Bitcoin Dominance Peaks – Can Large-Cap Alts Take The Lead?

Source Bitcoinist

Amid rising global tensions and a very public clash between Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump, Bitcoin remains resilient. The market briefly pulled back following the fallout from their confrontation, which sparked political uncertainty and triggered volatility across risk assets. Despite the dip, BTC is still holding above key support levels and consolidating just below its all-time high.

However, growing speculation now centers around a potential shift in market dynamics. Many investors and analysts believe that Bitcoin dominance may have peaked, signaling a transition toward a more favorable environment for altcoins. According to top analyst Ted Pillows, BTC dominance has likely topped for this cycle, with large-cap altcoins beginning to recover rapidly. This trend is viewed by many as one of the earliest indicators of a potential altseason—a phase where altcoins outperform Bitcoin in both price and momentum.

If confirmed, this transition could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the current market cycle, with Ethereum, Solana, and other major altcoins poised to capture increased investor attention. For now, Bitcoin’s ability to hold strong while altcoins rally sets the stage for a dynamic and potentially bullish market in the weeks ahead.

Bitcoin Consolidates As Altcoins Begin to Shine

Bitcoin is holding steady above the $103,000 level after a turbulent period marked by global tensions, political uncertainty, and increased market volatility. The leading cryptocurrency continues to consolidate just below its all-time high of $112,000, forming a crucial range between the $100,000 and $109,000 levels. This zone is becoming a key battleground between bulls and bears, as investors wait for a decisive breakout.

Despite bearish sentiment creeping in amid rising US bond yields and geopolitical noise, Bitcoin has shown resilience. The market’s ability to maintain support above $100K reflects underlying strength, even as short-term momentum softens. However, according to analyst Ted Pillows, the next move may not come from Bitcoin at all.

Pillows points out that Bitcoin dominance has likely peaked for this cycle, and large-cap altcoins are beginning to outperform. This trend historically signals the early stages of altseason—a period when altcoins, particularly Ethereum and other top-tier projects, gain traction and deliver stronger returns relative to BTC. The increasing strength of large caps is often a precursor to broader altcoin rotation, with mid and low-cap assets following.

Bitcoin Dominance Showing Weakness | Source: Ted Pillows on X

While Bitcoin still commands the spotlight, this shift in dominance suggests investors are becoming more confident in exploring risk-on opportunities. If BTC holds its ground while alts continue gaining, the next few months could see renewed momentum across the crypto landscape. The setup is forming for a dynamic market phase, where Bitcoin consolidates and altcoins surge.

BTC Weekly Price Action: Bulls Still Hold the Line

Bitcoin is currently trading at $103,732 on the weekly chart after pulling back from its all-time high near $112,000. The price continues to consolidate just below the key resistance zone marked around $109,300. Despite the retracement, BTC is holding above the $103,600 level, which aligns with strong historical demand and the breakout zone from earlier in May.

BTC showing long-term strength | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView

The weekly candle structure remains bullish, with the price well above the 34-week EMA at $89,874 and all major SMAs (50/100/200), confirming that Bitcoin is still in a macro uptrend. However, the rejection from the $109K level for a second time suggests the market is struggling to gather enough momentum to push into price discovery.

Volume on the latest pullback has not spiked significantly, which signals that the current correction may be more of a cooling-off period rather than a full trend reversal. As long as BTC stays above the $100K–$103K range, the bullish case remains intact.

A weekly close back above $109,300 would be a strong signal that bulls are ready to target new highs. Until then, investors should watch the $100K psychological support closely, as a break below it could shift momentum back in favor of bears.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
What Crypto Whales are Buying For May 2025Crypto whales are making bold moves heading into May 2025, and three tokens are standing out: Ethereum (ETH), Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET), and Onyxcoin (XCN).
Author  Beincrypto
Apr 21, Mon
Crypto whales are making bold moves heading into May 2025, and three tokens are standing out: Ethereum (ETH), Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET), and Onyxcoin (XCN).
placeholder
Analysts Highlight 4 Reasons Why ETH Price Could Rebound Strongly in MayEthereum (ETH) has declined for five consecutive months. However, it enters May with rising optimism.
Author  Beincrypto
May 07, Wed
Ethereum (ETH) has declined for five consecutive months. However, it enters May with rising optimism.
placeholder
Sui Price Forecast: SUI bulls aim for 15% gains as open interest and bullish bets increase among tradersSui (SUI) price extends recent gains, soaring10% higher at the time of writing on Thursday and approaching its key resistance level at $3.65.
Author  FXStreet
May 08, Thu
Sui (SUI) price extends recent gains, soaring10% higher at the time of writing on Thursday and approaching its key resistance level at $3.65.
placeholder
EUR/USD trades below 1.1250, eases due to ECB dovish signalsEUR/USD is retreating from gains posted in the previous session, trading near 1.1240 during Monday’s Asian session.
Author  FXStreet
May 12, Mon
EUR/USD is retreating from gains posted in the previous session, trading near 1.1240 during Monday’s Asian session.
placeholder
China sends warning to BYD and its rivals amid heightened price warsChinese authorities summoned executives from the country’s major electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, including industry leader BYD Co., to a closed-door meeting in Beijing this week, according to people familiar with the matter, cited by Bloomberg.
Author  Cryptopolitan
Yesterday 10: 08
Chinese authorities summoned executives from the country’s major electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, including industry leader BYD Co., to a closed-door meeting in Beijing this week, according to people familiar with the matter, cited by Bloomberg.
goTop
quote