The cryptocurrency altcoin market has reached a critical inflection point as TOTAL3—the aggregate market capitalization excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum—has plunged from recent highs near $1.1 trillion back to the mid-$600 billion range. This sharp correction has forced traders into a technical decision zone where historical support structures and key moving averages are now converging.

Structural Breakdown: From Rally to Retracement
The monthly timeframe reveals that while TOTAL3 remains within a broader uptrend relative to its extended base formation, recent price action displays classic blow-off top characteristics followed by aggressive mean reversion. A multi-month impulse wave propelled the altcoin market cap into the $1.0–$1.1 trillion territory before encountering fierce rejection at those levels.
The current downturn has been swift and unforgiving, pushing prices below the 20-month exponential moving average and compressing into a major horizontal support band near $650–$700 billion. This zone represents a confluence area where previous consolidation occurred, making it a natural battleground for bulls and bears.
Moving Average Dynamics: Testing Trend Integrity
Technical indicators paint a concerning picture for near-term momentum. The 20-month EMA currently sits at approximately $742 billion, a level that price has decisively broken below. This breakdown signals that intermediate-term momentum has shifted bearish, with any recovery attempts likely to face strong overhead resistance at this moving average.
However, the 50-month EMA at roughly $573 billion remains intact as higher-timeframe trend support. This creates a defined risk zone: the market is experiencing a pullback, but hasn't yet transitioned into full structural breakdown territory on the monthly timeframe.

Critical Price Levels Defining the Next Move
Several key zones will determine whether altcoins stabilize or continue their descent:
Immediate Support: The $657 billion level represents the most critical "line in the sand" for bulls. A monthly close significantly below this threshold would confirm that the bounce attempt has failed and open pathways to deeper retracement targets.
Resistance Barriers: Should bulls mount a recovery, they face a stacked resistance structure beginning at $700–$742 billion (capped by the 20 EMA), followed by the $810–$840 billion consolidation zone, and ultimately the psychological $980 billion–$1.0 trillion breakout region.
Downside Targets: If current support crumbles, the 50 EMA at $573 billion becomes the primary trend support level. Below that, the psychological $500 billion mark serves as a major liquidity target during risk-off rotations, with the macro floor at $328 billion representing the final defense line visible on longer timeframes.
Momentum Signals: Oversold Territory Approaching
The Stochastic RSI indicator is sliding toward oversold levels on the monthly chart, reflecting the velocity of the recent selloff. While this confirms bearish momentum remains active, monthly oversold readings historically precede high-volatility environments characterized by sharp counter-trend bounces, failed rallies, and false breakouts around support zones.
Two Scenarios on the Table
Bullish Resolution: If TOTAL3 successfully defends the $650–$700 billion band and reclaims the 20 EMA at $742 billion, the correction can be framed as a healthy pullback within an intact uptrend. This would reactivate $810–$840 billion as the next logical upside target.
Bearish Continuation: A clean monthly close below $657 billion would shift the market from "pullback mode" to "retracement phase," targeting the 50 EMA at $573 billion first, with potential extensions toward $500 billion and the $328 billion macro support if selling pressure intensifies.
Coinasity's Take
The altcoin market has reached a pivotal moment where technical structure will dictate the next major trend phase. Bulls must defend the $657 billion support zone and reclaim $742 billion to neutralize downside momentum and prevent a deeper correction. Until that reclamation occurs, any relief rallies should be viewed with skepticism as potential sell-the-rip opportunities into resistance.
Conversely, a definitive breakdown below current support would likely trigger cascading liquidations and a broader deleveraging event across altcoin markets. Traders should monitor monthly closes carefully—this is not a time for complacency, as the next move could define altcoin market direction for months to come.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve substantial risk and extreme volatility - never invest money you cannot afford to lose completely. The author may hold positions in the cryptocurrencies mentioned, which could bias the presented information. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
About Alex CK
Alex “CryptoKrabbe” is a veteran crypto trader, former Ethereum miner, and market analyst with 8+ years in the space. Known on Reddit as u/CryptoKrabbe, he breaks down institutional flows, on-chain data, and macro trends with clarity and edge.
“I don’t chase pumps. I chase logic.”
Reddit










