Crypto prices are rising during U.S. trading hours, potentially signaling a shift from the selloffs seen last year. Bitcoin has surpassed $90,000, with Ether, Solana, and XRP also experiencing notable gains.
What to Know:
- Crypto prices are rising during U.S. trading hours, potentially signaling a shift from the selloffs seen last year.
- Bitcoin has surpassed $90,000, with Ether, Solana, and XRP also experiencing notable gains.
- Bitcoin miners transitioning into AI infrastructure firms are seeing significant growth, alongside companies like MicroStrategy and Coinbase.
Last year was marked by consistent crypto selloffs during U.S. trading hours. However, the start of 2026 is showing a potential change in this trend, with crypto prices now rising while American markets are open. This shift could indicate renewed investor confidence or a change in market dynamics. Bitcoin is leading the charge, breaking above $90,000, while other major cryptocurrencies are also experiencing gains.
Broad Market Momentum and Crypto’s Performance
The broader market is also showing positive momentum, with the Nasdaq Composite Index up by 0.6%, driven by gains in AI-related chipmakers. Nvidia, Broadcom, Micron, and Intel are all posting substantial gains, indicating strong investor interest in the technology sector. Commodities are also performing well, with silver leading the way, followed by modest gains in gold and copper. This overall positive sentiment in the financial markets could be contributing to the resurgence of crypto prices during U.S. trading hours. The correlation between traditional markets and Bitcoin has been a topic of discussion, and these early signs suggest a potentially positive relationship. The approval and launch of Bitcoin ETFs has further integrated Bitcoin into mainstream finance, potentially influencing its correlation with traditional assets.
Bitcoin Miners Pivoting to AI Infrastructure
An interesting trend is the strong performance of Bitcoin miners that are transitioning into AI infrastructure firms. Companies like Hut 8, CleanSpark, and TeraWulf are experiencing double-digit gains, while Cipher Mining and IREN are also up significantly. This shift highlights the evolving landscape of the crypto industry, with companies diversifying their operations to capitalize on the growing demand for AI computing power. The convergence of Bitcoin mining and AI infrastructure presents new opportunities for growth and innovation. The high energy demands of both Bitcoin mining and AI training create synergies, where miners can leverage their existing infrastructure to provide AI services. This diversification could also make these companies more resilient to fluctuations in the Bitcoin price.
Institutional Players and Crypto Market Dynamics
Companies with significant exposure to Bitcoin, such as MicroStrategy and Coinbase, are also performing well, indicating renewed investor confidence in the crypto market. Galaxy Digital and Circle Financial are also seeing gains, further highlighting the positive sentiment surrounding digital assets. These institutional players play a crucial role in shaping the market dynamics of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Their investments and strategic decisions can have a significant impact on prices and overall market sentiment. The increasing involvement of institutional investors signals a growing acceptance of crypto as a legitimate asset class. The regulatory landscape surrounding crypto is also evolving, with regulators around the world working to establish clear rules and guidelines. These developments are likely to further legitimize the crypto market and attract more institutional investment.
Analyzing the Potential Shift in Bitcoin Trading Patterns
The fact that crypto prices are rising during U.S. trading hours, breaking away from the selloff trend of the previous year, is a significant development. This could be attributed to a number of factors, including increased institutional participation, positive regulatory developments, and growing adoption of crypto by mainstream investors. The launch of Bitcoin ETFs has also played a role in making Bitcoin more accessible to a wider range of investors. These ETFs provide a regulated and convenient way for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the asset. The increased accessibility and mainstream adoption could be contributing to the shift in trading patterns. Further analysis is needed to determine if this trend will persist, but the initial signs are encouraging for the crypto market.
The start of 2026 is showing a potential shift in crypto market dynamics, with prices rising during U.S. trading hours, breaking away from the selloff trend of the previous year. Bitcoin’s rise above $90,000, coupled with the strong performance of Bitcoin miners transitioning into AI, signals renewed investor confidence and evolving industry trends. These developments warrant close monitoring as the crypto market continues to mature and integrate with traditional finance.
Related: XRP Prediction: Timelines Extended, Says Jake Claver
Source: Original article
Quick Summary
Crypto prices are rising during U.S. trading hours, potentially signaling a shift from the selloffs seen last year. Bitcoin has surpassed $90,000, with Ether, Solana, and XRP also experiencing notable gains. Bitcoin miners transitioning into AI infrastructure firms are seeing significant growth, alongside companies like MicroStrategy and Coinbase.
Source
Information sourced from official Ripple publications, institutional research, regulatory documentation and reputable crypto news outlets.
Author
Ripple Van Winkle is a cryptocurrency analyst and founder of XRP Right Now. He has been active in the crypto space for over 8 years and has generated more than 25 million views across YouTube covering XRP daily.
Editorial Note
Opinions are the author's alone and for informational purposes only. This publication does not provide investment advice.

