Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, January 29, 2026: Bitcoin Stabilizes Around $90,000, Altcoins Show Mixed Dynamics, Institutional Interest Grows, Overview of the Top 10 Cryptocurrencies, and Global Trends in the Crypto Market.
As of the morning of January 29, 2026, the global cryptocurrency market is demonstrating relative stability following recent volatility. The total market capitalization of digital assets hovers around $3.2 trillion, showing little change over the past day. The dynamics within the top 100 cryptocurrencies are mixed: some coins are continuing their recovery after mid-month corrections, while others remain under pressure. Investors are maintaining interest in crypto assets amid signals of easing monetary policy and a gradual improvement in the regulatory environment worldwide. The beginning of 2026 is marked by cautious optimism: despite recent price fluctuations, the industry is solidifying its position due to an influx of institutional capital and the expanding integration of blockchain technologies.
Macroeconomic Background and Market Reaction
External factors continue to influence the sentiment of the crypto market. This week, investor attention was fixated on the first Federal Reserve meeting of 2026. The Fed's decision to keep the key interest rate unchanged met market expectations and was viewed positively: uncertainty in monetary policy over the short term has decreased. This has alleviated pressure on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and Ethereum prices, which had been declining prior to the announcement, stabilized and began to show cautious growth. However, there remain factors that could hinder momentum: the global economy is still facing geopolitical uncertainty and signs of slowing growth, which may limit investor appetite for high-risk assets. Nevertheless, on the whole, the macroeconomic landscape at the start of the year appears more favorable for the crypto market than it did at the end of 2025, thanks to easing inflationary pressures and expectations of further central bank policy easing.
Bitcoin: Stability After Correction
Bitcoin (BTC) holds steady near the $90,000 mark, showing signs of stabilization following the volatile fluctuations of the past month. Earlier in January, the flagship cryptocurrency had risen above $95,000 and once again approached the psychologically significant $100,000 threshold, before experiencing a correction due to overall investor caution. The current recovery of Bitcoin is linked to improved sentiment following the Fed's decisions and a fresh influx of capital: large investors view the proximity of interest rates to their peak as a signal to resume purchases of risk assets. The market capitalization of BTC still exceeds $1.7 trillion, accounting for more than 55% of the total cryptocurrency market, reflecting Bitcoin's status as "digital gold" and a key indicator of the industry. Analysts note that for a confident return to a bullish trend, Bitcoin needs to breach the resistance area of $95,000 to $100,000. Should the macroeconomic background continue to improve and institutional interest remain strong, BTC may have a chance to retest historical highs, with immediate support levels remaining in the $85,000 to $88,000 range.
Ethereum: Network Activity Remains Strong
Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, trades above $3,000, also trying to establish stability after a recent decline. As of today, ETH fluctuates around $3,200, which is close to early-month levels. Over the past two weeks, Ethereum, like Bitcoin, has experienced a price drop of about 10% from local peaks, but investor interest remains high. Amid market stabilization, the activity on the Ethereum network continues to grow: transaction volumes and the total value locked in DeFi protocols remain at elevated levels. Ethereum developers are focusing on further upgrades aimed at scaling the network and reducing fees, boosting confidence in the platform's long-term potential. Additionally, there is an influx of capital into Ethereum-related investment products, with new exchange-traded funds targeting baskets of altcoins and ETH tokens entering the market, enhancing capital flow into the ecosystem. Overall, Ethereum is moving in tandem with Bitcoin, maintaining a market share of around 18%, with many market participants viewing current levels as attractive for long-term investments given the anticipation of future technological improvements.
