Stocks Slow, Crypto Retreats: A Volatile Start to 2026
Early optimism fades as macro concerns and profit-taking return
Source: Market data / illustration
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The first full trading week of 2026 began with momentum. Both equities and crypto pushed higher, supported by strong sentiment and seasonal tailwinds.
But that optimism didn’t last.
By the end of the week, markets had shifted from momentum to caution highlighting how fragile risk appetite …



