Crypto prices opened January 2026 with confidence, then briefly took a step back as Bitcoin price cooled. Several altcoin charts flashed red at the time of writing. That pause has raised questions, yet a new video from Altcoin Buzz frames the move as a minor retracement rather than a trend reversal.
According to the Altcoin Buzz analyst, the broader setup still points to strength. The market has already absorbed early January selling pressure, and the data underneath price action continues to improve. From Bitcoin to Solana and XRP, the rally may not be finished just yet.
January opened with green across most major charts. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and Cardano all posted weekly gains before the current pullback appeared. The Altcoin Buzz analyst highlights that more than $250 billion flowed back into the total crypto market since the start of the year, even after the last 24 to 36 hours of correction.
BTC price remains higher on a weekly basis. Ethereum has gained around 6.5% over the same period. XRP stands out, holding gains of more than 18% despite the recent dip. This type of pullback, according to the analysis, fits a normal pause after fast upside rather than a loss of momentum.
What you'll learn 👉
Bitcoin Benefits As Tax Selling Pressure Fades In January
One reason highlighted in the Altcoin Buzz video is seasonality. December often weighs on crypto due to tax loss harvesting by individuals and institutions. Selling into year-end tends to suppress Bitcoin price and altcoin performance.
January usually brings relief. Once that forced selling disappears, buyers step back in. The analyst points out that this pattern repeats almost every year. The current BTC price recovery aligns closely with that historical behavior, which helps explain why the rally resumed quickly after the calendar flipped.
Bitcoin Spot ETF Inflows Signal Institutional Interest Is Returning
Another major factor comes from spot Bitcoin ETFs. Early January data shows hundreds of millions of dollars flowing into these products, including some of the largest inflow days seen in months.
The Altcoin Buzz analyst views this as a sign that institutions have not lost interest in Bitcoin. They appear to be reallocating at what they see as favorable levels. Institutional demand tends to move slower, but when it returns, it often supports sustained BTC price trends rather than short-lived spikes.
Beyond flows, adoption narratives are re-emerging. One example discussed in the video is Walmart reportedly enabling Bitcoin payments. The analyst notes that few holders may rush to spend BTC at checkout, yet the symbolic value matters.
This type of integration gives Bitcoin access to an enormous customer base and continues the normalization process. Adoption at this scale reinforces Bitcoin’s role beyond speculation and supports long-term Bitcoin price credibility in a way charts alone cannot.
Bitcoin And Altcoin Markets Respond Early To Liquidity Expectations
Macro conditions form another layer of the argument. Global debt remains high, and markets are increasingly pricing in easier monetary conditions ahead. Historically, risk assets move early when liquidity expectations shift.
Crypto often reacts before traditional markets. The Altcoin Buzz analyst emphasizes that Bitcoin and altcoin price action frequently reflects these changes ahead of policy moves. That dynamic helps explain why BTC price and altcoin charts began trending upward before clear confirmation from central banks.
Bitcoin Price Structure Suggests A Relief Rally Was Due
Timing also matters. The Bitcoin chart from early October through early January shows a sharp and consistent decline from prior highs. According to the analyst, markets rarely move straight down for extended periods without relief.
Relief rallies are normal. They tend to appear when selling becomes stretched and sentiment resets. The current bounce fits that pattern. Whether it evolves into something larger depends on how Bitcoin price behaves near key levels around $95,000 and $100,000.
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Bitcoin And Altcoins Gain Tailwinds From Shifting Global Conditions
The final factor discussed ties into global geopolitics and energy markets. Changes involving Venezuela could theoretically lead to cheaper oil, easing inflation pressures and giving central banks more room to cut rates.
The Altcoin Buzz analyst frames this as part of a broader disinflation narrative. Lower inflation expectations often support risk assets, including Bitcoin and altcoin markets. Combined with fading tax selling, ETF inflows, and renewed adoption stories, the setup for early 2026 appears constructive.
Crypto may be taking a breath right now, yet the broader signals suggest the market is awake again. Bitcoin remains the focal point, with altcoin strength following closely behind. How BTC price behaves at major resistance levels will likely shape the next chapter, making the coming weeks worth watching closely.
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