Global Cryptocurrency Market 12 January 2026 — Bitcoin around $92,000, Ethereum and Top 10 Cryptocurrencies, Institutional Investments

Current Cryptocurrency News for Monday, 12 January 2026: Bitcoin Holds Around $92,000 as Ethereum and Major Altcoins Rise Amid Anticipation of US Inflation Data; Institutional Interest Remains Strong; Top 10 Popular Cryptocurrencies.

Market Overview

• The total cryptocurrency market capitalization is estimated at approximately $3.2 trillion, remaining close to weekend levels. Over the past 24 hours, the overall market volume has changed insignificantly, reflecting a phase of consolidation after recent fluctuations.
• Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $92,000, slightly above the psychologically significant level of $90,000. The market capitalisation of BTC is around $1.8 trillion, maintaining a dominance of approximately 58% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization.
• Ethereum (ETH) is holding in the range of $3,200–$3,300, showing moderate growth following Bitcoin. The market cap of ETH exceeds $380 billion (around 12% of the market), confirming its status as the second most significant cryptocurrency.
• Major altcoins are mostly showing slight price increases within the range of 1–3%. Coins such as Solana, XRP, Cardano, and others from the top 10 are trading close to the levels from the previous day, signalling a continued market stabilisation after a volatile first week of the year.

Bitcoin: Consolidation and Growth Boundaries

Bitcoin continues to consolidate near the ~$90–92K levels as the new week begins. Following a volatile start to the year, the first cryptocurrency is attempting to hold above $90,000: on 5 January, BTC temporarily rose to ~$94.8K (the local maximum in recent months), followed by a correction where, on 8 January, the price dipped below $90,000. Currently, Bitcoin has recovered a substantial portion of the drop and returned to ~$92,000, which is approximately 3–4% higher than the beginning of the year. The current rates remain approximately 25% below the all-time high (~$124,000, reached in August 2025), yet investors note BTC's resilience at the achieved heights.

Analysts point out that the $90–95K area for Bitcoin has become a new psychological resistance zone: sellers are actively taking profits during attempts to rise above these levels, while buyers support the price during pullbacks. Macroeconomic uncertainty (including upcoming inflation data) is restraining sharp movements, yet fundamental factors remain positive. Bitcoin is still viewed by many as "digital gold" and a safe-haven asset. Recent geopolitical events have increased interest in BTC as a safe haven: amid international tension, investors sought refuge in Bitcoin, while rumours of large BTC reserves held by certain states (and the possibility of their circulation being curtailed) have added bullish expectations to the market.

Ethereum Maintains Second Place

Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, is moving in line with the overall market dynamics. As of 12 January, Ethereum is trading around $3,250 per coin, having slightly strengthened in recent days. In the first half of January, ETH reached ~$3,300, marking a peak since last autumn. Over the week, Ethereum has gained around 5–6%, confidently maintaining its status as the largest altcoin. Although the current price is significantly lower than its all-time high (~$4,900 in November 2021), Ethereum demonstrates stability and attracts investors with its technological potential.

The market cap of Ethereum currently stands at about $380 billion (approximately 12% of total market capitalisation), further solidifying its second position in the industry. Interest in the smart contract platform remains high: the launch of the first spot ETFs on Ethereum in 2025 has provided institutional investors with convenient access to ETH, resulting in a record inflow of capital into related funds. Major players see Ethereum as the foundational infrastructure for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and other Web3 applications. The ongoing technical development of the network (protocol upgrades, layer two scaling solutions) combined with institutional support gives grounds to expect Ethereum to maintain strong positions and potential growth in its value in the medium term.

Altcoins: Mixed Dynamics

The altcoin market at the beginning of the week shows mixed dynamics. The total market capitalization of all alternative cryptocurrencies (excluding Bitcoin) holds around ~$1.35 trillion, which is below last summer's peak (~$1.7 trillion) but reflects persistent investor interest in digital assets outside of Bitcoin. Many leading altcoins experienced a correction in the autumn after a tumultuous rise in the first half of 2025 and are now attempting to find a new equilibrium.

Among the largest altcoins, Ripple (XRP) stands out. The token from the Ripple payment network is holding above $2.00, strengthening its position thanks to legal clarity regarding its status (Ripple's victory over the SEC in court in 2025) and the launch of the first ETFs on XRP. The market capitalisation of XRP is estimated at approximately $110 billion, which once again places it among the market leaders. Institutional investor interest in XRP has noticeably increased following the opportunities to invest in this asset through ETFs, supporting a long-term positive outlook.

Another significant player is Binance Coin (BNB), the native token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. Despite the regulatory challenges surrounding Binance last year, BNB is trading around $500 (with a market cap of about $80 billion) and remains in the top five cryptocurrencies. The current price is below its all-time high (~$750), yet the token shows resilience due to its broad range of use: BNB is actively used for paying exchange fees as well as in projects on the BNB Chain blockchain (in DeFi, gaming applications, etc.). This enables the token to maintain its demand even under regulatory pressure.

