Cryptocurrency News for Monday, January 26, 2026: Bitcoin Strengthens Above $90,000, Ethereum at $3,000, Altcoins Mixed, Investors Await Signals from the Fed
As of the morning of January 26, 2026, the global cryptocurrency market shows moderate strengthening following a volatile trading week. Bitcoin (BTC) has risen above the $90,000 mark, remaining close to previously reached historical highs. Ethereum (ETH) is maintaining around $3,000, while many leading altcoins exhibit mixed dynamics: some assets are gradually recovering recent losses, while others stagnate. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies has again surpassed $3 trillion. Investors remain cautiously optimistic, considering macroeconomic signals and industry news when evaluating future prospects.
Cryptocurrency Market Overview
The total capitalization of the crypto market now exceeds $3 trillion, gaining about 1% over the past day. Bitcoin has traded within the range of ~$89,000–92,000 over the past 24 hours and is currently valued at approximately $91,500, up 1% from yesterday morning. Ethereum hovers around $3,050, recovering about 1.5% in a day. Other major assets include: BNB around $910 (+1%), XRP ~ $2.0 (+2%), SOL ~ $132 (+1.5%), TRX ~ $0.33 (+1%). Stablecoins USDT and USDC continue to hold steady at $1, providing the market with necessary liquidity.
Bitcoin Holds Above Key Level
The flagship cryptocurrency Bitcoin has recently set new records and is nearing the psychologically significant level of $100,000. Currently, BTC is consolidating above $90,000, and market participants are assessing the chances for further upward momentum. Analysts note that a confident breakout above $100,000 could pave the way for a new phase of growth for Bitcoin, although short-term fluctuations due to profit-taking by some investors are not ruled out.
BTC is supported by an influx of institutional capital following the launch of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs at the end of 2025, as well as expectations of a easing of monetary policy from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The fundamental metrics of the network remain strong: the total hash rate has recently reached an all-time high, 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 strong growth in 2025, Ethereum has yet to return to its historical peak (around $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% annually and reducing the supply on the market. Ethereum continues to serve as the foundation for most DeFi applications and NFT platforms, supporting high demand for ETH from developers and users.
Binance Coin (BNB), the fourth-largest digital asset (~$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 Binance Smart Chain applications—supporting interest in BNB from traders and investors. XRP (~$2.00), ranking fifth in market capitalization, has strengthened its position after the legal status of Ripple's token was clarified in the U.S. in 2025. The XRP cryptocurrency benefits from the increasing use of the Ripple network for international payments and remittances, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Solana (SOL) remains among market leaders, rebounding to ~$132 and attracting new projects due to its fast and low-cost transactions. Approximately 70% of SOL coins are currently staked, reflecting community trust in the project and further reducing the available supply in the market.
Altcoins: Mixed Dynamics and Local Rallies
While the market has generally strengthened, there is currently no widespread "altcoin season" observed. Bitcoin's share of total capitalization has risen to ~60%—a multi-year high—as most alternative coins lag behind BTC in terms of growth. Many investors are cautious, preferring the most reliable assets among market leaders.
At the same time, individual altcoins are experiencing sharp price spikes due to speculative demand. For instance, a number of lesser-known tokens have increased by tens and even hundreds of percent in a short time. These local rallies indicate that some market participants are still willing to take on higher risk in pursuit of quick profits, despite the overall caution in the altcoin sector.
Institutional Interest and Integration into Finance
Despite recent volatility, the interest of major investors and companies in digital assets remains historically high. The crypto industry is becoming increasingly integrated into the traditional financial system. Major players from Wall Street and corporations are using market corrections as an opportunity to build positions: for instance, a well-known corporate holder recently increased its BTC reserves to approximately 3% of Bitcoin's total supply. Such actions demonstrate institutional confidence in cryptocurrency even during price pullbacks. Additionally, funds focused on digital assets continue to attract capital—last week, inflows to crypto funds totaled over $2 billion, mainly into Bitcoin funds.
Meanwhile, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are developing. Major banks and exchanges are launching investment products in cryptocurrencies—from spot ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum (several such funds with combined assets worth tens of billions of dollars are already operating in the U.S.) to platforms for trading tokenized securities. Many central banks are exploring the possibilities of digital currencies: China is continuing to expand the functionality of its digital yuan (e-CNY), while G20 countries are discussing the development of global principles for regulating stablecoins and crypto assets. All these trends affirm that despite short-term fluctuations, institutional and corporate interest in cryptocurrencies remains robust, laying the groundwork for future market growth.
Regulation: Global Oversight Intensifies
- USA: American regulators are ramping up control over the crypto industry. The SEC and CFTC recently held a joint forum on cryptocurrency issues, demonstrating their intention to coordinate market regulation. The Clarity Act, aimed at establishing clear rules for digital assets—from the activities of cryptocurrency exchanges to the functioning of stablecoins—to enhance market transparency is under consideration in Congress.
- Europe: The European Union has implemented the comprehensive MiCA regulation, which establishes uniform requirements for crypto assets and service providers within 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 enhancing oversight. Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE are introducing licensing for cryptocurrency exchanges and projects, aiming to attract innovation to their jurisdictions while simultaneously protecting investors. At the same time, international organizations (G20, IMF) are discussing approaches to global regulation of cryptocurrencies, which may create unified standards for the industry.
The global trend is evident: governments are seeking to integrate the cryptocurrency market into the legal framework. Increased regulatory attention may temporarily create uncertainty, but in the long run, it is likely to boost the confidence of major players and ensure more transparent 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 peak values of previous years, easing pressure on central banks and reducing the likelihood of further tightening of monetary policy. The U.S. Federal Reserve is signaling the possibility of the first rate cuts in the second half of 2026, and markets are already pricing in these expectations. The prospect of a more accommodative monetary policy is facilitating capital inflows into risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
Stock indices have recently demonstrated positive dynamics, creating a favorable backdrop for digital assets. Improvements in the macro environment (lower inflation, rising stock markets) are sustaining investor interest in cryptocurrencies. In the lead-up to the upcoming Fed meeting scheduled for the end of January, 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 are as follows:
- 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 total capitalization).
- Ethereum (ETH) — ~$3,050. The leading smart contract platform that underpins decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFT ecosystems.
- Tether (USDT) — $1.00. The largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar; widely used for trading and settlements, providing liquidity in the market.
- Binance Coin (BNB) — ~$910. The native token of the Binance ecosystem, used for paying fees and in applications on the Binance Smart Chain.
- XRP (XRP) — ~$2.00. A 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 due to fast and low-cost transactions.
- TRON (TRX) — ~$0.33. A platform for decentralized applications and the issuance of stablecoins, particularly popular in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) — ~$0.13. The most famous meme cryptocurrency; despite its humorous origins, it remains among the largest coins due to community support and periodic attention from media and celebrities.
- Cardano (ADA) — ~$0.37. A blockchain platform for smart contracts, developed gradually on a scientific basis; due to its consistent development and community support, Cardano remains among the market leaders.
Thus, the cryptocurrency market is commencing a new week on January 26, 2026, in a state of relative stability and moderate optimism. Investors are watching to see if Bitcoin can hold above the key $90,000 level and attempt to scale the new peak of $100,000. Meanwhile, market participants are considering external factors—macroeconomic signals and regulatory steps—when assessing future risks and opportunities. If favorable conditions persist (low inflation, inflow of institutional money, balanced regulation), digital assets may resume growth in the coming weeks.
At the same time, volatility remains high, making a measured approach to investment and portfolio diversification important. This cautious style will allow investors to capitalize on the potential of the cryptocurrency market while maintaining control over risks.
