Ethereum, XRP, Solana Surge Over 40% in Two Weeks; Only One Altcoin Misses Out

Bitcoin's breakout above $80,000 has boosted the altcoin market, with 19 of the top 20 most liquid altcoins joining the rally, according to a Bitfinex report on Thursday.

What's Driving BTC's Rally?

Bitcoin has risen over 29% from its range low since breaking above $67,000 on August 19, but Bitfinex sees $80,000 to $81,000 as a key resistance zone.

Unlike the rally in May, this latest move is primarily driven by aggressive spot demand.

US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded positive inflows for seven consecutive trading days, with $1.92 billion flowing in between August 17 and 21, absorbing roughly 12 times the Bitcoin mining output during that period.

Institutional demand has also spread to altcoins, with Ethereum ETFs posting their strongest weekly inflows since early October, and XRP ETFs recording their best weekly performance in three months.

Bitfinex sees Bitcoin's near-term range between $77,100 and $81,000.

Sustained ETF inflows and spot buying could push prices above $81,000, while a break below $77,100 would cast doubt on the sustainability of this rally.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin's previous cost-basis resistance at $73,500 has turned into potential support, with the next major breakeven levels near $86,500 and $94,000.

Which 19 Altcoins Joined BTC's Breakout

The rally has also extended beyond Bitcoin.

Between August 18 and August 25, 19 of the top 20 most liquid altcoins gained over 12%, with several outperforming Bitcoin's 20% rise.

Zcash surged over 50%, Aave gained more than 40%, and XRP jumped over 45%.

Hyperliquid rose to an all-time high, while Ethereum, Solana, and Dogecoin gained between 20% and 30%.

Tron rose just 1%, making it the only major altcoin that largely sat out this rally.

The TOTAL3 market cap, excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum, rose 21% to $791.5 billion, its highest level in 203 days.

Ethereum has also strengthened against Bitcoin, with the ETH/BTC ratio rising about 5%, marking its first sustained uptick since spring.