The market is leaning towards the oldest cryptocurrencies. We found a busy band priced between $65,000 and $72,000. Trading within that range has become a focus for large players and long-term holders. Some traders are flocking in and others are pulling back.
Volume circulation
Exchange figures show that Bitcoin’s trading share has increased, while many altcoins have lost ground. According to the report, Bitcoin accounted for nearly 37% of all transactions in the latest snapshot, with a significant portion of the market now moving away from smaller tokens.
Although Ethereum still accounts for a large portion at around 28%, the total altcoin share has fallen sharply from around 59% to around 35% since the end of last year. The decline appears large on the chart. This shows money moving back into the assets it is most familiar with.
Altcoin trading volume drops by 50% as capital returns to Bitcoin.
“This pattern has been seen repeatedly in previous corrections, including April 2025, August 2024, and October 2022 near the end of the bear market.” – by @Darkfost_Coc
Link ⤵️https://t.co/B0ZFeiMukl pic.twitter.com/jVRTOkaTic
— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoQuant_com) February 18, 2026
Attention-grabbing price range
Large orders and institutional flows were concentrated in the mentioned price ranges. Whales and organ holders are active there. We see both accumulation and selling. Some activities appear to benefit after strong execution.
Some moves are defensive, as traders prefer the perceived safety of the oldest coins when the broader market feels uncertain. Liquidity is concentrated where market participants expect it to be. When that happens, price swings can be sharper on one side than on the other.
What market capitalization and dominance reveal
According to the report, Bitcoin’s market capitalization has declined from about $1.55 trillion to about $1.34 trillion in recent weeks, while the total market value of many altcoins has seen much smaller declines.
Changes in trading volume do not always correspond to changes in market capitalization, but they are meaningful. More Bitcoin transactions mean more interest in the asset and faster price discovery.
Although dominance figures have declined slightly over a short period of time, Bitcoin remains the most traded token on major platforms. Historical patterns show capital rotating into Bitcoin during corrections, and this cycle fits that mold.
Why traders pay attention
Some traders expect stability to return if Bitcoin maintains its current range. Others warn that excessive concentration of orders could lead to sudden pressure when sentiment flips.
Altcoin movements may represent a missed opportunity for selective buyers, but they reduce risk for those who prefer a single market leader. Market observers will closely monitor volume flows and order books during the next session.
Bitcoin regains the spotlight
According to the report, Bitcoin has been reaffirmed as the main focus of current cryptocurrency trading. Short-term action will depend on whether buyers in the $65,000-$72,000 area continue to add or if selling pressure builds and forces a broader move.
Either way, the direction away from many altcoins is clear and traders are re-balancing where they are placing their bets.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
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