Current Cryptocurrency News for January 24, 2026: Bitcoin Around $90,000, Global Crypto Market Status, Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Dynamics, Key Trends, and Investor Expectations
For investors monitoring cryptocurrency news, the current market situation appears optimistic: the total market capitalization has surpassed $3 trillion, with Bitcoin trading around $90,000, closely approaching its historic high. Ethereum and several other leading altcoins are striving to recover from a recent correction. Below, we examine key trends and events in the crypto market as of the morning of Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Cryptocurrency Market Overview
Currently, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization exceeds $3 trillion, having increased by approximately 1% over the past 24 hours. Bitcoin (BTC) traded in a range of ~$88,000 to $90,000 over the past day and is now valued at around $89,000, representing a 0.9% decrease from yesterday morning's level. Ethereum (ETH) fluctuates around the $2,900 mark, having lost about 2.5% in the past day.
Among other major assets, a mixed trend is observed. Binance Coin (BNB) is trading around $890 (-0.3% for the day), Ripple (XRP) at $1.90 (-2.6%), and Solana (SOL) around $127 (-2.0%). Meanwhile, Tron (TRX) stands out with an increase of nearly 3% (to $0.31), becoming one of the few altcoins with a daily gain among the top 10. At the same time, stablecoins Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) maintain their peg to the dollar at $1, ensuring necessary liquidity in the market.
Bitcoin Near Historic High
In recent weeks, Bitcoin has surpassed previous records and is approaching the psychologically crucial mark of $100,000. While the flagship cryptocurrency consolidates around $89,000 to $90,000, traders assess the chances for a further breakout. Several analysts note that breaching the $100,000 level could pave the way for Bitcoin to enter a new growth stage, although short-term fluctuations due to profit-taking are not ruled out.
The influx of institutional capital, particularly following the launch of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs at the end of 2025, is contributing to BTC's growth, alongside expectations of a potential easing of the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Fundamental network metrics remain strong: the total computational power of miners (hashrate) has recently hit an all-time high, indicating the network's resilience and security. On-chain data suggests that long-term holders continue to accumulate BTC, demonstrating confidence in the cryptocurrency's future.
Ethereum and Other Market Leaders
Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, trades around $2,900. Following impressive growth in 2025, Ethereum has yet to reach its historical peak (approximately $4,800 in 2021); however, investors remain optimistic due to the growth of its ecosystem. With the network transitioning to a Proof-of-Stake mechanism, millions of ETH are locked in staking, providing holders with around 5% annual returns and reducing the supply of coins in the market. Ethereum continues to serve as the foundation for most DeFi applications and NFT platforms, sustaining high demand for ETH from developers and users.
Binance Coin (BNB), the fourth-largest asset (~$890), demonstrates relative stability. This token continues to play a key role in the Binance ecosystem—ranging from fee payments on the exchange to its use in Binance Smart Chain applications—supporting interest from traders and investors. XRP (~$1.90), ranked fifth by market cap, has strengthened its position following clarity on the token's legal status in 2025. Ripple's cryptocurrency benefits from increased use in international payments and remittances, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Solana (SOL) maintains its status among market leaders: the high-performance platform has rebounded to around $127, attracting projects due to fast and cost-effective transactions and rebuilding investor trust after previous trials.
Altcoins: Mixed Dynamics and Local Rallies
Despite the overall strengthening of the market, a widespread "altcoin season" has not been observed. The Altcoin Season Index indicates that most alternative coins have recently lagged behind Bitcoin in growth rates, with BTC's share of total market capitalization rising to approximately 60% (a multi-year high). Investors are exercising caution, preferring the most reliable assets among the leaders.
Nevertheless, certain altcoins are experiencing sharp price surges amid speculative demand. For example, a lesser-known token SENT has skyrocketed by over 100% in the past day, while several other mid-tier projects have shown gains in the range of several dozen percent. Such local rallies indicate that some market participants are still willing to take on higher risks in pursuit of quick profits.
