Deutsch
The hoped-for liberating blow at the end of the month failed to materialize. Instead, on this Friday, January 30, 2026, deep red numbers dominate the price lists of the crypto exchanges. Bitcoin (BTC) has not only abandoned the psychologically important mark of $90,000, but is now fighting for the support zones below. Ethereum (ETH) and the broad altcoin market are also being dragged down by the pessimistic sentiment. The disillusionment after the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision runs deep and triggers a noticeable capital flight from risk assets.
The mood in the markets has turned from cautious optimism to tangible risk aversion within 48 hours. Many investors had hoped that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) would pave the way for interest rate cuts soon on Wednesday, but reality has now caught up with these hopes. The realization that interest rates could remain at the current level of 3.50% to 3.75% for longer deprives the crypto sector of the urgently needed fuel: cheap liquidity.
Bitvavo, one of the leading exchanges from Europe (Netherlands) with a large selection of cryptocurrencies. PayPal deposit possible. For a limited time only: €26 bonus when you sign up via CoinPro.ch
The delayed reaction to the Fed reality
Interestingly, the market initially reacted in a restrained, almost lethargic manner on Wednesday evening and Thursday to the “wait-and-see” attitude of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. It seemed as if the algorithms and institutional investors first had to process the message. Today, however, we are seeing the result of this analysis: A coordinated sale of “risk-on” assets.
Bitcoin, the market’s flagship, already seemed weak above $90,000 in recent days. The inability to regain this level attracted sellers, who are now targeting the deeper support areas at around $87,000. Ethereum shows a similar weakness and correlates strongly with the market leader, as the specific drivers for the smart contract network are currently missing.
- Bitcoin
(BTC) - Price $83,005.00
- Market Cap
$1.66 T
The main causes for the current sell-off
Today’s price slump is not due to a single negative event, but the result of a toxic mixture of macroeconomic factors and a changed investor psychology. Market participants realize that the first quarter of 2026 will be more difficult than predicted.
The most important factors for the current losses can be summarized as follows:
- The “Higher-for-Longer” scenario: Persistent inflation is forcing the Fed to keep interest rates tight. This makes low-risk investments such as government bonds more attractive compared to volatile crypto assets that do not yield interest.
- The great capital rotation into precious metals: As we reported yesterday, gold and silver are experiencing a historic high. Institutional capital is flowing massively from digital currencies into these physical “safe havens”, which are perceived as better inflation and crisis protection in the current environment.
- Nervousness ahead of tech earnings: The crypto market still correlates strongly with the Nasdaq technology index. Ahead of the important quarterly figures of the US tech giants in the coming week, many investors do not want to lean too far out of the window and reduce their risk exposure across all asset classes.
The macro headwinds are blowing head-on
The current situation illustrates once again how dependent the crypto sector still is on the global liquidity supply. In 2024 and 2025, the market benefited massively from the expansion of the money supply. Now that this tap remains at least temporarily turned off, the purchasing power to drive prices to new heights is missing. In addition, there is a certain market saturation. After the impressive rally of recent months, many “early adopters” are sitting on high book profits. In view of the uncertain macroeconomic situation and the attractive alternatives in the commodities sector, the temptation is great to realize these profits now – “taking profits” is the order of the day.
Outlook: Where are the saving shores?
For investors, the anxious question now arises: Is this the beginning of a longer bear market or just a healthy correction in the overriding upward trend? In the short term, the environment remains challenging. The momentum is clearly on the side of the bears. For Bitcoin, it will be crucial to defend the zone between $87,000 and $88,000. A sustained break of this mark could release further downward potential towards $82,000. Ethereum urgently needs to hold the $2,500 mark to avoid getting into a deeper spiral. In the medium term, everything depends on the data situation. The market needs a clear signal that inflation has been defeated so that the Fed can take its foot off the brake. Until then, we should see a volatile sideways phase in which “hard assets” such as gold outperform the crypto currencies. Patience is now required for crypto investors – the quick money of the “January effect” is off the table for the time being.
On the other hand, lower prices offer opportunities for entry. Buy Bitcoin now from our test winner Bitvavo with extra bonus.
