Asia Market Open: Bitcoin Steady, Markets Start 2026 on a Positive Note
Bitcoin hovered near $88,000 on Friday as Asian markets eased into the first trading session of 2026. Trading volumes remained light due to holiday-thinned activity, keeping price moves measured while investors positioned themselves for a year filled with policy and tech-driven catalysts.
Early risk-taking was most visible in Hong Kong and South Korea, where technology and semiconductor stocks extended a late 2025 rally. Japan and mainland China remained closed for holidays, keeping overall liquidity low across the region.
Crypto traders were watching to see if Bitcoin could turn this calm start into momentum after a choppy year-end. Akshat Siddhant, lead quant analyst at Mudrex, noted a positive shift among long-term holders.
“For the first time in months, the 30-day change in long-term holder supply has turned positive, rising by around 10,700 BTC, signalling renewed conviction among investors,” Siddhant said.
“Exchange outflows also suggest reduced selling pressure. If Bitcoin can clear the $89,500 resistance, a move toward $100,000 is likely, with $87,000 serving as strong support.”
Market snapshot
Bitcoin: $88,574, up 1.2%
Ether: $3,009, up 1.2%
XRP: $1.87, up 2%
Total crypto market cap: $3.08 trillion, up 1.2%
Equity futures rise on tech momentum
Equity futures mirrored the upbeat tone, with S&P 500 futures up 0.29% and Nasdaq futures up 0.36%, as investors carried over late-2025 strength in big tech stocks. Much of that optimism is tied to the AI boom, which powered gains across applications, data centres, and advanced chipmakers last year.
Investors are now closely watching whether earnings can support these lofty valuations amid growing policy uncertainty in Washington.
Markets brace for US policy and political developments
Attention is shifting to the US economy and the Federal Reserve, as markets adjust for delayed data following the government shutdown and recalibrate expectations for interest rate cuts. Currently, traders price in only a 15% chance of a cut this month, with one more reduction expected by June.
Politics could also drive volatility, with President Donald Trump expected to announce Chair Jerome Powell’s replacement later this month — a move seen as another potential market risk.
Commodities and currencies in focus
Gold rose 0.9% to $4,351.70 an ounce
Silver jumped 2% to $72.63 per ounce
Both metals extended gains fueled by rate-cut expectations, geopolitical tensions, and strong demand flows. Meanwhile, the US dollar started the year weaker following its steepest annual drop in eight years, as investors weigh a potentially dovish Fed path against changing global rates.
