As of February 12, with the first quarter of 2026 approaching its end, whether altcoins still have a rebound opportunity has become a focal point in the market. Currently, sentiment remains weak, and most altcoins are in a deep correction phase. Analytical firm Swissblock pointed out that its altcoin pulse signals indicate that while downward momentum is showing signs of slowing, there is no clear reversal signal yet, and a full recovery in the short term remains unlikely.
From on-chain data and price structure, since Bitcoin broke below a key threshold in mid-January, selling pressure on altcoins has intensified, and capital outflows have accelerated. Meanwhile, only a few altcoins remain above the 200-day moving average, indicating that most projects are still in a downtrend. Technical analysis shows that a bullish signal would only be confirmed if the positive signal line crosses above the negative momentum line in the future, potentially signaling a new bullish trend.
Performance across different sectors has also shown clear divergence. Arkham data indicates that tokens related to artificial intelligence have averaged over a 50% decline in the past month, similar to the decentralized finance sector, making it the deepest correction area. In contrast, the decline in the real-world asset sector has been relatively smaller, with some on-chain stocks and index-like assets serving as temporary safe havens for capital.
Until macroeconomic conditions improve significantly, the overall altcoin market will continue to face pressure. The weak performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum prices continues to limit market risk appetite. However, historical experience suggests that extreme sell-offs often lay the groundwork for a phase rebound. Once sentiment recovers, projects with technical and application advantages may be among the first to emerge from a correction.
For investors paying attention to “altcoin trends in the first quarter of 2026,” it is more appropriate now to observe signal changes and capital flows rather than blindly chasing rallies. The short term remains a consolidation phase, but structural opportunities are brewing.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Iran Strikes Qatar LNG Causing $20 Billion Annual Loss, Bitcoin Drops Below $70K
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18-19, 2026, severely damaging two LNG production trains representing 12.8 million tons per annum (MTPA) of capacity—approximately 17% of Qatar's LNG exports—and forcing QatarEnergy to declare force majeure on long-term contracts for up to five years.
CryptopulseElite59m ago
CNBC's Jim Cramer Calls Market "Extremely Oversold," Appears to Reference Bitcoin
Gate News reported that on March 20, Jim Cramer, host of Mad Money under CNBC, an American financial media outlet, commented that the market is in a "very oversold" state, which may involve Bitcoin (BTC). Specific details of the comment have not been disclosed yet.
GateNews1h ago
Crypto Market Declines for Three Consecutive Days, BTC Narrows Losses and Rebounds Above $70,000, GameFi Sector Rises Against the Trend
The crypto market has declined for three consecutive days, with the SocialFi sector down 4.65%, while Bitcoin and Ethereum fell 0.88% and 1.94% respectively. GameFi showed strength, with Axie Infinity up 3.84%. Other sectors generally declined, with some tokens such as eCash and PIPPIN posting modest gains. Overall sector indices show varying degrees of decline.
GateNews1h ago
Analysts Recommend Holding "Dry Powder" During Price Volatility, BTC Oscillates Near $70,000
Gate News reported that on March 20, a certain analyst advised investors to hold "dry powder" (referring to cash reserves or funds awaiting investment) during periods of price volatility. On Thursday, Bitcoin price fluctuated around $70,377.59 and moved in the direction of $69,000.
GateNews1h ago
A certain crypto whale liquidates a long BTC position in a perpetual loan, incurring a loss of 14.02 million USD
On March 20, on-chain data showed that a whale suffered a loss of $14.02 million from going long on BTC and liquidated 742.8 WBTC at a cost of approximately $89,137, now selling at $70,266 to repay Aave borrowings.
GateNews1h ago
