Bitcoin touches lows of $87,800 as gold hits new record high

  • Bitcoin fell to lows of $87,800 on Tuesday before bouncing to above $89,000.
  • Losses for BTC came as gold hit new record high above $4,870.
  • Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz says bulls need to take out bears around $100,000-$103,000.

Bitcoin dipped to around $87,800 on Tuesday, breaking lower as risk assets struggled.

However, amid waning investor confidence in the bellwether digital asset, gold has surged to new record highs.

Industry heavyweight Mike Novogratz says the flagship digital asset needs to reclaim the $100,000 mark to resume its uptrend.

Bitcoin price bounces off $87,800 low

Broader market uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, has kept Bitcoin below the psychologically important $100,000 level.

In the latest session, the cryptocurrency slipped under $90,000, with data from CoinMarketCap showing intraday lows of $87,814 on major exchanges.

Bitcoin’s rally earlier this year was driven by strong institutional demand, but that momentum has eased in recent weeks.

In contrast, gold has climbed to fresh record highs above $4,870, reinforcing its role as a safe-haven asset amid heightened geopolitical risks and ongoing macroeconomic pressures.

Mike Novogratz, the outspoken CEO of Galaxy Digital Holdings, weighed in on Bitcoin’s current woes via a post on X.

Novogratz, a veteran Wall Street trader turned crypto evangelist,  notes that Bitcoin could regain its upward momentum if bulls reclaim the $100,000-$103,000 level.

“The gold price is telling us we are losing reserve currency status at an accelerating rate.   The long bond selling off is not a good sign either,” he posted on X. “BTC is disappointing as it is still being met with selling.  I will reiterate it has to take out 100-103k to regain its upward trend. I think it will, in time.”

Bitcoin price technical outlook

From a technical perspective, the declines have pushed prices beneath the critical 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level calculated from its April low of $74,400 to October’s record peak of $126,198.

Bears have also breached the key support zone at the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $92,066 and a prior upper consolidation boundary near $90,000.

Bitcoin Price Chart
Bitcoin price chart by TradingView

Other technical signals reinforcing the pessimistic outlook include the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which currently stands at 42.

Notably, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator has also flashed a bearish crossover, suggesting sellers are in control.

Volume profiles indicate thinning buying interest, which could exacerbate downside risks if headwinds persist.

A sustained close below $87,700 could accelerate the downturn toward the lower channel boundary at $85,450.

The demand reload zone aligns with the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level.

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Crypto Fear and Greed index returns to greed as Bitcoin rallies above $97K

  • Crypto Fear and Greed Index hit “greed” for the first time since the $19B October liquidation event.
  • Bitcoin rallied to a two-month high above $97K, helping lift overall crypto market sentiment.
  • On-chain data shows retail holders exiting, while declining exchange balances signal reduced sell pressure.

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has moved back into “greed” territory for the first time since a $19 billion liquidation event in October rattled digital asset markets, signaling an improvement in investor sentiment as Bitcoin staged a strong recovery.

In an update on Thursday, the index posted a reading of 61, reflecting growing optimism after weeks spent in “fear” and “extreme fear.”

Just a day earlier, the index stood at 48, placing it in the “neutral” zone.

The shift marks a notable change in mood following months of heightened risk aversion among crypto traders.

Sentiment rebounds after October liquidation shock

Crypto investor sentiment collapsed on Oct. 11, when $19 billion was liquidated from the market, sending traders fleeing from altcoins and driving widespread pessimism.

In the weeks that followed, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index recorded some of its lowest readings on record, falling into the low double digits multiple times in November and December.

The index is closely watched by market participants as a barometer of sentiment, helping traders assess whether conditions favor buying, selling, or remaining on the sidelines.

It compiles data from several indicators, including price volatility of major cryptocurrencies, trading volume, market momentum, Google search trends, and overall sentiment on social media platforms.

The return to “greed” suggests that the sharp caution seen late last year has begun to ease, even though markets remain well below the levels that previously triggered euphoric sentiment.

Bitcoin rally lifts overall market mood

Improving sentiment has coincided with a strong rebound in Bitcoin prices.

Over the past seven days, Bitcoin has climbed from $89,799 to reach a two-month high of $97,704 on Wednesday, according to data from CoinGecko.

The move marks the first time Bitcoin has traded above $97,000 since Nov. 14.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $96,218, up by 1% in the last 24 hours.

At that time, however, the Fear and Greed Index was firmly in “extreme fear” territory, as Bitcoin was sliding sharply from all-time highs.

The latest rally has helped stabilize broader market confidence, even as traders remain cautious about sustainability.

While the index’s return to “greed” indicates growing optimism, it remains well below levels typically associated with excessive risk-taking.

