## Altcoins Stabilize: Why This Pattern Could Change Everything

While Bitcoin [BTC] remains at all-time highs near $90.49K, the altcoin landscape tells a different but promising story. Trading volumes have fallen to multi-year lows, and social activity is waning, similar to what happened in 2019 and 2022. However, this time there is a critical element that changes the scenario: altcoins are no longer experiencing new declines.

## Pressure on Altcoin Volumes

The trading environment in December reflects a significant slowdown. XRP recorded volumes around $145.19M in 24 hours, marking its lowest levels of the year. Solana [SOL], often considered the most dynamic high-cap altcoin, dropped to approximately $145.08M, its lowest point since 2024.

BNB showed a volume of $7.80M in the last 24 hours, mainly concentrated on specific platforms. Cardano [ADA] also faced pressure, with $3.28M in trading activity, demonstrating that moderate interest affects the entire altcoin market.

## The Collapse of Public Interest

The decline in trading activity was accompanied by an even deeper contraction in market attention. Global search indicators showed that interest in cryptocurrencies is at multi-year lows, even as major prices reach record levels.

What’s surprising is the simultaneous absence of speculative moves or panic. Historically, peaks in attention have coincided with extreme volatility. This time, neither enthusiasm nor alarm is present, suggesting a market in deep consolidation.

## Where the Opportunity for Altcoins Lies

Despite the challenging environment, relative performance data paint a different picture. Altcoins have stopped setting new lows, a fundamental change from previous cycles. During the corrections of 2019 and 2022, altcoins continued to fall even as Bitcoin recovered.

Today, with Bitcoin maintaining its strength and altcoins stabilizing, the scenario is reversing. If Bitcoin experiences an additional correction, pressure would not be evenly distributed. Many altcoins are already compressed within their ranges, meaning a Bitcoin drop could translate into a superior relative performance of altcoins against BTC.

## Conclusion

Depressed volumes and public disinterest typically precede prolonged periods of consolidation or bear markets. But the stabilization of altcoins while Bitcoin remains high suggests that the next move could favor altcoins in terms of relative performance. The market is waiting, and altcoins are positioned to capture any change in dynamics.