Crypto Markets Hold Steady as Investors Seek Macro Clarity
Crypto markets are currently experiencing range-bound movement, with the leading digital token lingering around the $91,000 level on Tuesday, marking an ongoing phase of consolidation following the significant volatility observed earlier this month. Analysts noted that this range-bound movement indicates a market that is neither firmly in a risk-on stance nor significantly leaning towards risk-off. Ethereum is currently trading around $3,100, closely following Bitcoin’s movements while still exhibiting characteristics of a higher-beta asset. Among other major crypto assets by market capitalization, the performance has shown significant variability. Solana has demonstrated notable resilience, whereas XRP has lagged behind in performance over the past week. BNB has shown a notable level of stability, indicative of its demand profile driven by utility. The current context, as noted by Vikram Subburaj, is a careful adjustment of expectations regarding global monetary policy. As key US inflation data approaches this week, investors across various asset classes are holding back on aggressive positioning, and the crypto markets are certainly feeling the impact, according to Subburaj.
In the latest update, there has been a noteworthy resurgence of modest inflows into US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. Following a series of notable redemptions in early January, spot Bitcoin ETFs saw net inflows totaling approximately $187 million on January 12. This indicates that institutional investors are making a comeback around the low-$90,000 levels instead of holding out for a more significant correction. On the same day, Ether ETFs experienced net inflows totaling approximately $85 million. Blockchain data reveals a comparably calculated perspective. On-chain activity levels have shown a decline, characterized by a decrease in active addresses and a reduction in transaction fees. However, this has been accompanied by an increase in transfer volumes. Historically, these patterns typically surface when larger players are shifting their capital, rather than during periods of heightened retail involvement or capitulation. At the same time, derivatives positioning indicates a shift towards a more cautious approach. “Demand for downside protection remains elevated, but the extreme risk aversion seen during earlier liquidation events has eased.” This underscores the perspective that markets are stabilizing within a range instead of gearing up for a significant directional shift.
The spotlight is currently on US inflation metrics, as the December CPI figures are set to be unveiled today, followed by producer-price data later this week. The upcoming prints are set to influence expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s rate trajectory in the first quarter of 2026. “Softer data may allow Bitcoin and equities to regain momentum,” Subburaj stated. Nischal Shetty stated that crypto prices are consolidating following a robust performance in 2025, primarily influenced by traders’ anticipations of rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve this year. However, the latest analysts’ reports suggest that this may not come to fruition. Shetty believes this could impact market sentiment, as the anticipation of rate cuts was what the industry had pinned its hopes on for a major breakout in top tokens. “With the chances of the same now reduced or uncertain, the market could experience short-term volatility.” The market appears to be less conducive to over-leverage, reminiscent of the conditions observed in October of the previous year. “Due to macro events, the risk-off sentiment surrounding equities and crypto may persist, suggesting further turbulence,” Shetty stated. Shetty, however, asserts that Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to demonstrate resilience, particularly with institutional investments through ETFs providing long-term support and mitigating the risk of significant price fluctuations.
In the latest market update, Bitcoin, the leading digital asset by market capitalisation, was priced at $91,472, reflecting a decrease of 0.67 per cent. The 24-hour trading volume stood at $35.6 billion, as reported. The asset experienced a range of $90,055 to $92,227 over the past 24 hours. Bitcoin currently sits approximately 27 percent below its all-time high of $126,198 reached on October 7, 2025. Subburaj highlighted that, from a technical perspective, the initial level to monitor is $90,000, while $89,000 has been identified as a crucial near-term support area. He warned that a sustained drop below this level could pave the way for more significant pullbacks. “On the upside, repeated failures near $92,000–$92,400 maintain resistance levels.” A decisive reclaim enhances the likelihood of a shift back toward elevated cost-basis zones, which on-chain models indicate are around $99.1k—a level that numerous desks monitor as a mean-reversion target. “Investors should size entries carefully, avoid leverage into macro prints, and use $90K/$89K as risk markers,” Subburaj stated. Ethereum is currently positioned around $3,100 following an extended downturn from the $4,700–$4,800 range. Overall, the market has yet to show bullish tendencies, but the selling pressure has noticeably diminished. Prices are currently moving sideways, a phase that often signals a forthcoming strong move.
At last check, ETH was trading at $3,118.91, down 1.16 percent, with a 24-hour trading volume of $18.03 billion, according to data. The token fluctuated within the range of $3,068 to $3,162 in the last 24 hours. Harish Vatnani stated that Ethereum is currently positioned at a pivotal decision point. The symmetrical triangle formation suggests that we are on the brink of a significant increase in volatility. “Traders should refrain from predicting direction and instead seek confirmation via breakout and volume. Until then, the market remains neutral, with equal probability of upside or downside movement,” Vatnani stated. Vatnani notes that near-term support for ETH is positioned around $3,000, with a robust support zone between $2,750 and $2,800. On the upside, immediate resistance is observed at $3,250–$3,300, while significant resistance is positioned in the $3,750–$3,800 range. Analysts noted that overall, muted capital inflows are expected to maintain ETH within a range, while Bitcoin’s relative strength continues to bolster broader sentiment; however, a clear breakout signal has yet to emerge.