On-chain signals show retail exiting positions

Despite the improving price action, some on-chain indicators suggest that retail participation has declined in recent days. Analysts at market intelligence platform Santiment said in an X post on Wednesday that Bitcoin holders have been reducing their exposure.

According to Santiment, over the last three days, there has been a net drop of 47,244 Bitcoin holders, indicating that “retail had been dropping out due to FUD & impatience.”

“When non-empty wallets drop, it’s a sign that the crowd is dropping out, a good sign. Similarly, less supply on exchanges decreases the risk of a selloff,” the analysts said.

They added that “This price bounce has also been supported by a 7-month low 1.18 million Bitcoin on exchanges.”

A lower amount of Bitcoin held on exchanges is generally viewed as a bullish indicator, as it suggests investors are storing assets in private wallets and are less inclined to sell quickly.

Taken together, the rebound in sentiment, rising Bitcoin prices, and declining exchange balances point to a cautiously improving outlook for the crypto market, even as investors continue to weigh lingering risks.

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Former NYC mayor backed token tumbles on Solana amid liquidity fears

  • Some crypto community members accused the project team of removing liquidity, sparking rug pull fears.
  • Rune flagged data suggesting $3.4 million was drained from the token’s liquidity pool.
  • Bubblemaps showed $2.5 million in USDC removed near the peak, with $900,000 not returned after partial additions.

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has launched a Solana-based meme coin that he said is aimed at fighting antisemitism and supporting the next phase of innovation in the city.

The token, called the New York City token (NYC), was announced in a Jan. 13 post on X and quickly went live for trading on the Solana decentralised exchange Jupiter.

In the post, Adams shared a link to the token’s official website and said the project was built to fight the spread of antisemitism and anti-Americanism across the US and New York City.

The NYC token initially saw strong momentum after it began trading.

It rallied to a high of $0.58 and briefly reached a market cap of $580 million, according to DEXScreener data.

Liquidity movements trigger rug pull allegations

As the price fell, accusations surfaced online that the team behind the token may have removed liquidity, adding to fears of a potential rug pull.

Crypto analyst Rune flagged data indicating that at least $3.4 million had been drained from the token’s liquidity pool.

Separately, analytics posted by Bubblemaps suggested that a wallet linked to the token’s deployer removed $2.5 million in USDC liquidity when the token was trading near its peak.

After the price had already plunged by more than 60%, about $1.5 million in USDC was added back.

Still, roughly $900,000 was not returned, which further fuelled suspicion among some community members and investors.

The allegations have not been confirmed, but the timing and size of the liquidity movements quickly became a central focus of discussion.

Team cites TWAP strategy to manage volatility

In response to the concerns, the NYC token X account released a statement claiming the project is using Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP) mechanisms to manage price stability.

The account said funds were being added to the liquidity pool gradually to reduce the risk of further disruption after the initial volatility seen during the launch.

Despite that explanation, the episode has kept attention on how liquidity is handled for newly launched meme coins, especially when trading activity accelerates rapidly across decentralised markets.

Website details token split and proposed use cases

While the token’s official website offers limited detail about the project’s long-term direction, Adams said in a Fox Business interview that proceeds from the NYC token would go toward nonprofits focused on raising awareness about antisemitism and anti-Americanism through educational campaigns.

Other proposed use cases include funding blockchain and crypto education, along with scholarships for students in underserved communities.

Adams officially stepped down as mayor on Jan. 1, after being replaced by Zohran Mamdani.

During his time in office, he was one of the most outspoken political figures in support of cryptocurrency.

His initiatives included converting his first three paychecks into Bitcoin and Ethereum, creating the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology, and launching the NYC Blockchain Plan to encourage responsible innovation and attract Web3 businesses.

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Risk-on is back, says VanEck, as Bitcoin decouples and short-term signals fade

  • VanEck noted that Bitcoin has decoupled from stock and gold markets after the October deleveraging.
  • Justin d’Anethan said Bitcoin’s rise in a low-leverage environment shows excess speculation has eased.
  • Michaël van de Poppe predicted bitcoin could hit $100,000 after a clean move above $92,000.

Global investment management firm VanEck believes the first three months of 2026 could favour a risk-on environment, as investors regain something markets have lacked for years: clearer direction on key policy forces.

In a Q1 2026 outlook published on Tuesday, the firm pointed to improving visibility around US fiscal conditions, monetary policy expectations, and major investment themes.

That set-up is typically supportive for riskier corners of the market, such as AI and tech stocks, as well as crypto.

However, VanEck said Bitcoin is sending a different message, with short-term signals becoming harder to trust after a break in its usual cycle behaviour.

VanEck sees clearer policy conditions for early 2026

VanEck said markets are entering 2026 with “visibility,” framing it as a more stable phase compared to the uncertainty that dominated previous years.

The firm’s base case is that investors will face fewer shocks linked to fiscal and monetary decisions, creating a backdrop where risk assets can perform more confidently.

