Cryptocurrency News January 19, 2026 – Bitcoin at $100,000, Altcoin Rally and ETFs

Cryptocurrency News for Monday, January 19, 2026: Bitcoin Approaches $100,000, Altcoin Rally, Launch of Crypto-ETFs, Top 10 Cryptocurrency Review, and Key Global Market Trends for Investors.

Current cryptocurrency news for Monday, January 19, 2026: the global market is experiencing growth as Bitcoin nears the psychological milestone of $100,000, bolstered by an altcoin rally fuelled by the launch of new ETFs, along with a review of the top 10 cryptocurrencies and key trends for investors worldwide.

Bitcoin: On the Road to New Highs

In the second half of January, Bitcoin (BTC) continues to show positive momentum after a volatile finish to last year. Over the past few days, BTC has risen to over $95,000, coming close to this significant level; as of the morning of January 19, Bitcoin is trading at around $94,000, roughly 8% higher than the beginning of the year. Despite the December 2025 decline (when BTC retreated from its all-time high of around $126,000, recorded in mid-2025), the current recovery signals a return of bullish sentiment to the market.

Analysts note that for a new sustainable upward trend to be confirmed, Bitcoin must surpass the psychologically significant barrier of $100,000 per coin. The nearest technical resistances are seen in the $98–100,000 region, while key support zones are estimated to be in the $90–92,000 range. Increased interest from institutional investors in BTC, along with signs of declining inflation, supports the optimism surrounding Bitcoin as an asset – it is increasingly referred to as "digital gold" amid global economic uncertainty.

Ethereum: Price Growth and Network Upgrades

Following Bitcoin's lead, Ethereum (ETH) – the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation – is also on the rise. Currently, ETH is trading around $3,350, having gained approximately 10% since the start of January. Although Ethereum's price remains below its all-time high of approximately $4,950, achieved in August 2025, investor sentiment remains positive due to developments within the Ethereum network. In early January, developers successfully activated the "Fusaka" (BPO-2) upgrade, which increased the blockchain's throughput by raising the volume of data ("blobs") in each block. This technological improvement reduces fees and enhances scalability, making Ethereum more attractive to DeFi developers and users, which in turn supports the fundamental value of ETH.

Altcoins: Chainlink and Other Growth Leaders

Among altcoins at the beginning of 2026, Chainlink (LINK) stands out, having surged into the ranks of major crypto assets. Its price experienced a sharp jump (double-digit percentage growth) following news that the first-ever spot ETF based on Chainlink was launched. Key drivers of LINK’s rally include:

• Launch of the Chainlink ETF: On January 15, the NYSE Arca commenced trading of the first spot ETF linked to Chainlink tokens (ticker CLNK). This product allows investors to gain direct access to LINK without the need to store tokens themselves, significantly increasing interest in the coin from institutional and retail players.
• Growth in Oracle Usage: Decentralized oracles of the Chainlink network are in high demand – more blockchain projects and major corporations are implementing Chainlink solutions for transmitting external data (asset prices, events) into smart contracts. The expanding use of this technology strengthens trust in the Chainlink ecosystem and its token.
• Investor Sentiment: LINK has captured the community's attention as a promising altcoin for diversification. Following active media and social media discussions after the ETF launch, many investors view Chainlink as a favourite this season. Additionally, a portion of LINK tokens is currently staked or involved in DeFi protocols, shrinking the token supply on exchanges and supporting its price.

As a result, Chainlink has demonstrated one of the strongest performances among major cryptocurrencies in the new year. The rally isn't limited to just one coin – a number of other altcoins have also continued their upward trajectory. For instance, Binance Coin (BNB) reached an all-time high, exceeding $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 for the launch of new altcoin ETFs. The top ten also includes projects such as Tron (TRX), Cardano (ADA), and the meme token Dogecoin (DOGE) – their growth in recent weeks has been more subdued, but they maintain their positions thanks to active communities and long-term investor faith.