Institutional and Corporate Interest in Cryptocurrencies
The crypto industry continues to attract major players from Wall Street and the corporate sector. In the U.S., the launch of the first spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs at the end of last year simplified access to digital assets for institutional investors. At the beginning of 2026, these funds recorded the largest outflow of assets in the last two months—部分 investors decided to realize profits following a strong price upswing. Nonetheless, overall interest from financial institutions remains high: the Nasdaq recently increased limits on options trading volumes for cryptocurrency ETFs.
Investment in crypto companies continues as well. For instance, the venture firm YZi Labs has invested in the preparation for the IPO of the custodial service BitGo—this move speaks to the confidence in the market infrastructure. Public corporations are also increasing their presence: the 25 largest corporate holders each now own at least 4,000 BTC, highlighting businesses' desire to diversify reserves with digital assets.
Regulation: Global Oversight Intensifies
The rapid growth of the cryptocurrency market compels regulators worldwide to enhance oversight of the industry. In 2026, several initiatives are being implemented to improve transparency and safety in digital finance.
- United States: Financial regulators SEC and CFTC announced a joint forum on cryptocurrency issues, signaling a desire for coordinated oversight and maintaining the U.S.'s leadership in the global financial system.
- Europe: A comprehensive MiCA regulation has come into force in the European Union, establishing uniform rules for crypto assets and companies in all EU countries.
- Asia: Regulators in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE are introducing a licensing regime for cryptocurrency exchanges and blockchain projects, aiming to attract innovations to their jurisdictions while simultaneously protecting investors.
The global trend is clear: governments are seeking to integrate cryptocurrencies into a legal framework. Increased scrutiny from regulators may enhance trust from major players in the market in the long run, although the introduction of new rules sometimes leads to short-term uncertainty.
Macroeconomics and Its Impact on the Crypto Market
The macroeconomic environment remains a crucial factor influencing cryptocurrency dynamics. Inflation in the U.S. and Europe has declined from peak levels seen in previous years, alleviating pressure on central banks to tighten monetary policy. The Federal Reserve signals the possibility of the first rate cuts in the second half of 2026, and markets are already pricing in these expectations into asset valuations. The prospect of a more dovish monetary policy encourages capital inflow into riskier instruments, including cryptocurrencies.
Stock indices have recently been trending positively, creating a favorable backdrop for digital assets. Additionally, discussions are underway globally regarding a revision of traditional currency relations: BRICS countries are enhancing the role of gold and national currencies in settlements, reducing dependence on the dollar. In this context, Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as "digital gold"—an alternative method of hedging and preserving capital amid a changing global economy.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
As of January 2026, the top ten largest and most popular cryptocurrencies include the following assets:
- Bitcoin (BTC) — ~$89,000. The first and largest cryptocurrency, "digital gold," dominates with a market share of about 60%.
- Ethereum (ETH) — ~$2,900. The leading smart contract platform, the foundation for DeFi and NFT ecosystems.
- Tether (USDT) — $1. The largest stablecoin pegged to the dollar, widely used for trading and transactions.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — ~$890. The token of the Binance ecosystem, used for fee payments and in applications on Binance Smart Chain.
- XRP (XRP) — ~$1.90. A cryptocurrency for cross-border payments from Ripple, aimed at banks and payment systems.
- USD Coin (USDC) — $1. The second-largest stablecoin issued by the Centre consortium (Coinbase, Circle).
- Solana (SOL) — ~$130. A high-speed blockchain for smart contracts, attracting projects with rapid and inexpensive transactions.
- TRON (TRX) — ~$0.31. A platform for dApps and stablecoin issuance, popular in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — ~$0.13. The most well-known meme coin, supported by enthusiasts and occasionally rising on media attention.
- Cardano (ADA) — ~$0.36. A blockchain platform with a scientific development approach, continuing to expand its decentralized application ecosystem.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the cryptocurrency market enters the weekend of January 24, 2026, exhibiting relative resilience and optimism. Investors are keenly watching whether Bitcoin can reach a new peak of $100,000, while accounting for macroeconomic signals and regulatory decisions in their assessment of further risks and opportunities. If favorable conditions persist—including low inflation, an influx of institutional money, and balanced regulation—digital assets may continue to rise. However, the high volatility characteristic of cryptocurrencies necessitates a measured investment approach and diversification.