Platform tokens are also showing high activity. Solana (SOL) has surpassed the $150 mark again at the beginning of January for the first time since 2022. News about the launch of the first spot ETF on Solana in the US at the end of 2025 has sparked the growth of this cryptocurrency, stimulating investment inflow. The market capitalisation of Solana reached ~$60 billion, and the resurgence of projects within the Solana ecosystem (DeFi applications, NFT marketplaces, etc.) supports investor optimism regarding its prospects.

Cardano (ADA), another significant platform, is attracting analysts' attention with plans to launch an ETF based on it. At the end of last year, Grayscale submitted a request in the US to create an exchange fund linked to ADA, which triggered a spike in interest in the token. Currently, Cardano is trading around $0.70 (market capitalisation of approximately $23 billion) following a correction from recent highs. Although the key psychological barrier of $1.00 has not yet been breached, ADA remains one of the most promising platforms in terms of technological development, thanks to the research-oriented approach of the team and a vibrant community of advocates.

It is also noteworthy to highlight the segment of so-called meme cryptocurrencies. In the first week of January, there was a surge in demand for high-risk "meme coins" among retail traders. For instance, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu appreciated by 15–20% in the past 7 days, raising the total market capitalisation of niche meme tokens above $45 billion. This phenomenon indicates a continued appetite for risk in certain corners of the market, even amid an overall cautious sentiment. However, such rallies in low-liquidity assets are typically short-lived: by the end of the weekend, the growth of meme coins began to slow down. Experts warn that such volatile assets can just as quickly retreat, thus participants should approach them with caution.

Institutional Investments and ETF Launches

• High Engagement from Institutions: Large financial organisations continue to actively participate in the cryptocurrency market. In 2025, US regulators approved the first spot ETFs on Bitcoin and Ethereum, opening doors for investments from banks, hedge funds, and even pension funds. As of early 2026, institutional investors collectively hold record amounts of crypto assets, viewing them as a promising class for portfolio diversification.
• New ETFs and Applications: At the end of 2025, exchange funds for certain altcoins—primarily XRP and Solana—surfaced, marking an important milestone for the market. In early 2026, the range of crypto ETFs continues to expand: the financial giant Morgan Stanley has officially filed for the launch of spot funds for Bitcoin and Solana. This marks the first time one of Wall Street's largest banks has taken the initiative to launch a crypto fund, seen as a signal of growing trust in digital assets.
• Capital Inflows and Outflows: After the launch of new ETFs on Bitcoin and Ethereum at the beginning of the year, the funds attracted billions of dollars within the first days of trading. However, amidst price corrections in recent days, there was a short-term outflow of funds: during the period of 7–8 January, approximately $0.5 billion was withdrawn from American Bitcoin funds, while around $0.16 billion was withdrawn from Ethereum funds. Experts believe these outflows are linked to profit-taking following the rally at the end of 2025 and do not indicate a loss of trust. Overall, inflows over the past weeks still outpace outflows, and major players are maintaining their strategic positions.
• Traditional Companies Embracing Crypto: Beyond financial institutions, cryptocurrencies are increasingly being integrated into the corporate sector as well. For example, one of the largest banks in the US, Bank of America, began recommending its clients allocate up to 4% of their investment portfolios to Bitcoin in January, recognising its significance as an asset. Another noteworthy step comes from retail giant Walmart, which announced it will begin accepting cryptocurrency payments (BTC and ETH) through its OnePay Cash app. This decision theoretically allows Walmart's over 150 million customers to pay for goods and services with digital currencies, marking a significant step towards the mainstream acceptance of crypto assets.

Regulation and Global Trends

• Softening Positions in Major Economies: Worldwide, there is a continued effort to establish uniform regulations regarding cryptocurrencies. In the US, following judicial precedents in 2025 (e.g., the Ripple versus SEC case), calls for clear legislation in the sphere of digital assets have increased. Lawmakers and regulators are crafting new norms that will facilitate legal investment in crypto assets without the fear of status uncertainty. A discussion on federal legislation regarding stablecoins and digital values is anticipated in Congress in 2026, which may lay the groundwork for further industry growth.
• Europe Implements MiCA Regulations: In the European Union, the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulatory framework comes into effect, aimed at standardising the approach to cryptocurrencies across all EU countries. This enhances market transparency and requirements for crypto companies while offering institutional investors more confidence. The unified rules in Europe are expected to attract new crypto startups and investments to the region, as legal certainty becomes a competitive advantage.
• Asian Markets Opening Up: In Asia, there is ongoing momentum towards the cryptocurrency industry. Authorities in South Korea have announced plans to allow trading of spot Bitcoin ETFs on national exchanges in 2026 while simultaneously tightening requirements for stablecoins (mandating 100% backing of issued stablecoins with real assets). Financial hubs in the region, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, are introducing licensing for crypto exchanges and services, aiming to become hubs for global crypto investments. These actions indicate a trend: despite differences in approaches, major economies are increasingly integrating cryptocurrencies into their financial-legal systems.

