Why do some altcoins experience significant price fluctuations compared to Bitcoin?

7 answers

• Tsubasa OozoraJul 23, 2021 · 4 years ago
  One of the main reasons why some altcoins experience significant price fluctuations compared to Bitcoin is their relatively low market capitalization. Altcoins, which refer to all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin, often have smaller market sizes and are therefore more susceptible to price manipulation. With fewer participants and lower trading volumes, it becomes easier for large holders to influence the price of altcoins, leading to higher volatility.
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• Stefano AriottaJul 23, 2025 · 4 months ago
  Another factor contributing to the price fluctuations of altcoins is their dependency on Bitcoin's price movements. Altcoins are often traded against Bitcoin on cryptocurrency exchanges, and as Bitcoin is the dominant cryptocurrency, its price movements can have a significant impact on the prices of altcoins. When Bitcoin experiences price volatility, altcoins tend to follow suit, amplifying the fluctuations.
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• Fulton HerreraJul 12, 2025 · 4 months ago
  As an expert at BYDFi, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, I can say that altcoins also tend to have higher price fluctuations due to their lower liquidity compared to Bitcoin. While Bitcoin has a large number of buyers and sellers, altcoins may have limited trading pairs and lower trading volumes. This lack of liquidity makes it easier for market orders to cause significant price swings in altcoins.
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• Tobin WilkinsonJun 24, 2024 · a year ago
  Altcoins, being relatively new and often associated with innovative technologies or projects, can attract speculative investors who are looking for quick profits. This speculative nature of altcoin investments can lead to increased price volatility as investors buy and sell based on short-term market sentiment and news. The hype and speculation surrounding altcoins can cause their prices to fluctuate more compared to Bitcoin, which is more established and widely recognized.
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• Perry VindJul 17, 2025 · 4 months ago
  When it comes to price fluctuations, altcoins can also be influenced by regulatory developments and news specific to their projects. Any negative news or regulatory actions can significantly impact the price of an altcoin, as investors may lose confidence in the project or face legal uncertainties. This sensitivity to external factors can contribute to the higher price volatility experienced by altcoins compared to Bitcoin.
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• Harsha BNov 19, 2020 · 5 years ago
  Altcoins are often associated with higher risks compared to Bitcoin. Their prices can be influenced by factors such as project failures, security vulnerabilities, or even market manipulation. These risks, combined with the relatively smaller market sizes and lower liquidity, contribute to the significant price fluctuations observed in some altcoins.
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• SkyWormFeb 21, 2025 · 9 months ago
  In summary, the significant price fluctuations experienced by some altcoins compared to Bitcoin can be attributed to their lower market capitalization, dependency on Bitcoin's price movements, lower liquidity, speculative nature, sensitivity to regulatory developments, and higher associated risks.
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