Gold discussion erupted in the second week of January as the metal hit new highs, dominating social traffic between Jan. 8 and Jan. 18, according to Sanbase data shared in an X post from Santiment.

The third week of January saw interest briefly return to crypto as traders attempted to “buy the dip on the way down,” with crypto topping social media discussions between Jan. 19 and Jan. 22.

However, interest in silver has spiked again as the precious metal hit new all-time highs. Silver was also the most talked-about asset between Jan. 1 and Jan. 6.

Santiment analysts noted, “Cryptocurrency traders are well known for jumping between different sectors within digital assets based on the latest hype cycles, e.g., memecoins vs AI vs blue chips. But now, retail is proving to be open to jumping sectors entirely, with social data showing how gold, silver, and even equities are getting more interest based on wherever the latest pumps appear.”

Silver interest could mean a top

Silver prices hit a new all-time high of $117 on Tuesday, according to TradingView. Santiment analysts said that the interest and resulting fear of missing out (FOMO) among retail traders generally signals a top. “Case in point: on Tuesday, silver surged above $117.70 but fell back below $102.70 just two hours later after retail hype peaked,” they said.

As of Wednesday, silver is trading around $113.

Google Trends shows crypto is ahead today

Google Trends shows that over the last seven days, searches for crypto peaked at 100 on Jan. 21, then fluctuated between a low of 61 on Saturday and a second high of 93 on Monday. Top related queries included “best crypto,” “what is crypto,” and “crypto price.” As of Wednesday, the score is 82.

During the same period, Bitcoin saw its highest search interest on Monday at 100 and its lowest on Sunday at 58. Top queries included “Bitcoin price” and “Bitcoin USD.” Its score on Wednesday is 86.

By comparison, silver recorded its highest search interest on Jan. 22 at 100 and its lowest on Sunday at 46. Top queries included “Silver price” and “Silver price today.” Its score on Wednesday is 68.

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Balanced Outlook in Bitcoin Options

Approximately 20,600 Bitcoin option contracts, with a nominal value of $1.9 billion, are set to expire today. The put/call ratio stands at 1.0, indicating a near-perfect balance between bullish and bearish positions. This data suggests a market characterized by indecision regarding the next major move. The “max pain” level is situated around $90,000, very close to current spot prices, meaning many contracts might settle “in the money.”

Options Expiry Alert

At 08:00 UTC tomorrow, $2.22B in crypto options are set to expire on Deribit.$BTC: $1.84B notional | Put Call: 1.05 | Max Pain: $90K

BTC open interest brackets spot, with heavy puts below $85K and calls building from $90K to $100K, creating pin risk… pic.twitter.com/9H3GFgtbiC

— Deribit (@DeribitOfficial) January 8, 2026

Ethereum Shows Stronger Bullish Sentiment

In addition to Bitcoin, roughly 123,000 Ethereum options are expiring with a nominal value of $384 million. ETH’s put/call ratio of 0.89 indicates a more dominant bullish sentiment compared to Bitcoin. Concentrated call positions above the $3,000 mark are particularly notable. As long as spot prices remain above this zone, dealer positioning may become more sensitive to upward volatility post-expiry.

Spot Market Consolidation and Resistance

While the total crypto market capitalization neared $3.3 trillion in early January, it has struggled to maintain that momentum, currently sitting around $3.19 trillion. Bitcoin briefly dipped below $89,500 before reclaiming the $91,000 level, yet strong resistance above $94,000 remains unbroken. Altcoins like XRP and Dogecoin have shown even greater fragility during this consolidation phase.

Macroeconomic Pressures: US Jobs Data

Beyond the options expiry, the market is bracing for the US December employment report. The Dollar Index (DXY) has gained 0.5% over the past week, exerting pressure on non-yielding assets like Bitcoin and Gold. Additionally, renewed rhetoric regarding tariffs from the Trump administration adds another layer of uncertainty. Risks are accumulating behind this period of relative silence as the market awaits a clear catalyst.

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Bitcoin ETFs Reach Two-Month High

The spot Bitcoin ETF segment broke a 35-trading-day silence with a powerful move. Eleven US-based ETFs recorded their strongest single-day net inflow since $524 million on November 11. Spot Ethereum ETFs followed a similar pattern, posting their largest inflow in 15 trading days, surpassing the $177.7 million recorded on December 9.

December Challenged Investors

Crypto ETFs faced a difficult December amid broader market weakness. Bitcoin and Ethereum fell 1.56% and 1.39% respectively over the past 30 days. This downtrend started after Bitcoin reached $125,100 in October, followed by a $19 billion liquidation wave. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index reflected investor caution, remaining between “Fear” and “Extreme Fear”, with the index returning to 25 points on Sunday.

