New York, Jan 13, 2026, 14:06 EST — Regular session
- Bitcoin climbed roughly 2%, hitting around $93,500; U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs also gained ground
- Coinbase climbed roughly 3%, while Strategy jumped around 4% following a new bitcoin-buying update
- Traders have their eyes on the Senate markup for crypto rules set for Jan. 15, along with the Fed’s meeting on Jan. 27-28
Bitcoin climbed 2.2% Tuesday to $93,478 during U.S. afternoon trading, bouncing between $90,878 and $93,745 earlier. Coinbase shares jumped 3%, and bitcoin holder Strategy rose 4.2%. The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF alongside Grayscale Bitcoin Trust each gained roughly 2.3%. Miners showed mixed moves: Marathon Digital edged up 0.9%, while Riot Platforms dipped 1%.
The shift came after a flurry of policy announcements from Washington and a new inflation report that kept speculation about rate cuts alive. In a market driven by just two factors — regulation and borrowing costs — it didn’t take much to spark action.
This matters for equities too, as crypto-linked stocks have kicked off the year with a risk-on vibe once more. A key legislative milestone is looming, along with the upcoming Fed decision.
Strategy revealed in an SEC filing Monday that it acquired 13,627 bitcoins between Jan. 5 and Jan. 11, spending roughly $1.247 billion at an average price of $91,519 each. This raises its total bitcoin holdings to 687,410. The company said these purchases were funded through its at-the-market program, which allows gradual stock sales into the market.
Late Monday, U.S. senators unveiled draft legislation aimed at clarifying when crypto tokens qualify as securities, commodities, or fall into other categories. The bill would grant the Commodity Futures Trading Commission control over spot crypto markets — where coins are exchanged for immediate delivery — a long-sought win for the industry. It also prohibits crypto firms from paying interest just for holding stablecoins, which track the dollar, though rewards tied to actions like payments would still be allowed. Lobbyists remain doubtful it will pass, with Congress turning focus to the 2026 midterms.
Labor Department data showed the Consumer Price Index ticked up 0.3% in December, holding annual inflation steady at 2.7%. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.2% month-over-month and 2.6% year-over-year. The Fed is widely expected to leave its benchmark rate unchanged between 3.50% and 3.75% at the Jan. 27-28 meeting. Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander U.S. Capital Markets, pointed out that “the core CPI has jumped by 0.4% and more in each of the past four Januarys.” Reuters
Market strategists showed less confidence on the timing. Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth, noted the softer core reading “should give the Fed some breathing room.” But Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, argued inflation remains above target and the report doesn’t provide the Fed enough reason to cut rates this month. Reuters
Bitcoin remains far from its October peak above $125,000, following a surge that attracted broader investor interest. It continues to react sharply to changes in yields and the dollar.
That mood can turn quickly. Should lawmakers weaken the bill or it gets stuck, the regulatory boost might vanish. On top of that, a stronger inflation report could drive yields up — which typically weighs on bitcoin.
Traders are eyeing the Senate Banking Committee’s markup on crypto market-structure legislation set for Jan. 15, followed by the Fed’s meeting on Jan. 27-28. Bitcoin and related stocks will probably react first if there are any surprises on stablecoin rewards or interest rate guidance.
