Cryptocurrency News for Monday, January 19, 2026: Bitcoin's Rise to $100,000, Altcoin Rally, Crypto ETFs Launch, Top 10 Cryptocurrency Overview, and Key Global Market Trends for Investors.
Current cryptocurrency news for Monday, January 19, 2026: the global market shows growth as Bitcoin approaches the psychological milestone of $100,000, with the altcoin rally bolstered by the launch of new ETFs, alongside an overview of the top 10 cryptocurrencies and key trends for investors worldwide.
Bitcoin: On the Path to a New High
In the second half of January, Bitcoin (BTC) maintains a positive trajectory following the volatile conclusion of the previous year. In recent days, the price of BTC has surged past $95,000, nearing an important level; as of the morning of January 19, Bitcoin is trading around $94,000, approximately 8% higher than the start of the year. Despite the December 2025 drop (when BTC retreated from its historical maximum of ~$126,000, recorded in mid-2025), the current recovery signifies a return of bullish sentiment to the market.
Analysts point out that to confirm a new sustainable upward trend, Bitcoin must break through the psychologically significant barrier of $100,000 per coin. Immediate technical resistances are found around the ~$98–100,000 range, while key support zones are estimated at $90–92,000. Increased interest from institutional investors in BTC, alongside signs of declining inflation, bolsters optimism around Bitcoin as an asset – it is increasingly referred to as "digital gold" amidst global economic uncertainty.
Ethereum: Price Growth and Network Upgrades
Following Bitcoin's lead, Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is also gaining strength. Currently, ETH is trading around $3,350, up approximately 10% since the beginning of January. While the price of Ethereum remains below its record high (~$4,950, reached in August 2025), investor sentiment remains positive due to ongoing developments within the Ethereum network. In early January, developers successfully activated the "Fusaka" (BPO-2) upgrade, which increased blockchain throughput by enhancing data volume ("blobs") in each block. This technological improvement, which reduces fees and increases scalability, enhances Ethereum's appeal to DeFi developers and users, thereby supporting the fundamental value of ETH.
Altcoins: Chainlink and Other Growth Leaders
Among altcoins at the start of 2026, Chainlink (LINK) stands out as it emerges into the ranks of the largest crypto assets. Its price saw a sharp spike (double-digit percentage growth) following the announcement of the launch of the world's first spot ETF based on Chainlink. The main drivers of LINK's rally include:
- Launch of the Chainlink ETF: On January 15, the first spot ETF linked to the Chainlink token (ticker CLNK) began trading on the NYSE Arca. This product allows investors direct access to LINK without needing to store the tokens themselves, significantly boosting interest in the coin from both institutional and retail players.
- Growing Use of Oracles: Decentralized oracles in the Chainlink network are experiencing heightened demand – more blockchain projects and large companies are integrating Chainlink solutions to transfer external data (asset prices, events) into smart contracts. The expanding use of this technology strengthens trust in the Chainlink ecosystem and its token.
- Investor Sentiment: LINK has caught the attention of the community as a promising altcoin for diversification. Amid active discussion in media and social networks following the ETF launch, many investors view Chainlink as a primary contender this season. Additionally, a portion of LINK tokens is currently staked or utilized in DeFi protocols, reducing the token supply on exchanges and supporting its price.
As a result, Chainlink has demonstrated one of the best performances among major cryptocurrencies in the new year. The rally has not been limited to just one coin – numerous other altcoins have also continued their upward trend. For instance, Binance Coin (BNB) has reached a new historical high, climbing above $950, indicating sustained confidence in the Binance ecosystem. Solana (SOL) strengthened to levels of ~$145–150 amidst the revitalization of its high-speed network and expectations for new altcoin ETF launches. Other projects within the top ten remain such as Tron (TRX), Cardano (ADA), and meme token Dogecoin (DOGE) – their growth in recent weeks has been more subdued; however, they maintain their positions thanks to active communities and long-term investor faith.
