Digital asset investment products have started the year 2026 on a strong note, indicating a change in investor behavior away from Bitcoin and towards certain altcoins.
According to the latest CoinShares data, global cryptocurrency fund investments in 2025 totaled $47.2 billion, just slightly below the 2024 record of $48.7 billion. This also laid the groundwork for market activity at the start of the year.
Global cryptocurrency fund investments are approaching record levels by the end of 2025.
The latest CoinShares report shows that the new year started strongly: on Friday, January 2, 2026, investments of $671 million were recorded. While there were also outflows during the week, net weekly investments were still $582 million.
The United States remained the largest source of investment, but Germany and Canada turned positive after previous outflows: $2.5 billion was invested in Germany and $1.1 billion in Canada. This indicates a broader global adoption. Switzerland also recorded steady growth, with investments of $775 million, representing a 11.5% increase year-on-year.
Particularly interesting is that altcoins continue to be the focal point of investor attention. Ethereum was the biggest gainer: last year, it received $12.7 billion in investments, a growth of 138% year-on-year. XRP's net investments grew 500%, reaching $3.7 billion, and Solana's investments soared by an impressive 1,000% to $3.6 billion.
In contrast, the broader altcoin market saw a 30% decline in investments compared to the previous year, highlighting a focus on the best-performing tokens.
Also, meme coins, which had been declining since November 2024, are now showing signs of recovery. CryptoQuant analysts highlight a rise in certain major coins, which may attract speculative investors.
Bitcoin flows lag as price development masks investor caution.
At the same time, Bitcoin's investment flows lagged behind, decreasing by 35% compared to the previous year to $26.9 billion. Short Bitcoin investment products remain marginal, with managed assets of only $105 million.
However, Bitcoin's price has quickly rebounded: over the weekend, it rose from $89,000 to $93,300 due to short position liquidations and, among other things, U.S. strikes against Venezuela. Analysts note that while Bitcoin has risen 6% since the beginning of the year, weekend gains often correct on Mondays, raising questions about whether the sentiment at the beginning of 2026 will continue.
Market sentiment is cautiously optimistic. Based on blockchain data, we are witnessing the largest whale buying phases in over a decade. At the same time, sentiment indicators for Bitcoin and Ethereum are showing a recovery from a strong oversold state.
Especially on Ethereum, there is a strong technical structure, and traders expect $3,250 to be the first target level before a possible rise to the peak level of $3,450 on December 11.
The beginning of 2026 highlights a market in transition. Investors appear to be directing capital towards certain altcoins and have strong faith in opportunities, but are being more cautious regarding Bitcoin.
The early year investments, targeted altcoin demand, and cautious price development suggest that the first weeks of 2026 could determine investors' positioning for the coming months.
As digital asset investment flows continue to shift, the market watches whether Bitcoin can return to a leading position or if altcoins will define this year's cryptocurrency narrative.