PMI Stays Above 50—Is Altcoin Season Waking Up in 2026?
The US ISM PMI remaining above 50 suggests economic expansion, potentially fueling a 2026 altcoin season despite 38% of altcoins trading near all-time lows.Summary
The recent slowdown in the decline of altcoin market capitalization, coupled with positive macroeconomic signals, is reviving hopes for an altcoin recovery in 2026. The US ISM Manufacturing PMI has remained above the 50 expansion threshold for two consecutive months, reaching 52.4 in February 2026. Analysts suggest that a sustained PMI above 50 indicates an economic expansion phase, leading to increased corporate profits, higher household income, and stronger investor risk appetite, which historically correlates with rallies in Bitcoin and altcoins. Furthermore, technical indicators like altcoin dominance confirming a breakout signal support the potential for an altcoin season.
However, significant challenges remain, as a CryptoQuant report indicates that approximately 38% of altcoins are currently trading near their all-time lows, a situation described as worse than the post-FTX period, reflecting continued investor caution and waning interest. While severely deteriorated conditions can sometimes signal emerging opportunities, the high number of struggling altcoins and tight liquidity conditions might limit the extent of any potential rebound.
(Source：BeInCrypto)