I'm the same way, but when BTCUSD and ALT/USD pairs are both going up, I find analyzing ALT/BTC pairs helps decide whether to position myself towards BTC or altcoins. I only like to hold altcoins if it means I'm gaining BTC.
What am I looking for when analyzing an Alt-Coin/BTC pair to help me decide whether to position myself towards BTC or Altcoins?
Let's say ETHUSD and BTCUSD are both bullish. I'll then look for bullish signals and upward pressure on ETHBTC. If they are present, then it makes sense to build an ETH position. If ETHBTC looks bearish, then I stay away.
What Alt-Coin/BTC pairs am I looking at? How many Alt-Coin/BTC pairs am I looking at to make the determination to position myself towards BTC or Altcoins?
The largest cap coins. I often just use ETH as a gauge for the entire altcoin market. As the persistent #2 coin it says a lot.
My first goal is capital preservation, so USD base pair analysis is the first step, but you know those times when BTC rallies hard and altcoins stagnate and lag behind? That's the kind of situation I'm trying to get ahead of.
I'm not trying to be difficult. I'm simply trying to LEARN something and asking questions in order to make sure I understand.
Stay Awesome!
David
You too, cheers!