Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D) is an important metric that measures Bitcoin's share of the cryptocurrency market. This indicator helps in understanding market trends and investor sentiment.
What is Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D)?
Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D) measures Bitcoin's market capitalization as a percentage of the total cryptocurrency market cap. This indicator serves as a signal of Bitcoin's strength relative to other cryptocurrencies.
Formula to calculate BTC Dominance: BTC Dominance = (Bitcoin Market Cap ÷ Total Crypto Market Cap) × 100%.
When BTC.D rises, it typically means Bitcoin is outperforming altcoins, indicating a market shift towards safer assets. Conversely, when BTC.D falls, this often indicates that altcoins are gaining traction.
How to Use Bitcoin Dominance to Identify Market Trends?
Historically, Bitcoin Dominance has been a reliable signal for interpreting the broader cryptocurrency market cycle. By analyzing how BTC.D rises or falls, investors can determine whether capital is flowing into Bitcoin or shifting towards altcoins.
The market typically moves through four distinct phases:
1. Phase 1: Bitcoin Leads the Rally. During the early stages of a bull cycle, Bitcoin is often the first to surge.
2. Phase 2: Altcoins Start Catching Up. As Bitcoin approaches new all-time highs, traders begin to rotate profits into altcoins.
3. Phase 3: Full-Blown Euphoria. At the peak of market enthusiasm, both Bitcoin and altcoins grow together, with altcoins frequently outperforming.
4. Phase 4: Market Correction Begins. When the market starts to correct, Bitcoin tends to hold value better than altcoins.
Conclusion: How to Use Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D)
Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D) measures Bitcoin's share of the total cryptocurrency market cap, reflecting its relative strength compared to all other cryptocurrencies. By tracking BTC.D, investors can identify market cycles and adjust their strategies accordingly.
By understanding BTC.D movements, traders can time their portfolio rotations between Bitcoin and altcoins based on broader market sentiment and capital flows.