Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) advanced on Monday, moving in step with a broader rebound in technology stocks, though upside remained constrained as markets assessed the fallout from the U.S. military action in Venezuela.
Investors are also looking ahead to a busy week of economic data, with U.S. nonfarm payrolls for December in sharp focus. By 01:33 ET, Bitcoin was trading 1.1% higher at $92,264.5.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency drew support from strength in tech shares, which it often mirrors, as optimism around artificial intelligence continued to underpin sentiment. Other digital assets also edged higher. Even so, Bitcoin is still clawing back losses after ending 2025 down 6.4%, as enthusiasm for the sector faded in the second half of the year amid mounting questions about its longer-term outlook.
Venezuela fallout in focus after U.S. captures Maduro
Gains across Bitcoin and the wider crypto market were tempered by caution surrounding the aftermath of the U.S. strike on Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Footage showed Maduro being held in New York, where he is 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 elected, and added that the country’s oil industry would be opened to foreign participation.
International reaction has been mixed. Several Latin American nations criticised the move, alongside Russia and China. Adding to the uncertainty, Trump warned of possible similar action against Colombia and Cuba, and also raised the prospect of steps involving Iran.
The operation in Venezuela increased demand for traditional safe havens, with both gold and the U.S. dollar seeing strong buying interest.
Bitcoin works through 2025 losses
Bitcoin’s early-2026 recovery has been partly driven by bargain hunting following its 6.4% decline in 2025.
Although the cryptocurrency notched multiple record highs last year amid expectations of a more supportive regulatory backdrop under the Trump administration, momentum faded toward year-end. Sentiment weakened as concerns grew over the long-term viability of Bitcoin-focused treasury firms such as Strategy, particularly after the company was excluded from a major U.S. equity index.
Investor confidence was also shaken by a sharp flash crash in October, while institutional inflows into crypto funds appeared to slow in the final months of the year.
Crypto prices today: altcoins edge higher
Elsewhere in the crypto market, prices posted modest gains in line with Bitcoin.
Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, was little changed at $3,144.41, while XRP climbed 2.1%. BNB rose 1%, and both Solana and Cardano gained less than 1%.
Among meme tokens, Dogecoin slipped 0.4%, while $TRUMP added 0.6%.
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