Bitcoin traded near $88,800 on Monday as global markets regained risk appetite following record highs in gold and gains across Asian equities.
Ether rose back above $3,000, while XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin also inched higher after a volatile period that saw crypto prices swing independently of stocks and commodities.
The calmer market tone coincided with gold reaching an all-time high above $4,380 an ounce, driven by growing expectations that the Federal Reserve may implement additional rate cuts in 2026. Gold is on track for its strongest annual performance since 1979, supported by central-bank buying and steady inflows into gold-backed ETFs.
Asian stocks advanced alongside the rise in precious metals. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index gained more than 1%, led by technology shares, following a late-week rebound in U.S. equities. U.S. equity futures were also higher.
Japan remained in focus after the Bank of Japan’s recent rate hike pushed government bond yields to multi-year highs. The yen strengthened after officials warned against excessive currency moves, while higher yields reinforced a shift away from years of ultra-loose policy.
Crypto followed the broader risk sentiment but remained fragile. Traders pointed to thin year-end liquidity and lingering leverage as factors constraining rallies.
Data from K33 Research shows long-term Bitcoin holders are approaching the end of an extended selling phase, while institutional buyers are absorbing Bitcoin faster than miners can produce it. Corporate treasuries and ETFs have increased purchases even after prices fell more than 30% from October highs.
Overall, crypto continues to track macroeconomic trends—supported by rate-cut expectations and haven demand in gold—but remains restrained by the aftereffects of a deep fourth-quarter drawdown.
