Cryptocurrency News for Monday, 19 January 2026: Bitcoin Approaching $100,000, Altcoin Rally, Launch of Crypto-ETFs, Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Overview, and Key Global Market Trends for Investors.
Current cryptocurrency news for Monday, 19 January 2026: the global market is showing growth as Bitcoin nears the psychological threshold of $100,000. The rally in altcoins is driven by the launch of new ETFs, alongside a review of 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 end to the previous year. In recent days, the price of BTC has risen to levels above $95,000, closely approaching this important milestone; as of the morning of 19 January, Bitcoin is trading around $94,000, approximately 8% higher than the beginning of the year. Despite a decline in December 2025 (when BTC pulled back from its all-time high of around $126,000, reached in mid-2025), the current recovery signals a return of bullish sentiment to the market.
Analysts note that for a new stable upward trend in Bitcoin's price to be confirmed, it must overcome the psychologically significant barrier of $100,000 per coin. The nearest technical resistances are located around the $98–100 thousand mark, while key support levels are evaluated in the $90–92 thousand range. Increased interest from institutional investors in BTC, along with signs of declining inflation, enhances optimism surrounding Bitcoin as an asset – it is increasingly referred to as "digital gold" amidst global economic uncertainty.
Ethereum: Price Growth and Network Upgrades
Following Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH) – the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation – is also on the rise. Currently, ETH is trading around $3,350, having increased by approximately 10% since early January. Although the price of Ethereum is still below its all-time high (~$4,950, reached in August 2025), investor sentiment remains positive due to developments within the Ethereum network. In the first week of January, developers successfully activated the "Fusaka" upgrade (BPO-2), which enhanced the blockchain's throughput by increasing the size of data ("blobs") in each block. This technological improvement, by reducing fees and enhancing scalability, boosts Ethereum's attractiveness for DeFi developers and users, thereby supporting 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 entered the ranks of the largest crypto-assets. Its price soared sharply (with a double-digit percentage increase) following the announcement of the world's first spot ETF based on Chainlink. The main drivers of LINK's rally are:
- Launch of the Chainlink ETF: On 15 January, the first spot ETF linked to Chainlink's token (ticker CLNK) began trading on the NYSE Arca. This product allows investors direct access to LINK without the need to hold tokens themselves, significantly boosting interest in the coin from both institutional and retail investors.
- Increased Use of Oracles: Decentralised oracles of the Chainlink network are experiencing heightened demand, as an increasing number of blockchain projects and large companies are implementing Chainlink solutions to transmit external data (asset prices, events) into smart contracts. The expanded usage of this technology strengthens trust in the Chainlink ecosystem and its token.
- Investor Sentiment: LINK has captured the attention of the community as a promising altcoin for diversification. Amid active discussions in media and social networks following the ETF launch, many investors regard Chainlink as a top contender for the season. Additionally, a portion of LINK coins is currently staked or engaged in DeFi protocols, which reduces the token's supply on exchanges and supports its price.
As a result, Chainlink has shown one of the best performances among major cryptocurrencies in the new year. The rally was not limited to a single coin – several other altcoins also continued to rise. For instance, Binance Coin (BNB) reached an all-time high, breaking above $950, reflecting sustained confidence in the Binance ecosystem. Solana (SOL) strengthened to levels around $145–150 amid a revival of its high-speed network and expectations of new ETF launches for altcoins. Other projects in the top ten remain, such as Tron (TRX), Cardano (ADA), and the meme token Dogecoin (DOGE) – their growth in recent weeks has been more subdued; however, they maintain their positions thanks to an active community and long-term investor faith.
Institutional Interest and New Financial Products
The integration of cryptocurrencies into the global financial sector continues to deepen, as 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 submit applications to the SEC for launching exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin and Solana). These steps enhance the legitimacy of the crypto industry and encourage competitors to develop similar products.
- Integration of Cryptocurrencies into Client Portfolios: Bank of America has officially allowed its financial advisers to include crypto assets up to 4% in client investment portfolios. This move reflects the recognition of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class in traditional capital management banking.
- Corporate Reserves: Large 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 hoards), announced a record single purchase of 13,627 BTC in one week at the beginning of January. Such activity from corporate investors underscores enduring long-term confidence in Bitcoin's potential.
- Payment Systems and Stablecoins: Visa reported that spending on its cryptocurrency cards increased by 525% in 2025. Payment networks are expanding support for transactions in stablecoins across various blockchains, indicating a growing integration of digital assets into the global payment infrastructure.
Cryptocurrency Regulation: A Global Overview
In many countries around the world, active discussions are taking place regarding the legal status of cryptocurrencies and the formulation of uniform rules for the market:
- Russia: Russian lawmakers are preparing a bill that would lift digital assets out of the "special regulation" regime and equate them with standard financial instruments. The initiative proposes allowing non-qualified investors to purchase cryptocurrency for amounts up to 300,000 rubles per month, as well as officially recognising cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. This bill is expected to be a key issue in the parliament's spring session.
- USA: In the United States, discussions of comprehensive legislation for regulating the crypto market are progressing slowly. The Senate has temporarily postponed hearings on the respective bill, citing the need for further refinement of regulatory measures. The delay in implementing clear rules creates uncertainty for market participants; however, regulators continue to explore the experiences of other countries.
