The 'Altcoin Season Index,' a key indicator from CoinMarketCap, currently sits at 43, reflecting a 5-point decrease from the previous day. This index gauges the strength of altcoins relative to Bitcoin by analyzing the price performance of the top 100 cryptocurrencies (excluding stablecoins and wrapped coins) over a 90-day period. A reading above 75 suggests an "altcoin season," where a majority of altcoins outperform Bitcoin. Conversely, a lower score indicates Bitcoin dominance. The current drop suggests altcoins are losing ground, potentially signaling a shift back towards Bitcoin. This doesn't necessarily mean the end for altcoins, but rather a possible consolidation phase or renewed focus on Bitcoin's stability. Investors should monitor this index, alongside other market indicators, to inform their investment strategies. Understanding the Altcoin Season Index is crucial for navigating the volatile cryptocurrency market. ```