4 min read

07/29 - Macro for Humans

Market Overview


Headline

Crypto Bulls Charge as Dollar Weakens: Altcoins Take Center Stage

Summary

Global markets are in a risk-on mood, with stocks rising and the US dollar weakening. This has created a bullish environment for crypto, especially altcoins, as Bitcoin dominance declines despite its own strong performance.

Mood

The market feels like a party where everyone's been invited. There's excitement in the air, but also a sense that things might be getting a bit too rowdy.

What Changed Recently

The most notable shift is the sharp decline in Bitcoin dominance, signaling a surge of interest in altcoins. Meanwhile, the US dollar's weakness has accelerated, further fueling the crypto rally.

Comparative Market Analysis


Vs 7 Days Ago

Stocks

Stocks have continued their upward climb, gaining over 1.5% in the past week. This risk-on sentiment is spilling over into crypto, encouraging more speculative bets on altcoins.

Dollar

The dollar has weakened significantly, dropping below key support levels. This is acting like rocket fuel for crypto prices, as a weaker dollar typically boosts demand for alternative assets.

Interest Rates

Bond yields have ticked up slightly, but not enough to derail the risk-on mood. The market seems to be shrugging off rate concerns for now, keeping the crypto party going.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance has plummeted, falling from around 65% to 61.4%. This is a huge shift that's opening the floodgates for altcoin rallies across the board.

Vs 14 Days Ago

Stocks

The S&P 500 is up over 3% in two weeks, reflecting growing optimism. This broader risk appetite has created a much more favorable environment for crypto compared to mid-July.

Dollar

The dollar's decline has accelerated, with the DXY now firmly in a downtrend. This two-week shift has transformed the landscape for crypto, removing a major headwind.

Interest Rates

Despite a recent uptick, yields are still lower than two weeks ago. This easing of rate pressures has contributed to the improved sentiment in both stocks and crypto.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance has seen a dramatic reversal, falling from nearly 70% to 61.4%. This marks a significant shift in the crypto narrative, with altcoins now taking center stage.


Current State

Bitcoin Vs Alts

Money is flowing strongly into altcoins right now. It's like Bitcoin opened the door, but now everyone's rushing to check out the rest of the house.

Hot Sectors

DeFi, Layer-2 solutions, and AI-related tokens are seeing the most interest today. It's as if the market is placing bets on the future of finance and technology.

Volume And Activity

Trading volume has spiked, especially in altcoins. This tells us there's real conviction behind the current moves, not just small-scale speculation.

Key Shifts

Week Over Week

The most dramatic change is the surge in altcoin interest. A week ago, Bitcoin was still the main show; now it's sharing the spotlight.

Two Week Trend

We've seen a complete reversal from Bitcoin dominance to altcoin season in just two weeks. This rapid shift suggests we might be entering a more volatile and speculative phase of the bull market.

Notable Reversals

The dollar's weakness has accelerated, and Bitcoin dominance has reversed sharply. Both of these have significantly altered the trading landscape from just two weeks ago.

What This Means For Traders


If Youre Bullish

  • Look for breakouts in mid to large-cap altcoins, especially in hot sectors like DeFi and L2s
  • Wait for pullbacks to key moving averages (like the 20 EMA) as potential entry points
  • Consider scaling into positions rather than going all-in, as the market might be getting overheated

If Youre Bearish

  • Focus on overbought conditions in altcoins that have seen parabolic rises
  • Watch for any signs of dollar strength or rising yields as potential catalysts for a pullback
  • Be prepared for quick reversals; use tight stop losses and consider taking profits early

If Youre Uncertain

  • Consider a barbell strategy: hold some Bitcoin for stability while allocating a portion to promising altcoins
  • Watch the $120,000 level on Bitcoin as a key psychological barrier
  • Keep an eye on the DXY; any bounce could signal a short-term top in crypto

Evolving Trading Guidance


What Changed

From 7d Ago

A week ago, focusing on Bitcoin was the safer play. Now, calculated risks on altcoins offer potentially higher rewards.

From 14d Ago

Two weeks ago, capital preservation was key. Now, the market rewards more aggressive, speculation-oriented strategies.

Current Best Opportunities

Look for altcoins with strong fundamentals that haven't yet had their big breakout moment. Coins with upcoming protocol upgrades or major partnerships are particularly interesting.

Approaches To Avoid

Avoid chasing pumps on low-cap coins without doing thorough research. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is strong right now, but entering late on parabolic moves is extremely risky.

Timing Considerations

This is a time for active trading rather than passive holding. Be prepared to take profits and re-evaluate positions frequently, as sentiment can shift quickly in altcoin season.

Key Levels To Watch


Critical Thresholds

Bitcoin at $120,000 and Ethereum at $8,000 are major psychological levels that could trigger increased volatility if approached

Recent Breakouts

Many altcoins have broken above their 200-day moving averages in the past week, signaling potential long-term trend changes

Approaching Tests

Watch for a potential retest of 62% Bitcoin dominance; a bounce from this level could signal a temporary cooldown in altcoin momentum

Final Advice


Main Takeaway

Embrace the altcoin opportunity, but stay nimble and be prepared for rapid shifts in sentiment.

Biggest Change

The dramatic fall in Bitcoin dominance has completely altered the trading landscape from two weeks ago.

Risk Reminder

Remember, altcoin seasons can end as quickly as they begin. Don't risk more than you can afford to lose, and always have an exit strategy.