The cryptocurrency market has kicked off the year with a positive sentiment, according to a recent analysis by Santiment, a leading crypto data analytics firm. In a video published on YouTube, Santiment analyst Brian Quinlivan noted that the current sentiment among market participants on social media is strong, but warned that further market upside depends on retail investors remaining cautious and level-headed.
Crypto Market Sentiment: A Delicate Balance
Quinlivan emphasized the importance of retail investors maintaining a balanced outlook, stating that “we need retail to continue to be a bit cautious, a bit pessimistic, a bit impatient.” This sentiment is crucial in determining the market’s trajectory, as excessive optimism can lead to a market downturn. Despite other crypto sentiment indicators showing fear among market participants, Santiment’s social media data suggests a more positive outlook.
According to Quinlivan, the current sentiment level is “very positive at the moment,” which has historically been a concern. However, he noted that this might be attributed to the market’s return from the holiday season. The analyst also expressed caution about the potential for “a lot of FOMO” (fear of missing out) entering the market if Bitcoin (BTC) quickly approaches $92,000. At the time of publication, Bitcoin was trading at $89,930, up 1.77% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap.

Bitcoin’s price movement will be closely watched, as a quick increase to $92,000 could trigger a strong reaction from retail investors. Quinlivan warned that if retailers start pouring in money due to the expectation of Bitcoin’s price rising, it could have a negative impact on the market. This phenomenon is often referred to as “retail euphoria,” which tends to surge near all-time highs or cycle peaks, followed by a market downturn.
Fear and Greed in the Crypto Market
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index, which measures overall crypto market sentiment, posted a “Fear” score of 29 in its Saturday update. The Index has been in the “Fear” to “Extreme Fear” range since early November 2025. However, January has historically been a strong month for both Bitcoin and Ether (ETH), with average gains since 2013 of 3.75% for BTC and 19.07% for ETH, according to CoinGlass.
It is essential for market participants to remain informed and cautious, as the crypto market is known for its volatility. By analyzing sentiment data and market trends, investors can make more informed decisions and navigate the complex crypto landscape. For more information on the crypto market and its trends, visit the original source link: https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-market-sentiment-positive-retail-investors-cautious-signal-santiment?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss_tag_bitcoin&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound
