Crypto markets extended their early 2026 rebound during U.S. trading hours as bitcoin advanced toward the $94,000 level, marking a second straight session of gains driven by improving risk appetite. The move represents a shift from late 2025 patterns, when digital assets frequently weakened during U.S. market hours despite strength elsewhere. Price action accelerated after an overnight rally, with traders rotating back into higher risk assets as broader financial markets adopted a more constructive tone. The advance lifted bitcoin to its highest level in nearly a month, reinforcing its role as the primary driver of near-term market direction. Other major tokens followed with moderate gains, though performance remained uneven, reflecting selective participation rather than a broad speculative surge.
A key signal supporting the recovery has been the sharp improvement in U.S.-based demand indicators. The Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index, widely used as a gauge of American buying pressure, rebounded from deeply negative levels seen at the start of the year. The index had reached its lowest point in nine months when bitcoin was trading near $88,000, a level historically associated with local market bottoms. Its subsequent improvement suggests that U.S. capital flows are gradually returning after a prolonged period of caution. This recovery in demand has coincided with steadier trading during U.S. hours, raising the prospect that recent gains could prove more durable if supported by continued participation from domestic investors.
Beyond spot markets, strength has also emerged in crypto-linked equities, particularly among digital asset treasury firms that were heavily pressured in the second half of last year. Shares of several companies holding significant bitcoin reserves posted double-digit gains as prices recovered, highlighting renewed interest in balance-sheet-driven crypto exposure. Market participants remain attentive to whether bitcoin can sustain momentum above nearby resistance levels, as a successful hold could attract systematic buying and extend the rally. While risks of volatility persist, the combination of improving U.S. demand, firmer price structure, and recovering crypto equities points to a market attempting to reset its footing after a challenging close to 2025.
