The cryptocurrency market may be entering the final stretch of its prolonged correction phase, according to prominent crypto strategist Michaël van de Poppe. With growing optimism among traders, many are now watching key indicators that suggest a major shift could be on the horizon — particularly for altcoins.
Van de Poppe, a widely followed analyst with over 720,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), believes that the pain period for digital assets is nearing its end. He forecasts a strong recovery beginning in September, historically one of the most bullish months in the crypto calendar.
“The final weeks of pain are happening on the markets. From September onwards, it’s again the best period of the cycle for Bitcoin and crypto. BTC valuations are slowly grinding upwards already.”
This sentiment aligns with seasonal trends observed over multiple market cycles, where September has often marked the beginning of upward momentum following summer lulls.
Why Altcoins Could Lead the Next Rally
One of the most compelling signals Van de Poppe highlights is the performance of TOTAL3/BTC — a critical ratio used to assess altcoin strength relative to Bitcoin. TOTAL3 represents the total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies excluding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, making it an effective gauge of broader altcoin market health.
The analyst shared a chart showing that TOTAL3/BTC is displaying a massive bullish divergence — a technical pattern where price continues to decline or consolidate while momentum indicators begin to rise. This disconnect often precedes significant reversals.
“The only chart to watch. TOTAL3/BTC looks absolutely great, with a massive bullish divergence. This indicates that altcoins are on edge for a big breakout.”
Bullish divergences like this suggest that selling pressure is waning and accumulation may be underway, even if prices haven’t yet reflected it. If confirmed by a decisive breakout above key resistance levels, this could trigger a broad-based rally across the altcoin ecosystem.
DeFi Emerges as a Key Sector to Watch
Beyond general altcoin momentum, Van de Poppe singles out decentralized finance (DeFi) as a sector poised for strong performance in the second half of 2025. The DeFi space has shown resilience and innovation despite macroeconomic headwinds, with several protocols reporting increased adoption and value locked.
He points to rising total value locked (TVL) metrics on Ethereum-based platforms, especially when viewed in relation to market capitalization. A high TVL-to-market-cap ratio can indicate undervaluation or strong utility relative to price — a favorable sign for future growth.
Among individual assets, Van de Poppe highlights AAVE, one of the leading lending protocols in DeFi. The token has demonstrated strength in recent weeks and may be preparing for a significant move.
“I think DeFi is going to be one of the strongest performers in the remainder of 2025. TVL ratios are high on ETH, especially when you combine this with market capitalization. AAVE has been a strong performer in the past weeks and is likely to break out if it breaks $135.”
A breakout above $135 could open the door to higher targets, potentially reigniting interest in other mid-cap DeFi tokens.
Core Keywords Driving Market Sentiment
To better understand the current market dynamics, it’s essential to track core keywords shaping investor sentiment and search behavior:
- Bitcoin breakout
- Altcoin season 2025
- TOTAL3/BTC chart
- DeFi crypto growth
- Bullish divergence crypto
- Cryptocurrency market cycle
- September crypto rally
- AAVE price prediction
These terms not only reflect what traders are searching for but also highlight key themes influencing capital flows and trading strategies.
👉 Learn how to identify early signs of an altseason using on-chain data and market cap ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is TOTAL3/BTC and why is it important?
A: TOTAL3/BTC measures the combined market cap of all cryptocurrencies except Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, divided by Bitcoin’s price. It helps investors assess whether altcoins are gaining strength relative to BTC — a key indicator of potential altseason.
Q: What does a bullish divergence mean in crypto trading?
A: A bullish divergence occurs when an asset’s price makes lower lows while a momentum indicator (like RSI or MACD) makes higher lows. This suggests weakening downward momentum and often precedes a reversal to the upside.
Q: Is September really a bullish month for cryptocurrency?
A: Historically, September has shown positive average returns across multiple years, often marking the end of summer doldrums and the start of increased institutional activity and macro catalysts.
Q: How can I spot the beginning of an altcoin season?
A: Key signals include rising TOTAL3/BTC, increasing DeFi TVL, strong performance in mid-cap alts, and growing retail interest. A sustained breakout in major altcoins like Ethereum or Solana can also act as a catalyst.
Q: What role does Ethereum play in altcoin market movements?
A: Ethereum serves as the foundation for most altcoins and DeFi projects. When ETH shows strength — particularly in metrics like TVL and developer activity — it often signals broader confidence in the ecosystem.
Q: Can AAVE reach new all-time highs in 2025?
A: While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, AAVE’s strong fundamentals, rising adoption in lending markets, and technical setup suggest it has potential to challenge previous highs if market conditions remain favorable.
Preparing for the Next Phase of the Crypto Cycle
As the market digests months of consolidation, signs are mounting that a new phase may be beginning. With Bitcoin stabilizing and altcoin-specific metrics flashing early warnings of accumulation, now could be a strategic time for investors to reassess their portfolios.
Van de Poppe’s analysis underscores the importance of monitoring not just price action, but also underlying market structure and sector-specific trends. The convergence of seasonal patterns, technical setups, and fundamental improvements in DeFi could create fertile ground for a powerful rally.
👉 Stay ahead of the next crypto breakout with real-time data and advanced charting tools.
Whether you're tracking TOTAL3/BTC for early altseason signals or watching AAVE for potential DeFi leadership, understanding these dynamics can help position you advantageously ahead of broader market moves.
As always, traders should conduct thorough research and manage risk appropriately — especially during volatile transition periods. But with historical patterns aligning and key indicators turning positive, the final weeks of pain may indeed give way to one of the most exciting phases of the current cycle.