Entering the cryptocurrency market 2026 without fireworksbut there are clear signals worth noting. Major cryptocurrencies started the year with subdued price movements, reflecting a cautious market still digesting macro expectations, interest rate cut narratives, and post-2025 volatility positioning.
Looking at the top non-stablecoin assets by market capitalization, price movements remain subdued rather than exhilarating, a trend that could characterize the first few weeks of 2026.
Bitcoin price in 2026: remains important
$Bitcoin begins trading this year $87,884currently displayed +0.18% in the last 24 hours. Although the movements have been small, BTC continues to defend its price gains after ending 2025 near multi-month highs.
Market capitalization is almost the same $1.75 trilliondaily trading volumes were strong, confirming continued participation from institutional investors and individuals. The lack of sharp movements suggests that traders are waiting for new triggers rather than rushing into new positions.
Bitcoin price in the last 24 hours (USD) – TradingView
Ethereum price shows slight relative strength
$Ethereum started around 2026 $2,982post Up +0.53% in the last 24 hours. Compared to Bitcoin, ETH showed slightly stronger momentum on the first trading day of the year.
market capitalization is close $360 billionEthereum continues to benefit from expectations regarding liquidity conditions and ongoing ecosystem activity. Still, price action remains range bound, suggesting a consolidation rather than a breakout.
Ethereum price (USD) in the last 24 hours – TradingView
BNB price faces some pressure at the beginning of the year
$BNB opens near 2026 $857,recording -0.58% down in the last 24 hours. Among the top assets, BNB showed relative weakness, retreating after recent gains.
Despite the short-term decline, BNB remains one of the structurally strongest large-cap stocks, supported by ecosystem usage and stable trading volumes. The initial pullback may reflect profit-taking rather than a change in trend.
XRP price enters cautious new year
$XRP is traded $1.85bottom -0.13% in the last 24 hours. Despite limited movement, XRP continues to hover in a sensitive price range after several failed attempts to sustain higher levels.
With the market capitalization above $112 billionAlthough XRP remains firmly among the top assets, price action suggests traders are still hesitant to commit aggressively at current levels.
Solana prices start slightly lower in 2026
$Solana started the year at approx. $124.76,slide -0.26% in last 24 hours. This move will be modest and will follow a phase of strong relative performance towards the end of 2025.
SOL remains one of the most actively traded large-cap assets, and despite the small decline, the broader market structure suggests consolidation rather than trend reversal.
Crypto price points in 2026: A controlled start to the year
The first day of 2026 will be A measured and disciplined crypto market. Bitcoin and Ethereum are holding steady, while BNB, XRP, and Solana are seeing gradual retracement. The important thing is that No signs of panic or aggressive risk-off behavior.
This type of price movement often reflects the market waiting for direction from macro data, central bank signals, liquidity flows, etc. rather than reacting emotionally. For now, cryptocurrencies enter 2026 stable, monitored and positioned for the next catalyst.