Altcoins: Mixed Dynamics
The altcoin market at the end of January is demonstrating mixed results. Some major altcoins are following Bitcoin's lead, attempting to recover losses, while others continue to correct. Notably, Ripple (XRP) has strengthened: the token for the Ripple payment network has gained in price over the past few days, holding around $2.10. Investors are positively assessing XRP's resilience following the resolution of regulatory uncertainty last year, as well as the increasing adoption of Ripple's solution for cross-border payments by large financial companies. Chainlink (LINK) remains another focus in the market—earlier this month, this oracle cryptocurrency surged into the top ten by market capitalization due to double-digit growth triggered by the launch of the first spot ETF based on Chainlink. Currently, LINK is consolidating after its leap, trading just below the $50 mark, but maintaining substantial support from the community and developers who have integrated its oracles into many blockchain applications. Overall, leading altcoins are moving unevenly: Solana (SOL) is attempting to strengthen after a decline, aided by increased activity in applications on its blockchain, while some previously rapidly growing projects (such as meme cryptocurrencies) are facing profit-taking. Nevertheless, the overall share of altcoins in market capitalization remains around 45%, and periodic capital rotations between Bitcoin and altcoins continue in response to news flows and risk appetites.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – The first and largest cryptocurrency. BTC is trading around $90,000, confirming its role as "digital gold" and a key indicator of cryptocurrency market sentiment. Limited issuance and recognition from institutional investors support long-term demand for Bitcoin.
- Ethereum (ETH) – The second-largest digital asset and the leading platform for smart contracts. The price of ETH is approximately $3,200; Ethereum serves as the foundation for DeFi and NFT ecosystems. Continuous technical upgrades and high demand for network services strengthen Ethereum's market position.
- Tether (USDT) – The largest stablecoin pegged to the US dollar (1:1). USDT is widely used for trading and settlements, providing liquidity in the crypto market. Tether's capitalization exceeds $150 billion, and the coin consistently maintains a price of $1.00 due to reserve support.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – The proprietary token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance. BNB is used for fee payments on the platform and within applications on the BNB Chain. The coin is trading around $900, remaining near historical highs, with a market capitalization of approximately $140 billion.
- Ripple (XRP) – The token of the Ripple payment platform for cross-border transfers. XRP is holding around $2.10, with a market capitalization of approximately $110 billion. Recent legal clarity in the US and increasing adoption of Ripple's technology by banks have strengthened XRP's position in the top five cryptocurrencies.
- USD Coin (USDC) – The second-largest stablecoin backed by US dollar reserves (developed by Circle). USDC maintains a stable $1.00 price and has a market capitalization of around $60 billion. Due to its transparency and regulatory compliance, USDC is widely utilized by institutional investors and in the DeFi sector.
- Solana (SOL) – A high-performance blockchain platform for decentralized applications. SOL is trading around $140 per coin (market cap of ~ $55 billion), attempting to recover after a recent correction. Solana attracts developers with its network's scalability and low fees, competing with Ethereum in the smart contract space.
- Tron (TRX) – A blockchain platform known for active use in the entertainment sector and the issuance of stablecoins. TRX is priced around $0.30 (market cap ~ $27 billion) and retains its spot in the top ten thanks to its popularity in the Asian region and integration with content and finance applications.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – The most well-known meme cryptocurrency, which started as a joke. DOGE is trading around $0.14 (market cap ~ $20 billion) and is supported by community enthusiasm and periodic celebrity interest. Despite high volatility and a lack of capped issuance, Dogecoin continues to be used for micropayments and remains one of the most mentioned altcoins.
- Cardano (ADA) – A blockchain platform developed with a scientific approach. ADA is priced at around $0.40 (market cap ~ $14 billion) after substantial growth in preceding years and subsequent corrections. The Cardano project focuses on scalability and security for launching smart contracts; its active community and ongoing technical upgrades keep ADA among the most popular cryptocurrencies.
Institutional Investments and Crypto ETFs
The cryptocurrency market at the beginning of 2026 is receiving significant support from institutional investors. Capital inflow into specialized crypto products continues to grow: in January, total investments in cryptocurrency funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) exceeded last year's figures. There is particular interest in Bitcoin ETFs launched in the US in the fall of 2025: according to industry analysts, in the first weeks of January, inflows into spot Bitcoin funds reached a record $1.5 billion. Additionally, new ETFs focused on Ethereum and baskets of leading altcoins have entered the market, expanding opportunities for traditional financial players to invest in digital assets. At the same time, trading volumes on regulated futures markets are increasing: open interest in Bitcoin futures and options has risen by more than 10% since the beginning of the year, reflecting a renewed trading activity among investors.
