Cryptocurrency News for Monday, January 19, 2026: Bitcoin Approaches $100,000, Altcoin Rally, Crypto ETF Launch, Top 10 Cryptocurrency Review, and Key Trends in the Global Market for Investors.
The latest cryptocurrency news for Monday, January 19, 2026: the global market is showing growth as Bitcoin approaches the psychological threshold of $100,000. The altcoin rally is spurred by the launch of new ETFs, while we review 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 a volatile year-end. In recent days, the price of BTC has risen above $95,000, coming close to an important resistance level; as of the morning of January 19, Bitcoin is trading around $94,000, approximately 8% higher than at the beginning of the year. Despite the December 2025 downturn (when BTC pulled back from an all-time high of around $126,000 recorded in mid-2025), the current recovery signals the return of bullish sentiment in the market.
Analysts note that to confirm a new sustainable upward trend, Bitcoin must breach the psychologically significant barrier of $100,000 per coin. Nearby technical resistances are found in the range of approximately $98,000–$100,000, while key support zones are estimated between $90,000 and $92,000. Increased interest from institutional investors in BTC, coupled with signs of declining inflation, bolsters optimism around Bitcoin as an asset – it is increasingly regarded as "digital gold" amidst global economic uncertainty.
Ethereum: Price Growth and Network Upgrades
Following Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH) – the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization – is also experiencing growth. As of now, ETH is trading around $3,350, gaining about 10% since early January. Although the price of Ethereum remains below its all-time high of approximately $4,950 reached in August 2025, investor sentiment remains positive due to developments in the Ethereum network itself. In the first decade of January, developers successfully activated the "Fusaka" (BPO-2) upgrade, which increased the blockchain's throughput by enhancing the volume of data ("blobs") in each block. This technological improvement reduces fees and boosts scalability, making Ethereum more attractive for DeFi developers and users, which, in turn, supports the fundamental value of the ETH coin.
Altcoins: Chainlink and Other Growth Leaders
Among the altcoins at the beginning of 2026, Chainlink (LINK) stands out as it joins the ranks of the largest crypto assets. Its price saw a sharp increase (double-digit percentage growth) following the announcement of the launch of the world's first spot ETF based on Chainlink. The main drivers for LINK's rally include:
- Launch of the Chainlink ETF: On January 15, the first spot ETF tied to the Chainlink token (ticker CLNK) began trading on the NYSE Arca. This product allows investors to gain direct access to LINK without needing to personally hold tokens, significantly enhancing interest in the coin among institutional and retail players.
- Increased Adoption of Oracles: The decentralized oracles of the Chainlink network are in high demand; more blockchain projects and major companies are implementing Chainlink solutions to transmit external data (asset prices, events) into smart contracts. The expanding use of this technology bolsters confidence in the Chainlink ecosystem and its token.
- Investor Sentiment: LINK has attracted community attention as a promising altcoin for diversification. Following active discussions in the media and social networks after the ETF's launch, many investors see Chainlink as one of the favorites of the season. Additionally, a portion of LINK coins is currently staked or used in DeFi protocols, reducing the token's 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 is not limited to a single coin; several other altcoins have also continued to grow. Notably, Binance Coin (BNB) reached a new all-time high, surpassing $950, indicating sustained trust in the Binance ecosystem. Solana (SOL) has strengthened to levels of approximately $145–$150 amid a revival of its high-speed network and expectations of new altcoin ETFs. Other projects such as Tron (TRX), Cardano (ADA), and the meme token Dogecoin (DOGE) remain in the top ten. Their growth over the past few weeks has been more restrained; however, they hold their positions due to active community support and long-term investor confidence.
Institutional Interest and New Financial Products
The integration of cryptocurrencies into the global financial sector continues to deepen, evidenced by the following developments:
- Major Banks Entering the ETF Market: Bank of New York Mellon and Morgan Stanley are among the first global banks to file applications with the SEC to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin and Solana). These steps enhance the legitimacy of the crypto industry and prompt competitors to develop similar products.
- Cryptocurrencies in Client Portfolios: Bank of America has officially allowed its financial advisors to include crypto assets of up to 4% in clients' investment portfolios. This move reflects the recognition of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class in traditional wealth management.
- Corporate Reserves: Major public companies continue to increase their positions in Bitcoin. For example, MicroStrategy – the largest corporate holder of BTC (approximately 687,000 BTC, over 60% of all corporate holdings) – announced a record one-time purchase of 13,627 BTC in early January. Such activity by corporate investors underscores ongoing long-term confidence in Bitcoin's potential.
- Payment Systems and Stablecoins: Visa announced that spending volumes on its cryptocurrency cards increased by 525% in 2025. Payment networks are expanding support for transactions in stablecoins across various blockchains, indicating the growing integration of digital assets into the global payment infrastructure.
Cryptocurrency Regulation: A Global Overview
In many countries around the world, active discussions on the legal status of cryptocurrencies and the establishment of unified regulations for the market are ongoing:
- Russia: Russian lawmakers are preparing a bill that will take digital assets out of the "special regulation" regime and equate them with standard financial instruments. The initiative aims to allow non-qualified investors to acquire cryptocurrency worth up to 300,000 rubles per month, as well as to officially recognize cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. This bill is expected to be one of the key topics of the spring parliamentary session.
