Altcoins Reclaim Market Share as Bitcoin Dominance Dips: Is Rotation Underway?

Recent market dynamics suggest a subtle but notable shift in capital allocation across the crypto sector.

Recent market data suggests a gradual shift in capital allocation across the crypto sector, with altcoins reclaiming some lost ground.

According to Glassnode's latest “Major Asset Dominance” chart, Bitcoin dominance—after reaching highs of 64%—has now slipped to 61%. At the same time, Ethereum has climbed to a 9.7% share of the market, marking a +3% gain, while other altcoins have collectively surged to 22.3%, up by 2%.

This movement comes amid a broader risk-on sentiment returning to markets. Bitcoin's dominance rose steadily throughout the past year, peaking above 64%, as investors favored its relative safety during macroeconomic uncertainty. However, the recent decline in its share hints at renewed confidence in higher-beta crypto assets.

Ethereum's growth in market share likely reflects increasing traction from Layer 2 innovations, staking participation, and the anticipation of future network upgrades. Meanwhile, altcoins—especially in the AI, DeFi, and gaming sectors—are attracting speculative capital once again.

Complementing this narrative, the Glassnode chart also shows a gradual reduction in stablecoin dominance. Investors appear to be rotating out of cash-equivalent assets and back into riskier plays, a behavior typical of early- to mid-stage bull market environments.

While BTC still leads with over 61% dominance, the growing strength in ETH and altcoins could signal the early phases of a broader market rotation. Historically, similar patterns have preceded altcoin seasons, where non-BTC assets out-perform the market leader.

If Bitcoin's dominance continues to slip and stalls near the 60% level, market watchers may see a more aggressive push into altcoins over the coming weeks.

The dip in Bitcoin dominance alongside gains in Ethereum and other altcoins indicates a possible shift in investor behavior. With risk appetite growing and capital beginning to diversify, the stage may be set for the next leg of altcoin momentum—pending Bitcoin's ability to hold its current price levels.