Guy Fawkes 
US macro data, renewed geopolitical tensions and fresh crypto market momentum are setting up a highly eventful first full trading week of 2026. And crypto is starting the week on firmer footing after a bruising Q4 2025 that saw Bitcoin correct roughly 35% from its cycle top and sentiment plunge toward “extreme fear.”
Today, 5 January 2026, Bitcoin is trading at around $92.5k after briefly surging to $93,000 earlier today. Furthermore, Ethereum pushed above $3200 before dipping slightly. Altcoins such as XRP, Dogecoin, Chainlink, Stellar, and Hyperliquid registered gains.
Let’s talk about the catalysts this week. The US ISM Manufacturing PMI is scheduled for release on Tuesday, January 2, 2026. Why is this parameter closely watched? Because if it shows persistent weakness, it could reflect a slowing economy and, in turn, increased expectations for looser Federal Reserve policy later this year. Investors expect further Fed easing to arrive later in the year rather than in the very early quarters.
This week will also see Employment data, JOLTS or Job openings data, December Jobs report and January MI Consumer report.
Key Events This Week:
1. Markets React to Venezuela Situation – Monday
2. December ISM Manufacturing PMI data- Tuesday
3. December ADP Nonfarm Employment data – Wednesday
4. November JOLTS Job Openings data – Wednesday
5. December Jobs Report – Friday
6. January MI Consumer…
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 4, 2026
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Venezuela’s “Shadow Reserve” Of Bitcoin And Stablecoin In Focus
Next is geopolitics. US President Donald Trump has claimed that the US will now effectively “run” Venezuela’s oil industry. The Venezuelan President was taken down on charges of drug trafficking. Reports suggest that Venezuela may have a Bitcoin reserve of 600,000 to 660,000 – making it one of the largest Bitcoin holding countries in the world.
According to Media reports and X, “Intelligence Reports” suggest that Venezuela accumulated a “shadow reserve” of BTC and Tether (USDT) estimated at around $60 billion. Apparently, the reserve was built through “gold swaps.”
This development can either give a boost to Bitcoin prices in Q1 2026 or the unearthed BTC could form a part of the government strategic reserve. Its a ‘wait and watch’ game for now as Venezuelan oil takes a back seat and Bitcoin comes into focus.
BREAKING: Bitcoin has broken above $91,000 and it’s now up $2,500 from the Venezuela attack lows.
$83 billion has been added to the crypto market and $130 million in shorts were liquidated in the last 12 hours.
This move happened while Traditional markets were closed.… pic.twitter.com/ncirgflQkS
— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) January 4, 2026
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Japan’s FM Declares 2026 “Digital Year” For Crypto Integration, Tax Cuts
Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama has called 2026 a “digital year.” The country is looking to integrate crypto into the nation’s financial markets. Seems like the Japanese government will finally back blockchain assets on stock exchanges.
During the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s New Year opening ceremony, the first female prime minister and finance minister, Minister Katayama said, “The glass ceiling (jinx) has already been broken in the world of politics.” She added, “I expect the stock market to break through the ceiling and reach a new record high this year.”
According to the PM, “this year is a turning point for Japan.” The PM also drew parallels to US crypto ETFs, which have gained traction as inflation hedges.
Japan is going all-in on digital assets.
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama declared 2026 as Japan’s “Digital Year” at the Tokyo Stock Exchange today.
The focus is regulated exchanges as the primary gateway to blockchain assets.#DigitalYear2026 pic.twitter.com/sK1BCINNe3
— CryptoMoses (@realcryptomoses) January 5, 2026
With tax reforms slashing rates to 20% and regulatory overhauls underway, Japan’s recent moves could attract global investors and boost local adoption.
Japan recently overhauled its crypto tax system after more than a decade of investor complaints and industry lobbying. According to new reporting from Nikkei Asia, the government and ruling coalition have formally endorsed a plan to cut the nation’s maximum crypto tax rate to a flat 20%, aligning digital assets with equities and investment trusts. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is expected to introduce the crypto bill during the regular Diet session in early 2026.
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A Fresh Institutional Shift Towards Crypto Under Trump Policies: PwC Makes Aggressive Moves
The ‘Big Four’ including PwC is leaning into crypto services like audits and tax amid regulatory clarity from Trump appointees and acts like GENIUS for stablecoins. As the mainstreaming of crypto supports Bitcoin’s institutional adoption despite BTC volatility over the past few weeks, PwC’s recent expansion mirrors rivals. Is this a blue-chip confidence in digital assets?
PwC is not just dipping its toes; it is aggressively pitching stablecoin- based payments for enterprise efficiency, tokenization strategies for RWAs and crypto-native tax and consulting services.
“PwC has to be in that ecosystem,” said Paul Griggs, PwC’s US senior partner, to Financial Times.
1⃣ PwC, one of the world’s largest accounting firms, is officially expanding its crypto business.
CEO Paul Griggs says the firm has shifted from “cautious observer” to “active participant” following a massive wave of U.S. regulatory clarity.
#PwC #CryptoNews pic.twitter.com/gQJWLYBzx1
— Conor Kenny (@conorfkenny) January 5, 2026
“The Genius Act and the regulatory rulemaking around stablecoin I expect will create more conviction around leaning into that product and that asset class,” said Griggs. “The tokenization of things will certainly continue to evolve as well. PwC has to be in that ecosystem.”
PwC is implementing a system that will serve as the primary bridge for traditional institutions entering the space in 2026.
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The post Crypto Market News Today, 5 January 2026: A Fragile Rally At The Start Of 2026, Venezuela’s “Shadow Reserve” Of Bitcoin In Focus appeared first on 99Bitcoins.
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