Institutional interest is also manifesting through direct investments. Large public companies continue to augment their cryptocurrency reserves: this week, several corporations from the technology and finance sectors announced purchases of Bitcoin and Ethereum to diversify their treasury reserves. The persistence of players like MicroStrategy (whose BTC holdings exceed 700,000 BTC) serves as an indicator of long-term business confidence in cryptocurrency potential. Payment giants are also expanding their engagement with crypto assets: for instance, Visa and Mastercard report increases in transactions involving stablecoins and cryptocurrency cards, integrating blockchain solutions into their global payment infrastructure. All these trends indicate that digital assets are increasingly penetrating the traditional financial system and gaining recognition as a legitimate asset class for investments.
Regulation and Global Integration
The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is gradually improving, creating conditions for broader adoption of digital assets worldwide. In many jurisdictions, new rules intended to make the market more transparent and safe for investors have come into effect at the beginning of 2026, without stifling innovation. Below are some key changes and initiatives:
- European Union: As of January, the comprehensive Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation officially went into effect, introducing uniform requirements for crypto assets and the activities of crypto companies within the EU. New rules enhance market transparency and establish standards for investor protection, contributing to greater trust from institutional participants.
- United States: In the United States, work continues toward comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation. While final laws are yet to be adopted at the federal level, regulators (SEC, CFTC, etc.) are actively discussing approaches to overseeing the industry. Early in 2026, Congress renewed hearings on stablecoin regulation and the classification of digital tokens, raising hopes for clearer rules in the near future.
- Asia: Countries in the Asia-Pacific region are accelerating the integration of cryptocurrencies into the financial sector. Hong Kong and Singapore have instituted licensing regimes for crypto exchanges and platforms, attracting blockchain companies from around the world to these financial hubs. In Japan, regulators are easing restrictions for banks wishing to offer crypto services, while South Korea is discussing tax relief for investors in digital assets.
- Middle East: Gulf states are striving to become hubs for the crypto industry. The United Arab Emirates is implementing progressive regulatory norms to attract major crypto exchanges to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while Saudi Arabia is investing in blockchain startups as part of its economic diversification strategy. These moves are bolstering the region's position as one of the centers for global crypto business.
In addition to legislative initiatives, technological integration is also increasing: central banks in many countries are continuing experiments with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and exploring the potential use of blockchain to enhance the efficiency of financial services. In the traditional financial sector, significant adoption of distributed ledger technologies is underway: major exchanges and banks are testing the tokenization of stocks and bonds, implementing blockchain to speed up settlements and reduce costs. All these trends indicate a gradual embedding of cryptocurrencies and related technologies within the global economy while concurrently increasing oversight and trust from regulatory bodies.
Market Outlook
Despite the fluctuations experienced in recent months, the overall outlook for the cryptocurrency market remains moderately optimistic. Experts note that the correction at the end of 2025 laid the groundwork for healthier future growth: the excess hype has been alleviated, allowing participants with long-term plans to enter the market. In the short term, the dynamics of crypto assets will depend on external factors—particularly the unfolding macroeconomic situation and geopolitical events. A reduction in tension in global markets and the continuation of stimulative policies may rekindle investor appetite for risk, serving as a driver for a new phase of digital asset rallies.
At the same time, the strengthening of institutional infrastructure and the clarification of the rules of the game create a more robust foundation for the industry than in previous years. The emergence of regulated investment products, the growing trust from corporations, and the integration of blockchain solutions across various sectors of the economy signify the maturation of the crypto market. In 2026, the market is likely to maintain volatility in response to global events, but each cycle contributes to the industry's maturity: investors gain experience, technologies improve, and digital currencies become increasingly integrated into the global financial system. For investors, this signifies the need to remain vigilant while recognizing that fundamental trends—such as the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies and the advancement of innovations—continue to work in favor of the long-term growth of the industry.
