Global Cryptocurrency Market January 12, 2026 - Bitcoin around $92,000, Ethereum and top 10 cryptocurrencies, institutional investments

Latest Cryptocurrency News for Monday, January 12, 2026: Bitcoin Holds Around $92,000, Ethereum and Major Altcoins Rise Amid Expectations of U.S. Inflation Data, Institutions Remain Interested, Top 10 Popular Cryptocurrencies.

Market Overview

• The total market capitalization of the cryptocurrency market is estimated at approximately $3.2 trillion, remaining close to weekend levels. Over the past day, the overall market volume has changed insignificantly, reflecting a consolidation phase after recent fluctuations.
• Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $92,000, slightly above the psychologically significant level of $90,000. The market capitalization of BTC is about $1.8 trillion, supporting a dominance of approximately 58% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization.
• Ethereum (ETH) is holding around $3,200–3,300, demonstrating moderate growth following Bitcoin. The capitalization of ETH exceeds $380 billion (about 12% of the market), confirming its status as the second most significant cryptocurrency.
• Most major altcoins are showing slight price increases in the range of 1–3%. Coins like Solana, XRP, Cardano, and others in the top-10 are trading close to the levels of the previous day, signaling ongoing market stabilization after a volatile start to the year.

Bitcoin: Consolidation and Growth Boundaries

Bitcoin is continuing to consolidate around ~$90–92k as the new week begins. After a volatile start to the year, the first cryptocurrency is trying to settle above $90,000: on January 5, BTC briefly rose to ~$94.8k (local maximum of recent months), and then a correction followed, during which the price fell below $90k on January 8. Currently, Bitcoin has recovered much of the dip and returned to ~$92,000, which is approximately 3–4% higher than the levels at the beginning of the year. Present prices remain about 25% below the historical peak (~$124k, reached in August 2025), however, investors note BTC's resilience at these heights.

Analysts point out that the $90–95k range for Bitcoin has become a new psychological resistance zone: sellers actively take profits when prices attempt to rise above these levels, while buyers support prices during pullbacks. Macroeconomic uncertainty (including upcoming inflation data) is holding back sharp movements, but fundamental factors remain positive. Bitcoin is still perceived by many as "digital gold" and a safe-haven asset. Recent geopolitical events have heightened interest in BTC as a safe haven: amid international tensions, investors have sought refuge in Bitcoin, and rumors of substantial BTC reserves by certain states (and the possibility of them being seized) have added bullish expectations to the market.

Ethereum Retains Second Place

Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is moving in line with overall market dynamics. On January 12, Ethereum is trading around $3,250 per coin, having strengthened slightly in recent days. In the first half of January, ETH reached ~$3,300, its highest level since last fall. On a weekly basis, Ethereum has gained around 5–6%, confidently maintaining its status as the largest altcoin. Although the current price is significantly below the historic record (~$4,900 in November 2021), Ethereum demonstrates stability and attracts investors with its technological potential.

The market capitalization of Ethereum currently stands at about $380 billion (around 12% of the total market capitalization), reaffirming 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 provided institutional investors with convenient access to ETH, resulting in a record influx of capital into related funds. Major players see Ethereum as a foundational infrastructure for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and other Web3 applications. Ongoing technical developments on the network (protocol updates, layer-two scaling solutions) combined with institutional support provide grounds for expecting Ethereum's strong positions and potential price growth in the mid-term outlook.

Altcoins: Diverging Dynamics

The altcoin market is displaying mixed dynamics at the beginning of the week. The total market capitalization of all alternative cryptocurrencies (excluding Bitcoin) remains around ~$1.35 trillion, which is below the peak values of last summer (~$1.7 trillion), but reflects sustained investor interest in digital assets outside of Bitcoin. Many leading altcoins, after a turbulent rise in the first half of 2025, experienced a correction in the fall and are now trying to find a new equilibrium.

Among the largest altcoins, Ripple (XRP) stands out. The token of the Ripple payment network is holding above $2.00, strengthening its position due to legal clarity regarding its status (victory of Ripple over the SEC in court in 2025) and the launch of the first ETFs on XRP. The market capitalization of XRP is estimated at around $110 billion, once again placing it among the top market leaders. Institutional interest in XRP has noticeably risen following the opportunity 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 regulatory challenges surrounding Binance last year, BNB is trading around $500 (capitalization of approximately $80 billion) and remains in the top 5 cryptocurrencies. Current prices are below the historical peak (~$750), but the coin demonstrates resilience thanks to its wide range of applications: BNB is actively used for paying exchange fees and in projects on the BNB Chain blockchain (in DeFi, gaming applications, etc.). This allows the token to maintain demand even under regulatory pressure.

