Bitcoin Price Forecast: $96,600 Support Brings $100K into View

Bitcoin is entering a pivotal stage where its framework, policies, and positioning are beginning to converge. Institutional market makers caution that the next significant recovery for crypto in 2026 will hinge on more profound changes in liquidity and market participation, while new policy measures in the US are subtly moving Bitcoin closer to everyday transactions.

Concurrently, major traders are recalibrating their risk profiles ahead of critical legal rulings, introducing a layer of short-term volatility to an otherwise stable market. The charts indicate that Bitcoin is achieving this equilibrium, consolidating after a robust breakout, with technical indicators suggesting controlled and constructive price movements instead of turmoil.

Crypto’s 2026 Revival Relies on Essential Changes, States Wintermute

As per cryptocurrency market maker Wintermute, substantial modifications in market structure following a disappointing 2025 will be essential for a notable resurgence in 2026. The usual four-year cycle for Bitcoin experienced only a modest increase, and the profits did not extend to other cryptocurrencies, implying that the cycle may be diminishing in importance.
Wintermute asserts that last year’s liquidity was primarily concentrated in Bitcoin and Ether due to institutional inflows and spot ETFs, leading to a narrowed market breadth and stunted altcoin rallies, as investors became more selective rather than rotating throughout the market.

Wintermute suggests that cryptocurrency needs at least one of three conditions to thrive in 2026: institutions expanding beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, a significant rise in large assets that creates a broader wealth effect, or the re-engagement of retail investors. Lower interest rates might reignite a desire for risk-taking.

LATEST: Wintermute indicates that Bitcoin’s recovery in 2026 depends on three scenarios: an ETF mandate extension beyond BTC and ETH, another major rally generating wealth effects, or retail investors returning from AI and equities. pic.twitter.com/kB9k1hnDnN

— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 14, 2026

Inflows into ETFs and institutional interest continue to favor Bitcoin predominantly. While this limits the potential for altcoins, it reinforces Bitcoin’s dominance. If interest rates decrease and retail participation increases, Bitcoin is likely to lead any broader cryptocurrency recovery in 2026.

Rhode Island Revives Bitcoin Tax Exemption Proposal

A proposal has been introduced by Rhode Island legislators that would temporarily exempt small Bitcoin transactions from state taxes for the second year in a row. Rather than regarding Bitcoin solely as an investment, this initiative aims to reduce tax impediments and encourage regular cryptocurrency usage.
Under this proposal, state income and capital gains taxes would not apply to Bitcoin transactions up to $5,000 per month, with a $20,000 annual limit. Both individual citizens and businesses based in Rhode Island would qualify for the exemption.

This pilot initiative, set to commence in 2027 and conclude in 2028 unless extended, will also simplify the process for taxpayers to self-certify their status with minimal documentation.

JUST IN: Rhode Island has introduced a state income tax exemption bill for small Bitcoin transactions.
Make Bitcoin everyday money pic.twitter.com/oKVAUVoXsz

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 14, 2026

If this measure passes, it could foster the use of Bitcoin as a digital currency rather than simply a speculative asset. Such pro-Bitcoin legislation can enhance real-world acceptance, boost long-term demand, and create a positive outlook for BTC, particularly if additional US states adopt similar approaches.

Anonymous Crypto Trader Places Significant Bets Ahead of Supreme Court Tariff Ruling

Before the US Supreme Court’s ruling on President Trump’s tariffs, which could significantly affect global markets, an anonymous cryptocurrency trader has made bold moves. The court is evaluating Trump’s authority to impose extensive tariffs without Congressional approval. If the government loses the case, the United States may need to refund over $130 billion in duties collected.
The trader exited nearly $400 million in long positions prior to the ruling, securing about $14.5 million in profit as cryptocurrency prices surged following weaker US inflation data. The trader then swiftly moved to short positions, anticipating that the ruling could drive cryptocurrency prices down.

WARNING: A BIG MARKET STORM IN 1 HOUR!!!
– Supreme Court ruling on Trump tariffs
– Starts in 58 minutes
Polymarket is estimating a 73% chance that the court rules Trump tariffs illegal.
Trump claims the tariffs generated around $600 BILLION.
I’ll explain what you need… pic.twitter.com/lXfhR54LJn

— DANNY (@Danny_Crypton) January 14, 2026

These short positions, which leverage heavily on a decentralized exchange, encompass Solana, Ethereum, and Bitcoin. News regarding tariffs and policies often elicits dramatic responses from Bitcoin. A negative ruling can heighten market uncertainty and induce short-term Bitcoin fluctuations. However, long-term policy unpredictability might still render Bitcoin more attractive as a hedge against economic and political risks.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Outlook: Technical Indicators Suggest Controlled Consolidation

From a technical standpoint, Bitcoin remains in a favorable position. Prices continue to form higher lows above the ascending 50-EMA, while the 200-EMA trends upward below $94,000, reinforcing medium-term support.

Any pullbacks have been minor and corrective, characterized by small-bodied candles and brief Doji pauses instead of aggressive selling.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

Momentum indicators lend credence to this perspective. The RSI has settled into the 55–60 range, indicating a healthy reset after overbought conditions, with no signs of bearish divergence apparent. As long as Bitcoin maintains the $95,700–$95,200 demand zone, the bullish structure remains intact.

$100,000 Back in Sight if Resistance is Cleared

The current price range resembles a bullish consolidation flag, indicating accumulation rather than distribution. A slight dip toward support, followed by a higher low, could pave the way for another push above $97,600. A confirmed breakout would reveal $98,800, with potential extension toward the psychological $100,000 mark.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is ushering in a new era for the Bitcoin ecosystem. While BTC remains the benchmark for security, Bitcoin Hyper introduces what has been missing: Solana-level speed. The outcome is rapid, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized applications, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project prioritizes trust and scalability as adoption increases. The momentum is already significant. The presale has exceeded $30.4 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013575 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity rises and the demand for efficient BTC-based applications grows, Bitcoin Hyper emerges as the connector uniting two of the largest ecosystems in crypto. If Bitcoin laid the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could rejuvenate it, making it fast, flexible, and enjoyable once more.

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