Bitwise has submitted applications for 11 crypto Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. These ETFs aim to provide exposure to altcoins like Aave, Zcash, and Ethena. Although institutional interest is shifting toward altcoins, Bitcoin holds a market dominance of about 60%, suggesting that an altcoin season may not be on the horizon. Pi Network (PI) is experiencing a slow but steady increase, gaining nearly 1% at the time of writing, following a 0.40% rise the previous day. This reflects growing social interest in Pi Network, and technical analysis hints at a possible price rebound supported by a Morning Star pattern. Mid-week, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple are maintaining stability, showing small gains from the previous day. Technically, Bitcoin might extend its upward trend within a triangle pattern, while Ethereum and Ripple are facing significant resistance above current price levels. The recent Bitwise ETF filings reveal clear institutional interest in altcoins such as Aave and Ethena. However, with Bitcoin’s dominance around 60%, a full altcoin season isn’t assured. This creates a classic tension at the start of the year, balancing institutional flows against the market’s existing structure. As we approach the end of 2025, the market is experiencing a typical year-end slowdown, leading to lower implied volatility across the board. Historically, periods of low volatility, like what we saw in the fourth quarter of 2023 prior to the spot ETF approvals, are often followed by sharp increases. Using buy strategies like straddles or strangles on Bitcoin and Ethereum could be an efficient way to prepare for a potential breakout in early 2026. Bitcoin’s 60% dominance remains a key level to watch as we enter the first quarter. Data from crypto analytics firm Kaiko shows that open interest for January Bitcoin options is already at a record $15 billion. This suggests traders expect a major market move. A sustained drop below this dominance level could lead to significant fund rotation, making long altcoin baskets with a short Bitcoin hedge an appealing strategy. While institutional focus is on potential ETF candidates, we also need to acknowledge the rising social interest around assets like Pi Network. This increase in retail enthusiasm, shown by a 25% rise in social media mentions over the past month according to Santiment data, indicates that high-risk, narrative-driven trades are still active. Engaging in small, speculative positions in perpetual futures for these coins could lead to substantial returns if retail momentum continues.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now