The platform tokens are also showing high activity. Solana (SOL) has surpassed the $150 mark per coin at the beginning of January, the first time since 2022. News about the launch of the first spot ETF on Solana in the United States at the end of 2025 spurred the growth of this cryptocurrency, facilitating investment inflow. Solana's market capitalization reached ~$60 billion, and the revival of the Solana-based project ecosystem (DeFi applications, NFT marketplaces, etc.) supports investor optimism regarding its prospects.

Cardano (ADA), another major platform, attracts analysts' attention with plans to launch an ETF based on it. At the end of last year, Grayscale submitted an application in the U.S. to create an exchange-traded fund tied to ADA, prompting a surge in interest in the token. Currently, Cardano is trading around $0.70 (market capitalization of approximately $23 billion) after correcting from local highs. Although the key psychological level of $1.00 has not yet been breached, ADA remains one of the most promising platforms in terms of technological development, thanks to the scientific approach of its team and an active community of supporters.

It is also worth noting 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 have risen by 15–20% over the past 7 days, pushing the total market capitalization of niche meme tokens above $45 billion. This phenomenon indicates a continued appetite for risk in certain corners of the market, even amid a generally cautious sentiment. However, such rallies in low-liquidity assets typically have a short-term nature: by the end of the weekend, the growth of meme coins began to slow down. Experts warn that such volatile assets can also quickly correct, hence participation should be approached with particular caution.

Institutional Investments and ETF Launches

• High Engagement from Institutions: Major financial organizations continue to actively participate in the cryptocurrency market. In 2025, U.S. regulators approved the first spot ETFs on Bitcoin and Ethereum, opening the doors for investments from banks, hedge funds, and even pension funds. As of the beginning of 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-traded funds were launched for some altcoins — primarily XRP and Solana — marking an important milestone for the market. In early 2026, the range of crypto ETFs continues to expand: financial giant Morgan Stanley has officially applied to launch spot funds on Bitcoin and Solana. This is the first instance in which one of Wall Street's largest banks is directly taking the initiative to launch a crypto fund, seen as a signal of growing trust in digital assets.
• Capital Inflows and Outflows: Following the launch of new ETFs on Bitcoin and Ethereum at the start of the year, funds attracted billions of dollars in the first few days of trading. However, amid price correction in recent days, there has been a short-term outflow of funds: during the period of January 7-8, approximately $0.5 billion was withdrawn from U.S. Bitcoin funds, while around $0.16 billion was withdrawn from Ethereum funds. Experts believe that these outflows are related to profit-taking after the rally at the end of 2025 and do not indicate a loss of confidence. Overall, the inflow over recent weeks still exceeds outflows, and major players are strategically not reducing their positions.
• Traditional Companies Embracing Crypto: Besides financial institutions, cryptocurrencies are increasingly being integrated into the corporate sector. For example, one of the largest banks in the U.S., Bank of America, began recommending its clients include Bitcoin up to 4% in their investment portfolios in January, acknowledging its significance as an asset. Also notable is the step taken by retail giant Walmart, which announced the acceptance of cryptocurrency payments (BTC and ETH) via its OnePay Cash app. This decision theoretically allows over 150 million Walmart customers to transact with digital currencies for goods and services, marking an important milestone in the mass adoption of crypto assets.

Regulation and Global Trends

• Easing Positions in Major Economies: Globally, common regulations for cryptocurrency operations continue to be formulated. In the U.S., following court precedents in 2025 (such as the Ripple vs. SEC case), there have been increased calls for clear legislation in the digital assets sphere. Legislators and regulators are developing new norms that will allow for legal investment in crypto assets without fear of status uncertainty. A discussion of federal legislation on stablecoins and digital assets is expected in Congress in 2026, which could lay the foundation for further industry growth.
• Europe Implements MiCA Regulations: The regulatory framework MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is coming into force in the European Union, aimed at standardizing the approach to cryptocurrencies across all EU countries. This increases market transparency and requirements for crypto companies, while providing institutional investors with greater confidence. 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 movement towards embracing the crypto industry. For instance, the South Korean authorities have announced plans to allow trading of spot Bitcoin ETFs on national exchanges in 2026 while simultaneously tightening requirements for stablecoins (introducing mandatory 100% collateralization of issued stablecoins with real assets). Financial hubs in the region, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, are implementing licensing for crypto exchanges and services, aiming to become hubs for global crypto investments. These steps indicate a trend: despite differing approaches, major economies are increasingly integrating cryptocurrencies into their financial-legal systems.

