- The Altseason Index hits 73%, just 2% away from the formal 75% threshold needed to declare a market altseason.
- A previous 84% index reading in September failed to hold, showing altseason momentum can be fragile and temporary.
Market data suggests the cryptocurrency market may be approaching a phase known as altseason. This condition is defined by a specific metric. It occurs when 75%Â of the 50 largest digital assets generate higher returns than Bitcoin over a consecutive 90 day period.
The Altseason Index currently shows a reading of 73%. This figure indicates that 36 major altcoins have outperformed Bitcoin in the last 3 months. The market now sits just two percentage points away from meeting the formal criteria.
Zcash, a privacy-oriented cryptocurrency, recorded the highest gains of any major asset during this recent quarter. Historical precedent provides a note of caution. In September, the same index briefly reached 84%. That previous trend lost strength, and altcoins subsequently yielded their performance advantage back to Bitcoin.
The month of October has historically supported positive price action in crypto markets. Traders often refer to this period as “Uptober” due to its tendency for increased market liquidity and optimistic sentiment. These conditions typically benefit assets with higher risk profiles. The market is now observing whether this seasonal pattern will provide the stability needed for a sustained altseason.
The top-performing altcoins of the last week as of October 3, 2025, based on CoinDesk reports and market data:
- Binance Coin (BNB) led the altcoin market with an 8.26% daily jump, pushing its price above $1,170, supported by strong trading volumes and institutional adoption.
- Solana (SOL) held steady around $232, gaining over the week as investors anticipate the SEC’s decision on Solana ETFs expected between October 10–16.
- Chainlink (LINK) remained in the spotlight after announcing new integrations, including partnerships with Plasma for stablecoin infrastructure and Deutsche Börse for European market data, though it saw short-term pullbacks from profit-taking.
- Aave (AAVE) broke key resistance above $290, riding on the strength of the DeFi market, which hit a record $219 billion in total value locked this week, underlining renewed demand for lending protocols.
Binance Coin (BNB) is trading near $1,170, having broken above the $1,050–$1,100 resistance zone. If momentum continues, the next upside targets are $1,200–$1,250, while strong support sits around $1,000. A failure to hold above $1,050 could trigger a retest of $950.
Solana (SOL) is consolidating around $232, facing resistance at $240–$245. With ETF approval speculation fueling sentiment, analysts expect a possible rally toward $260–$280. However, downside risks remain, with key support around $210–$215, which if broken could drag the price back to $190.
Chainlink (LINK) is trading near $22.20, struggling to break above the $23 resistance level. Institutional adoption, especially through partnerships with Deutsche Börse and SWIFT, has strengthened long-term prospects. Short-term, if LINK holds above $21.50, it could aim for $23.50–$24.00, but a drop below $21 may test the $20–$20.50 zone.
Aave (AAVE) is currently above $290, confirming a bullish breakout. If it sustains momentum, price could extend to $320–$340 in the coming weeks, especially with DeFi’s total value locked hitting record highs. Support remains at $270–$280, with a breakdown risking a move toward $250.
