Bitcoin has plunged below $90,000, erasing much of its gains from earlier in 2026, as part of a broader market downturn. Ether, meanwhile, has seen the sharpest decline among major cryptocurrencies, dropping more than 6% in the past 24 hours to below $3,000. Analysts and industry experts are providing insights into the price action on January 20, 2026.
On January 20, 2026, Bitcoin experienced a significant drop, falling below $90,000 and giving up much of the gains it had accumulated earlier in the year. This plunge occurred amid a global market meltdown affecting risk assets, as reported in crypto price updates.
Ether emerged as the worst performer among major cryptocurrencies, declining more than 6% over the previous 24 hours and tumbling below $3,000. The downturn reflects broader volatility in the crypto market, with Bitcoin's fall described as brief but notable in live market coverage.
CoinDesk's liveblog highlighted why Bitcoin was down that day, featuring commentary from analysts, reporters, and longtime industry participants. They weighed in on the ongoing price action for Bitcoin, other cryptos, and related markets, pointing to the meltdown as a key driver.
This event underscores the sensitivity of cryptocurrencies to wider financial market trends, though specific causes beyond the general meltdown were not detailed in the reports.