Market Update January 8th 2026 Bitcoin and broader crypto markets began 2026 strongly, supported by improving risk sentiment and geopolitical developments, before giving back some gains on near-term profit taking. Bitcoin briefly surged above $94,000 after the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s president and signals of U.S. control over Venezuelan oil sales boosted risk appetite, lifting crypto alongside equities. Ether climbed toward $3,300 and major altcoins including XRP, Solana and Cardano posted solid gains, though momentum faded midweek as equity markets weakened and investors reassessed shifting Trump administration policies, pushing Bitcoin back below $90,000.