Current Cryptocurrency News for Sunday, February 1, 2026: Dynamics of Bitcoin and Ethereum, Altcoin Market Situation, Top-10 Cryptocurrency Overview, Institutional Trends, and Global Factors Affecting the Crypto Market.
As of the morning of February 1, 2026, the cryptocurrency market shows signs of stabilization following heightened volatility at the end of January. Bitcoin's price, after experiencing a significant correction mid-week, has recovered to levels around $78,000. Major altcoins led by Ethereum are also regaining ground: Ether has returned above $2,800, while several other top assets have gained 5–10% from recent local lows. The total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies stands around $3.0 trillion, with Bitcoin's share holding steady near 59%. Investor sentiment remains moderately optimistic: despite macroeconomic risks, institutional players continue to increase their investments in cryptocurrencies, indicating trust in this asset class.
Bitcoin Rebounds After Correction
Bitcoin (BTC) shows attempts at stabilization following a recent slump: towards the end of January, the price of the first cryptocurrency fell below $80,000, nearing a critical support level, before buy signals were activated at lower levels. At the time of publication, BTC is trading in a range of approximately $78,600–79,000, confirming current market quotes below $80,000, reflecting pressure on the market from macroeconomic factors and investor sentiment. This current value is significantly lower than January's local highs of around $95,000 but remains substantially above levels at the start of last year when BTC traded considerably lower. Bitcoin's market capitalization approaches $1.6–1.7 trillion, with its share of the cryptocurrency market remaining dominant.
The primary reasons for the recent decline are both technical and fundamental. Increased macroeconomic uncertainty and expectations of tighter monetary policies in the US and Europe have contributed to the exit of some capital from risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. However, at price levels around $78,000–80,000, there has been lively demand from large holders and long-term investors who perceive price declines as an opportunity to increase positions. Many analysts note that these levels act as an important support zone, confirming the market's responsiveness to buying even amid external uncertainty and indicating potential for further consolidation or trend reversal.
Ethereum Holds Its Ground
The second-largest crypto asset, Ethereum (ETH), demonstrates relative resilience. At the peak of January's rally, Ether rose above $3,100, but then corrected following Bitcoin, temporarily dropping to $2,700. Currently, Ethereum trades around $2,800–2,900, demonstrating its ability to maintain key support levels. ETH's market capitalization is approximately $340 billion (~12% market share), and the network continues to attract high user activity, thanks to its leading role in smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), and NFTs.
Institutional interest in Ethereum remains high. In 2025, the first exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to Ether were launched in the US, making it easier for investors to access this asset. Additional support for the ETH market comes from fundamental factors: the total value locked (TVL) in Ethereum and staking volumes are near record highs, reflecting participants' trust in the long-term development of the ecosystem. Several analysts consider Ethereum undervalued: for instance, in a recent speech, Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee stated that Ether is "dramatically undervalued" and has the potential for multiple growth in the coming years. Ethereum remains firmly in the second position in the market, and the anticipated launch of new scaling technologies and protocol improvements in 2026 fuels investor interest.
Altcoins on the Rise
The broader altcoin market at the beginning of February shows positive dynamics following the recovery of the flagships. The prices of most cryptocurrencies from the top ten have increased by 3–6% over the past day, offsetting the dip of the previous week. The total market capitalization of altcoins (excluding BTC) is again over $1.2 trillion. Investors are gradually shifting their attention to alternative digital assets, anticipating a possible "altcoin season" in the second half of the year. The Altcoin Season Index rose to 55 points in January—the highest in several months—indirectly indicating the beginning of a new phase of intensified altcoin growth.
Major alternative coins are showing robust growth: for example, Solana (SOL) holds steady around $150, recovering from recent lows amid expanding its ecosystem and discussions around launching an ETF on Solana. Ripple (XRP) trades near $2.50, remaining one of the leaders of the year thanks to last year's legal victory by Ripple in its dispute with the SEC, which provided regulatory clarity for the token. Binance Coin (BNB) consolidates around $600; despite ongoing regulatory pressure on Binance, the coin remains in demand due to its key role in the exchange's ecosystem and Binance Smart Chain. Notable leaders in growth include payment and infrastructure tokens: for instance, Polygon (MATIC) has gained about 4% in a day amid positive news about network development, while Litecoin (LTC) strengthened by 3%, continuing its upward trend over the past weeks. Overall, the altcoin sector is moving upwards, though the growth rates remain more restrained compared to the bullish markets of past years.
