[New York Crypto Market Update] Bitcoin Reaches Record High⋯Are Altcoins Set to Follow This Bull Run?

# Bitcoin Surges to All-Time High; Analysts Predict Historic Altcoin Season Bitcoin (BTC) reached an unprecedented all-time high, stirring conversations among analysts about the dawn of the most significant altcoin season ever. On November 22, at 9:30 a.m. New York Time, Bitcoin traded at $111,529, marking a 4.45% rise on Binance and surpassing its previous record. # Is a Monumental Altcoin Season on the Horizon? Analyst Wima.X attributes the potential altcoin boom to the "post-Bitcoin halving cycle." Historically, altcoin seasons follow about 380 days after the Bitcoin (BTC) halving event. The last halving was in April 2024, indicating a likely altcoin season around May 2025. "The largest altcoin season ever will begin on May 25, 2025. During this cycle, the total market capitalization of altcoins could skyrocket to $15 trillion," Wima.X projected. Wima.X also pointed out that a secondary catalyst arises when Bitcoin hits a new all-time high and then consolidates or experiences a mild correction. This phase usually leads to a decline in Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D)—the proportion of Bitcoin's market capitalization relative to the overall cryptocurrency market—thereby channeling capital into altcoins. BTC.D has stabilized at 63.7%, dropping from 65.4% to as low as 62% recently. "The crypto market follows a consistent yearly cycle. The formula for an altcoin season is clear-cut: decreasing Bitcoin dominance plus Bitcoin's stagnation or slight gains equals an altcoin rally. This is an undeniable fact in the cryptocurrency market," Wima.X emphasized. # Q2: A Promising Quarter for Altcoins Another favorable factor for altcoins is the second quarter (Q2), historically a strong performer in the crypto space. Data from Coinglass indicates Q2 is one of the most profitable periods for both Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH). Bitcoin's average Q2 return stands at 26.89%, while Ethereum boasts an impressive 66.8% average return. Given that altcoins often mimic Ethereum's performance, similar—if not superior—returns could be anticipated for altcoins in Q2. # Employment Figures Stable Amid Economic Uncertainty In a broader economic scope, the U.S. job market shows stability despite uncertainties stemming from Trump-era trade tariffs. Weekly initial jobless claims for unemployment benefits declined, suggesting slight improvement. The U.S. Department of Labor reported seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims of 227,000 for the week ending May 17, 2025, down by 2,000 from the previous week’s 229,000. The four-week moving average rose to 231,500 from 230,500, the highest since November 27, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath. # Indicators Show Promise but Risks Remain Not all signals favor an impending altcoin surge. The Altcoin Season Index from Blockchain Center, which measures the performance of the top 100 altcoins against Bitcoin over the past 90 days, hit an annual low of 13 when Bitcoin achieved its recent peak. The index has since slightly recovered to 18, but it remains well below the 75 threshold that signals an altcoin season. For an altcoin season to materialize, over 75% of the top 100 altcoins need to outperform Bitcoin. The current low figures indicate that altcoins have not yet dominated the market. Experts advise caution, noting it’s uncertain if this cycle will adhere to traditional patterns or require more time for capital rotation from Bitcoin to altcoins. Investors are vigilantly monitoring market developments.