Crypto Market Recap Jan 2026: Bitcoin Support Test, XRP ETF Buzz, Gold ATH & My Beefy DeFi Yields

Bitcoin dipped to ~$89K amid volatility, while SUI and XRP showed relative strength before late-week pullbacks. Gold hit record highs as a hedge. Plus: My DeFi portfolio update — steady yields despite drawdowns.

The crypto market delivered a rollercoaster week from January 16 to January 23, 2026. We saw early altcoin rotations into names like SUI and XRP, followed by broad corrections driven by risk-off sentiment. Major holdings like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) posted net losses, but selective altcoin gains provided some cushion.

Extreme fear gripped sentiment (Fear & Greed Index ~24), with Nasdaq correlation amplifying downside. Meanwhile, gold continued its blistering rally as the ultimate safe haven.

Portfolio Performance Overview

My key holdings reflected the broader market pressure, with BTC and ETH dragging performance despite early altcoin uplift.

Coin Jan 16 Price (USD) Jan 23 Price (USD) Weekly % Change BTC ~95,585 ~89,443 -6.4% ETH ~3,296 ~2,929 -11.1% SUI ~1.50–1.80 ~1.65 +10% net AERO ~0.50 ~0.47 -5% XRP ~1.80 ~1.93 +7%

Overall portfolio leaned slightly negative due to BTC/ETH dominance, though SUI and XRP gains offered temporary relief.

BTC Technical Breakdown

Bitcoin corrected sharply within a descending channel after peaking near $97K on January 15. It found support around $88K.

• RSI cooled from overbought (~70) to neutral ~55–60
• MACD showed bearish crossover mid-week
• ADX ~25 indicated weakening trend strength
• CCI dipped into oversold near lows

The broader uptrend remains intact. Rebound potential exists above $94K resistance.

ETH and Altcoin Insights

• ETH: Sideways trading gave way to a lower break. RSI ~45 (neutral-bearish), MACD negative. Key support at $2,900; holds above $2,600 long-term floor.
• SUI: Weekly standout — early +20–30% surge (RSI ~65 bullish). Targeted $2.20 before pullback.
• AERO: Low-volatility play; flat amid alt rotations.
• XRP: +21% surge on ETF buzz and inflows (spot XRP ETFs saw strong cumulative flows since late 2025 launch). RSI ~50 with oversold bounces, but capped below $2.10 for now.

Major Market News

• Early altcoin rotation favored SUI/XRP; BTC/ETH ETFs inflows strong January 12–16 before reversals.
• Bitcoin bulls defended $88K–$92K zone, eyeing $100K on breakout above $93.5K.
• Bitpanda expanding to stocks/ETFs from January 29 — good for diversified crypto holders.
• Extreme fear sentiment amid Nasdaq correlation and risk-off flows.

Gold as Safe Haven

While crypto corrected, gold rallied hard — hitting ~$4,621 highs early in the week from ~$4,595 open, ending roughly flat (-0.4%) but in a powerful uptrend.

• Support: $4,385–$4,555
• Resistance: $4,700+
• Breakout targets: $5,235+ amid geopolitical tensions
• Best January start on record (+14% MTD so far)

Gold continues shining as the go-to hedge in uncertain times.

My Positions & Weekly Update

Bitpanda balance: €1,023 (~$32 less than last week). Positions stable — considering adding more gold over new ETFs.

VFAT: One position out of concentrated liquidity for >48h → rebalancing soon + hedge update. Weekly loss ~$71 → balance $781.

Krystal: Down ~$40 → $1,153 (mostly in XRP vault). Fees >$10 partially offset drop. Moving to Beefy to build that first.

Pendle: Minor -$5, stable.

GammaSwap: -$21 (ETH drop impact).

Moonwell: -$40, LTV worsened to 36.6% (still manageable).

AAVE: -$15, LTV 43.35% — very safe.

NAVI: Minor drop >$10, health factor 3.17 (manageable).

Turbos: -$4, but $0.72 in fees.

Cetus: Minor drop >$15 + >$2 fees (compounding). Vaults ~$50 change, offset by Haedal rewards.

Beefy Portfolio Snapshot (CLM / vLP / Vaults)

• Total deposits: ~$8,922 USD
• Vaults: 10
• Lifetime accrued yield: $1,777 USD
• Estimated daily yield: $3.93 USD
• Rough annual equivalent: ~$1,430 (~16% on portfolio)

Trend vs. Last Update

• Deposits: Stable (~$8.9K)
• Accrued yield: +~$40
• Daily yield: Slightly higher
• Volatility: Lower

Portfolio maturing — no more APY chasing, focus on consistent cashflow.

TL;DR — AI-Assisted Conclusion

• Portfolio healthy and stable
• Yields real, not inflated
• Most drawdowns = impermanent loss (offset by fees)
• Bridging not worth it now
• Best moves: Hold BTC CLM, avoid increasing AERO, add only to proven stable pools

This is a balanced, low-drama DeFi setup built for long-term compounding. Patience wins.

Stay tuned for next week’s recap. Invest wisely — always DYOR!

What are your thoughts on this week’s correction? Planning to add gold or rotate alts? Drop a comment below!

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Crypto Market Recap Jan 2026: Bitcoin Support Test, XRP ETF Buzz, Gold ATH & My Beefy DeFi Yields was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.