⬤ The cryptocurrency market is paying close attention to altcoins right now as the OTHERS.D index—which measures the total market cap of altcoins outside of Bitcoin—has come back down to a significant long-term support area. This level has historically lined up with major price reactions during previous market cycles in 2016, 2017, and 2019. After months of downward pressure, the index is now sitting right at this critical zone, and everyone's watching to see what happens next: either a fresh altcoin rally or a continuation of the bearish trend.
⬤ Looking at the chart, every previous test of this horizontal base coincided with major structural changes in the altcoin market. Back in 2017 and 2019, this level served as a launching pad for bullish recoveries while also marking clear cycle boundaries. Right now, OTHERS.D is compressed within a long-term descending pattern, with this support zone acting as the make-or-break line. Two scenarios are on the table: a breakout to the upside that could kick off an altcoin bull season, or a breakdown below support that might trigger a sharper selloff.
The market is at an important technical inflection zone, similar to previous moments when overall trend direction shifted decisively.
⬤ This comes at a time when altcoin sentiment remains uncertain compared to Bitcoin, which has shown relative strength at different points throughout the year. The OTHERS.D chart shows we're at a pivotal technical moment, much like the turning points we've seen before. While history suggests this support has held up multiple times in the past, the chart also shows the risk: if the level breaks, it could invalidate the base and accelerate downside momentum across the altcoin market.
⬤ What happens at this long-term support really matters because the flow of capital between Bitcoin and altcoins has always played a big role in shaping overall crypto market sentiment. Whether OTHERS.D bounces from here or continues falling could set the tone for the next market cycle and influence how much risk appetite there is across digital assets going forward.
Usman Salis
Usman Salis