It added that improved clarity around policy direction is part of what makes the first quarter attractive for risk-taking.

At the same time, VanEck stressed that its views are medium-term in nature, rather than based on short-lived market events.

Bitcoin cycle break complicates the near-term picture

Despite expecting supportive conditions for risk assets, VanEck said bitcoin’s typical four-year cycle “broke in 2025,” making it difficult to rely on traditional timing signals.

The firm said this has contributed to a more cautious stance over the next three to six months.

VanEck also noted that not everyone inside the company shares the same level of caution, with some executives still taking a more constructive view on bitcoin’s immediate cycle.

The split highlights how unclear the near-term set-up has become, even as broader macro direction appears easier to read.

Bitcoin decouples after October deleveraging

VanEck also flagged that bitcoin has decoupled from stock and gold markets in recent months.

The move followed a major deleveraging event in October, which changed how bitcoin has traded relative to both equities and traditional safe-haven assets.

This matters because bitcoin’s correlation with other markets has often shaped how investors position it in a broader portfolio.

If those relationships weaken, it becomes harder to treat bitcoin as a simple extension of risk sentiment, particularly when leverage conditions shift.

Analysts debate the next move as BTC retests $92,000

Crypto investor Will Clemente said the current mix of market and geopolitical conditions is closely aligned with what Bitcoin was built for.

He pointed to pressure on the Fed chair, rising metals as countries diversify reserves, record highs in stocks and risk assets, and increasing geopolitical risk.

Meanwhile, crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe said he expects Bitcoin to reclaim six figures before the end of January.

He noted there has been no dip below the 21-day moving average, with buyers stepping in to accumulate around these levels.

He added that a clear move above $92,000 could push BTC to $100,000 within a maximum of 10 days.

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H100 Group signs preliminary deal to acquire Swiss Bitcoin firm Future Holdings

  • H100 Group signs preliminary deal to acquire Future Holdings AG.
  • Bitcoin tops $92K as mining difficulty dips to 146.4 trillion.
  • Adam Back supports the expansion of corporate BTC treasury operations.

Sweden-listed H100 Group has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Swiss Bitcoin treasury company Future Holdings AG.

The deal, backed by Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back, aims to expand H100 Group’s presence into Switzerland’s institutional crypto market.

Future Holdings AG, co-founded and funded by Adam Back, specialises in managing Bitcoin treasuries for corporate clients.

The transaction is currently a non-binding letter of intent, with formal documentation and regulatory approvals needed before closing.

H100 Group Bitcoin treasury strategy

H100 Group has been actively growing its Bitcoin holdings through convertible loan agreements and treasury acquisitions.

By acquiring Future Holdings AG, H100 Group gains access to established Swiss infrastructure for managing institutional Bitcoin assets.

The proposed purchase consideration is around CHF 600,000, which includes Future Holdings’ cash on hand and payment in newly issued H100 shares.

This acquisition aligns with H100 Group’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading corporate Bitcoin treasury company.

Adam Back’s involvement adds credibility and highlights the growing trend of institutional Bitcoin adoption across Europe.

Future Holdings AG previously raised significant capital, roughly CHF 28 million, to develop its Bitcoin treasury solutions.

The company’s expertise in regulatory compliance and treasury management makes it a valuable partner for H100 Group.

This move reflects a broader pattern of Bitcoin treasury consolidation in public markets, with firms seeking to combine expertise and infrastructure.

Bitcoin price breaks $92 as Bitcoin mining difficulty drops

Notably, the Future Holdings AG acquisition deal comes amid notable Bitcoin market developments.

To start with, Bitcoin has surpassed $92,000.

In addition, the mining difficulty has adjusted downward to approximately 146.4 trillion, providing temporary relief for miners after months of rising difficulty.

The decline in mining difficulty signals a slight decrease in total hash power, which can affect block times and miner profitability.

For H100 Group, these market conditions highlight the growing importance of strategic BTC treasury management.

Corporate treasury companies like H100 and Future Holdings AG are positioning themselves to benefit from both price growth and institutional adoption trends.

Adam Back has been instrumental in supporting these initiatives, contributing capital and expertise to strengthen Bitcoin treasury operations.

Bitcoin price outlook

Market analysis shows that Bitcoin’s price momentum remains strong as it surpasses $92K.

However, short-term volatility is expected, with potential retracements near support levels around $88,000 to $90,000.

Bitcoin price analysis
Bitcoin price analysis | Source: TradingView

Continued institutional adoption, such as the H100–Future Holdings deal, could provide upward pressure on BTC.

Mining adjustments, macroeconomic conditions, and liquidity events may also influence price movements over the coming weeks.

Also, with H100 Group expanding its Swiss operations, the alignment of corporate treasury strategies and rising BTC prices may create further market interest.

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