Bitcoin nears its 17th birthday — and traders are watching for a rally
On Jan. 3, 2026, Bitcoin will mark 17 years since the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto mined the network’s first block on Jan. 3, 2009. What began as an experiment has grown into the best-performing asset of the past decade and a half, but Bitcoin’s price journey has been anything but smooth.
The backdrop: a volatile 2025
2025 began on a bullish note for risk assets. President Trump’s return to power coincided with a surge in investor confidence across the crypto sector, and Bitcoin pushed to an eye-watering all-time high of $126,080 on Oct. 6. That record was followed by a severe market correction — described by some as the largest liquidation event in crypto history — and BTC has been under pressure since that pullback.
Signs of a short-term turnaround
Data from CoinGecko shows Bitcoin has edged higher in recent windows: up 1.1% in the past 24 hours, 1.1% over the last week, 1.2% across 14 days and 2.2% over the previous month. Those modest gains have returned BTC to the green on multiple timeframes and could signal the start of a renewed push.
Near-term price action and the birthday narrative
Some market participants point to the calendar effect — the New Year and Bitcoin’s approaching 17th anniversary — as a catalyst for the recent uptick. BTC briefly reclaimed the $90,000 level on Dec. 29, though it struggled to hold that threshold and could make another attempt to breach it in the coming days. If momentum continues, the anniversary could help amplify buying interest.
Caution remains
Despite the small recovery, the broader market remains fragile and macroeconomic uncertainties persist. Whether these early gains turn into a sustained rally or fizzle out will depend on liquidity, trader sentiment and wider economic developments. Traders will be watching key levels such as $90,000 and monitoring whether the post-October correction has truly stabilized.
Bottom line: Bitcoin’s 17th birthday adds a sentimental angle to short-term market interest, but fundamentals and macro risks will determine if that interest translates into a lasting rally.
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