Major alternative cryptocurrencies fell on Tuesday as volumes remained low and bitcoin traders continue to be interested in the range game in the leading cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin was hovering around $87,300, down about 3% over 24 hours, while ether fell almost $2,950. XRP traded around $1.86, also lower on the day as most large caps drifted lower without major catalysts and with limited participation from US desks.
“Bitcoin’s outlook for the first quarter of 2026 leans more towards a scenario of stability and renewed accumulation rather than a strong growth phase at the start of the year,” Linh Tran, senior market analyst at XS, said in an email. “Price fluctuations may remain in a range between approximately $80,000 and $100,000.”
“Monetary policy is not yet sufficiently accommodative, ETF flows remain selective and the regulatory environment is still in a consolidation phase, which limits the market’s ability to quickly enter a new bull cycle,” Tran added.
For now, price developments continue to reflect a market that is struggling to attract new risks while many players are still in preservation mode. With low volatility and spotty liquidity, even modest selling programs can push prices through intraday support, particularly during U.S. business hours when tax and accounting cleanup flows tend to be more concentrated.
The near-term signal is simple: Traders are watching to see if bitcoin can hold the mid-$80,000 level into the new year, or if another small holiday dip forces a deeper reset before liquidity and conviction return.
Asian stocks cooled after seven straight days of winning streaks, with several regional markets closing out the year on Tuesday. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index slipped 0.1% after Monday’s rise ended its longest winning streak since September. U.S. futures were little changed after the S&P 500 fell 0.3% and the Nasdaq 100 fell 0.5% overnight.
The global stock index also fell for the first time in eight sessions, although it is still on course for its best year since 2019. Gold and silver stabilized after retreating from record highs.
Copper extended its December rally, rising as much as 2.2% to $12,493 a tonne and heading for a 10th straight gain, its longest streak since 2017. A weaker dollar and renewed supply concerns helped maintain morale.
Copper futures are up more than 40% this year, putting the red metal on track for its biggest annual rise since 2009.
