Major cryptocurrencies finished a quiet, holiday‑shortened trading week with mixed performance, as Bitcoin and Ethereum settled into consolidation following late‑December swings.
Bitcoin held in a range near key technical levels over the week, with prices hovering around the mid‑US$80,000s to high‑US$80,000s zone as traders weighed subdued year‑end liquidity and macro uncertainty.
Market data showed Bitcoin forming a near‑term base with support around US$83,800-US$86,000, suggesting short‑term accumulation ahead of potential breakouts toward higher resistance if sentiment improves.
Ethereum, meanwhile, also traded in a tight range over the period, with prices generally fluctuating near the US$2,900-US$3,100 area.
Despite a longer‑term downtrend through much of 2025, onchain activity hit historic highs late in the year, pointing to resilient usage even amid price consolidation.
Market participants noted that trading volumes remained relatively subdued, typical of a holiday week.
While sentiment has eased from extreme fear levels, broader risk appetite is still tentative. A modest uptick in total crypto market capitalisation on Jan 2 reflected selective buying interest, though investors remain cautious ahead of fresh catalysts for 2026.
