Bitcoin and major tokens started 2026 on firmer footing in Asian morning hours on Friday, with Cardano’s ADA leading gains among large-caps as traders returned from the holiday break and risk appetite improved across markets.
Bitcoin rose about 1% to trade near $88,700, while ether added approx. 1% to hover around $3,010, continuing a steady recovery from late December lows.
ADA rose 7%, outperforming moves in the broader market, while solana, XRP and BNB also traded higher. Such price action suggested selective positioning rather than the start of a broad altcoin rally.
Analysts at crypto payments firm B2BINPAY said in an email that flows still favor liquid majors as investors begin the year in capital preservation mode.
“Investors are not rotating wholesale out of bitcoin and ethereum into the altcoin market,” the firm said, adding that the Altseason index near 16 still signals bitcoin dominance and a lack of market-wide participation.
In their view, additions to a handful of large caps like Solana and XRP look more like targeted exposure than an early all-season bid.
The modest crypto rebound came alongside a global risk movement.
Asian shares rose 0.8%, led by technology shares, with a regional technology indicator hitting a record. Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.6%, outpacing gains in S&P 500 contracts, as traders again leaned into the AI and chip complex to start the year.
Precious metals also rose, extending a strong 2025. Spot gold rose toward $4,350 an ounce and silver rose more than 1% as traders positioned for potential U.S. interest rate cuts and dollar weakness in 2026.
Still, some analysts warned of near-term pressure from portfolio reshuffles after last year’s rally.
“We expect a massive 13% of total open interest in the Comex silver markets to be sold over the next two weeks, resulting in a dramatic lower price reduction,” wrote TD Securities strategist Daniel Ghali.
In crypto, the cross-asset setup remains supportive but fragile.
A weaker dollar and improved equity sentiment are helping, but traders remain cautious after a period in late 2025 characterized by thin liquidity and rapid profit-taking.
For now, bitcoin holding $80,000 and ether stabilizing above $3,000 will be seen as early signs that dip-buying is returning, although the market is still waiting for conviction to spread beyond the most liquid names.
