Crypto Prices Kept Rising at the Start of 2026, With Bitcoin Leading: What Happened Next
On 4 January 2026 Bitcoin held above $91,000 and altcoins followed. The momentum lasted until mid-January: then Bitcoin fell to about $58,600 by July.
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Update 26 September 2026: The strong start to 2026 did not last. According to CoinGecko daily data, Bitcoin reached about $96,900 on 15 January, its 2026 high, without reaching $100,000. It then fell to about $58,600 on 1 July and trades at about $84,200 on 26 September 2026. The January report follows as a dated snapshot.
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What happened to crypto prices after January?
| Date | Bitcoin (CoinGecko, daily) |
|---|---|
| 4 January 2026 | about $90,600 |
| 15 January 2026 (2026 high) | about $96,900 |
| 1 July 2026 (2026 low) | about $58,600 |
| 26 September 2026 | about $84,200 |
The sell-off was triggered by US tariff threats against European countries over Greenland, covered in our report on the crypto crash of 20 January. How the ten biggest memecoins fared after the same start is shown in Top 10 memecoins of early January 2026, and current levels are in our Bitcoin price prediction.
The report from 4 January 2026
The $crypto market is starting 2026 on a strong footing. Prices across major assets are trending higher, supported by renewed momentum and improving sentiment. The total market capitalization continues to rise, reflecting broad-based participation rather than isolated pumps.
Bitcoin Price Today: Setting the Tone Above $91K
$Bitcoin remains the clear market driver. BTC is trading around $91,000 to $92,000, recovering steadily from late-2025 volatility. The daily chart shows Bitcoin holding above key support near $85,000, while pushing toward higher resistance levels.
As long as $BTC stays firm above this zone, it continues to act as a confidence anchor for the entire crypto market. Traders usually buy Bitcoin right at support areas, as shown in the chart below.
BTC/USD 1D - TradingView
Crypto Prices Follow With Solid Gains
Several large-cap altcoins are extending gains alongside Bitcoin:
- $Ethereum is holding above $3,100, posting strong weekly performance
- $XRP remains above $2, up double digits on a weekly basis
- $Solana trades near $135, continuing its recovery trend
- $Dogecoin stands out with sharp gains, reflecting strong risk appetite
This coordinated move suggests capital is rotating beyond Bitcoin into higher-beta assets.
Crypto Market Performance - coinmarketcap
Crypto Prediction 2026: What This Signals for Early 2026
The current price action points to a constructive start to the year:
- Bitcoin strength is providing stability
- Altcoins are responding with controlled upside
- Momentum indicators suggest buyers remain active
While short-term pullbacks are always possible, the broader structure remains supportive as long as Bitcoin holds key levels.
Will Crypto Prices Go Up in 2026?
Crypto prices continue to rise at the start of 2026, led by Bitcoin’s strength above $91K. With major altcoins following, the market is showing signs of confidence and continuation rather than exhaustion.
Buy Bitcoin: Providers ComparedTransparency note: This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by our editorial team before publication. All figures and claims were checked against the primary sources linked in the text. The feature image was generated with AI.
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