Altcoins, Cryptocurrency

Altcoin Season Index: What Is It? How Will It Impact The Bitcoin Market?

By Tiera Cowden

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Reviewed by: Tiera Cowden

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Altcoin Season Index

Yet another spring season is due for the Altcoin industry. It is evident from the Altcoin Season Index. This index measures the prices of the top 50 altcoins and compares them to the eponymous Bitcoin to determine whether Bitcoin or altcoins are profitable as an investment in the said period. Such an index is crucial for investors to understand the broad cryptocurrency market and make data-backed decisions. If the altcoins have a higher score than the Bitcoin on this index, then you can expect an altcoin season. 

Recently, the price of Bitcoin has been slightly on a downward march with many altcoins such as Pepe Unchained, Shiba Shootout, and Mega Dice gaining significantly in the market. This might result in an altcoin season shortly. 

The previous altcoin season was from late 2020 to May 2021. During this season  Ethereum’s value skyrocketed from $600 to more than $4,100, while other altcoins such as Cardano and BNB experienced substantial price rises of over 1,300% and 2,000%, respectively. The effects of the upcoming season on various altcoins is a matter that will be settled over time. 

How To Calculate The Altcoin Season Index?

Altcoin Season Index is a metric with a definite mathematical formula for its calculation. It analyses the performance of the top 50 altcoins of the time against Bitcoin to find out whether the season is favorable for Bitcoin or altcoins. 

The altcoin Season Index is calculated by analyzing the market capitalization of the top altcoins of the time against the combined market capitalizations of these altcoins and Bitcoin. The result of this calculation determines the incumbent season. 

Altcoin season Index is an index with points from 0 to 100. If the value is on the higher specter, the altcoins are performing better than Bitcoin in terms of market capitalization. This indicates a potential altcoin season. On the other hand, the Altcoin Season Index of a lower value implies that Bitcoin is dominating the market, potentially signaling a period of Bitcoin dominance.

An altcoin season can be expected if the market capitalization of 75% of the altcoins under consideration outsmarts the market capitalization of Bitcoin. It is recalculated every 90 days to accommodate the fluctuations in the associated market trends. 

How To Calculate The Altcoin Season Index

How To Interpret The Altcoin Season Index Chart?

If you go through the Altcoin Season Index Chart, you can see that the current season is favorable to Bitcoin, with an ASI score of 20. The index chart is prepared without taking into account various stablecoins and asset-backed coins as they are linked to other currencies and assets. 

Here are the insights you can gather from the Altcoin Season Index Chart.

  1. Altcoin Seasons vs. Bitcoin Dominance: A high Altcoin Season Index indicates that altcoins are outperforming Bitcoin in terms of market capitalization. It indicates an “altcoin season” and investors may reap higher returns from altcoin investments at such times. A low Altcoin Season Index shows Bitcoin dominance. In this case, it is safer for investors to consider Bitcoin investments.  
  2. Cycles and Trends: Altcoin and Bitcoin Dominance varies in a cyclical pattern. If a particular season is favorable for Bitcoin, the next season would be favorable for the altcoins. The Altcoin Season Index Chart helps investors recognize and analyze these cyclical patterns to plan their investments effectively. This will also help investors maximize profits during altcoin seasons and minimize risks during Bitcoin season.
  3. Market Sentiment and Risk Appetite: Fluctuations in the ASI reflect changes in market sentiment and investor risk appetite, i.e., the investor’s resolve to take risks by investing in altcoins. An increased ASI may indicate growing optimism and risk-taking behavior among investors, while a falling ASI may suggest the need to exercise caution to shift toward safer assets. 

Limitations And Considerations Of The Altcoin Season Index

The Altcoin Season Index is a valuable indicator of the market dynamics of digital assets, but it is not devoid of limitations. Some major limitations of the Altcoin Season Index are mentioned here.

  • Data Interpretation: You should analyze the larger scenario by considering other elements of the market trend before finalizing your decisions.
  • Volatility: The volatility of the cryptocurrency market may cause rapid fluctuations in the outcome of the index.
  • Market Influence: Other factors such as regulatory developments, technological advancements, and macroeconomic trends affect the cryptocurrency prices and subsequently, influence the ASI.

The Bottom Line

The Altcoin Season Index chart is a reliable tool to help seasoned cryptocurrency investors plan their investments according to the changing market trends. They can alter their investment pattern as well as diversify their portfolio in tune with the changing market trends. Such indexes also help investors to understand the risks associated with various cryptocurrencies in trend. 

Tiera Cowden

British crypto writer and professional investor. Analyses digital asset markets and blockchain developments. Provides insights on cryptocurrency trends and investment strategies.

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