Latest Cryptocurrency News for Tuesday, January 13, 2026: Bitcoin, Altcoins, the DeFi Market and NFTs, Institutional Investments, and a Review of the Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies Worldwide.
Market Overview
- The total market capitalization of the global cryptocurrency market is estimated at approximately $3.2 trillion and remains close to weekend levels. The daily trading volume has not changed significantly, reflecting a consolidation phase following the volatility of the first week of the year.
- Bitcoin (BTC) is hovering around the $92,000 mark, slightly above the important psychological level of $90,000. Bitcoin's market capitalization stands at about $1.8 trillion, maintaining its dominance at around 58% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization.
- Ethereum (ETH) is trading between $3,200 and $3,300, demonstrating moderate growth following Bitcoin. The market cap of ETH exceeds $380 billion (approximately 12% of the market), confirming its status as the second most significant cryptocurrency.
- Major altcoins have mostly shown slight price changes ranging from +1% to +3% over the last 24 hours. Coins in the top 10, such as Solana, XRP, Cardano, and others, are trading close to the levels of the previous day. This signals a continued market stabilization following a turbulent start to the year.
Bitcoin: Consolidation After Growth
As the new week begins, Bitcoin continues to consolidate around the $90,000 to $92,000 range. After a volatile start to the year, the leading cryptocurrency is striving to hold above $90,000. On January 5, BTC climbed close to $95,000 (approximately $94,800, a local high over the past few months), but subsequently corrected, dipping briefly below $90,000 on January 8. Currently, Bitcoin has reclaimed most of the dip, returning to around $92,000, which is approximately 3-4% above early-year levels. Current quotes remain about a quarter below the historical peak (approximately $124,000, reached in mid-2025), yet investors note BTC's resilience at these heights.
Analysts point out that the $90,000 to $95,000 range has become a new psychologically significant zone for Bitcoin. Sellers actively take profits during attempts to rise above these levels, while buyers support the price during retreats below $90,000. Macroeconomic uncertainty (for example, the upcoming release of inflation data in the U.S.) is currently restraining sharp price movements; however, fundamental factors for BTC remain positive. Many still view Bitcoin as "digital gold" and a safeguard asset. Recent geopolitical tensions have intensified interest in BTC as a "safe haven": amidst international uncertainty, investors have sought refuge in Bitcoin. Additionally, there have been rumors about significant BTC reserves by certain countries (and the potential withdrawal of some coins from circulation), which adds bullish expectations to the market.
Ethereum Maintains Its Position as Number Two
Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is moving in line with overall market dynamics. As of January 13, Ether is trading around $3,250 per coin, having slightly strengthened over the past days. In the first half of January, ETH reached approximately $3,300 – its highest since last fall. On a weekly basis, Ether has gained about 5-6%, confidently maintaining its status as the largest altcoin. Although the current price is significantly below historical highs (approximately $5,000), Ethereum demonstrates stability and attracts investors with its technological potential.
Ethereum's market cap is currently about $380 billion (approximately 12% of the total market cap), securely holding ETH's second position in the industry. Interest in the smart contract platform remains high. In 2025, the first spot ETFs on Ether were launched, providing institutional investors with convenient access to ETH and leading to record capital inflows into related funds. Major players view Ethereum as fundamental infrastructure for an entire layer of industry—from decentralized finance (DeFi) to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other Web3 applications. Continuous technical advancements within the network (scheduled protocol upgrades, second-layer scaling solutions), along with institutional backing, suggest strong positioning for Ethereum and potential appreciation in value in the medium term.
Altcoins: Growth Leaders and Corrections
The altcoin market is showing mixed dynamics at the beginning of the week. The total market capitalization of all alternative cryptocurrencies (excluding Bitcoin) remains around ~$1.35 trillion. This is below the summer peaks of 2025 (~$1.7 trillion) but reflects sustained investor interest in digital assets beyond BTC. Many leading altcoins experienced significant corrections in the fall after a vigorous rally in the first half of 2025 and are now attempting to find a new equilibrium at higher levels.
