Bitcoin Ranges While ETH, SUI, and SEI Fuel Talk of a Renewed Altcoin Season

Altcoin Surge Accelerates as Bitcoin Pauses Near Record High

A sharp rally in Ethereum and select layer-1 tokens signals a possible shift in market focus—though Bitcoin’s next move remains the key driver.

After touching an all-time high near $124,000, Bitcoin has cooled off slightly, triggering a rotation into altcoins. The pause in BTC’s momentum has opened the door for renewed interest in assets like Ethereum, SUI, and SEI, reviving talk of an “altcoin season.”

So far in 2025, the bull market has been dominated by Bitcoin, with institutions piling in through spot ETFs and corporates adding BTC to their balance sheets. But that dominance is now showing signs of easing, as capital flows broaden to include a wider range of tokens.

Ethereum Leads the Way

Ethereum surged 23.3% over the past week—more than double Bitcoin’s 9.3% rise—while layer-1 tokens SEI and SUI soared by 41% and 36%, respectively. These gains, particularly in assets tied to active ecosystems, hint at a more selective, fundamentals-driven rally.

This isn’t the same meme-fueled altcoin mania seen in past cycles. Meme token dominance has steadily dropped in 2025, especially after the underwhelming performance of politically-themed tokens associated with Donald and Melania Trump. That decline has left room for higher-quality projects to take center stage.

Data Confirms the Rotation

Multiple indicators now support the idea of an emerging altcoin phase. CryptoQuant’s MVRV-based altcoin season signal has remained elevated for weeks—its longest run since June 2024. CoinDesk’s CD20 Index, tracking a broader set of digital assets, is also outpacing the CD5 Index of mega-cap tokens.

Even CoinMarketCap’s altcoin season meter has jumped to 36 out of 100—its highest reading in three months.

All Eyes on Bitcoin

Still, altcoins remain tethered to Bitcoin’s performance. If BTC holds above its $112,000 support zone, altcoins may continue to outperform. But a sharp move higher or a breakdown below support could pull attention—and capital—back to Bitcoin, putting pressure on smaller tokens.

The next few days may prove critical. For now, momentum favors the altcoin trade—but as always in crypto, that can change quickly.