Bitcoin Price Forecast: BTC Holds $88K as Institutions Accumulate – Is a New Rally Coming?

Bitcoin is currently trading around $88,600, reflecting an increase of approximately 1.2% for the day, as the market processes a new wave of institutional and regulatory updates that bolster long-term confidence despite persistent volatility.

With a market cap of $1.77 trillion and nearly 19.98 million BTC already in circulation, the recent price movements indicate a trend towards stabilization rather than distress following last week’s decline from the $95,000 level.

Metaplanet Adjusts Forecast Despite $680M BTC Write-Down

The Japan-based Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet has revised its revenue and operating profit projections for 2025 and 2026, even after reporting a non-cash Bitcoin impairment of $680–$700 million related to year-end valuations. Management emphasized that the write-down does not affect cash flow, operations, or their treasury strategy.

The firm now anticipates $58 million in revenue and $40 million in operating profit for 2025, primarily driven by its Bitcoin income generation sector. By the end of the year, Metaplanet’s BTC holdings swelled from 1,762 BTC in 2024 to 35,102 BTC, resulting in a remarkable 568% year-over-year increase in BTC yield per diluted share.

METAPLANET ANNOUNCES $680M UNREALIZED LOSSES ON BTC HOLDINGS IN 2025
The firm anticipates an ordinary loss of $640M, a net loss of $498M, and a $351M loss for shareholders, with final figures expected on Feb. 16.
Metaplanet indicated that short-term volatility is anticipated, but its long-term Bitcoin… pic.twitter.com/LlhdM9mhtC

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 26, 2026

For 2026, the company forecasts $103 million in revenue and $73 million in operating profit, reinforcing the perspective that Bitcoin-related business models are evolving beyond mere speculation.

SEC and CFTC Reschedule Joint Crypto Harmonization Event, Enhancing US Leadership Narrative

Simultaneously, the SEC and CFTC confirmed the rescheduling of a joint crypto harmonization event for January 29, which will focus on aligning oversight frameworks and minimizing regulatory fragmentation. The session, taking place in Washington, will feature leadership from both organizations and reflects a broader initiative to establish the US as a global center for digital assets.

JUST IN: The SEC and CFTC’s “Project Crypto” event is now set for this Thursday.
This event aims to discuss “their efforts to fulfill President Trump’s promise to make the United States the crypto capital of the world.” pic.twitter.com/NswfU39aOC

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 26, 2026

Improved coordination among regulators is generally viewed as beneficial for Bitcoin, especially in attracting institutional capital that has remained hesitant due to regulatory ambiguities.

Strategy Acquires 2,932 Bitcoin during Market Dip, Bolstering Long-Term BTC Confidence

Amid this week’s market downturn, Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, continued its proactive Bitcoin purchasing by acquiring 2,932 BTC, valued at approximately $264 million. As Bitcoin briefly fell below $87,000, the purchase was executed at an average price of $90,061 per Bitcoin, underscoring Strategy’s tendency to buy during market weaknesses.
With this latest purchase, Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings rose to 712,647 BTC, costing around $54.19 billion at an average price of $76,037 per coin. Notably, Strategy has already acquired around 40,100 BTC in January, surpassing its total purchases from the previous five months combined, indicating a significant uptick in buying activity.

Michael Saylor’s Strategy acquires 2,932 Bitcoin during market downturn@Strategy secured $264 million in Bitcoin last week amidst the market pullback, increasing its holdings to over 712,000 BTC, according to a Monday SEC filing.https://t.co/Yo6fS01Qpm

— Helen Partz (@coindanslecoin) January 26, 2026

A minor sale of preferred stock and the sale of Common A shares (MSTR) provided much of the funding for this transaction. The firm’s ongoing Bitcoin accumulation reflects strong institutional confidence in BTC, even as Strategy’s shares declined alongside broader market trends.
Despite short-term volatility, significant long-term Bitcoin holders like Strategy are believed to maintain a positive outlook for the future and support prices during downturns.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: $88K Base Remains as Descending Channel Approaches Resolution

From a technical perspective, Bitcoin price forecasts are turning optimistic as BTC trades near $88,600, stabilizing after a sharp decline from the $95,500–$96,000 range. On the 4-hour chart, the price remains within a descending channel, but the rebound from $86,200 is characterized by long lower wicks, indicating demand is entering the market rather than forced selling. This suggests absorption near support rather than a breakdown.

Prices are still held back below the 50-EMA and 100-EMA near $90,500–$91,000, which serves as the initial recovery hurdle. As long as BTC remains beneath this zone, the short-term outlook stays corrective. However, the structure is beginning to resemble a falling wedge, a pattern that frequently resolves to the upside as selling pressure diminishes.

Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

Momentum supports this shift. The RSI has rebounded from nearly 30, while the price recorded a slightly lower low, suggesting early bullish divergence. Recent candlesticks show smaller bodies and weaker downside continuation, consistent with consolidation rather than a continuation of the trend.

If Bitcoin stays above $88,000, the potential for an upward move toward $90,900 and $93,300 opens up, with a break targeting $95,500. A drop below $86,200 would delay recovery and expose $84,400, without jeopardizing the overall structure.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Trading idea: Buy on pullbacks near $87,500–$88,000, with a stop-loss below $85,800, targeting $93,000–$95,000.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?

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

Audited by Consult, the initiative underscores trust and scalability as adoption increases. The momentum is already noteworthy, with the presale exceeding $31 million, and tokens priced at just $0.013635 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity rises and the demand for efficient BTC-based applications grows, Bitcoin Hyper emerges as the connector unifying two of crypto’s largest ecosystems. If Bitcoin laid the groundwork, Bitcoin Hyper could reintroduce speed, flexibility, and enjoyment.

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