Among the largest altcoins, Ripple (XRP) stands out. The token for the Ripple payment network confidently maintains its position above $2.00 after an impressive surge of approximately 25% in early January. Key drivers of XRP's growth include legal clarity regarding the token's status (Ripple's victory over the SEC in court in 2025) and the launch of the first exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for XRP. XRP's market capitalization is estimated at about $110 billion, placing it back among the market leaders. Institutional interest in XRP has notably increased due to the availability of investment opportunities in the asset through regulated funds, further bolstering the long-term positive sentiment among market participants.
Another notable 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 (market cap of approximately $80 billion) and remains in the top five cryptocurrencies. The current price is below the historical high (~$750), yet the coin displays resilience due to its wide range of use cases. BNB is actively used for transaction fees on the exchange, participation in token sales, and operating decentralized applications on the BNB Chain (in DeFi protocols, gaming, etc.). This utilitarian value allows the token to maintain its demand even under regulatory pressure.
The platform tokens of smart contracts are also exhibiting high activity. Solana (SOL) surpassed the $150 mark per coin in early January—its first time above this level since 2022. The news of the launch of the first spot ETF on Solana in the U.S. at the end of 2025 gave momentum to the growth of this cryptocurrency, stimulating investment inflows. Solana's market capitalization now stands at roughly ~$60 billion. The revival of the ecosystem of projects based on Solana—from DeFi applications to NFT marketplaces—supports optimism among investors regarding SOL's future prospects.
Cardano (ADA), another major platform, is attracting analysts' attention with plans to launch an ETF based on its token. At the end of last year, investment firm Grayscale filed a registration for an ADA-related ETF in the U.S.; this spurred a surge of interest in this cryptocurrency. Cardano is currently trading around $0.70 (market cap of approximately $23 billion) after retreating from recent local highs. The key psychological threshold of $1.00 has yet to be breached, but ADA remains one of the most promising platforms in terms of technological development. The project team adheres to a research-oriented approach, and its active community continues to believe in Cardano's long-term growth.
The segment of so-called meme cryptocurrencies is also noteworthy. During 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 approximately 15-20% over the past seven days, pushing the total capitalization of niche meme tokens above $45 billion. This phenomenon indicates a sustained appetite for risk in certain corners of the market, despite the overall cautious sentiment among investors. However, such rallies in low-liquidity assets usually tend to be short-lived. By the end of the previous weekend, the growth of meme coins began to slow. Experts warn that such highly volatile assets can just as quickly retract, so caution is advised for those participating in this segment.
DeFi and NFT: Industry Segments Development
The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector continues to grow and increasingly integrates with the traditional financial system. Major DeFi platforms are now comparable in volume to centralized exchanges; for example, the exchange Hyperliquid is gaining prominence, processing hundreds of billions in trading volumes and competing with giants like Binance in derivatives. More institutional and professional traders are getting involved in DeFi, though regulators are paying increased attention to this segment. In the coming years, legal clarity on matters such as KYC procedures and token holder rights is expected as DeFi becomes a more influential part of the financial market. Despite potential regulatory hurdles, the growth trajectory of decentralized finance remains upward; this sector has already “earned a seat at the table” of large capital and is poised to gain momentum.
Meanwhile, the non-fungible token (NFT) market is undergoing a maturity phase following explosive growth and subsequent cooling. The boom of 2021-2022 has given way to a more restrained period: many major brands that experimented with NFTs have revised their strategies and scaled back their activities in the digital collectibles space. Nevertheless, the NFT ecosystem continues to thrive and find new areas of application beyond art and collecting. Virtual items as NFTs are actively utilized in blockchain games and metaverses, loyalty and membership programs are being implemented based on NFTs, and cases are emerging for using tokens for digital identity and community management. While the mass hype surrounding NFTs has waned, active communities of collectors and enthusiasts persist, and a potential new surge in the crypto market could reignite interest in the most recognized NFT collections. Overall, the NFT segment is transitioning from hype to more practical and utility-based applications, indicative of its gradual maturation.
Institutional Investments and ETF Launches
- High Institutional Engagement: Major financial organizations continue to enhance their presence in the crypto market. In 2025, U.S. regulators approved the first spot ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum, opening the doors for investments from banks, hedge funds, and even pension funds. By early 2026, institutional investors collectively hold record amounts of crypto assets, viewing them as a promising asset class for portfolio diversification.
