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I've noticed that many traders forget a really useful indicator for reading the market: Bitcoin dominance. It's basically the percentage that BTC represents in the total crypto market capitalization. When you look at Bitcoin dominance, you really understand what's going on in investors' minds.
The interesting thing is that this indicator changes completely depending on the market phases. A high dominance, above 50%, is typically seen when everyone is afraid. Bitcoin becomes the safe haven, the calm in the storm. People move out of altcoins and put everything into BTC. It's a classic signal of bear markets.
Conversely, when Bitcoin dominance drops below 50%, it's usually when investors start taking risks. They seek higher returns, explore small projects, altcoins. This is often the beginning of what’s called the altseason, and honestly, that's where opportunities become interesting for those who know where to look.
What I really use is observing Bitcoin dominance movements to identify market turning points. When it rises, it means money is leaving altcoins to return to Bitcoin. When it falls, it can signal the start of a bullish phase for altcoins. It’s a really reliable analysis tool to know which phase of the cycle we are in and to adjust your strategy accordingly.