Crypto markets began 2026 in a period of transition. Bitcoin (BTC) remained around $90,000 as traders wondered if this consolidation was just a pause or the start of another reset.
Although ETF flows have turned negative, on-chain dynamics remain robust. The focus is shifting from simple price changes to infrastructure, payments and real adoption.
Altcoins are starting to outperform as risk appetite increases and major regulators move closer to approving ETFs. Rather than chasing hype, investors are directing their capital toward projects with practical applications, revenue streams and well-defined regulatory pathways.
Read the full recap to understand what really drives this phase.
XRP Slips From Weekly High As Ripple CEO Signals Strong Surge For 2026
XRP has fallen from around $2.42 on January 6 to around $2.05, but Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said the company is “running on all cylinders” as it approaches 2026. The article cites past milestones including the end of the SEC lawsuit, spot XRP ETFs attracting over $1 billion in inflows, and RLUSD reaching around $1.4 billion in assets. Technically, XRP is holding above key EMAs, with resistance near $2.42 and upside potential towards $3 if it breaks above.
Polygon Rally Accelerates as Network Activity and Token Burns Increase
Polygon’s POL token surged 65% from its yearly low, extending a 10-day rally to reach its highest point since mid-November. This increase is fueled by increased network activity, including 178 million transactions over the past month, an increase in stablecoin transactions, and a higher token burn rate. Strong partnerships and improving technical signals point to potential gains towards $0.20.
Altcoin Season Index Climbs as Risk Appetite Returns
The Altcoin Season Index hit 42, its highest level in months, as Bitcoin remains stable and investors turn to altcoins. Market optimism is reflected in the rising Crypto Fear and Greed Index and stable open interest in futures. Expectations of further U.S. rate cuts and lower inflation could spur the recovery, suggesting there may still be room for growth for the altcoin.
Former Zcash team launches cashZ privacy wallet
Former Zcash developers, including former ECC CEO Josh Swihart, created cashZ, a new privacy-focused wallet for the Zcash community. They left Electric Coin Company after a disagreement over governance. cashZ uses the Zashi codebase, making it easier for users to switch, and aims to increase the private use of ZEC without introducing a new blockchain or token.
Dogecoin eyes Japan with regulated RWA adoption plan
Dogecoin is aiming for long-term adoption in Japan through new partnerships with House of Doge and local businesses, focusing on real-world use cases for assets and regulatory alignment. The initiative explores asset-backed tokens and compliance with the Japan-approved “green list” framework. While the move marks a shift beyond meme-driven narratives toward real utility, concrete timelines and rollouts have yet to be announced.
South Korea set to approve Spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2026
South Korea plans to allow digital asset spot ETFs, including Bitcoin spot ETFs, as part of its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy. The Financial Services Commission will review laws to classify cryptocurrencies as eligible ETF assets, drawing on the U.S. and Hong Kong models. If approved, local investors will benefit from regulated exposure to crypto via the stock market, reducing their reliance on foreign or unregulated platforms.
Wyoming Launches First US State-Issued Stablecoin on Solana
Wyoming launched $FRNT, America’s first state-backed stablecoin, which is now publicly available on Solana via Kraken. The token is fully backed 1:1 by cash and US Treasury bonds under state supervision. Issued by the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, $FRNT directs reserve revenue into public funds, marking a government-led alternative to privately issued stablecoins.
Solana Mobile Confirms SKR Token Launch and Seeker Airdrop
Solana Mobile will launch its SKR governance token on January 21, 2026, with a major airdrop distributed to Seeker Phone users and ecosystem developers. Twenty percent of the 10 billion tokens provided will be allocated to active participants. SKR will power decentralized governance for app approval, device authentication, and value distribution, positioning Solana Mobile as a crypto-native alternative to traditional app stores.
JasmyCoin surges 30% as DePIN breakout and momentum spur buying
JasmyCoin surged more than 30% in 24 hours, extending its weekly gains beyond 50% as trading volume surged 440% to $157 million. The rally follows a confirmed breakout of a falling wedge pattern, attracting strong buying momentum. Broader strength in DePIN and infrastructure tokens added tailwinds, reinforcing the bullish sentiment around JASMY’s technical setup.
Ethereum eyes $4,000 due to increased network activity and demand
Ethereum has rebounded to around $3,240, up 23% from its November low, as key network metrics strengthen. Stablecoin supply surpassed $171 billion, trading volume increased, and Ethereum maintained its dominance in DeFi and RWA tokenization. Increased ETF flows, growing interest in futures, and bullish technical trends have analysts targeting a breakout above $3,475, which could open the door to the $4,000 level.
BitMine Stocks Recover as Bull Chart Signals Upside Despite Dilution Fears
BitMine stock surged after forming a bullish double-bottom pattern, with technical targets pointing to a potential move toward $57, around 90% above recent levels. The rally comes despite plans to massively increase the number of authorized shares, raising concerns about dilution. Investors are focusing on Ethereum’s growing holdings and BitMine’s staking strategy, which could generate more than $500 million in annual revenue if prices hold.
