BTC Holds $90K on 17th Anniversary of Hal Finney's Iconic 'Running Bitcoin' Tweet

Bitcoin (BTC) traded near the $90,500 level on Jan. 10, 2026, as it marked the 17th anniversary of Hal Finney's iconic tweet that first referenced the cryptocurrency. The market remained in a period of consolidation amid muted trading activity and a lack of clear catalysts to push the price higher or lower.

BTC opened slightly above $91,000 in the morning but quickly retreated into a narrow range. The price oscillated within a tight band of $90,500 for most of the day. Exchange netflows turned positive in the last 72 hours, but the volume was still significantly lower than the previous week's average of over $40 billion.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to delay its ruling on President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs earlier in the week briefly triggered a relief rally for BTC. However, the momentum faded quickly, and the market remained in a state of cautious uncertainty. Analysts noted that the lack of fresh macroeconomic or regulatory news had contributed to the current indecisive price action.

Why Is Bitcoin Trapped Near $90K?

BTC is currently in a "no-trade zone" characterized by low volatility and limited directional bias. Technical indicators such as the relative strength index (RSI) and moving average convergence divergence (MACD) suggest that the market is in a distribution phase rather than a strong accumulation period.

The Enigma Trader, a notable market analyst, observed that while BTC experienced heavy accumulation in December, this trend has since stalled. The recent inflows into exchanges indicate rising sell-side pressure. "Minor distribution or de-risking near the $90,000 level is visible," the analyst noted.

What Do Analysts See Now?

Bitcoin's price is currently bounded by a $88,000 support and a $93,000 resistance level. This range reflects the current macroeconomic gridlock and the absence of a clear catalyst. While the price remains above the critical $90,000 psychological floor, it has not shown the kind of explosive momentum seen earlier in the year.

The lack of fresh catalysts has left the market in a wait-and-see mode. Analysts are closely monitoring exchange inflows, trading volume, and macroeconomic indicators for signs of a breakout. The current neutral RSI of 47 and slightly bearish MACD readings suggest the market is consolidating ahead of the next move.

What Is the Significance of Jan. 10 for Bitcoin?

Jan. 10 marks a pivotal milestone in Bitcoin's history. On this day in 2009, Hal Finney, a pioneering software developer and early Bitcoin contributor, sent the first-ever tweet referencing the cryptocurrency. His message, "Running Bitcoin," is widely recognized as a foundational moment in the network's history.

The global crypto community took note of the anniversary as BTC traded near $90,500, highlighting the contrast between the network's steady operation and the current price stagnation. Despite the price action remaining "indifferent," the network continues to function as Finney and Satoshi Nakamoto intended.

What Do Market Participants Need to Watch?

Market participants are closely watching the U.S. Senate Banking Committee's markup of the CLARITY Act scheduled for Jan. 15. The bill, which aims to provide regulatory clarity for the crypto industry, is a key focus for both traditional financial institutions and crypto innovators. The outcome could have significant implications for DeFi and stablecoin regulation.

Additionally, the mid-term elections in 2026 are expected to impact the pace of legislative progress. While Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott remains optimistic about passing the CLARITY Act this year, some analysts suggest the bill may not be finalized until 2027 or 2029.

In the meantime, investors are watching for signs of a breakout from the current price range. A sustained move above $93,000 or a drop below $88,000 could signal the next phase in Bitcoin's price trajectory. Until then, the market remains in a holding pattern, awaiting the next catalyst.