Crypto Rebounds Amid Shifting U.S. Demand
Cryptocurrencies are opening the year with renewed vigor, extending gains into a second straight trading session. This marks a notable departure from the trend seen in late 2025, when the sector consistently pulled back as U.S. markets opened. Traders appear to be rotating back into risk assets, providing a tailwind for digital currencies.
Coinbase Index Signals Capital Inflow
The Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index has climbed sharply in the first week of 2026, indicating a rebound in U.S. demand. This gauge, which measures the price difference between Bitcoin on Coinbase and the global market average, is widely viewed as a proxy for U.S. capital flows and institutional sentiment. A reading of minus 0.018% on January 1st, its lowest in nine months, signaled significant negative U.S. sentiment. The index has since improved to around minus 0.03%, suggesting that U.S. capital is beginning to return to the market.
Analyst Urges Caution on U.S. Session
Bitcoin rallied nearly 1% since U.S. stocks opened on Monday, pushing back towards $94,000. This represents a 3% increase over the past 24 hours and its highest level since early December. While momentum has shifted positively, the $95,000 mark remains a critical resistance level, according to Jake Ostrovskis, head of OTC at Wintermute. Ostrovskis noted that the recent pattern of U.S. selling in late 2025, where Bitcoin dropped 5.45% during U.S. hours versus a 10.01% gain during APAC hours, is worth watching to see if it repeats.
Digital Asset Firms Post Gains
Following a period of significant decline in the latter half of 2025, digital asset treasury companies (DATs) are posting substantial advances. One unnamed company disclosed the purchase of an additional 101.8 BTC in the fourth quarter, bringing its total holdings to 7,626 BTC, valued at approximately $708 million. Asset company (ABTC) saw a 13% increase after acquiring 329 BTC, bolstering its reserves to 5,427 Bitcoin. Solana-focused DeFi Development (DFDV) also advanced, climbing 16%.