Institutional Investors Adjust Strategies

Tonso’s marketing lead, Wal, commented on social media about this resurgence. Many institutional investors sold Bitcoin in Q4 2025 for tax-loss harvesting, and now they are rebuilding positions. In 2025, US investors directed $31.77 billion into crypto ETFs, with Bitcoin ETFs accounting for $21.4 billion. However, this was below the $35.2 billion inflow in 2024.

Experts note that this renewed capital could help ease risk perception, but high volatility and the Crypto Fear & Greed Index remaining at “Extreme Fear” still urge caution for investors.

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Why Past November Gains May Not Reflect Today’s Market

For years, Bitcoin’s November averages appeared unusually strong due to several extreme outlier months that pushed the historical data higher. Analysts now argue that these inflated averages no longer provide an accurate benchmark. This season’s market conditions are shaped by delayed macroeconomic data, shifting inflation expectations and renewed uncertainty around rate cuts. As a result, comparing previous cycles with the current backdrop offers little practical guidance.

Confidence in a near-term monetary policy shift has also weakened, which limits the impact of traditional seasonal patterns. With expectations for a December rate cut falling, risk appetite across crypto markets has cooled. This environment makes it harder for Bitcoin to repeat the aggressive November rallies seen in earlier years.

Analysts See Early Signs of a Potential Stabilization

Despite the broader pullback, several analysts believe BTC may be approaching a short-term floor. Selling pressure appears to be easing and market behavior suggests that a local bottom could form if weaker hands continue to exit. Some analysts also note that the seasonal momentum typically associated with November could shift into December instead.

For Bitcoin to reclaim a stronger bullish tone, experts highlight the 97,000 to 100,000-dollar band as the first meaningful resistance zone. Sentiment is expected to stay defensive until this range is retested. Even so, analysts maintain that recoveries in crypto markets can form quickly once broader macro conditions stabilize.

Key Points

• Historical November averages are inflated by extreme outlier years
• Macro uncertainty lowers the reliability of seasonal Bitcoin trends
• Selling pressure is easing and a potential bottom may be near
• The 97k–100k region remains the next major resistance level

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Bitcoin’s Technical Breakdown

According to Julio Moreno, Head of Research at CryptoQuant, Bitcoin dropped below its 365-day moving average at $101,564. Moreno stated on X, “This was the final confirmation of the 2022 bear market,” adding that prices need to rebound above this level quickly. Coinbase data showed BTC briefly hitting a low of $98,900 before slightly recovering to around $101,800.

The 365-day moving average tracks the average price of Bitcoin over the past year and serves as a key technical indicator. Market observers consider this metric critical for gauging investor sentiment. When BTC drops below this average, it is often seen as a strong bearish signal. Analyst Decode noted that Bitcoin also briefly fell below this level in April.

Correction or Bear Market?

Bitrue analyst Andri Fauzan Adziima commented that Tuesday’s drop technically indicates a bear market. BTC has fallen more than 20% from its all-time high of $126,000 reached in early October. However, Adziima emphasized that this is the fourth correction in the 2025 bull cycle—a routine market cleanup rather than the start of a long bearish period. Historical data shows that in bull markets, a 20% drop often leads to a 40% recovery within 60 days.

Tom Cohen, Head of Investment and Trading at Algoz Technology, added, “For Bitcoin to enter a true bear market, it would have had to breach the $100,000 level earlier.” Cohen also highlighted that macroeconomic developments, political moves by former President Trump, and the upcoming U.S. interest rate decision in December will heavily influence the market.

Bull Market Perspective

Although falling below the 365-day moving average caused short-term panic, experts view it as a normal correction within a bull cycle. Historical trends suggest that BTC can recover quickly from such dips. Market watchers note that if support holds, a strong year-end rally, commonly called a “Santa Claus rally,” is still possible.

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What Is Trading Volume and Why Is It Important?

Crypto volume shows the total value of buy and sell transactions within a specific period, typically measured over 24 hours. High trading volume indicates growing investor interest and increased liquidity.

For instance, according to CoinMarketCap, in the third week of October 2025, Bitcoin’s 24-hour volume averaged $71 billion, while Ethereum’s volume reached $50 billion. This rise allows for more balanced and rapid price discovery.

Altcoin volume changes can also trigger short-term price movements. For example, a sudden volume increase in projects like Solana ($SOL) and AsterDEX ($ASTER) may create profit opportunities for investors.