Institutional Interest and New Financial Products

The integration of cryptocurrencies into the global financial sector continues to deepen, evidenced by the following developments:

• Entry of Major Banks into the ETF Market: Bank of New York Mellon and Morgan Stanley are among the first global banks to file applications with the SEC to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin and Solana). These moves bolster the legitimacy of the crypto industry and push competitors to develop similar products.
• Cryptocurrencies in Client Portfolios: Bank of America has officially allowed its financial advisors to include up to 4% of crypto assets in clients' investment portfolios. This step reflects the recognition of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class in the traditional capital management banking sphere.
• Corporate Reserves: Major public companies continue to build their positions in Bitcoin. For example, MicroStrategy – the largest corporate holder of BTC (approximately 687,000 BTC, over 60% of all corporate reserves) – announced a record one-time purchase of 13,627 BTC in early January. Such corporate investor activity underscores the sustained long-term confidence in Bitcoin's potential.
• Payment Systems and Stablecoins: Visa reported that spending on its cryptocurrency cards surged by 525% in 2025. Payment networks are expanding support for transactions in stablecoins across various blockchains, indicating an increased integration of digital assets into the global payment infrastructure.

Cryptocurrency Regulation: A Global Overview

Active discussions continue in many countries regarding the legal status of cryptocurrencies and the establishment of uniform market rules:

• Russia: Russian legislators are preparing a draft bill to remove digital assets from "special regulation" status and equate them with standard financial instruments. The initiative seeks to allow non-qualified investors to purchase cryptocurrencies worth up to 300,000 rubles per month and to officially recognize cryptocurrencies as means of payment. This bill is expected to be one of the key issues in the spring parliamentary session.
• USA: In the United States, discussions regarding a comprehensive law for regulating the crypto market are progressing slowly. The Senate has temporarily paused hearings on the relevant bill, indicating the need for further regulatory measures. The delay in implementing clear rules creates uncertainty for market participants; however, regulators continue to study the experiences of other countries.
• Other Regions: In the European Union, the comprehensive regulation MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is coming into force, establishing uniform requirements for crypto-assets and increasing industry transparency for institutional investors. Simultaneously, a number of Asian countries (such as Singapore, Hong Kong) and Middle Eastern states are relaxing regulations for crypto platforms and investors, aiming to attract fintech businesses. Collectively, these global regulatory shifts create a more favorable environment for the development of the crypto industry.

Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies

1. Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and most well-known cryptocurrency in the world, with the largest market capitalization. BTC is often seen by investors as "digital gold" – a store of value and a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks. Bitcoin has a capped supply, reinforcing its scarcity, and in recent years has gained widespread recognition among institutional and retail investors.
2. Ethereum (ETH) – the second-largest cryptocurrency and leading platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications (DeFi, NFTs, etc.). The Ethereum blockchain powers thousands of protocols, including DeFi exchanges, lending services, and gaming platforms. Continuous technical updates (transition to Proof-of-Stake, scaling of the network) and an active developer community make Ethereum a key driver of growth for the entire crypto industry.
3. Binance Coin (BNB) – the native token of the largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance. BNB is used for paying fees on the exchange, participating in token sales, and applications on the Binance Smart Chain blockchain. Thanks to its wide application within the Binance ecosystem and the mechanism of regular coin burns, BNB maintains high demand and ranks among the most valuable crypto assets.
4. Ripple (XRP) – the token of the Ripple payment network, designed for fast and inexpensive cross-border transfers. XRP allows financial institutions to instantly exchange currency worldwide and is already integrated into the products of several banks. Despite some regulatory disputes in the past, the Ripple ecosystem is expanding, and XRP remains one of the largest and most liquid cryptocurrencies.
5. Solana (SOL) – a high-speed blockchain capable of processing thousands of transactions per second with minimal fees. SOL has established itself as a popular platform for NFT marketplaces, decentralized finance, and gaming applications due to the scalability of its network. Investors are interested in Solana as one of the main competitors to Ethereum in the smart contract segment.
6. Dogecoin (DOGE) – a well-known "meme cryptocurrency" created as a joke yet gaining immense popularity. DOGE is actively used for micropayments and internet tipping, attracting attention through the support of notable entrepreneurs and community enthusiasm. While Dogecoin is highly volatile and lacks a fixed supply of coins, it remains firmly in the top lists due to its cult status and widespread adoption.
7. Cardano (ADA) – a next-generation blockchain platform based on a Proof-of-Stake algorithm and a scientific approach to development. The Cardano project aims to ensure high scalability, security, and energy efficiency for decentralized applications. The ADA cryptocurrency attracts investors due to its active development (gradual introduction of smart contracts, the Hydra network upgrade) and its reputation as one of the most technologically advanced platforms.
8. Polkadot (DOT) – a multi-chain protocol that allows different blockchains to combine into a single ecosystem. DOT enables the transfer of data and assets between unrelated networks through so-called "parachains," expanding compatibility options for various projects. The interoperability concept underlying Polkadot makes it one of the key projects in the development of Web3 and cross-chain solutions.
9. Avalanche (AVAX) – a blockchain platform focused on high transaction speeds and flexible architecture. Avalanche enables the creation of custom subnets and blockchains tailored to specific tasks, attracting DeFi projects and corporate users. The AVAX token is used to pay fees and maintain network operations, competing with Ethereum and Solana due to its scalability and low latency.
10. Chainlink (LINK) – a decentralized oracle network connecting blockchains to external data and events. LINK serves as the payment medium within the oracle ecosystem: thanks to Chainlink, smart contracts can receive real-time data on prices, weather, match results, etc. At the beginning of 2026, the first spot ETF based on Chainlink was launched – this fact heightened investor interest in the token, underscoring the importance of reliable oracles for the future of DeFi and traditional finance.

Macroeconomic Background

The external macroeconomic conditions at the start of 2026 exert a mixed influence on the cryptocurrency market. On one hand, major central banks signal a shift toward 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. An easing of monetary policy traditionally increases the attractiveness of risky assets, including cryptocurrencies, by lowering capital costs and encouraging investors to seek higher yields.

However, there are also inhibiting factors. By the end of 2025, gold reached a record price (~$4,300 per troy ounce) amid geopolitical tensions, signalling an outflow of some capital into "safe havens." Additionally, while interest rates have begun to decline, they remain relatively high compared to pre-crisis levels – this limits the inflow of new funds into high-risk assets like cryptocurrencies. Thus, some investors are increasing their exposure to digital assets in anticipation of further easing, while others maintain a conservative strategy by investing in safe instruments.

Market Prospects

The start of 2026 instills cautious optimism among market participants. Many analysts believe that by the end of 2025, the crypto market underwent a deep correction phase ("the bottom"), and a recovery period is likely ahead. Increasing institutional investments, the emergence of new financial products (including ETFs on altcoins), and an easing monetary policy create prerequisites for further growth in digital assets.

If positive trends persist, then over time Bitcoin and leading altcoins are capable of returning to their historical peak values and ultimately exceeding them. Key levels for market participants to watch are around $100,000 for BTC and the $4,000–5,000 range for ETH. Experts believe that a confident breach of these thresholds will pave the way for the next phase of the cryptocurrency market rally. Nevertheless, rapid increases do not rule out risks: tightening geopolitical conditions, new waves of inflation, or unforeseen regulatory decisions could dampen investor enthusiasm and cause increased volatility.

Overall, the industry enters 2026 with more developed infrastructure and support from major players in the financial market. In the absence of significant upheavals, cryptocurrencies stand a chance for a successful year. However, high volatility necessitates a balanced approach: investors are advised to diversify their portfolios and focus on long-term fundamental factors while maintaining discipline and vigilance in the dynamic world of digital assets.