- New ETFs and Applications: In late 2025, exchange-traded funds for some altcoins—primarily for XRP and Solana—were launched, marking a significant milestone for the industry. In early 2026, the lineup of crypto ETFs continues to expand: financial giant Morgan Stanley has submitted an official application to the SEC for the launch of spot funds for Bitcoin and Solana. This is the first instance in which one of Wall Street's largest banks has directly initiated the launch of a crypto fund, signaling a growing confidence in digital assets.
- Capital Inflows and Outflows: Following the introduction of new ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum in early January, the respective funds attracted billions of dollars. However, against the backdrop of recent price corrections, some short-term outflows were recorded: on January 7-8 alone, a total of approximately $0.5 billion was withdrawn from U.S. Bitcoin funds, and about $0.16 billion from Ethereum funds. Experts estimate that these outflows are related to profit-taking following the rally at the end of 2025 and do not indicate a loss of investor confidence. Overall, capital inflows over the past weeks continue to outpace outflows, and major players are strategically not reducing their positions.
- Companies Accepting Cryptocurrencies: Beyond financial institutions, cryptocurrencies are increasingly penetrating the corporate sector. For instance, in January, Bank of America officially recommended for the first time that its clients allocate up to 4% of their investment portfolios to Bitcoin, effectively recognizing its significance as an asset. Additionally, retail giant Walmart recently announced the start of accepting cryptocurrency payments (BTC and ETH) through its OnePay Cash app. This move provides over 150 million Walmart customers the opportunity to pay for goods and services in digital currencies, marking an important step towards the mass adoption of crypto assets.
Regulation and Global Trends
- Easing Positions in Leading Economies: Across the globe, efforts are underway to establish unified rules governing cryptocurrencies. In the U.S., following crucial court precedents in 2025 (including the Ripple vs. SEC case), there have been increased calls for clear legislation in the area of digital assets. Lawmakers and regulators are formulating new standards that will allow for legal investment in crypto assets without concerns about the uncertainty of their status. In 2026, discussions are expected in the U.S. Congress regarding federal legislation on stablecoins and digital assets—which could lay the groundwork for further industry growth in the country.
- Europe Implements MiCA Regulations: In the European Union, a comprehensive regulatory framework known as MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is coming into effect, aiming to unify the approach to cryptocurrencies across all EU countries. The new rules enhance market transparency and establish uniform requirements for crypto companies while simultaneously providing institutional investors with greater confidence. It is expected that the unified rules in Europe will attract new crypto startups and capital to the region, as legal certainty becomes a competitive advantage.
- Asian Markets Opening Up: In Asia, there is ongoing active movement towards embracing the crypto industry. Authorities in South Korea have announced intentions to permit trading of spot Bitcoin ETFs on national exchanges as early as 2026, while simultaneously tightening requirements for stablecoins (mandating 100% reserve backing for issued stablecoins with real assets). Financial hubs in the region, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, are implementing licensing for crypto exchanges and crypto services, aiming to become hubs for global crypto investments. These steps indicate an overarching trend: despite differing approaches, the largest economies in the world are increasingly integrating cryptocurrencies into their financial and legal systems.
Market Sentiment and Outlook
Following a rapid rise in the first half of 2025 and a subsequent sharp decline in the autumn, sentiment in the cryptocurrency market at the beginning of 2026 remains cautious. The "Fear and Greed Index" for cryptocurrencies has been lingering in the fear zone since mid-December; as of January 8, it stood at around 28 points out of 100, reflecting prevailing investor unease. A prolonged stay at low index values is often seen as a sign of market overselling—historically, similar levels have frequently preceded upward reversals as the most anxious participants have exited their positions. However, the ongoing predominance of "fear" suggests that confidence following the recent crash has yet to fully recover.
Volatility in the cryptocurrency market remains elevated. Sharp price movements in early January led to a wave of margin position liquidations. On January 8 alone, over $450 million worth of positions were forcefully closed, with the majority of this amount stemming from long (buy) positions. The rapid drop in quotes forced around 120,000 traders to close their trades at a loss. This episode serves as a reminder of the risks for participants using high leverage: overly optimistic bets on continued growth can lead to the "squeeze" of long positions and exacerbate the scale of the downturn. Such occurrences have happened previously in the history of the crypto market (e.g., in October 2025, single-day liquidations reached a record $19 billion), underscoring the need for caution.
