Crypto Market News Today, 5 January 2026: Weak Rally in Early 2026, Venezuela’s “Shadow Reserve” of Bitcoin in Focus.
Big data from the US, renewed political tensions and new momentum for the crypto market set up the first full and eventful trading week of 2026. And the crypto is starting the week strong after a damaging Q4 2025 that saw Bitcoin correct almost 35% from the high and the sentiment dropped to “extreme fear.”
Today, 5 January 2026, Bitcoin is trading around $92.5k after briefly rising to $93,000 earlier today. Furthermore, Ethereum pushed above $3200 before dipping slightly. Altcoins like XRP, Dogecoin, Chainlink, Stellar, and Hyperliquid registered profits.
Let’s talk about catalysts this week. The US ISM Manufacturing PMI is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, January 2, 2026. Why is this parameter being watched closely? Because if it shows continued weakness, it could signal a slower economy and, in turn, increase expectations for Federal Reserve policy easing later this year. Investors expect the Fed to ease in the long run rather than in the early stages.
This week will see employment data, JOLTS or job opening data, the December Jobs report and the January MI Consumer Reports.
Important Events this week:
1. Markets React to Venezuela Situation – Monday
2. December ISM Manufacturing PMI data- Tuesday
3. December ADP Farm Employment Data – Wednesday
4. November JOLTS Job Openings data – Wednesday
5. December Activities Report – Friday
6. January MI Consumer…
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 4, 2026
FIND: 16+ New and upcoming Binance listings in 2026
Venezuela’s “Shadow Reserve” of Bitcoin and Stablecoin In Focus
Next is geopolitics. US President Donald Trump said the US will now “effectively run” Venezuela’s oil industry. The President of Venezuela has been impeached on drug-trafficking charges. Reports suggest that Venezuela may have 600,000 to 660,000 Bitcoin reserves – making it one of the largest Bitcoin holding countries in the world.
According to Media and X reports, “Intelligence Reports” suggest that Venezuela has accumulated a “shadow reserve” of BTC and Tether (USDT) estimated at $60 billion. Apparently, this park was built on a “golden shift.”
This development could power Bitcoin prices in Q1 2026 or undiscovered BTC could be part of the government’s strategic reserve. Its a ‘wait and watch’ game for now as Venezuelan oil takes a back seat and Bitcoin comes into focus.
🚨BREAKING: Bitcoin dropped above $91,000 and is now up $2,500 on Venezuela low attack.
$83 billion was added to the crypto market and $130 million of shorts were liquidated in the last 12 hours.
This move took place during the closure of traditional markets.… pic.twitter.com/ncirgflQkS
— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) January 4, 2026
FIND OUT: Top 20 Cryptos to Buy in 2026
New Institutional Shift Toward Crypto Under Trump’s Policies: PwC Makes Aggressive Moves
The ‘Big Four’ that includes PwC depend on crypto services such as auditing and taxation amid the clarification of regulations from Trump’s appointees and act as GENIUS for stable coins. As crypto expansion supports institutional adoption of Bitcoin despite BTC’s volatility over the past few weeks, PwC’s recent expansion reflects rivals. Is this a blue-chip trust in digital assets?
PwC isn’t just dipping its toes in; actively features stablecoin-based payments based on business efficiency, RWAs tokenization strategies and crypto-native tax and consulting services.
“PwC should be in that ecosystem,” Paul Griggs, PwC’s US senior partner, told the Financial Times.
1️⃣ PwC, one of the world’s largest accounting firms, is officially expanding its crypto business.
Chief executive Paul Griggs says the company has changed from a “watchful observer” to an “active participant” following a wave of US regulatory clarifications. 🧵👇#PwC #CryptoNews pic.twitter.com/gQJWLYBzx1
– Conor Kenny (@conorfkenny) January 5, 2026
“The Genius Act and the regulatory legislation around stablecoins I expect will create more confidence around reliance on that product and that asset class,” Griggs said. “Tokenization of things will continue to evolve. PwC has to be in that space.”
PwC is implementing a plan that will serve as the main bridge for traditional institutions entering the area by 2026.
DISCOVER: 10+ Next Crypto to 100X By 2026
Why you can trust 99Bitcoins
Founded in 2013, 99Bitcoin team members have been crypto experts since the early days of Bitcoin.
90+ hours
Weekly survey
100k+
Monthly students
50+
Professional contributors
2000+
Crypto projects reviewed
Follow 99Bitcoins in your Google news feed
Get the latest updates, trends, and information delivered right to your fingertips. Register now!
Register now 
