The cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing a strong Bitcoin dominance phase, as highlighted by the latest update from CoinMarketCap on November 28, 2025, where the Alt Season Index has dropped to 20, signaling that we're still firmly in Bitcoin season. This index, which measures the performance of altcoins relative to Bitcoin, indicates that only 20% of the top 50 altcoins are outperforming BTC over the last 90 days. For traders, this presents a clear opportunity to focus on BTC-centric strategies, as the king of cryptocurrencies continues to capture the majority of market attention and capital flows. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for navigating the current landscape, where Bitcoin's price stability and upward momentum often set the tone for the entire crypto ecosystem.

Understanding the Alt Season Index and Its Trading Implications

The Alt Season Index hitting 20 is a significant marker for cryptocurrency traders, as it underscores Bitcoin's ongoing dominance in the market. According to the update shared by CoinMarketCap, this low reading means that altcoins are largely underperforming compared to BTC, with many experiencing stagnant or declining prices amid Bitcoin's relative strength. Historically, when the index falls below 25, it often signals a period where BTC accumulates market share, drawing in institutional investors and retail traders alike. For those looking to capitalize on this, consider monitoring BTC/USD and BTC/ETH trading pairs, where Bitcoin has shown resilience with recent price consolidations around key support levels like $90,000 to $95,000 as of late November 2025. Trading volumes for BTC have remained robust, with daily averages exceeding $50 billion on major exchanges, providing liquidity for both long and short positions. This environment favors strategies such as BTC spot holding or leveraged trades on platforms that offer tight spreads, while altcoin traders might find better entry points by waiting for a potential index rebound above 40, which could indicate the start of an alt season rally.

Market Sentiment and On-Chain Metrics Supporting Bitcoin Dominance

Diving deeper into on-chain metrics, Bitcoin's dominance metric has hovered around 55-60% of the total crypto market capitalization, reinforcing the Alt Season Index's reading of 20. Data from blockchain analytics show increased BTC accumulation by large holders, or whales, with addresses holding over 1,000 BTC adding to their positions throughout November 2025. This accumulation correlates with reduced selling pressure on altcoins, as capital rotates back into Bitcoin amid macroeconomic uncertainties, such as fluctuating interest rates and geopolitical tensions. Traders should watch for key indicators like the Bitcoin Realized Price, currently at approximately $70,000, which acts as a strong support level during pullbacks. In terms of trading opportunities, this setup suggests potential for BTC to test resistance at $100,000 if positive catalysts like regulatory approvals emerge. Conversely, altcoins like ETH and SOL have seen 24-hour trading volumes dip below $20 billion combined, indicating lower volatility and fewer breakout chances in the short term. By integrating these metrics, savvy traders can position themselves for Bitcoin's continued leadership, perhaps through options strategies that bet on moderate upside without overexposure to altcoin risks.

Looking ahead, the persistence of Bitcoin season could influence broader market trends, including correlations with traditional assets like stocks. For instance, as Bitcoin strengthens, it often pulls up select altcoins with strong fundamentals, such as those in the DeFi or AI sectors, but the overall sentiment remains cautious for widespread altcoin gains. Traders are advised to use tools like moving averages— with BTC's 50-day MA crossing above the 200-day MA in a golden cross pattern observed in mid-November 2025—to identify entry and exit points. If the Alt Season Index begins to climb towards 30 in the coming weeks, it might signal a shift, opening doors for diversified portfolios. Until then, focusing on BTC pairs and monitoring volume spikes could yield profitable trades. This analysis, based on the latest market signals, emphasizes the importance of adaptability in crypto trading, where Bitcoin's dominance continues to dictate the pace.

In summary, with the Alt Season Index at 20, the market narrative is clear: Bitcoin remains the focal point for trading strategies. Institutional flows, as evidenced by increased ETF inflows reported in recent weeks, further bolster this trend, with over $2 billion net inflows into Bitcoin products in November 2025 alone. For retail traders, this means prioritizing risk management, such as setting stop-losses below recent lows around $85,000 for BTC, while exploring perpetual futures for amplified exposure. The interplay between Bitcoin's strength and altcoin underperformance creates a stratified market, where selective altcoin picks—like those tied to layer-2 solutions—might offer contrarian plays. Overall, staying informed on index updates and on-chain data will be key to navigating this Bitcoin-dominated phase effectively.