How Does Rising Volume Affect the Market?

Key effects observed when volume increases:

• Liquidity Boost: Investors can buy and sell assets faster, spreads narrow, and prices trade at fairer levels.

• Price Movements: Higher volume often generates upward momentum; sudden surges can increase short-term volatility.

• Investor Confidence: Strong volume signals a healthy market, attracting new participants.

• Reduced Manipulation Risk: Low-volume markets are easier to manipulate; higher volume lowers this risk.

These effects are more pronounced in altcoin markets, where volume surges can rapidly influence prices.

What Does High Trading Volume Indicate?

High volume indicates growing interest in a cryptocurrency and stronger liquidity. It supports the reliability of price movements and helps investors track trends more effectively.

Historical examples underscore volume’s importance: During the COVID-19 period in 2020, Bitcoin trading volume reached record highs, reflecting a vibrant market. Sudden volume spikes in Bitcoin in 2017 and Dogecoin in 2021 highlighted high investor interest and market activity. In January 2021, Dogecoin price rose from $0.00468 to $0.7316 by May—a 15,500% increase—accompanied by significant volume growth, which played a key role in its price surge.

Volume and Price Moving in Opposite Directions

• Volume rises, price falls: Selling pressure dominates; short-term downside risk increases.

• Volume falls, price rises: Buying pressure is not fully supported; trend sustainability is uncertain.

Overall, volume alone doesn’t determine price direction but provides crucial insights on trend reliability and liquidity.

How Does Crypto Volume Increase?

Factors that typically drive volume growth:

• Market news and media coverage

• Exchange listings and increased liquidity

• Rapid price movements

• Institutional participation

What Happens When Crypto Volume Drops?

A decline in volume indicates lower investor interest and market liquidity. Prices may become more volatile, and even small trades can significantly impact value. This is particularly relevant for altcoins, where manipulation risks rise and investor uncertainty grows.

How to Calculate Cryptocurrency Volume

Volume reflects how much of an asset is traded within a period, providing insights into liquidity and market activity. Binance currently holds the highest 24-hour volume at around $20.87 billion, showing strong investor engagement.

Volume Calculation Formula:

Example:

500 BTC × $60,000 = $30,000,000

Monitoring volume alongside buy/sell directions and exchange concentration allows for more informed trading decisions.

Volume Tracking Strategies for Investors

• Chart & Trend Analysis: Compare volume and price trends; parallel increases indicate strong trends.

• Cross-Asset Comparison: Analyze volume changes in BTC, ETH, and altcoins for clearer market direction.

• Spread & Liquidity Monitoring: Track bid-ask spreads to assess liquidity.

• News & Social Media Tracking: Major news and Google Trends indicate investor interest and potential price moves.

Summary & Market Insight

Rising cryptocurrency volume signals higher liquidity, growing investor interest, and healthier price movements. However, volume growth doesn’t always equate to price increases; context and quality matter. Investors should analyze volume alongside price trends and market news to make informed decisions.

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Record High in Stablecoin Reserves 

Exchange-based stablecoin holdings on Ethereum and Tron networks recently surpassed $70 billion. The previous all-time high, set during the 2021 bull run, was around $60 billion. After moving sideways for most of the year, reserves began climbing sharply in August. On September 2, they briefly crossed $70 billion before stabilizing near $68.3 billion. 

According to CryptoQuant analyst CryptoOnchain, this rise reflects massive potential buying power on exchanges. After bottoming at $32 billion in late 2023, stablecoin reserves have more than doubled within a year. 

Impact on Bitcoin and Ethereum Prices 

During the same period, Bitcoin jumped from $35,000 to over 3.3 times that level. Meanwhile, Ethereum rose 2.5 times from $1,890. Analysts highlight the strong correlation between stablecoin inflows and crypto prices, suggesting further upward momentum. 

USDT vs USDC Breakdown 

Tether (USDT) dominates with about $53 billion in exchange reserves, representing 77% of the total. However, USD Coin (USDC) has shown explosive growth. 

USDC balances doubled within a month, soaring from $6.8 billion on August 1 to $14 billion. In contrast, USDT rose only slightly, from $52.6 billion to $53.1 billion. This trend indicates investors are increasingly favoring USDC as a driver of market activity. 

Bullish Signal for the Crypto Market 

CryptoOnchain describes the surge in stablecoin deposits as “a very strong bullish signal.” With billions in dry powder ready to flow into Bitcoin and altcoins, analysts suggest that a new rally may be on the horizon. 