- Other Regions: In the European Union, the comprehensive regulation MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is set to come into effect, establishing uniform requirements for crypto assets and increasing industry transparency for institutional investors. At the same time, 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 are creating a more favourable environment for the growth of the crypto industry.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and most well-known cryptocurrency in the world, with the largest market capitalisation. BTC is often viewed by investors as "digital gold" – a store of value and hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks. Bitcoin has a limited supply, reinforcing its scarcity, and has gained broad recognition among both institutional and retail investors in recent years.
- Ethereum (ETH) – the second largest cryptocurrency and a leading platform for smart contracts and decentralised applications (DeFi, NFTs, etc.). The Ethereum blockchain powers thousands of protocols, including DeFi exchanges, lending services, and gaming platforms. Constant technical upgrades (transition to Proof-of-Stake, network scaling) and an active developer community make Ethereum a key driver of growth throughout the crypto industry.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the native token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. BNB is used for paying fees on the exchange itself, participating in token sales, and applications built on the Binance Smart Chain. With widespread use within the Binance ecosystem and a regular coin burn mechanism, BNB maintains high demand and ranks among the most valuable crypto assets.
- Ripple (XRP) – the token of the Ripple payment network, designed for fast and inexpensive cross-border transactions. XRP enables financial institutions to instantly exchange currencies worldwide and is already integrated into products of several banks. Despite past regulatory disputes, the Ripple ecosystem continues to expand, 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, decentralised finance, and gaming applications due to its network scalability. Investors are showing interest in Solana as one of the main competitors to Ethereum in the smart contract segment.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – a famous "meme cryptocurrency" created as a joke, yet has gained massive popularity. DOGE is actively used for micropayments and internet tipping, attracting attention thanks to support from well-known entrepreneurs and community enthusiasm. Although Dogecoin features high volatility and lacks fixed supply, it firmly holds its place in the top rankings thanks 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. The Cardano project aims to provide high scalability, security, and energy efficiency for decentralised applications. The ADA cryptocurrency attracts investors due to its active development (gradual implementation of smart contracts, the Hydra network upgrade) and reputation as one of the most technologically advanced platforms.
- Polkadot (DOT) – a multi-chain protocol allowing different blockchains to integrate into a single ecosystem. DOT facilitates the transfer of data and assets between unconnected networks through so-called "parachains," expanding compatibility opportunities for various projects. The interoperability concept underlying Polkadot makes it one of the key projects in the development of Web3 and cross-chain solutions.
- Avalanche (AVAX) – a blockchain platform focusing on high transaction speed and architectural flexibility. Avalanche allows the creation of tailored subnets and blockchains, attracting DeFi projects and corporate users. The AVAX token is used for fee payments and network support, and the platform competes with Ethereum and Solana due to its scalability and low latency.
- Chainlink (LINK) – a decentralised oracle network that connects blockchains with external data and events. LINK serves as a means of payment within the oracle ecosystem: with Chainlink, smart contracts can receive real-time data on prices, weather, match results, and more. In early 2026, the first spot ETF was launched based on Chainlink – this fact heightened investor interest in the coin, underscoring the importance of reliable oracles for the future of DeFi and traditional finance.
Macroeconomic Background
External macroeconomic conditions at the beginning of 2026 are exerting a mixed influence on the cryptocurrency market. On the one hand, major central banks are signalling a shift towards a more accommodative monetary policy. In December 2025, the US Federal Reserve lowered the key interest rate for the first time in several years – this decision triggered a rally in stock markets. Loosening monetary policy traditionally increases the attractiveness of risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, as it cheapens capital and prompts investors to seek higher yields.
However, there are also factors that restrain growth. By the end of 2025, gold reached a record price (~$4,300 per troy ounce) amid geopolitical tensions, signaling a capital outflow into "safe havens." Additionally, 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 like cryptocurrencies. Thus, some investors are already increasing their allocation to digital assets in anticipation of further easing conditions, while others continue to adopt a conservative strategy, investing in protective instruments.
Market Prospects
The start of 2026 instills cautious optimism among market participants. Many analysts believe that at the end of 2025, the crypto market underwent a phase of deep correction ("bottom"), and a recovery period is likely ahead. Rising institutional investments, the emergence of new financial products (including altcoin ETFs), and a loosening monetary policy create a conducive environment for further growth of digital assets.
If positive trends persist, Bitcoin and leading altcoins could eventually return to and possibly exceed their historical peak values. Key levels to monitor for market participants are around $100,000 for BTC and the $4–5,000 range for ETH. Experts believe that a confident breakout above these thresholds would pave the way for the next phase of the crypto market rally. However, rapid growth does not eliminate risks: an escalation of geopolitical tensions, new waves of inflation, or unforeseen regulatory decisions could dampen investor enthusiasm and lead to increased volatility.
Overall, the industry enters 2026 with a more developed infrastructure and support from major players in the financial market. In the absence of significant upheavals, cryptocurrencies stand a chance of having a successful year. Nevertheless, high volatility necessitates a balanced approach: investors are advised to diversify their portfolios and focus on long-term fundamentals while maintaining discipline and vigilance in the dynamic world of digital assets.