Institutional Interest and New Financial Products
The integration of cryptocurrencies within the global financial sector continues to deepen, as indicated by recent events:
- Major Banks Entering the ETF Market: Bank of New York Mellon and Morgan Stanley were among the first global banks to submit applications to the SEC for launching exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin and Solana). These moves enhance the legitimacy of the crypto industry and prompt competitors to develop similar products.
- Cryptocurrencies in Clients' Portfolios: Bank of America has officially permitted its financial advisors to include up to 4% of cryptocurrency assets in clients' investment portfolios. This action reflects the recognition of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class within traditional banking and wealth management.
- Corporate Reserves: Major public companies continue to increase their holdings in Bitcoin. For example, MicroStrategy, the largest corporate holder of BTC (approximately 687,000 BTC, over 60% of all corporate stocks), announced a record one-time purchase of 13,627 BTC within a week at the beginning of January. This activity among corporate investors underscores the enduring long-term confidence in Bitcoin's potential.
- Payment Systems and Stablecoins: Visa reported that spending via its cryptocurrency cards increased by 525% in 2025. Payment networks are expanding support for transactions in stablecoins across various blockchains, illustrating the growing integration of digital assets into the global payment infrastructure.
Cryptocurrency Regulation: A Global Overview
Active discussions regarding the legal status of cryptocurrencies and the establishment of uniform regulations for the market continue in many countries:
- Russia: Russian legislators are preparing a bill that will remove digital assets from the "special regulation" regime and equate them to standard financial instruments. The initiative aims to allow non-qualified investors to purchase cryptocurrency worth up to 300,000 rubles per month and officially recognize cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. This bill is expected to be a key issue in the spring parliamentary session.
- USA: In the United States, discussions regarding a comprehensive law regulating the crypto market are progressing slowly. The Senate has temporarily suspended hearings on the relevant bill, indicating the need for further refinement of regulatory measures. The delay in implementing clear rules introduces uncertainty for market participants; however, regulators continue to study the experiences of other countries.
- Other Regions: In the European Union, a comprehensive regulation MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is coming into force, establishing unified requirements for crypto assets and increasing industry transparency for institutional investors. Simultaneously, a number of Asian countries (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong) and Middle Eastern states are easing rules for crypto platforms and investors, aiming to attract fintech businesses. Collectively, these global shifts in regulation are creating a more favorable environment for the development of the crypto industry.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and most well-known cryptocurrency in the world, possessing the largest market capitalization. BTC is often seen by investors as "digital gold" – a means of value preservation and a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks. Bitcoin has a limited supply, which reinforces its scarcity; in recent years, it has gained broad recognition among both institutional and retail investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) – the second-largest cryptocurrency and the leading platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications (DeFi, NFTs, etc.). The Ethereum blockchain powers thousands of protocols, including DeFi exchanges, lending services, and gaming platforms. Continuous technical upgrades (transition to Proof-of-Stake, network scaling) and an active developer community make Ethereum a key driver of growth within the entire crypto industry.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the native token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. BNB is utilized for fee payments on the exchange, participation in token sales, and applications on the Binance Smart Chain blockchain. Thanks to its wide application within the Binance ecosystem and the mechanism of regular token burns, BNB maintains high demand and is among the most valuable crypto assets.
- Ripple (XRP) – the token of the Ripple payment network, designed for quick and inexpensive cross-border transfers. XRP allows financial institutions to exchange currencies worldwide instantly and is already integrated into products from several banks. Despite some regulatory disputes in the past, the Ripple ecosystem continues to expand, and XRP remains one of the largest and most liquid cryptocurrencies.
