Bitcoin’s price crash from $126,000 has triggered a significant shift in market profitability, with altcoins suffering the most. Major alternative cryptocurrencies are now down 30% to 80% from their all-time highs, drastically reducing expectations for an “altcoin season.”
This sentiment is reflected in the Altcoin Season Index, which has fallen to one of its lowest recorded levels in 2025 as the year ends. The index, which tracks the performance of the top 100 altcoins against Bitcoin over 90 days, has dropped below 20 again. A score of 17 indicates that only 17 of those altcoins have outperformed Bitcoin in the last three months, suggesting the altcoin market is currently in a bearish phase.
Ethereum, typically a leader during altcoin rallies, is also underperforming Bitcoin, with a 28.30% decline over 90 days compared to Bitcoin’s 21.10% drop.
For the market to be considered in an “altcoin season,” the index would need to reach a score of 75 or higher. This threshold indicates that a majority of altcoins are outperforming Bitcoin and their combined market capitalization exceeds that of the leading cryptocurrency. Scores below 75 suggest a full altcoin season has not yet begun, with lower scores pointing to a stronger bear market. Conversely, a score nearing 100 could signal a market top.
Altcoin seasons are typically marked by rapid price surges, with daily gains of 100% being common. The last major season occurred in 2021. While many anticipated a new altcoin season in 2025, this has not materialized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the sharp drop in the Altcoin Season Index and Bitcoins price difficulties designed to be clear and helpful for all levels of understanding
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is the Altcoin Season Index
Its a metric that tries to measure if we are in an altcoin season An altcoin season is a period when alternative cryptocurrencies significantly outperform Bitcoin A score above 75 suggests an altcoin season is likely happening
2 What does an index score of 17 mean
A score of 17 is very low It strongly indicates that we are not in an altcoin season Currently Bitcoin is either outperforming most altcoins or the entire crypto market is struggling together
3 Why is Bitcoins price facing difficulties
Bitcoins price can struggle for many reasons including broader economic uncertainty high interest rates low investor risk appetite negative regulatory news or large selloffs by major holders
4 Are low Altcoin Index and a struggling Bitcoin price connected
Yes usually When Bitcoin the market leader faces strong selling pressure or uncertainty it tends to drag down the entire crypto market Investors often pull money out of riskier altcoins first causing them to fall even harder
5 Should I sell my altcoins if the index is this low
This is not financial advice However a low index is a signal of high risk and poor performance for altcoins Many investors see this as a time for caution not aggressive buying It might be a time to review your portfolios risk not necessarily panic sell
IntermediateAdvanced Questions
6 What typically causes the Altcoin Season Index to rise
The index rises when the price of a majority of top altcoins outperforms Bitcoin over a sustained period This usually happens when Bitcoin is in a stable or bullish trend and investor riskon sentiment flows from Bitcoin into smaller higherpotential projects
7 Does a low index mean altcoins are a buying opportunity
It could but its a highrisk strategy known as catching a falling knife A low index can get even lower Historically major altcoin rallies often