Cryptocurrency News for Monday, January 26, 2026: Bitcoin Strengthens Above $90,000, Ethereum at $3,000, Altcoins Mixed as Investors Await Signals from the Fed
As of the morning of January 26, 2026, the global cryptocurrency market is showing moderate strengthening after a volatile trading week. Bitcoin (BTC) has strengthened above the $90,000 mark, remaining close to previously achieved historical peaks. Ethereum (ETH) is holding near $3,000, while many leading altcoins are demonstrating mixed dynamics: some assets are gradually reclaiming recent losses, while others stagnate. The total market capitalization of the cryptocurrency market has again exceeded $3 trillion. Investors remain cautiously optimistic, considering macroeconomic signals and industry news when assessing future prospects.
Cryptocurrency Market Overview
Currently, the total market capitalization of the crypto market exceeds $3 trillion, having increased by about 1% in the last 24 hours. Bitcoin traded within a range of approximately $89,000 to $92,000 over the past day and is currently valued at around $91,500, which is 1% higher than the level observed yesterday morning. Ethereum fluctuates around $3,050, gaining approximately 1.5% over the day. Among other major assets, BNB is around $910 (+1%), XRP is approximately $2.00 (+2%), SOL is around $132 (+1.5%), and TRX is approximately $0.33 (+1%). Stablecoins USDT and USDC continue to hold near $1, providing the necessary liquidity to the market.
Bitcoin Holds Above Key Level
The flagship cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has recently set new records, approaching the psychologically important mark of $100,000. Currently, BTC is consolidating above $90,000, and market participants are assessing the chances for a further breakout. Analysts note that a confident break above the $100,000 level could open the way for Bitcoin to enter a new growth phase, although short-term fluctuations are possible due to profit-taking by some investors.
Support for the BTC price is provided by the inflow of institutional capital following the launch of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs at the end of 2025, as well as expectations of a loosening of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. Fundamental indicators for the network remain strong: the total computing power of miners (hashrate) has recently set a historical maximum, indicating the resilience and security of the blockchain. On-chain data reflects that long-term holders continue to accumulate coins, demonstrating confidence in Bitcoin's long-term prospects.
Ethereum and Other Market Leaders
Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is trading around $3,050. Despite impressive growth in 2025, Ether has not yet returned to its historical peak (approximately $4,800 in 2021); however, investors remain optimistic due to the development of the Ethereum ecosystem. After the network's transition to a Proof-of-Stake mechanism, millions of ETH remain staked, providing holders with approximately 5% annual returns and reducing the supply of coins on the market. Ethereum continues to serve as the foundation for most DeFi applications and NFT platforms, maintaining high demand for ETH from developers and users.
Binance Coin (BNB), the fourth-largest digital asset (approximately $910), shows relative stability. The token continues to play a key role in the Binance ecosystem—from paying fees on the largest cryptocurrency exchange to being utilized in applications within the Binance Smart Chain—which supports interest in BNB from traders and investors. XRP (~$2.00), the fifth-largest by market capitalization, has strengthened its position after the legal status of the Ripple token was clarified in the U.S. in 2025. The XRP cryptocurrency benefits from increased usage of the Ripple network for international payments and transfers, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Solana (SOL) remains among the market leaders; the high-performance blockchain platform has recovered to approximately $132, attracting new projects due to fast and inexpensive transactions. Approximately 70% of SOL coins are currently involved in staking, reflecting community trust in the project and additionally reducing the available supply on the market.
Altcoins: Mixed Dynamics and Local Rallies
Although the overall market has strengthened, a widespread "altcoin season" has yet to be observed. Bitcoin’s market share has risen to approximately 60%—a peak over the past few years—as most alternative coins lag behind BTC in growth rates. Many investors are exercising caution and preferring the most reliable assets among market leaders.
At the same time, some altcoins are demonstrating sharp price spikes amid speculative demand. For example, several lesser-known tokens have surged by dozens or even hundreds of percent in a short time. Such local rallies indicate that some market participants remain willing to take on increased risk in pursuit of quick profits, despite the overall caution in the altcoin sector.
Institutional Interest and Integration into Finance
Even amidst recent volatility, interest from major investors and companies in digital assets remains historically high. The crypto industry is becoming increasingly integrated into the traditional financial system. Major players on Wall Street and corporations are using market corrections as opportunities to build their positions: for instance, one notable holding corporation recently increased its BTC reserves to the equivalent of approximately 3% of the entire Bitcoin supply. Such moves demonstrate the institutional business's confidence in cryptocurrency, even during price pullbacks. Additionally, funds focused on digital assets continue to attract capital—last week, inflows into crypto funds exceeded $2 billion, primarily into Bitcoin funds.
