MICHAEL MALLINSON priceMICHAEL

The cryptocurrency market on January 23, 2026, presented a dynamic landscape characterized by significant exchange activities, ongoing regulatory discussions, and a watchful eye on macroeconomic indicators. While Bitcoin demonstrated a phase of consolidation, several specific events contributed to the day's hot topics, reflecting both project-specific advancements and broader market adjustments.

Key Market Dynamics and Macro Influences

Bitcoin (BTC) found itself in a period of stabilization, trading around the $95,000 mark after recently recovering from lows near $87,000. This price action follows a turbulent late 2025 and early 2026, where the leading cryptocurrency had soared past $100,000. Analysts observed a 'Bollinger Bands squeeze,' a technical pattern often indicative of historically low volatility preceding substantial price movements, suggesting the market is building energy for its next direction. Current support levels for Bitcoin were identified around $94,000 and $92,000, with resistance noted at $99,500 and a significant supply zone between $100,000 and $102,000.

The broader crypto market sentiment was influenced by global macroeconomic concerns. A recent report indicated that renewed tariff tensions between Europe and the United States, particularly concerning Greenland, coupled with a notable surge in Japanese government bond (JGB) yields, have exerted pressure on global markets, including cryptocurrencies. This led to Bitcoin's retreat from nearly $97,000 to approximately $87,000, and Ethereum's decline from about $3,300 to around $2,800.

Despite these price corrections, the crypto derivatives market exhibited resilience. Market leverage has reportedly decreased significantly from its past peaks, mitigating the risk of widespread forced liquidations. Implied volatility primarily saw an increase in the short term, while overall volatility has been trending downwards since late November 2025. Additionally, Ethereum's staking activity continued its expansion, highlighting ongoing network engagement.

Exchange Highlights: Listings and Delistings

One of the most notable events of the day was Binance's commencement of withdrawals for Sentient (SENT) at 12:00 UTC. The AI research organization's native token, SENT, saw a remarkable 13% surge on January 22 following Binance's announcement of its listing with a Seed Tag. Trading for SENT/USDT, SENT/USDC, and SENT/TRY pairs began on January 22. This listing provided SENT with increased visibility and liquidity, contributing to an approximate $20 million boost in its market capitalization.

Conversely, SunCrypto announced the delisting of 10 trading pairs from its Futures Market by 12:30 PM UTC on January 23. This decision was made to ensure user safety and market integrity, as these pairs consistently demonstrated low trading volumes, which can lead to higher volatility and potential manipulation. Traders were strongly advised to close their positions before the deadline to prevent automatic closure at prevailing market prices.

Global Forums and Regulatory Outlook

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, which commenced on January 19, concluded its annual meeting on January 23, 2026. This influential gathering served as a platform for global leaders to discuss critical topics, including crypto regulation, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and the path to institutional adoption of digital assets. Such discussions are vital for shaping the future regulatory landscape of the crypto industry.

Further adding to the regulatory narrative, the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (CLARITY Act) awaits action in the Senate. This proposed legislation aims to provide clear definitions for digital commodities, potentially exempting certain established blockchains from SEC regulation and imposing new compliance rules on crypto exchanges and brokers. Its passage could introduce greater regulatory predictability and attract more institutional investment into the market.

Industry Gatherings

In the realm of crypto events, January 23 also marked the final day of WAGMI Miami, a significant cryptocurrency conference held in Downtown Miami. Running from January 20-23, this event focused on decentralized finance (DeFi), cultural innovation, and educational initiatives, bringing together builders, investors, and innovators within the space.

As January 2026 progresses, the crypto market remains a focal point for both innovation and evolving regulatory frameworks. The interplay of specific token performance, exchange actions, and high-level policy discussions continues to shape its trajectory.