Starting 2026 by observing how the market and platforms are shaping trader behavior, data from Coinglass (via BlockBeats) shows that funding rates on major exchanges hint at a warming altcoin market. Some altcoin pairs have returned to neutral funding rates after recent surges, while Bitcoin $BTC is nearing the $90,000 resistance level, nudging sentiment slightly bearish though not yet tipping into negative territory. #BTC90kChristmas

For context, funding rates help balance perpetual contracts by exchanging funds between long and short traders. Rates above 0.01% generally suggest bullish sentiment, while below 0.005% leans bearish. Seeing neutral rates across altcoins right now feels like the market is easing into 2026, a time for measured participation rather than chasing hype.

At the same time, the Weekly Featured Trading Championship (Phase V) is live, with its familiar weekly reset structure a practical way to stay active without overcommitting early in the year.