Cryptocurrency Market During the Christmas Season: Price Movements of BTC, ETH, XRP and Key Levels Investors Should Watch

Overall Market Tension Continues, Year-End Cautious Stance Deepens

As we enter late December, a stifling atmosphere is prevailing across the entire cryptocurrency market. With the year-end holiday approaching, trading volumes have decreased, and major assets like BTC, ETH, and XRP are still lacking clear direction.

Latest Price Trends (as of January 9, 2026)

• Bitcoin (BTC): $90.52K (24-hour change: +0.21%)
• Ethereum (ETH): $3.10K (24-hour change: -0.74%)
• XRP: $2.10 (24-hour change: +0.09%)

While institutional demand cools off, retail traders’ participation willingness also declines. The momentum of the previous upward trend has significantly slowed, and the overall market is shrouded in a heavy mood.

XRP Defense: Downward Pressure on Support Levels and Potential Rebound

Currently trading around $2.10, XRP is exploring direction within a narrow range. If the pressure persists, it is highly likely to test the $1.77 support zone, and a break below could accelerate selling pressure.

However, if market sentiment improves, there is a good chance to challenge resistance levels via $1.96. Despite the year-end market, the strength of key supports will be a critical turning point.

Ethereum Resistance: The Weight of Failing to Break the $3,000 Barrier

Ethereum is trading near $3,100, but this level still indicates heavy resistance at higher prices. Without a clear breakout above $3,000 and failure to reach the $3,200 resistance, the selling pressure is expected to remain dominant.

Investors’ net outflows continue, suggesting ongoing asset withdrawals. If the price breaks below support, $2,600 will become the next critical support line, and a decline to that level could cause significant psychological damage.

Bitcoin Stalling: The Difficulty of Surpassing $90,000 Revealed

BTC is at $90.52K but has not convincingly broken above the psychological threshold of $90,000. Decreasing trading volume and waning buying momentum have fueled skepticism about the recent upward trend.

A slowdown in wallet growth has also been observed, clearly indicating that institutional investors are pausing their aggressive buying. A scenario where BTC declines toward the $85,500 support area is becoming more realistic.

For the bulls to regain control, a clear daily close above $90,000 is essential, which would open up room for a rise toward the $93,000–$94,000 zone. Until then, cautious observation by traders is likely to dominate.

The Essence of the Christmas Market: Testing Major Levels in a Range

As the year-end approaches, the cryptocurrency market remains indecisive about a major trend reversal. Both institutional and retail investors are limiting active moves, and within this tension, a breakout is less likely than continued tug-of-war within narrow ranges.

Currently, several key levels are attracting attention: BTC $85,500–$90,000, ETH $2,600–$3,200, XRP $1.77–$1.96. Which side these levels break will be a decisive factor in the next major market turning point.

For investors, the key is to remain patient, observe reactions to these levels dispassionately, and maintain a cautious stance until clear signals emerge.