As 2026 unfolds, the cryptocurrency market is showing signs of revitalization after enduring several months of downturns. A range of digital assets including altcoins and meme coins have gained ground, reflected by an overall improvement in market sentiment. This recovery is shaped by more substantive economic and regulatory influences rather than purely speculative hype.
Data gathered by Santiment illustrates that the evolving retail sentiment across prominent cryptocurrencies is being driven primarily by macroeconomic conditions, flows related to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and the positioning of market participants. Notably, this shift away from crypto-centric narratives frames the current environment as one increasingly integrated with wider financial markets.
Bitcoin (BTC) has advanced by approximately 3% over the past week. The cryptocurrency’s price movements now display characteristics resembling traditional macro assets, with fluctuations closely aligned to spot ETF inflows, United States economic statistics, and interest rate forecasts. This contrasts with previous periods where investor behavior was more heavily influenced by crypto-specific events or community sentiment.
Despite a reduction in selling pressures and an uplift in sentiment, Bitcoin faces significant psychological resistance around the $90,000 threshold. Santiment analysts suggest that should Bitcoin experience a retracement into the mid-to-high $80,000 range, this could momentarily revive apprehension among retail investors. Such a dip, while unsettling, might also set the stage for a more robust price advance later in the year.
Turning to Ethereum (ETH), the token has seen a rise of about 3.7% recently. Interest in staking Ethereum via regulated investment vehicles is increasing, suggesting cautious but growing institutional participation. However, overall sentiment remains divided, with no clear dominant storyline or decisive momentum to propel the asset convincingly higher. This fragmented outlook tempers some of the optimism, despite Ethereum’s relative strength compared to other cryptocurrencies.
XRP, another asset under scrutiny, recorded an impressive near 14% price increase early in 2026. This surge was predominantly influenced by unique dynamics related to its escrowed supply and concentrated trading activity. Nevertheless, Santiment points out that the optimism observed may have been premature, as some dip buyers underestimated the subsequent correction. If XRP revisits the $2.00 price area, it could trigger renewed fear, uncertainty, and doubt among retail traders, potentially undermining recent gains.
The Binance Coin (BNB) has benefited modestly with an approximate 3.5% gain. Its recovery is linked to enhanced regulatory clarity, notably following Binance’s strategic shift to oversight by Abu Dhabi Global Market. Combined with a steady rebound after the holiday period, this has encouraged some investor interest. However, significant retail enthusiasm is anticipated to return only if BNB approaches the $1,000 mark once more.
Solana (SOL) also demonstrated strength, rising nearly 10% during the week. Institutional interest appears to be reinforcing SOL’s value proposition beyond purely retail-driven demand. Market participants are closely watching the $143 resistance level, with bullish sentiment intensifying after the token moved back toward $140. Clearing this zone is perceived as pivotal for unlocking further upward momentum.
In the domain of meme coins, Dogecoin (DOGE) has led the pack with over a 13% weekly increase. This rally is supported by the strong performance of the 21Shares 2x Long Dogecoin ETF, which has posted gains in the vicinity of 38%–39% during the initial days of 2026. The rebound has penalized panic sellers from December, allowing DOGE to reclaim a leadership role within the meme coin segment amid improving sentiment levels.
Santiment cautions that retail sentiment continues to act as a contrarian indicator, where spikes in crowd optimism or fear often precede movements in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, larger market players ('whales') tend to operate with greater discretion, exerting influence behind the scenes without drawing immediate attention.
Overall, as Bitcoin challenges the $90,000 threshold and the market consolidates, clearer shifts in crowd psychology are becoming apparent across major cryptocurrencies. The interplay between psychological price barriers, institutional involvement, and macroeconomic trends will likely shape market trajectories in the months ahead.