Bitcoin Tops $91,000 - 17 Years After Satoshi Mined The Genesis Block

Bitcoin rose above $91,000 on January 4, 2026, marking a significant rebound for the world's largest cryptocurrency after a year of volatility according to reports. The price increase followed a week of modest gains and came amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela as data shows. This level has not been consistently held since early December 2025, as the market continues to grapple with broader uncertainty according to market analysis.

Ethereum and other major cryptocurrencies also posted gains alongside Bitcoin. Ethereum climbed above $3,150, while altcoins like Solana and XRP saw double-digit weekly increases according to reports. The broader crypto market cap exceeded $3 trillion, reflecting renewed risk appetite among traders according to market analysis.

Market participants attributed the rally to a combination of factors, including geopolitical developments in Venezuela and a liquidation flush that reset leverage and positioning. Political uncertainty in the country led to increased volatility and speculation in the crypto market as reports indicate.

Why Did This Happen?

Bitcoin's recent price surge has been partly driven by coordinated large-scale purchases from whale accounts and major exchanges. On-chain data showed more than $2.5 billion worth of Bitcoin was bought in a 10-hour period according to technical analysis. This includes purchases by exchanges like Binance and Coinbase, suggesting institutional and retail buying activity according to market data.

The price rebound has also been supported by a reduction in bearish sentiment after a sharp liquidation of futures positions. Roughly $180 million in positions were liquidated in the past 24 hours, with most coming from short sellers according to market data. This shift in positioning has encouraged traders to push higher as prices break through key resistance levels according to market analysis.

How Did Markets Respond?

The broader crypto market responded positively to the Bitcoin rally, with smaller tokens experiencing sharp gains. Altcoins like PEPE, SUI, and DOGE surged by as much as 25%, indicating increased risk appetite and capital rotation into smaller tokens according to market reports. XRP even overtook BNB to become the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization according to market data.

Investor sentiment, however, remains mixed. While the price rebound has restored confidence among some investors, the market continues to face headwinds. Bitcoin has lost about a third of its value since hitting an all-time high above $125,000 in October 2025 according to financial reports. This has led to fears of an extended period of retrenchment, often referred to as a 'crypto winter' according to market analysis.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring Bitcoin's ability to sustain its recent gains and maintain a level above $90,000. Technical indicators suggest a marginal break through resistance at $88,000, signaling a potential further rise according to market analysis. However, the options market remains bearish, with a large number of put options concentrated around the $60,000–$85,000 range according to market analysis.

The coming months will be crucial for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. Key events, including the $2.2 billion options expiry at the end of June and potential regulatory actions, could influence price movements and investor behavior according to financial reports. Market participants are also watching for any further developments in the geopolitical landscape, particularly around Venezuela according to reports.

Bitcoin's long-term prospects remain tied to broader macroeconomic factors and institutional adoption. Despite recent gains, the price is still about 30% below its 2025 high, and investors will continue to assess the sustainability of the current rebound according to market analysis.