Bitcoin dominance matters for every crypto trader because it reveals where capital is flowing within the market. It measures Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market capitalisation and acts as a real-time indicator of risk preference, confidence, and capital rotation. Ignoring it often leads to poor timing, especially when trading altcoins.

When Bitcoin dominance rises, it usually signals risk-off behaviour. Traders and institutions move capital into Bitcoin because it is perceived as the most stable and liquid crypto asset. During these phases, many altcoins underperform or decline even if the Bitcoin price is stable. Traders who fail to recognise this often hold altcoins during unfavourable conditions and experience unnecessary drawdowns.

When dominance falls, it often reflects increasing risk appetite. Capital rotates from Bitcoin into altcoins, creating stronger trends and better opportunities across smaller-cap assets. This is typically when altcoin strategies perform best. Understanding this shift helps traders align their positioning with market conditions instead of fighting them.

Bitcoin dominance also helps traders filter signals. A strong altcoin setup has a higher probability of success when dominance is declining rather than rising. It adds context that price charts alone cannot provide.

Most importantly, dominance helps with capital preservation. By adjusting exposure based on dominance trends, traders can reduce risk during defensive periods and increase opportunity during expansion phases. In simple terms, Bitcoin dominance explains why some strategies suddenly stop working, and others start performing. For consistent results, every crypto trader needs to understand and respect it.