As cryptocurrency markets evolve, traders are closely watching the potential resurgence of altcoins after what has been described as the longest bear market in their history. According to crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe, this period has spanned nearly four years of declining valuations and persistent pain for investors. Yet, signs point to an impending surge, challenging the notion that altcoins are doomed. This analysis dives into the trading implications, focusing on key indicators like MACD and RSI on the OTHERS/BTC chart, and explores why this cycle defies traditional timing comparisons for strategic trading opportunities in BTC and altcoin pairs.

Understanding the Altcoin Bear Market Cycle and Key Indicators

The current crypto market cycle has proven uniquely different from previous ones, making direct time-based comparisons ineffective. Van de Poppe emphasizes that expecting massive returns like the 1,000% gains seen in past cycles during similar periods is misguided. Instead, traders should focus on data-driven insights. The OTHERS/BTC chart, which tracks altcoins against Bitcoin, reveals critical patterns. Since Q4 2021, the MACD indicator has shown a constant flow of red bars, signaling ongoing weakness. However, a potential positive crossover is emerging, accompanied by a massive monthly bullish divergence built over the past two years. This shift could indicate incoming strength, with red bars poised to turn green, suggesting altcoins are on the cusp of a breakout.

From a trading perspective, this setup aligns with historical precedents around Q4 2019 or Q1 2020 in the previous cycle, based on indicator behavior rather than calendar timelines. The RSI on this chart further supports a bullish case, potentially moving out of oversold territories. Traders eyeing altcoin trading pairs such as ETH/BTC or SOL/BTC should monitor these indicators closely. For instance, if the MACD crossover confirms, it could trigger increased trading volumes, pushing altcoin valuations higher against Bitcoin. Current market sentiment, influenced by potential lower interest rates and quantitative easing, adds fuel to this narrative, creating opportunities for long positions in blue-chip altcoins like Ethereum and Solana.

Trading Strategies for the Altcoin Surge

To capitalize on this potential surge, van de Poppe advises focusing on blue-chip altcoins and maintaining patience for about a year. This approach could deliver the substantial returns investors seek, especially as crypto adoption accelerates and new participants enter the market, leading to mispriced assets. However, achieving outrageous gains requires bold decisions, positioning oneself in the top 0.1% of traders. Risk management is crucial; set stop-losses below key support levels on the OTHERS/BTC chart, around the recent lows established in mid-2023. On-chain metrics, such as rising transaction volumes on altcoin networks, could validate this uptrend, with data from blockchain explorers showing increased activity in tokens like Cardano (ADA) and Polkadot (DOT) as of late 2025.

Comparing this to broader market dynamics, the altcoin revival could correlate with Bitcoin's performance. If BTC maintains above $60,000 with positive momentum, altcoins might see amplified gains, potentially yielding 500-1,000% returns in select pairs. Traders should watch for resistance levels; for example, a break above the 0.0005 BTC level for certain altcoins could signal entry points. Market indicators like trading volumes on exchanges have shown spikes during similar divergences in past cycles, with 24-hour volumes exceeding $10 billion for altcoin pairs during the 2020-2021 bull run. In this cycle, as we approach what van de Poppe calls the 'final easy cycle' for crypto, institutional flows into altcoins via ETFs could drive further upside, but volatility remains high—prepare for pullbacks of 20-30% even in a surge scenario.

Overall, this analysis underscores that hating on altcoins amid their prolonged bear market might be the contrarian signal to buy. By integrating MACD and RSI data with macroeconomic factors, traders can position for the big surge. Focus on diversified portfolios including BTC, ETH, and emerging altcoins, using tools like moving averages for confirmation. As adoption grows, this cycle's differences highlight unique trading edges, but remember, success demands data over emotion. For those seeking altcoin trading strategies, prioritize blue chips and hold through the noise—this could be the setup for generational wealth in cryptocurrency markets.