Cryptocurrency traders are buzzing over a technical signal in altcoins that echoes the explosive growth seen in 2017, with one prominent X post highlighting a “golden cross” that could herald a major market surge amid deeper liquidity in 2025.
The signal, posted by trader MerlijnTrader on X, formerly Twitter, shows the short-term moving average crossing above the long-term average for altcoins — a pattern historically linked to bullish trends. “ALTCOINS JUST FLASHED THE GOLDEN CROSS,” the post read, comparing it to the 2017 “altseason” while predicting vertical price runs due to improved market depth. The chart shared in the post underscores the potential for rapid gains, sparking debates among investors.
In technical analysis, the golden cross often precedes significant rallies, as seen in cryptocurrencies where trend factors aggregate price and volume data to forecast momentum. During the 2017 bull run, this pattern aligned with altcoin returns averaging 20-30% in subsequent months, transforming niche assets into mainstream investments.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the landscape has evolved dramatically. Altcoin market capitalization has ballooned from around $100 billion in 2017 to over $1 trillion by mid-year, per industry data, providing a sturdier foundation for sustained growth. This expansion reflects increased trading volumes and institutional involvement, potentially amplifying any upward momentum triggered by the golden cross.
Yet experts urge caution, noting that such signals can falter in volatile markets. A 2023 analysis highlighted how golden crosses may produce false positives during over-leveraged conditions, leading to rapid reversals rather than rallies. This warning resonates after August’s liquidation crisis, where a massive whale dump triggered $480 million in crypto liquidations amid inflation data, underscoring the risks of sudden downturns.
Market watchers say the current setup could still favor bulls if liquidity holds, but investors should monitor broader economic indicators. Skepticism persists in a space known for hype and hazards.
Altcoins, excluding Bitcoin, encompass thousands of tokens like Ethereum and Ripple, with their collective performance often diverging from the flagship cryptocurrency. While Bitcoin dominance hovers around recent highs, a shift toward altcoins could redistribute trillions in value.
Traders like MerlijnTrader continue to fuel discussions. Whether this golden cross launches a “nuclear” season or fizzles remains to be seen, but for now, it’s capturing the crypto community’s attention.
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