• Stablecoin reserves hit $70 billion. 
• USDT holds 77% of the total supply. 
• USDC doubled within one month. 
• Bitcoin and Ethereum prices show strong correlation. 

For crypto investors, these metrics indicate that markets could be gearing up for the next major move. 

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Biggest Gainers 

The largest increase was seen in UCHAIN, which surged 1086% in the last 24 hours to reach $895.32. Mitosis rose 121.8% to $0.2945. Pyth Network increased by 96.5% to $0.231. Pepecoin gained 25% to $0.0004491. Paycoin and Hey Anon rose 20.2% and 20.5%, respectively. BUILDon increased 18.7%, while Wormhole gained 19.6%, attracting investor attention. 

These gains indicate strong buying demand in the crypto market. Investors are closely monitoring short-term opportunities. 

Biggest Losers 

FARTFUL was the biggest loser, falling 73.3% to $0.0396. Baby Solana and Worthless lost 29.8% and 29.9%, respectively. Numeraire decreased 24.2% to $16.44. OpenVPP fell 19.5%, while Zora and Bobo Coin dropped 17.4% and 16.3%. Treehouse declined 13.4%, making the list of top losers. 

These losses require investors to be cautious with their portfolios. At the same time, market volatility also provides short-term opportunities. 

On Binance, some coins are also gaining attention. Wormhole (W) rose 21%, CTSI increased 11%, and HEI gained 8%. These movements show that Binance users are actively seeking short-term opportunities. Overall, buying demand in the market is increasing. 

Today’s trending coins clearly boost investor interest. UCHAIN, Mitosis, and Pyth Network delivered major gains, while some altcoins experienced significant losses. Investors can update both profit and risk management strategies accordingly, and those tracking market trends can seize timely opportunities. 

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The Growing Role of Altcoins in the Market 

Pantera Capital stated in its report that altcoins have recently started outperforming Bitcoin’s growth. This marks a shift from previous months dominated by Bitcoin-centered price movements. Bitcoin’s rally, which began at the end of 2023 due to ETF effects and continued in 2024 with political developments, had previously overshadowed altcoins. However, the balance is now changing, and altcoins are becoming more influential. 

The firm highlighted previous bull cycles to show how crucial altcoin contributions are to market growth. Between 2015-2018, altcoins accounted for 66% of total growth. In the 2018-2021 cycle, this contribution was 55%. In the current cycle, it stands at 35%, but historical statistics suggest an additional 20% growth is possible, boosting market momentum through altcoin activity. 

Bitcoin Dominance Decline Draws Attention 

According to Coinbase data, Bitcoin’s market share fell from 65% in May to below 58% by August. Meanwhile, the altcoin market has grown over 50% since July, reaching a total of $1.4 trillion. This indicates a clear shift in investor interest. 

Individual investors are increasingly turning to altcoin projects. Google search interest for “altcoin” has surged to the highest level since January 2018. Additionally, regulatory developments in the U.S., including the GENIUS and CLARITY bills, are creating new momentum. Ethereum, in particular, stands out due to real-world asset inflows and institutional interest. 

In conclusion, both Coinbase and Pantera Capital point to rapidly accumulating data supporting the start of the altcoin season. The decline in Bitcoin dominance and increased market diversity further strengthen this trend. 

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Reports like U.S. Unemployment Claims, PPI, and Retail Sales influenced major investors’ decisions. CryptoQuant analyst JA Maartunn noted that whales monitored rising prices and adjusted positions. These movements signal changes in market sentiment. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s short-term price reacts directly to whale activity. 

Bitcoin reached a new all-time high of $124,474 before dropping 3.5% in the last 24 hours. This decline shows whales adjusted their positions. Long-term holders remain firmly committed. The HODLer Net Position Change metric indicates reduced selling pressure. This trend supports Bitcoin’s price stability and potential recovery. 

Bitcoin Support Levels and Potential Scenarios 

Bitcoin currently trades around $119,000, maintaining a critical support level. Recovering the $120,000 mark could push the price toward $122,000. However, increased selling pressure may drop Bitcoin below $117,261. A deeper decline could pull prices to $115,000, testing short-term market stability. As long-term holders maintain their positions, the probability of recovery rises. The recent ATH followed by a correction reflects normal market fluctuations. 

The BTC transferred to Binance offers crucial insights for market observers. Additionally, long-term HODLer behavior limits selling pressure. Meanwhile, investors continue monitoring economic data’s market impact. Ultimately, whale movements and long-term holder commitment play a key role in shaping Bitcoin’s price dynamics. 

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