Market Sentiments and Volatility

Following a rapid increase and subsequent decline in the second half of 2025, sentiments in the cryptocurrency market remain subdued. The "fear and greed" index for cryptocurrencies has been in the fear zone since mid-December: as of 8 January, it stood at 28 points out of 100, reflecting prevailing concerns among investors. An extended period of low index values is often viewed as a sign of market oversold conditions—previously, similar levels have often preceded upward reversals, as the most nervous participants have already exited their positions. However, the continued fear indicates that confidence after the recent downturn has not yet fully restored.

Volatility in the market remains elevated. Sharp price movements in the early days of January led to a wave of liquidations of margin positions. On 8 January, more than $450 million worth of positions were liquidated within 24 hours, with the majority of that amount occurring in long positions aimed at growth. The rapid drop in quotes forced around 120,000 traders to close positions at a loss. This episode served as a reminder of the risks for players using high leverage: overly optimistic bets on price increases can lead to the "squeeze" of long positions and exacerbation of price declines. The history of the crypto market has seen similar occurrences (e.g., in October 2025, one-day liquidations reached a record $19 billion), underscoring the need for caution.

Experts advise investors to maintain composure and manage risks diligently. Until new fundamental growth drivers emerge (such as an improvement in the macroeconomic situation or revolutionary technological breakthroughs), any spurts of optimism can quickly transition into profit-taking. The diversity of sentiments—from cautious fear overall to local bursts of excitement over individual tokens—indicates a transitional phase in the market. Many analysts believe that the current consolidation may continue in the coming weeks. Nevertheless, long-term investors remain optimistic: the fundamental growth factors within the industry (increased adoption of blockchain technologies, institutional interest, and improved regulation) are still present. In the absence of new shocks, the market is likely to gradually regain upward momentum in the second half of 2026. In any case, market participants are recommended to closely monitor economic data and news, as these will determine the trajectory of the cryptocurrency market in the near future.

Top 10 Cryptocurrencies

1. Bitcoin (BTC) — the first and largest cryptocurrency. BTC is trading around $92,000 after recent fluctuations, with a market capitalisation of approximately $1.8 trillion (≈58% of the total market). Bitcoin is perceived by investors as "digital gold" and a foundational asset for many investment strategies in the crypto industry.
2. Ethereum (ETH) — the leading altcoin and smart contract platform. The price of ETH holds around $3,300, which is significantly lower than historical highs, yet Ethereum confidently maintains its second position by capitalisation (~$390 billion, ≈12% of the market). Ethereum is the backbone of the DeFi and NFT ecosystems, continuing to attract developers and investors.
3. Tether (USDT) — the largest stablecoin pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. USDT is widely used by traders for transactions and holding capital between trades. Its capitalisation is around $170 billion; due to full reserve backing, the coin consistently holds its price at $1.00, acting as a "safe haven" in a volatile market.
4. Ripple (XRP) — the token of the Ripple payment network for cross-border payments. XRP is currently trading around $2.00, with a market capitalisation of approximately $110 billion. Legal clarity about XRP's status in the US after the 2025 court ruling and the launch of an ETF on this token have bolstered investor confidence. XRP has managed to reclaim its place among market leaders, remaining attractive for payments and asset tokenisation.
5. Binance Coin (BNB) — the coin of the largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance and the native token of the BNB Chain. The value of BNB is approximately $500 (capitalisation ~ $80 billion). Despite the regulatory complexities surrounding Binance, the token remains in the top five due to its extensive range of use: BNB is used for fee payments on the exchange, participating in token sales, and operating decentralised applications within the Binance ecosystem.
6. Solana (SOL) — a high-performance blockchain platform for decentralised applications (dApps). SOL is trading around $150 per coin (capitalisation ~ $60 billion), recovering significant value lost during the autumn of 2025. Interest in Solana is supported by the launch of the first ETF on this asset and the development of projects on its platform, which returns Solana to a position as one of the technological leaders.
7. USD Coin (USDC) — the second-largest stablecoin, backed by reserves in USD (issued by Circle). USDC reliably maintains a price of $1.00 thanks to regular audits of reserves, with a market capitalisation of approximately $60 billion. The coin is actively used by institutional investors and in DeFi protocols, providing transparency and trust in the stablecoin segment.
8. Cardano (ADA) — a blockchain platform with a research-oriented approach to development. ADA is currently priced around $0.70 (capitalisation ~ $23 billion) after a correction from recent highs. Cardano attracts attention with plans to launch an ETF based on its token and ongoing network development. The project's community believes in long-term growth, and the focus on scientific rigor sets ADA apart from competitors.
9. TRON (TRX) — a platform for smart contracts and decentralised entertainment, particularly popular in Asia. TRX is trading around $0.25 (capitalisation ~ $22 billion). TRON maintains its presence in the top 10 partly due to the widespread use of its network for issuing stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT circulates on the Tron blockchain) and an active base of Asian users.
10. Dogecoin (DOGE) — the most famous "meme cryptocurrency," created as a joke. DOGE is holding around $0.14 (capitalisation ~ $21 billion), supported by an active community and periodic celebrity attention. Although Dogecoin's volatility remains high, this coin still ranks among the top ten, demonstrating a remarkable resilience of investor interest in high-risk assets.