Experts advise investors to maintain composure and manage risks diligently. While no new fundamental growth drivers (such as a notable improvement in the macroeconomic situation or breakthrough technological updates) have emerged on the horizon, any surges in optimism may quickly shift to profit-taking. The varied sentiment in the market—from general cautious "fear" to local surges of enthusiasm for specific tokens—indicates a transitional phase. Many analysts believe that the current price consolidation may continue for a few more weeks.
Nevertheless, long-term investors remain optimistic: the fundamental factors driving the industry (growing adoption of blockchain technologies, institutional interest, and gradual regulatory improvements) are still in play. In the absence of new shocks, the market has a chance to slowly regain upward momentum in the second half of 2026. In any case, market participants are advised to closely monitor economic data and news as they will significantly influence the trajectory of the cryptocurrency market in the near future.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and largest cryptocurrency. BTC is trading around $92,000 after recent fluctuations, with its market capitalization approximately $1.8 trillion (≈58% of the entire market). Bitcoin is viewed by investors as "digital gold" and a core asset for many investment strategies in the crypto industry.
- Ethereum (ETH) – the leading altcoin and platform for smart contracts. ETH is priced around $3,300, which is significantly below its historical highs; however, it confidently holds second place by market cap (~$390 billion, ≈12% of the market). Ethereum serves as the foundation for the DeFi and NFT ecosystems, continuing to attract developers and investors.
- Tether (USDT) – the largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar at a 1:1 ratio. USDT is widely used by traders for transactions and capital storage between trades. Its market capitalization is about $170 billion; thanks to full reserve backing, the coin consistently holds its price at $1.00, acting as a sort of "safe haven" in a volatile market.
- Ripple (XRP) – the token for the Ripple payment network for cross-border transactions. XRP is currently trading around $2.00, with a market cap of approximately $110 billion. Legal clarity regarding XRP's status in the U.S. following the court ruling in 2025 and the launch of ETF for this token have bolstered investor confidence. XRP has successfully reclaimed its position among market leaders, remaining attractive for fast payments and the tokenization of various assets.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the coin of the largest exchange Binance and the native token of the BNB Chain network. BNB is priced at around $500 (market cap ~ $80 billion). Despite regulatory complexities surrounding Binance, the token remains in the top five due to its broad range of applications: BNB is used to pay transaction fees on the exchange, participate in token sales, and operate decentralized applications within the Binance ecosystem.
- Solana (SOL) – a high-performance blockchain platform for decentralized applications (dApps). SOL is trading around $150 per coin (market cap ~ $60 billion), having regained a significant part of its decline from fall 2025. Interest in Solana is supported by the launch of the first ETF on this asset and the revival of projects based on it, returning the platform to its position as one of the technology leaders in the industry.
- USD Coin (USDC) – the second-largest stablecoin backed by reserves in U.S. dollars (issued by Circle). USDC consistently maintains its price at $1.00 due to regular reserve audits, and its market cap is about $60 billion. The coin is actively used by both institutional investors and in DeFi protocols, offering transparency and a high level of trust in the stablecoin segment.
- Cardano (ADA) – a blockchain platform with a scientific research-oriented approach to development. ADA is currently priced at approximately $0.70 (market cap ~ $23 billion) following a correction from recent highs. Cardano attracts attention with its planned ETF launch based on its token and ongoing technical improvements within the network. The project community believes in ADA's long-term growth, and the focus on scientific rationality in decision-making notably distinguishes this platform from its competitors.
- TRON (TRX) – a platform for smart contracts and decentralized entertainment, particularly popular in Asia. TRX is trading around $0.25 (market cap ~ $22 billion). TRON remains in the top ten partly due to the extensive use of its network for issuing stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT circulates specifically on the Tron blockchain), as well as its active Asian user base.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – the most well-known "meme cryptocurrency," originally created as a joke. DOGE is holding steady at around $0.14 (market cap ~ $21 billion), supported by an active community and occasional celebrity attention. Although Dogecoin's volatility remains high, this coin still ranks among the top ten, demonstrating remarkable resilience in attracting investor interest in high-risk assets.