Concurrently, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are evolving. Major banks and exchanges are launching products for cryptocurrency investments—from spot ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum (several such funds are already operating in the U.S. with total assets amounting to tens of billions of dollars) to platforms for trading tokenized securities. Many central banks are exploring the possibilities of digital currencies: in China, the functionality of the state digital yuan (e-CNY) continues to expand, while G20 countries discuss the establishment of global principles for the regulation of stablecoins and crypto assets. All these trends confirm that despite short-term fluctuations, institutional and corporate interest in cryptocurrencies remains strong, laying the foundation for future market growth.
Regulation: Global Oversight Intensifies
- USA: American regulators are increasing scrutiny over the crypto industry. The SEC and CFTC recently held a joint forum on cryptocurrency issues, demonstrating their intention to coordinate regulation of the market. A bill called the Clarity Act is advancing in Congress, aimed at establishing clear rules for digital assets—from the activities of cryptocurrency exchanges to the handling of stablecoins—to enhance market transparency.
- Europe: In the European Union, a comprehensive regulation called MiCA has come into effect, setting uniform requirements for crypto assets and service providers in EU countries. The introduction of universal rules across the internal market simplifies the operations of crypto companies and provides a higher level of investor protection.
- Asia and Other Regions: Financial centers in Asia and the Middle East are also increasing oversight. Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE are implementing licensing for exchanges and projects, aiming to attract innovation to their jurisdictions while simultaneously protecting investors. Simultaneously, approaches to global regulation of cryptocurrencies are being discussed in international organizations (G20, IMF), which could establish unified standards for the industry.
The global trend is evident: governments are seeking to integrate the cryptocurrency market into the legal framework. Increased attention from regulators, on one hand, may temporarily create uncertainty, but in the long term, it can enhance the trust of major players and provide clearer conditions for industry development.
Macroeconomics and Its Impact on the Crypto Market
Macroeconomic factors continue to significantly influence the dynamics of cryptocurrencies. Inflation in the U.S. and Europe is slowing compared to the peaks of past years, easing pressure on central banks and reducing the likelihood of further tightening of monetary policy. The U.S. Federal Reserve signals the possibility of the first interest rate cuts in the second half of 2026, and the markets are already pricing in these expectations. The prospect of a more accommodating monetary policy favors inflows of capital into risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
Stock indices have recently shown positive dynamics, creating a favorable backdrop for digital assets. Improving macro conditions (declining inflation, rising stock markets) support investor interest in cryptocurrencies. As the upcoming Fed meeting at the end of January approaches, market participants remain cautious, awaiting signals from the regulator.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
As of January 26, 2026, the top ten largest and most popular cryptocurrencies by market capitalization include the following assets:
- Bitcoin (BTC) — ~$92,000. The first and largest cryptocurrency, often referred to as "digital gold," dominates the market (with a share of about 60% of the total capitalization).
- Ethereum (ETH) — ~$3,050. The leading smart contract platform serving as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems and NFTs.
- Tether (USDT) — $1.00. The largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar; widely used for trading and transactions, providing liquidity in the market.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — ~$910. The native token of the Binance ecosystem, used for fee payments and in applications on the Binance Smart Chain.
- XRP (XRP) — ~$2.00. The cryptocurrency for cross-border payments from Ripple, aimed at banks and payment systems worldwide.
- USD Coin (USDC) — $1.00. The second largest stablecoin, issued by the Centre consortium (Circle), fully backed by reserves in U.S. dollars.
- Solana (SOL) — ~$132. A high-speed blockchain for smart contracts; attracts projects with fast and cheap transactions.
- TRON (TRX) — ~$0.33. A platform for decentralized applications and stablecoins, especially popular in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — ~$0.13. The most well-known meme cryptocurrency; despite its humorous origins, it remains one of the largest coins due to community support and periodic media attention from celebrities.
- Cardano (ADA) — ~$0.37. A blockchain platform for smart contracts, developing in stages based on scientific principles; thanks to its consistent development and community support, Cardano remains among market leaders.
Thus, the cryptocurrency market begins the week of January 26, 2026, in a state of relative stability and moderate optimism. Investors are watching to see if Bitcoin can hold above the key level of $90,000 and make an attempt to breach the new peak of $100,000. At the same time, market participants are considering external factors—macroeconomic signals and regulatory steps—assessing further risks and opportunities. If favorable conditions persist (low inflation, inflow of institutional money, balanced regulation), digital assets could resume their growth in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, volatility remains high, making a measured approach to investments and portfolio diversification essential. This cautious style will allow investors to capitalize on the potential of the cryptocurrency market while maintaining control over risks.
