Expectations for the Altcoin Season in 2026

As we approach 2026, the biggest question on investors' minds is: Will the altcoin season arrive? Current market data shows that Bitcoin dominance remains strong and that high risks persist for altcoins. According to CoinMarketCap data, the Altcoin Season Index has dropped to 17 this week. Over the last 90 days, only 17 out of the top 100 assets in the market have outperformed Bitcoin (BTC).

The performance in 2025 proves how distant altcoins are from low-risk appetite. Bitcoin experienced a sharp pullback from its record level of $126,000 in October and is currently seeking stability in the $80,000–$90,000 range. During this process, Bitcoin lost about 6 percent in value throughout 2025, while some low-cap tokens faced declines of up to 90 percent from their peak prices.

Notable figures, such as BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, are signaling that the risk appetite in the world may be shifting. According to on-chain data, Hayes sold 1,871 Ethereum in the past week (approximately $5.53 million) to cash out. Subsequently, information emerged that he invested approximately $609,000 in the Ethena (ENA), Pendle (PENDLE), and ether.fi (ETHFI) projects. This move is being interpreted by analysts as a transition strategy.

Four significant altcoins currently on analysts' radar are as follows: Solana (SOL), which has dropped 58.6 percent from its peak in January 2025, indicating that ecosystem growth may carry re-pricing potential in the event of a price increase. Ethena (ENA) is currently trading at around $0.203 and is a significant part of Hayes's portfolio. Pendle (PENDLE) shows a strong growth outlook for 2025. ether.fi (ETHFI) has declined from $1.60 in September to $0.70 and is notable for its position in the liquid restaking sector.

Another altcoin project to closely watch for 2026 is Minotaurus (MTAUR). Market analysts are evaluating long-term growth scenarios of 50 percent for this project. If investments are made today at the 0.00020 USDT level, a 50 percent increase could theoretically take investors to the $3,960 level. As a result, investors should continue to closely monitor market changes and price movements.