Institutional Investments at Record Levels
A key market trend is the increased institutional participation. Recently, record volumes of cryptocurrency purchases by major players have been recorded. For instance, MicroStrategy, led by Michael Saylor, reported acquiring approximately $2.13 billion in Bitcoin during January, marking one of the largest single investments in BTC. This "Bitcoin shopping" from the public company confirms the growing appetite of businesses for crypto assets. Additionally, Intercontinental Exchange (the owner of the New York Stock Exchange) announced the development of a new platform for trading and settling tokenized securities—further blurring the line between traditional finance and the crypto industry.
In 2025, the first spot ETFs tied to Bitcoin were approved in the US, and by early 2026, several exchange-traded funds linked to BTC and ETH were already trading in the market. The influx of capital into these instruments continues to grow: according to industry analysts, the total assets under management of crypto ETFs globally have exceeded $60 billion. Asset managers, hedge funds, and even pension funds are increasing their allocation to cryptocurrencies, perceiving Bitcoin and Ethereum as "digital gold" and "digital oil" for diversification. The rise in institutional interest is providing the market with liquidity and reducing volatility, gradually bringing cryptocurrencies closer to the status of a widely recognized asset class.
Regulatory Developments and Global Adoption
The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is becoming more defined worldwide. In the US, the adoption of a comprehensive Crypto Market Structure Bill is expected soon, which aims to clarify the rules surrounding digital assets and enhance investor protection. In Europe, the MiCA regulatory framework is coming into force, establishing unified standards for the regulation of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins across all EU countries. These steps on both sides of the Atlantic are forming a solid legal foundation for the industry and reducing uncertainty for institutional investors.
Many countries that previously took a hard stance are reassessing their approach to cryptocurrencies. For example, reports indicate that Bolivian authorities, which have long banned crypto operations, are beginning to explore opportunities to integrate blockchain technologies into the national financial system. In Africa and Asia, the expansion of digital assets continues: Kenya is considering the implementation of a state digital currency, while partnerships with international crypto firms are being established in Pakistan to develop local blockchain infrastructure. Even traditionally conservative financial centers, such as the UK and Canada, are working on creating transparent licenses and requirements for crypto businesses. Global acceptance of cryptocurrencies is gradually increasing: the number of digital wallet users worldwide has surpassed 500 million, with more companies willing to accept Bitcoin and USDT as payment. The strengthening of regulation alongside growing adaptation signals the maturation of the industry and is a positive factor in the long term.
Market Sentiment and Volatility
Rapid price fluctuations in recent weeks have been accompanied by a surge in short-term volatility in the crypto market. The Fear and Greed Index, which reached the "greed" zone (above 70 out of 100) in early January, fell to a value of 30 ("fear") by the end of the month. This indicates a noticeable cooling of sentiment after the correction when some retail traders and speculators reduced risk positions. Nevertheless, market activity indicators remain healthy: the daily trading volumes of Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to hold at high levels, and the share of long positions on derivative platforms has started to rise again, indicating a return of confidence among certain participants.
Analysts note that the current correction is largely technical and temporary. After several months of a rally in 2025, the market is undergoing a phase of "profit digestion" and position reshuffling, which is a natural process. Volatility remains relatively lower than peak levels of past years, partly due to the increased share of institutional liquidity. Macroeconomic uncertainty (central bank rates, inflation) still impacts short-term price fluctuations, but many experts believe that in the event of slowing inflation and signals for easing monetary policy in the second half of 2026, demand for crypto assets could significantly strengthen. Overall, medium-term sentiment can be characterized as cautiously optimistic: market participants are closely monitoring external factors, but fundamental interest in cryptocurrencies remains high.
Forecasts and Expectations
Despite the recent turbulence, many analysts maintain an optimistic outlook for the prospects of the crypto market in 2026. Notable strategist Tom Lee (Fundstrat Global Advisors) believes that Bitcoin has not yet reached the peak of the current cycle: in early January, he predicted a new historical high for BTC by the end of the month. Although this bold forecast did not materialize in January, Lee continues to adhere to a bullish scenario and anticipates "a very strong second half of 2026" for cryptocurrencies following a period of volatile consolidation in the first half of the year. Several banks have also raised price targets: for instance, analysts at Standard Chartered indicated that under favorable conditions, Bitcoin could surpass $150,000 within the next 12–18 months. Other forecasts suggest Ethereum could reach new highs (some experts cite the range of $7,000–10,000 within two years), considering the effect of reduced ETH issuance and the expansion of its application areas.
