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Altcoins Face Their Heaviest Selling Pressure Since 2020 Despite Signs of a Possible Rebound

CryptoQuant sees the heaviest altcoin selling pressure since 2020, while another indicator is pointing to a possible turnaround. The market looks split between ongoing outflows and selective rotation.

By Mike Hesp
• 2 min read
Altcoins Face Their Heaviest Selling Pressure Since 2020 Despite Signs of a Possible Rebound

Key Takeaways

  • The altcoin market is seeing its heaviest selling pressure on spot exchanges since 2020, with fifteen straight months of net selling outside Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • At the same time, CryptoQuant says its 180-day Altcoin Season Index has climbed to 18.48, close to the historical signal for a possible altcoin season.
  • Analysts disagree: some expect selective capital rotation, while others say a real altcoin period will only come after looser monetary policy.

The altcoin market is facing its heaviest selling pressure on spot exchanges since 2020, with a stretch of fifteen straight months where net selling has dominated, excluding Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). That points to ongoing downward pressure on altcoins, even though another metric is pointing to a possible turnaround.

Opposing Signals From CryptoQuant

CryptoQuant, a crypto market data platform, reports two key indicators that paint a mixed picture. The first measures the cumulative net selling of altcoins on spot exchanges and shows that this selling pressure has not been this intense since 2020. According to a CryptoQuant analyst, this is not just a short-term dip, but a long-running trend of net selling.

At the same time, CryptoQuant's 180-day Altcoin Season Index is getting close to a level that has historically marked the start of an altcoin season. This index measures how altcoins perform relative to Bitcoin over a longer period. A reading above 20 is seen as a sign that an altcoin period may be coming, while the current level sits at 18.48. That suggests there may be a rotation happening in the market, with capital moving around selectively.

Different Views on the Altcoin Outlook

Market analysts are split on what these signals mean for altcoins going forward. Joao Wedson, founder of Alphractal, says many altcoins that took big losses in 2025 and early 2026 may not set new lows. He points to a phase where many investors are leaving the market while large holders are accumulating. In his view, the rise in Bitcoin dominance will mostly come from the top 20 altcoins and stablecoins, which points to selective capital rotation rather than a broad market decline.

On the other hand, trader Crypto Kid has a more cautious view. He believes a real altcoin season depends on looser monetary policy similar to what we saw in 2020 and 2021. He expects that kind of setup may not happen until around 2028 or 2029.

Why This Matters for European Crypto Investors

For European investors, this mixed picture could point to a period of uncertainty and selective opportunities in the altcoin market. While selling pressure remains high, the approaching Altcoin Season Index could hint at a possible shift, depending on how capital moves through the market. That makes it important to keep a close eye on developments, especially given the role of Bitcoin and Ethereum as market leaders and their influence on broader market trends.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. The information provided may be incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated and should not be relied upon as such. Nothing on this website should be considered a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any cryptocurrency. Investing in crypto-assets involves risk of loss.