After years of lagging behind Bitcoin, altcoins may finally be approaching a turning point. Several market indicators are beginning to align, with Ethereum sitting at the center of the discussion. Analysts say the next major move in the ETH/BTC chart, along with improving macro conditions, could determine whether altcoin season finally see a broader recovery.
Here are four scenarios that could shape the next altcoin season.
Ethereum (ETH) has been underperforming Bitcoin since December 2021, but that trend is now approaching a critical level.
According to one market analyst:
Meanwhile, analyst Michaël van de Poppe noted that Ethereum has posted its first meaningful move against Bitcoin in over a year. He expects a short consolidation before another leg higher, although a strong Bitcoin rally could temporarily delay altcoin outperformance.
The latest U.S. CPI report added another positive signal for crypto markets.
Recent data showed:
Lower inflation improves the chances of easier monetary policy, creating a more supportive environment for risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
Another factor the analyst noted is the global liquidity.
If those trends continue, the second half of 2026 could provide a stronger backdrop for digital assets.
Bitcoin (BTC) has rallied nearly 660% from its 2022 lows, while Ethereum has only recently started reclaiming lost ground. That gap has left most altcoins well behind.
The analyst also points to improving internal market data.
According to the analysis, Bitcoin may still lead the market higher first, but Ethereum’s breakout against Bitcoin could ultimately determine whether crypto finally enters a full-fledged altcoin season rather than another Bitcoin-only rally.
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