Crypto markets started 2026 in a period of transition. Bitcoin (BTC) stayed around $90K as traders debated whether this consolidation is just a pause or the beginning of another reset.
Although ETF flows have turned negative, on-chain momentum remains robust. Attention is moving from simple price changes to infrastructure, payments, and genuine adoption.
Altcoins are starting to outperform as risk appetite grows and key regulators edge nearer to approving ETFs. Rather than chasing hype, investors are directing their capital to projects with practical applications, revenue streams, and well-defined regulatory pathways.
Read the full recap to understand what’s actually driving this phase.
XRP Slips From Weekly High as Ripple CEO Signals Strong 2026 Push
XRP fell from about $2.42 on Jan. 6 to roughly $2.05, but Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said the company is “firing on all cylinders” heading into 2026. The article cites past milestones, including the SEC ending its lawsuit, spot XRP ETFs drawing over $1B in inflows, and RLUSD growing to about $1.4B in assets. Technically, XRP is holding above key EMAs, with resistance near $2.42 and upside potential toward $3 if it breaks higher.
Polygon Rally Accelerates as Network Activity and Token Burns Surge
Polygon’s POL token has surged 65% from its annual-low, extending a 10-day rally to reach its highest point since mid-November. The boost is fueled by increased network activity, including 178 million transactions over the past month, rising stablecoin transactions, and a higher token burn rate. Solid partnerships and improving technical signals point to potential gains toward $0.20.
Altcoin Season Index Climbs as Risk Appetite Returns
The Altcoin Season Index rose to 42, its highest in months, as Bitcoin held steady and investors turned to altcoins. Market optimism is reflected in the rising Crypto Fear and Greed Index and steady futures open interest. Expectations of more U.S. rate cuts and lower inflation could boost the rally, suggesting there may still be room for altcoin growth.
Former Zcash Team Launches cashZ Privacy Wallet
Former Zcash developers, including ex-ECC CEO Josh Swihart, have created cashZ, a new wallet focused on privacy for the Zcash community. They left the Electric Coin Company after a governance disagreement. cashZ uses the Zashi codebase, making it easy for users to switch, and aims to increase private ZEC use without introducing a new blockchain or token.
Dogecoin Eyes Japan With Regulated RWA Adoption Plan
Dogecoin is targeting long-term adoption in Japan through new partnerships with House of Doge and local firms, focusing on real-world use cases for assets and regulatory alignment. The initiative explores asset-backed tokens and compliance with Japan’s approved “green list” framework. While the move signals a shift beyond meme-driven narratives toward real utility, concrete timelines and deployments have yet to be announced.
South Korea Moves to Approve Spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2026 Push
South Korea plans to allow spot digital asset ETFs, including spot Bitcoin ETFs, under its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy. The Financial Services Commission will review laws to classify crypto as eligible ETF assets, drawing on U.S. and Hong Kong models. If approved, local investors would gain regulated crypto exposure via the stock market, reducing reliance on foreign or unregulated platforms.
Wyoming Launches First U.S. State-Issued Stablecoin on Solana
Wyoming has launched $FRNT, the first U.S. state-backed stablecoin, which is now publicly available on Solana via Kraken. The token is fully backed 1:1 by cash and U.S. Treasuries under state oversight. Issued by the Wyoming Stable Token Commission, $FRNT directs reserve income to 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 token supply 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 Breakout and DePIN Momentum Drive Buying
JasmyCoin jumped over 30% in 24 hours, extending its weekly gains past 50% as trading volume surged 440% to $157 million. The rally follows a confirmed breakout from a falling wedge pattern, attracting strong momentum buying. Broader strength in DePIN and infrastructure tokens has added tailwinds, reinforcing bullish sentiment around JASMY’s technical setup.
Ethereum Eyes $4,000 as Network Activity and Demand Surge
Ethereum has rebounded to around $3,240, up 23% from its November low, as key network metrics strengthen. Stablecoin supply surpassed $171 billion, transaction volume surged, and Ethereum maintained dominance in DeFi and RWA tokenization. Rising ETF inflows, growing futures interest, and bullish technical patterns have analysts targeting a breakout above $3,475, which could open the door to the $4,000 level.
BitMine Shares Rally as Bullish Chart Signals Upside Despite Dilution Fears
BitMine’s stock surged after forming a bullish double-bottom pattern, with technical targets pointing to a potential move toward $57, about 90% above recent levels. The rally comes despite plans to massively increase authorized shares, raising concerns about dilution. Investors are focused on BitMine’s growing Ethereum holdings and staking strategy, which could generate over $500 million in annual revenue if prices hold.
