and the altcoin market is awaiting decisive trends.
Despite Bitcoin’s stronghold, some altcoins have impressively surged, catching investors’ eyes. SYRUP surged by 451.69%, PENGU by 268.71%, HYPE by 233.70%, VIRTUAL by 230.65%, SPX by 193.91%, WIF by 154.32%, and AAVE by 115.40% in a month. These selective growth trends reveal that the appetite for risk hasn’t dissipated completely, and opportunities are being actively sought.
Expectations in Light of Historical Trends
The total market value of altcoins started at $1.34 trillion on January 1, 2025, and grew to $1.51 trillion by January 17. By April 8, it had decreased by 42.12% to $877 billion. Between April 9 and May 13, it rebounded by 43.6% but remained confined between $1.01 and $1.26 trillion. Such consolidation usually indicates energy buildup preceding significant price movements.
Van de Poppe recalled that the index typically dips in June and strengthens in the year’s second half. In the final quarter of 2023, the altcoin market value rose from $120.7 billion to $213.43 billion, representing a 76.85% growth. The analyst suggests a similar scenario might unfold in the coming months, spurred by monetary expansion and increasing risk appetite. If global liquidity conditions remain favorable, the rally could gain momentum.
