Yes, in the crypto currency market Manipulation works the most. But do not forget about technical analysis though many say that it does not work it's not.
Technical analysis can be used as guides but not as the main factor to follow when making a strategy. Majoprity of altcoins are heavily manipulated compared to bitcoin that's why strategies came from chart readings, technical analysis, professional chartings are sometimes useless.
Altcoin traders should set what things should be follow and take that into advanced level of research as trading altcoins is really way more difficult compare to bitcoins. They must seek in every things like news, speculations etc. in order to create a strategy.