Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) moved higher on Monday, supported by a broader rally in technology stocks, although gains remained restrained as investors assessed the implications of the recent U.S. military action in Venezuela.
Attention this week is also turning to a series of major economic releases, with U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for December seen as particularly important. By 01:33 ET, Bitcoin was up 1.1% at $92,264.5.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency drew support from rising tech shares, which it often tracks, as optimism around artificial intelligence continued to lift sentiment in the sector. Other digital assets also edged higher in sympathy. However, Bitcoin is still recovering from a 6.4% decline in 2025, as enthusiasm for crypto cooled in the second half of last year amid increasing debate over the sector’s longer-term outlook.
Venezuela fallout in focus after US captures Maduro
Upside in Bitcoin and the wider crypto market was capped by caution surrounding the aftermath of the U.S. strike on Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro was shown being detained in New York and is now expected to face legal proceedings in a U.S. court.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would “run” Venezuela until a new leader is chosen, adding that the country’s oil industry would also be opened up.
Global reaction to the move has been mixed. Several neighbouring Latin American countries criticised the action, as did Russia and China. Heightening geopolitical uncertainty further, Trump also warned of potential similar moves against Colombia and Cuba, and raised the possibility of action involving Iran.
The strike on Venezuela boosted demand for traditional safe-haven assets, with both gold and the U.S. dollar attracting strong buying interest.
Bitcoin nurses 2025 losses
Part of Bitcoin’s early-2026 rebound reflects bargain hunting after the cryptocurrency posted a 6.4% fall in 2025.
Although Bitcoin reached multiple record highs last year on expectations of a more supportive regulatory environment under the Trump administration, momentum faded in the final quarter. Sentiment weakened amid growing concerns about the sustainability of Bitcoin-focused treasury companies such as Strategy, particularly after the firm was excluded from a major U.S. equity index.
Confidence was also shaken by a sharp flash crash in crypto prices in October, while institutional inflows into crypto funds appeared to slow toward the end of the year.
Crypto prices today: altcoins cautiously higher
Across the broader market, digital assets recorded modest gains in line with Bitcoin.
Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, was little changed at $3,144.41, while XRP advanced 2.1%. BNB gained 1%, and both Solana and Cardano rose by less than 1%.
Among meme tokens, Dogecoin slipped 0.4%, while $TRUMP edged up 0.6%.