- Solana (SOL) – a high-speed blockchain capable of processing thousands of transactions per second at minimal fees. SOL has established itself as a popular platform for NFT marketplaces, decentralized finance, and gaming applications due to the scalability of its network. Investors are showing interest in Solana as one of the leading competitors to Ethereum in the smart contracts segment.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – a well-known "meme cryptocurrency," created as a joke, but gaining massive popularity. DOGE is actively used for micropayments and internet tipping, attracting attention thanks to support from prominent entrepreneurs and community enthusiasm. Although Dogecoin exhibits high volatility and lacks a fixed supply, it firmly maintains its position at the top due to its cult status and widespread adoption.
- Cardano (ADA) – a next-generation blockchain platform based on a Proof-of-Stake algorithm and a scientific approach to development. The Cardano project aims to ensure high scalability, security, and energy efficiency for decentralized applications. The ADA cryptocurrency attracts investors through its active development (gradual implementation of smart contracts, network upgrade Hydra) and a reputation as one of the most technologically advanced platforms.
- Polkadot (DOT) – a multi-chain protocol that allows different blockchains to unite into a single ecosystem. DOT facilitates the transfer of data and assets between unrelated networks through so-called "parachains," expanding interoperability options for various projects. The idea of interoperability embedded in Polkadot makes it one of the key projects in the development of Web3 and cross-chain solutions.
- Avalanche (AVAX) – a blockchain platform focused on high transaction speeds and architectural flexibility. Avalanche allows the creation of custom subnets and blockchains tailored for specific tasks, attracting DeFi projects and corporate users. The AVAX token is used for fee payments and network maintenance, with the platform competing with Ethereum and Solana due to its scalability and low latencies.
- Chainlink (LINK) – a decentralized network of oracles connecting blockchains with external data and events. LINK serves as a means of payment within the oracle ecosystem: through Chainlink, smart contracts can receive real-time data about prices, weather, sports results, and more. In early 2026, the first spot ETF was launched based on Chainlink – this fact has intensified investor interest in the coin, underscoring the importance of reliable oracles for the future of DeFi and traditional finance.
Macroeconomic Background
External macroeconomic conditions at the beginning of 2026 are exerting mixed influences on the cryptocurrency market. On one hand, major central banks are signaling a shift toward a more accommodating monetary policy. In December 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered the key interest rate for the first time in several years – this decision sparked a rally in stock markets. A loosening of monetary policy typically enhances the appeal of risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, as it lowers the cost of capital and encourages investors to seek higher yields.
However, there are also mitigating factors. By the end of 2025, gold reached a record price (~$4,300 per ounce) amid geopolitical tensions, signaling an outflow of some capital into "safe havens." Additionally, while interest rates have begun to decline, they remain relatively high compared to pre-crisis levels – this limits the influx of new funds into high-risk assets such as cryptocurrencies. Thus, some investors are increasing their share of digital assets in anticipation of further easing, while others maintain a conservative strategy, investing in defensive instruments.
Market Prospects
The start of 2026 instills cautious optimism among market participants. Many analysts believe that by the end of 2025, the crypto market underwent a phase of deep correction ("the bottom"), and a recovery period is likely ahead. Increasing institutional investments, the emergence of new financial products (including altcoin ETFs), and a looser monetary policy create prerequisites for further growth of digital assets.
If positive trends persist, Bitcoin and leading altcoins could eventually return to their historical peak values and even surpass them. Key levels that market participants are watching are around $100,000 for BTC and the $4,000–5,000 range for ETH. Experts assert that a confident breakthrough of these thresholds will pave the way for the next phase of the crypto market rally. Nonetheless, a rapid ascent does not come without risks: tightening geopolitical conditions, new waves of inflation, or unforeseen regulatory decisions could dampen investor enthusiasm and lead to increased volatility.
Overall, the industry enters 2026 with a more developed infrastructure and support from major players in the financial market. In the absence of serious upheavals, cryptocurrencies have a chance for a successful year. However, high volatility necessitates a measured approach: investors are advised to diversify their portfolios and focus on long-term fundamental factors while maintaining discipline and vigilance in the dynamic world of digital assets.
