Crypto markets opened the first full U.S. trading week of 2026 with renewed momentum, as bitcoin extended gains for a second consecutive session and moved closer to the 94,000 level. The advance marked a notable shift from the pattern seen through much of late 2025, when digital assets routinely weakened during U.S. hours despite strength in Asia and Europe. Early trading showed bitcoin adding roughly 3 percent over 24 hours, reaching its highest levels since early December, while broader crypto prices followed higher. The move coincided with a return of risk appetite across global markets after a quiet holiday period, with traders rotating back into higher beta assets. Market participants noted that price action during U.S. hours is becoming increasingly important as a signal of whether the recent recovery can develop into a sustained trend.
One closely watched indicator pointing to improving sentiment is the rebound in U.S. based demand for bitcoin. The premium between prices on Coinbase and the global market average had dropped to its weakest level in nine months at the start of the year, reflecting reduced American participation. That gap has since narrowed sharply, suggesting domestic buyers are returning after weeks of caution. Similar readings in 2025 coincided with local market bottoms, adding to the view that selling pressure may be easing. Analysts say sustained improvement in this metric would signal renewed institutional and high net worth interest, which has been largely absent during recent pullbacks. If U.S. flows continue to stabilize, traders expect volatility to increase as liquidity returns to major trading venues.
Beyond spot markets, crypto related equities also posted outsized gains, led by digital asset treasury companies that were among the weakest performers in the second half of last year. Shares of firms holding large bitcoin reserves rose sharply as prices recovered, reflecting renewed confidence in balance sheet driven exposure to crypto. Several of these companies disclosed additional bitcoin purchases toward the end of 2025, increasing sensitivity to price movements as the market turns higher. Ether and other major tokens also advanced alongside bitcoin, reinforcing the sense of a broader rebound rather than an isolated move. Traders remain focused on whether bitcoin can hold above near term resistance levels through the U.S. session, a development that could trigger further systematic buying and confirm a break from last year’s selling pattern.
