In crypto, good resolutions never last: barely January has started, wallets are already siphoned, insiders suspected, and MetaMask emails clicking where it hurts...
While bitcoin remains above $89,000 at the start of 2026, many analysts claim that whales are beginning a powerful accumulation movement. A signal perceived by some as the prelude to a new bull run. However, behind this optimistic reading, on-chain data tells a very different story. Far from a massive return of large holders, the current market dynamic seems driven by other actors, much more discreet… and probably more decisive for what comes next.
There are days when the crypto market looks less like a stock exchange and more like a playground. On Friday, memecoins reignited the traders' cheeks: in 24 hours, the sector regained about 3 billion dollars in capitalization. So, meme season or just a spark? The answer rarely fits in a single number. It is rather hidden in a mix of attention, leverage, and timing.
Crypto markets are showing a notable shift, with major altcoins recording solid gains. Bitcoin’s share of the overall market has weakened and is now nearing 59%. Capital rotation toward higher-beta assets has followed, renewing discussion around a potential altcoin-led phase.
Aave Labs founder Stani Kulechov has suggested sharing revenue from outside the protocol with token holders amid ongoing governance debates.
BitMine stock jumped 14% after an announcement described as "spectacular" by its chairman, Tom Lee. Indeed, the company is seeking shareholder approval to significantly increase the number of authorized shares. This strategic move comes as BitMine strengthens its position on Ethereum, of which it holds 3.41% of the circulating supply. In a market where crypto treasuries are growing, this initiative marks a key step for one of the largest institutional holders of ETH.
Ilya Lichtenstein, involved in the theft of approximately 119,756 BTC on Bitfinex, says he was released from prison earlier than expected thanks to the First Step Act, a law passed under Donald Trump. He spent just over a year behind bars, although he had been sentenced to five years.
Bitmine has just added +259 million dollars in ETH, driving the Ethereum validator queue to nearly one million. A record that reveals institutional enthusiasm for staking and raises a crucial question: Can Ethereum absorb this pressure without compromising its decentralization?
In 2026, cryptocurrencies are the subject of rare optimism on social networks, according to Santiment. However, traditional indicators remain cautious. Why this gap? Between social euphoria and market reality, discover what this unexpected signal hides for the crypto market.
Is Bitcoin bored? Not really. Between wild OGs, voracious ETFs, and complicit regulations, the beast calms down... but could bite again where it's least expected.