Of course, expert opinions differ regarding growth rates. The conservative camp of analysts warns that increased regulation and potential global economic slowdown may limit the growth of cryptocurrencies in the short term. However, even they acknowledge that fundamental drivers—such as increased blockchain adoption, a growing user base, and limited Bitcoin supply—provide a solid foundation for the long-term appreciation of digital assets. Ultimately, the consensus is that the market is entering a more mature phase where volatility will somewhat decrease, and growth will be more gradual compared to previous cycles. Investors are advised to exercise caution in the short term while maintaining strategic optimism regarding the role of cryptocurrencies in the global economy.
Top-10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
As of the morning of February 1, 2026, the following digital assets rank among the top ten most popular cryptocurrencies by market capitalization:
- Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and largest cryptocurrency. BTC is trading around $78,000 after a recent period of volatility; its market capitalization stands at about $1.75 trillion (~60% of the entire market).
- Ethereum (ETH) – the leading altcoin and the primary platform for smart contracts. ETH's price holds at $2,800, which is below its historical peak but reflects stable demand; capitalization is around $340 billion (~12% of the market).
- Tether (USDT) – the largest stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. USDT is widely used for trading and settlements in the crypto market, with a market capitalization of around $150 billion; the coin consistently holds a price of $1.00.
- Ripple (XRP) – the token of the Ripple payment network for instant cross-border settlements. XRP trades near $2.50, with a market capitalization of ~ $130 billion. Legal clarity regarding XRP's status in the US after Ripple's court victory has helped strengthen the token among industry leaders.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the coin of the largest crypto exchange Binance and the native token of the BNB Chain. BNB is priced around $600 (capitalization of about $90 billion). Despite regulatory pressure surrounding Binance, the token remains in the top five due to its widespread use in the exchange ecosystem and DeFi services.
- Solana (SOL) – a high-performance blockchain platform for decentralized applications. SOL trades around $150 per coin (capitalization ~$70 billion), recovering a significant portion of its drop in 2022. Interest in Solana is supported by the growth in the number of projects on its network and expectations of ETF approvals for SOL.
- USD Coin (USDC) – the second largest stablecoin backed by dollar reserves from Circle. USDC's price consistently holds at $1.00, with a capitalization of around $60 billion. USDC is in demand among institutional investors and DeFi protocols due to high transparency of reserves.
- Cardano (ADA) – a blockchain platform focusing on a scientific approach to development. ADA trades around $0.80 (capitalization ~$28 billion) following recent price recovery. Cardano is attracting attention due to plans for an ETF launch on this asset and community activity believing in the project's long-term growth.
- TRON (TRX) – a platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications, particularly popular in Asia. TRX holds steady around $0.33; its market value is ~ $30 billion. TRON maintains its place in the top 10, supported by its use for issuing stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT circulates on the Tron blockchain).
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – the most well-known meme cryptocurrency, initially created as a joke. DOGE trades around $0.18 (capitalization ~$27 billion), backed by a dedicated community and intermittent attention from famous personalities. Despite high volatility, Dogecoin remains among the top ten largest coins, demonstrating remarkable resilience of investor interest.
The Cryptocurrency Market on the Morning of February 1, 2026
Major cryptocurrency prices:
- Bitcoin (BTC): $78,940
- Ethereum (ETH): $2,795
- Ripple (XRP): $2.48
- Binance Coin (BNB): $592
- Solana (SOL): $146
- Cardano (ADA): $0.81
Market indicators:
- Total cryptocurrency market capitalization: $2.95 trillion
- Bitcoin's share: 59.2%
- Fear and Greed Index: 30 (fear)
Top gainers over the past day:
- Increase: Polygon (MATIC) — +4.3%
- Decrease: Conflux (CFX) — -5.7%
Analysis: Bitcoin and Ethereum demonstrate relative stability near current levels, with the sentiment index in the moderate fear zone, reflecting caution among some investors after the recent dip. The local leader in growth, MATIC, indicates interest in Ethereum's scaling solutions amid positive technical updates for the project. At the same time, the decline in Conflux's price can be explained by profit-taking by traders or unfavorable news regarding the project. Overall, the market is in a consolidation phase: many large coins are holding their positions, while investors await new drivers, evaluating the balance of risks and growth potential over the coming weeks.
