Crypto markets have started 2026 with renewed momentum after a sluggish end to last year, supported by fresh institutional inflows and fading year-end selling pressure. Bitcoin is up more than 7% since 1 January, Ether has gained around 9%, and several large-cap altcoins have posted double-digit weekly advances, indicating a broad-based recovery rather than a single-asset bounce. Yet beneath the surface, the rally is unfolding in an environment of unusually thin liquidity. With spot volumes near multi-year lows and price sensitivity elevated, early-year strength is being tested by a familiar question for crypto ... (full story)