ADA surges 7% while Bitcoin and Ether see modest gains as markets roll into 2026.

Cardano leads gains as crypto trading resumes, but broad altcoin rally remains elusive

Cryptocurrencies opened 2026 on firmer footing Friday in Asia, with Cardano’s ADA outperforming large caps as traders returned from the holiday break and risk appetite picked up.

Bitcoin rose about 1% to trade near $88,700, while Ether added roughly 1%, hovering around $3,010, extending a gradual recovery from late-December lows. ADA jumped 7%, outpacing the broader market, while Solana, XRP, and BNB also traded higher. Analysts say these moves reflect selective positioning rather than the start of a broad altcoin season.

“Investors aren’t rotating wholesale out of Bitcoin and Ethereum into altcoins,” said crypto payments firm B2BINPAY. The firm noted that the Altseason Index near 16 signals continued Bitcoin dominance and limited participation across the wider market. Inflows into select large-cap tokens appear to be targeted exposures rather than early altseason bets.

The modest crypto rebound coincided with a broader risk-on mood. Asian equities rose 0.8%, led by technology stocks, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.6%, outpacing S&P 500 contracts as traders favored AI and semiconductor names. Precious metals also advanced, with gold nearing $4,350 an ounce and silver up more than 1%, as markets priced in potential U.S. rate cuts and a weaker dollar.

Analysts cautioned on short-term pressures from portfolio rebalancing after 2025’s rally. TD Securities strategist Daniel Ghali highlighted that a significant portion of Comex silver positions may be sold over the coming weeks, triggering potential price corrections.

In crypto, cross-asset conditions remain supportive but fragile. Bitcoin in the high-$80,000s and Ether above $3,000 suggest dip-buying is returning, though broader conviction across altcoins is still limited.