Market Sentiment and Volatility

After a rapid growth 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 January 8, it was 28 points out of 100, reflecting prevailing investor apprehension. Prolonged periods of low index values are often viewed as a sign of market oversold conditions — earlier, similar levels frequently preceded upward reversals, as the most anxious participants have already exited their positions. Nevertheless, the prevailing fear suggests that confidence has not fully recovered after the recent downturn.

Volatility in the market remains high. Sharp price movements in early January led to a wave of liquidations of margin positions. On January 8 alone, positions worth over $450 million were liquidated, with the majority of this amount stemming from long positions targeted at growth. The rapid drop in prices forced around 120,000 traders to close their trades at a loss. This episode served as a reminder of the risks for participants using high leverage: overly optimistic bets on growth can lead to a "squeeze" of long positions and exacerbate price declines. The crypto market has witnessed similar instances in the past (for example, in October 2025 daily liquidations reached a record $19 billion), underscoring the need for caution.

Experts advise investors to maintain composure and manage risks carefully. Until fresh fundamental drivers for growth emerge (such as improved macroeconomic conditions or revolutionary technological breakthroughs), any bursts of optimism may swiftly be succeeded by profit-taking. The divergence of sentiments — from cautious fear overall to local surges of excitement about individual tokens — reflects a transitional phase of the market. Many analysts believe that the current consolidation may continue in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, long-term investors remain optimistic: fundamental factors driving industry development (growing acceptance of blockchain technologies, institutional interest, improvements in regulation) have not vanished. In the absence of new shocks, the market may gradually regain an upward momentum in the second half of 2026. In any case, market participants are advised to keep a close eye on economic data and news — these will determine the trajectory of the cryptocurrency market in the near future.

Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies

1. Bitcoin (BTC) — the first and largest cryptocurrency. BTC trades around $92,000 after recent fluctuations, with a market capitalization of approximately $1.8 trillion (≈58% of the entire 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. ETH's price hovers around $3,300, significantly below historic highs, yet it securely holds second place by capitalization (~$390 billion, ≈12% of the market). Ethereum serves as the foundation for the DeFi and NFT ecosystems, continuing to attract developers and investors.
3. Tether (USDT) — the largest stablecoin, pegged to the U.S. dollar 1:1. USDT is widely used by traders for settlements and holding capital between trades. Its capitalization is around $170 billion; due to its full reserve backing, the coin consistently maintains a price of $1.00, serving as a sort of "safe haven" in the 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 capitalization of approximately $110 billion. Legal clarity regarding XRP's status in the U.S. following the court ruling in 2025 and the launch of ETFs on this token have bolstered investor confidence. XRP has regained a position among the market leaders, remaining attractive for payments and asset tokenization.
5. Binance Coin (BNB) — the coin of the largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance and the native token of the BNB Chain network. The price of BNB is approximately $500 (capitalization of ~ $80 billion). Despite regulatory challenges surrounding Binance, the token remains in the top 5 due to its wide range of applications: BNB is used for fee payments on the exchange, participating in token sales, and operating decentralized applications in the Binance ecosystem.
6. Solana (SOL) — a high-performance blockchain platform for decentralized applications (dApps). SOL trades around $150 per coin (capitalization ~ $60 billion), having reclaimed a significant portion of the 2025 autumn decline. Interest in Solana is supported by the launch of the first ETF on this asset and the development of projects based on it, returning the platform to its position as a technological leader.
7. USD Coin (USDC) — the second-largest stablecoin, backed by reserves in U.S. dollars (issued by Circle). USDC consistently supports a price of $1.00 thanks to regular audits of its reserves, with a market capitalization of around $60 billion. The coin is actively used by institutional investors and in DeFi protocols, offering transparency and trust in the stablecoin segment.
8. Cardano (ADA) — a blockchain platform with a research-driven approach to development. ADA currently trades at approximately $0.70 (capitalization ~ $23 billion) after correcting from recent highs. Cardano attracts attention with the planned launch of an ETF based on its token and continuous development of its network. The project's community believes in long-term growth, and its focus on scientific justification of decisions distinguishes ADA among competitors.
9. TRON (TRX) — a platform for smart contracts and decentralized entertainment, particularly popular in Asia. TRX trades around $0.25 (capitalization ~ $22 billion). TRON maintains its presence in the top 10 partly due to the wide use of its network for issuing stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT is traded on the Tron blockchain), as well as through its active Asian user base.
10. Dogecoin (DOGE) — the most recognized “meme cryptocurrency,” created as a joke. DOGE is holding around $0.14 (capitalization ~ $21 billion), supported by an active community and occasional celebrity attention. Although Dogecoin remains highly volatile, this coin is still in the top ten, displaying a remarkable resilience of investor interest in high-risk assets.