Asia Market Opening: Bitcoin Gains Ground as Asian Markets Rise in First Trade of 2026

Summary:
As markets entered the first trading session of 2026, Bitcoin remained stable near $88,000. The Asian markets showed some positive movement, boosted by technology stocks. Traders keep a keen eye on Bitcoin's ability to build momentum following a period of volatility.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin is trading around $88,000, showing a slight increase of 1.2% as the new year kicks off.
Major Asian markets, including Hong Kong and South Korea, recorded gains, benefiting from a revival in tech and semiconductor stocks.
Analyst Akshat Siddhant noted a positive trend in Bitcoin's long-term holder supply, which indicates renewed investor confidence.
The crypto market's total capitalization stands at approximately $3.08 trillion, with significant increases across major coins.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Holds Steady

On Friday, Bitcoin hovered near $88,000 as markets approached the first trading session of 2026. With lighter trading volumes due to holiday breaks, market movements remained conservative, as investors anticipated a year filled with policy changes and technological advancements.

In Asia, early risk-seeking behavior was evident, particularly in Hong Kong and South Korea, where tech and semiconductor stocks enjoyed a rebound from the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Japan and mainland China were closed for holidays, leading to lower liquidity across the region.

Traders in the cryptocurrency world closely monitored Bitcoin's potential for momentum. Akshat Siddhant, the lead quant analyst at Mudrex, remarked that Bitcoin is steadily regaining strength.

“For the first time in months, the 30-day change in long-term holder supply has turned positive, increasing by about 10,700 BTC, indicating renewed confidence among investors,” he explained.

“Simultaneously, the ongoing outflows from exchanges suggest decreased selling pressure, which could generate momentum. If Bitcoin surpasses the $89,500 resistance, a significant move toward the $100,000 level seems likely, with $87,000 acting as a strong support level,” Siddhant added.

Market Overview

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 Surge on Tech Strength

In equity futures, investors mirrored the optimistic sentiment from year-end, with S&P 500 futures rising by 0.29% and Nasdaq futures climbing 0.36%, buoyed by robust performance in big tech stocks.

This optimism is primarily linked to the strong AI sector, which propelled much of 2025's gains as funds were directed towards applications, data centers, and advanced chips. With the start of 2026, investors are keen to see if earnings will support these valuations, especially against a backdrop of political uncertainty in Washington D.C.

Attention is also turning towards the U.S. economy and the Federal Reserve (Fed), as markets await delayed data following the government shutdown and adjust their expectations for potential rate cuts. Currently, traders believe there to be only a 15% chance of a cut this month, with one additional reduction anticipated by June.

Anticipating Political Risk and Policy Changes

Political factors are also weighing heavily on markets. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a replacement for Chair Jerome Powell later this month, which investors view as a potential source of market volatility.

In the commodities sector, metals remain in focus following a successful 2025. Spot gold increased by 0.9% to $4,351.70 per ounce, while spot silver surged 2% to $72.63 per ounce, benefiting from expectations of rate cuts, geopolitical tensions, and demand fluctuations.

In the currency market, the dollar began the new year on a weak note after recording its most significant annual decline in eight years. Investors are considering a more dovish Fed stance against a shifting global interest rate landscape.