The week of January 19, 2026, ends on a note of cautious stability. Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $93,753, down slightly by 1.2% over seven days, while Ethereum (ETH) falls to $3,284, a loss of 2.8%. These modest moves contrast with the volatility of previous weeks, marked by peaks at $98,000 for BTC and $3,500 for ETH. The market appears to be entering a consolidation phase, with investors digesting gains accumulated since November 2025. Analysis: Between Macroeconomics and Technical Caution Several factors explain this slowdown. First, US macroeconomic data released this weekâincluding December’s inflation figures (CPI at 3.1%, stable) and the Fed minutesâhave cooled hopes for a rapid rate cut. The Federal Reserve maintains a hawkish tone, weighing on risk assets like crypto. Second, the market is seeing a sector rotation: institutional investors seem to favor mid-cap altcoins over leaders BTC and ETH. Finally, the prospect of the next Bitcoin halving (expected in April 2026) continues to fuel long positions, but without an immediate catalyst, the price stagnates. Technically, BTC is testing the $92,000 support, while ETH struggles to stay above $3,200. Trading volumes are down 15% from the previous week, signaling a lack of enthusiasm. Outlook: What to Expect Next? In the short term, the market could remain in a tight range: $90,000-$96,000 for BTC, $3,100-$3,400 for ETH. Upcoming catalysts include the Fed meeting on January 29 (no rate change expected) and quarterly earnings from major tech companies, which influence overall risk sentiment. For beginners, this consolidation period is a time to watch key levels and wait for the next breakout.
