Altcoin Season 2026: Signals and Contenders
The altcoin market stirs as Bitcoin dominance shows early signs of rolling over. Analysts observe a quiet shift: BTC cools from its rally, DeFi and Layer 2 activity accelerates, and alt/BTC pairs stabilize. Michael van de Poppe notes this could mark the end of the bear market for altcoins, with Bitcoin’s trajectory serving as the linchpin.
Emerging narratives favor experimental models. PEPENODE ($PEPENODE) gamifies mining access, while SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) disrupts the creator economy with AI tools. On-chain metrics hint at momentum—rising DEX volumes, LAYER 2 adoption, and fee growth outpacing Bitcoin’s.
Watch for infrastructure plays and meme coins with utility. The usual suspects—SOL, ETH, DOT—may lead, but dark horses like PEPE or SHIB could rally if retail speculation ignites. Exchanges like Binance and Coinbase will likely see the first liquidity surges.
