Bitcoin bull run 'likely close to over' says trader as XRP flips McDonald's

2025-07-28

Bitcoin Bull Run ‘Likely Close to Over’ Says Trader as XRP Flips McDonald’s

As the cryptocurrency market continues to defy expectations in 2024, Bitcoin’s price action has left traders speculating about the longevity of its current bull run. Meanwhile, XRP, Ripple’s digital asset, made headlines this week after its market cap surpassed that of fast-food behemoth McDonald’s, fueling fresh excitement about the arrival of a new “altseason.” With the latest analysis suggesting Bitcoin’s upward momentum may be waning, questions are emerging about what’s next for the broader crypto market.

Why It Matters

The interplay between Bitcoin and altcoins like XRP is more than a matter of price charts—it reflects shifting investor sentiment and the evolving maturity of the digital asset ecosystem. Historically, Bitcoin bull runs have been the tide that lifts all boats, with altcoins following in its wake. However, when Bitcoin’s dominance wanes or stalls, attention often shifts to alternative cryptocurrencies, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “altseason.”

Such periods are notable for their rapid capital rotation and the outsized gains often achieved by non-Bitcoin tokens. The fact that XRP—a token long mired in regulatory controversy—has managed to “flip” McDonald’s in terms of market capitalization is emblematic of the growing influence and mainstream recognition of digital assets. According to Cointelegraph, XRP’s market cap recently surged past $217 billion, outpacing the $210 billion valuation of McDonald’s. This symbolic milestone underscores both the speculative fervor and the potential staying power of cryptocurrencies as investable assets.

Technical Breakdown

For Bitcoin, the technical picture is increasingly mixed. After reaching new all-time highs earlier this year, Bitcoin’s price action has become notably erratic, with sharp corrections and recoveries failing to establish a clear direction. According to prominent traders cited by Cointelegraph, several on-chain and technical indicators are signaling that the current cycle may be reaching exhaustion.

One such trader, known by the pseudonym Credible Crypto, pointed to a combination of waning momentum, decreasing trading volumes, and the re-emergence of risk-off sentiment in global markets. In a recent social media post, the trader suggested that the “Bitcoin bull run is likely close to over,” and that the current phase may be “the last leg up” before a deeper correction ensues.

Key technical indicators support this cautious outlook. The relative strength index (RSI) for BTC/USD has hovered near overbought territory for several weeks, while moving averages have started to flatten out. On-chain data also points to increased profit-taking: Glassnode’s metrics show a rising number of coins moving to exchanges, suggesting that long-term holders are beginning to cash out.

Meanwhile, the broader altcoin market is heating up. With XRP’s surge, the so-called “altseason” narrative is gaining traction. Ethereum, Solana, and other major altcoins have posted double-digit gains, and total altcoin market capitalization is approaching record highs. This rapid rotation of capital from Bitcoin into altcoins is often a late-cycle phenomenon, historically preceding broader market corrections.

What’s Next

With sentiment at a crossroads, traders and investors are watching for confirmation of a trend reversal or, alternatively, a fresh breakout to new highs. The next moves for Bitcoin and the broader market will likely hinge on several factors:

  • Macro Backdrop: Global economic conditions, inflation data, and central bank policy decisions continue to influence risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
  • Regulatory Developments: Ongoing regulatory scrutiny, especially in the United States and Europe, could impact the trajectory of both Bitcoin and altcoins like XRP.
  • Market Structure: If Bitcoin fails to reclaim key support levels, further downside could materialize, potentially accelerating capital flows into altcoins—or triggering a broader market pullback.

For XRP and other altcoins, the outlook is both promising and precarious. If historical patterns hold, altcoins could continue to outperform Bitcoin in the coming weeks, but the risk of sharp corrections remains high. Investors are advised to exercise caution and maintain a diversified approach, as the volatility that defines crypto bull runs can cut both ways.

Conclusion

The cryptocurrency market is once again at a pivotal juncture. While Bitcoin’s bull run may be “close to over,” as some traders suggest, the ongoing rotation into altcoins like XRP signals that investor appetite for risk remains robust—for now. XRP’s symbolic flipping of McDonald’s market cap is a testament to how far the industry has come, yet it is also a reminder of the speculative forces at play.

As market dynamics evolve, savvy investors will need to keep a close eye on technical indicators, macro trends, and regulatory developments. Whether this marks the beginning of a sustained altseason or the prelude to a broader correction, one thing is certain: volatility is here to stay.

Keywords: Bitcoin, XRP, altseason, cryptocurrency market, bull run, technical analysis, market cap, altcoins, investor sentiment, trading signals.