- USA: In the United States, discussions around a comprehensive regulation bill for the crypto market are progressing slowly. The Senate has temporarily halted hearings on the relevant bill, citing the need for further regulatory development. The delay in implementing clear rules creates uncertainty for market participants, but regulators continue to study the experiences of other countries.
- Other Regions: In the European Union, a comprehensive regulation known as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is coming into effect, establishing uniform requirements for crypto assets and enhancing industry transparency for institutional investors. Simultaneously, several Asian countries (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong) and Middle Eastern states are easing regulations for crypto platforms and investors, aiming to attract fintech businesses. Collectively, these global regulatory shifts create 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, boasting the largest market capitalization. BTC is often considered by investors as "digital gold" – a store of value and hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks. Bitcoin has a capped supply, which supports its scarcity, and in recent years, it has gained widespread recognition among institutional and retail investors.
- Ethereum (ETH) – the second-largest cryptocurrency and a leading platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications (DeFi, NFT, etc.). The Ethereum blockchain supports thousands of protocols, including DeFi exchanges, lending services, and gaming platforms. Continuous technical upgrades (the transition to Proof-of-Stake, network scaling) and an active developer community make Ethereum a key driver of growth for the entire crypto industry.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the native token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. BNB is used to pay fees on the exchange, participate in token sales, and applications on the Binance Smart Chain blockchain. Due to its wide application within the Binance ecosystem and the mechanism of regular token burns, BNB maintains high demand and ranks among the most valuable crypto assets.
- Ripple (XRP) – the token of the Ripple payment network, designed for quick and inexpensive cross-border transfers. XRP enables financial institutions to exchange currency globally in real-time and is already integrated into products of several banks. Despite some regulatory disputes in the past, the Ripple ecosystem is expanding, 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 keen on Solana as a leading competitor to Ethereum in the smart contract segment.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – a well-known "meme cryptocurrency," created as a joke but achieving massive popularity. DOGE is actively used for micropayments and internet tips, drawing attention through the support of prominent entrepreneurs and community enthusiasm. Although Dogecoin is characterized by high volatility and lacks a fixed supply, it remains firmly in the top rankings due to its cult status and widespread acceptance.
- Cardano (ADA) – a next-generation blockchain platform based on the Proof-of-Stake algorithm and a scientific approach to development. Cardano aims to provide high scalability, security, and energy efficiency for decentralized applications. The ADA cryptocurrency attracts investors due to its active development (gradual implementation of smart contracts, network update Hydra) and 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 ensures the transfer of data and assets between unrelated networks through so-called "parachains," expanding interoperability options for various projects. The interoperability concept embedded in Polkadot positions it as 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 flexible architecture. Avalanche allows the creation of custom subnets (subnets) and blockchains tailored to specific tasks, attracting DeFi projects and enterprise users. The AVAX token is used to pay fees and maintain network operations, while the platform competes with Ethereum and Solana by virtue of its scalability and low latency.
- Chainlink (LINK) – a decentralized oracle network that connects blockchains with external data and events. LINK serves as a medium of exchange within the oracles ecosystem: thanks to Chainlink, smart contracts can receive real-time data on prices, weather conditions, match results, and more. At the beginning of 2026, the first spot ETF based on Chainlink was launched – this fact has heightened investor interest in the coin, emphasizing the importance of reliable oracles for the future of DeFi and traditional finance.
Macroeconomic Background
The external macroeconomic conditions at the beginning of 2026 exert a mixed influence on the cryptocurrency market. On one hand, the largest central banks signal a shift towards a softer monetary policy. In December 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate for the first time in several years – this decision triggered a rally in stock markets. Easing monetary policy traditionally enhances the appeal of risky assets, including cryptocurrencies, as it makes capital cheaper and encourages investors to seek higher returns.
However, there are also constraining factors. By the end of 2025, gold reached a record price (around $4,300 per troy ounce) amid geopolitical tensions, indicating a capital outflow into "safe havens." Furthermore, 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. Therefore, some investors are already increasing their digital asset allocation in anticipation of further easing, while others continue to adopt a conservative strategy, investing in protective instruments.
Market Outlook
The start of 2026 inspires cautious optimism among market participants. Many analysts believe that the cryptocurrency market reached a phase of deep correction ("the bottom") at the end of 2025, and a recovery period is likely ahead. Growing institutional investments, the emergence of new financial products (including altcoin ETFs), and a softening monetary policy create a conducive environment for further digital asset growth.
If positive trends continue, Bitcoin and leading altcoins could eventually return to their historical peak values, and even surpass them. Key levels closely monitored by market participants include the area around $100,000 for BTC and the range of $4,000–$5,000 for ETH. Experts believe that a confident breach of these thresholds would pave the way for the next phase of the cryptocurrency rally. However, rapid upward movements do not preclude risks: tightening geopolitical scenarios, new waves of inflation, or unforeseen regulatory decisions could dampen investor enthusiasm and trigger increased volatility.
Overall, the industry enters 2026 with a more developed infrastructure and backing from major players in the financial market. In the absence of serious disruptions, cryptocurrencies stand a chance of having a successful year. However, high volatility necessitates a balanced 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.
