Crypto Outlook for 2026 Begins on a ‘Highly Positive’ Note

According to a Santiment analyst, sentiment among crypto market participants on social media has started the year strong, but has warned that continued market gains will depend on retail investors remaining level-headed.

Santiment analyst Brian Quinlivan stated in a YouTube video released on Saturday, “We need retail to continue to be a bit cautious, a bit pessimistic, a bit impatient.”

While other crypto sentiment metrics indicate fear among participants, Quinlivan highlighted that Santiment’s social media data suggests a different outlook.

This level has historically been “a concern”

“It is very positive at the moment,” he noted. “Usually, that raises some concerns, but in this instance, it might simply indicate that we’re back from the holidays,” he remarked.

Quinlivan expressed that he isn’t too concerned about “a lot of FOMO,” but added that it could emerge if Bitcoin (BTC) swiftly approaches $92,000. Currently, Bitcoin is priced at $89,930, reflecting a 1.77% increase over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap.

He also mentioned that a rapid uptick in Bitcoin’s price to this level would reveal the “true reaction from retailers.” “Are they starting to invest because they see Bitcoin rising? That would be problematic,” he said.

Crypto faces fear signals despite historically strong January

Retail enthusiasm in crypto markets typically spikes at or near all-time highs or cycle peaks, and historically, the market tends to decline shortly after.