Altcoin Season Expected in 2026 as Russell 2000 Reaches New High

The crypto market is showing renewed strength, with the Bitcoin price surpassing $97,000 this week.

Altcoin Season Expected in Q1 2026

There is speculation about a strong altcoin season due to the Russell 2000 index reaching record highs.
Top altcoins like Ethereum, BNB, and Solana have shown significant weekly gains.
On-chain data indicates traders are more willing to take risks, with privacy coins like Monero gaining attention.
Long positions are dominating over short positions, suggesting confidence in altcoin recovery.
Investors holding onto positions despite losses could signal a potential bottom formation for altcoins relative to Bitcoin.
Analysts predict a larger altseason in 2026, projecting a possible 702% rise based on historical patterns.

Altcoins long vs. short ratio. | Source: Alphractel

The Russell 2000 index has hit a new all-time high, rising 7% and increasing its market cap by $220 billion in early 2026.
This reflects renewed strength in U.S. small-cap stocks, creating a favorable environment for risk assets.
Trader Peter Brandt reported taking a large long position in response to the index's breakout from an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern.