Bitcoin (BTC) is showing renewed strength as the market moves deeper into mid-January 2026. On January 15, BTC is trading near $96,400, after rallying to a local high of around $97,900 a day earlier. The move followed softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data and renewed confidence across risk assets, helping crypto regain momentum after weeks of consolidation.
While price action has turned constructive, what’s happening beneath the surface is even more interesting. Retail sentiment around Bitcoin has shifted sharply bearish, even as BTC continues to push higher — a combination that has historically favored further upside.
Bearish Crowd Sentiment
According to social data from Santiment, commentary surrounding Bitcoin across social platforms has become increasingly negative over the past several days. Despite BTC rebounding strongly this week, fear and skepticism are dominating online discussions.
This divergence between price and sentiment is notable. In past market cycles, Bitcoin has often moved against retail expectations, with major rallies forming when confidence is low and doubt is widespread. Santiment data shows the current level of bearish commentary is among the highest seen in the last 10 days — a period that previously coincided with upside continuation.
In simple terms, while price is climbing, the crowd is still hesitant to believe in the rally. From a contrarian perspective, that skepticism may act as fuel rather than resistance.
Bitcoin Breaks Out on the Daily Chart
From a technical standpoint, Bitcoin’s structure has improved meaningfully. The daily chart shows BTC breaking out of an ascending triangle, a bullish continuation pattern defined by higher lows pressing against a horizontal resistance zone.
The breakout occurred around $94,700, followed by a strong push toward the $97,900 region. This move confirmed buyer control and shifted market structure firmly back in favor of bulls. Price is now hovering just below the 100-day moving average, a level that often acts as a short-term decision point during trend transitions.
A brief pause or retest near the breakout zone would be considered healthy and would not weaken the broader bullish setup, as long as BTC holds above the prior consolidation range.
Sentiment and Structure Are Aligning
What makes the current setup compelling is the alignment between technical strength and negative retail sentiment. While price action suggests accumulation and trend continuation, social data shows hesitation and disbelief — a classic backdrop for further upside.
Historically, major Bitcoin rallies rarely begin when the crowd is confident. Instead, they tend to accelerate when skepticism lingers, forcing sidelined participants to chase price higher as resistance levels break.
If momentum continues, the measured move from the ascending triangle points toward the $108,000 region, with the $100,000 psychological level likely to act as the next major magnet along the way.
What This Means Going Forward
Bitcoin is currently at a critical juncture. As long as BTC maintains strength above the mid-$95K area, the bullish breakout remains valid. The combination of improving macro sentiment, strong technical structure, and growing retail fear creates a setup that favors continuation rather than reversal.
While volatility is always expected in crypto markets, the broader picture suggests Bitcoin’s rally may still have room to run — especially if skepticism continues to dominate social sentiment as price climbs.