• Internet Computer (ICP) rises amid market downturn, driven by short squeeze AI hype.
• The Internet Computer ecosystem growth and AI tools have strengthened investor confidence.
• A breakout above the key resistance at $5.94 could push ICP’s price toward $7.

Internet Computer (ICP) has caught the attention of crypto traders and analysts alike by defying the broader market downturn.

While Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) struggle with declining prices, ICP has surged by double digits, showcasing resilience.

Notably, the ICP’s price surge comes amid growing ecosystem developments and increasing activity in the AI space, signalling that the network is finding new momentum even in a challenging market environment.

ICP price rebounds against market trends

Over the past 24 hours, Internet Computer (ICP) has risen sharply, trading around $5.44, after an 11.3% increase despite a broader market downturn that has weighed heavily on most major cryptocurrencies.

This surge has been fueled in part by a potential short squeeze, as funding rates in the derivatives market have turned deeply negative.

Traders holding short positions on ICP faced growing pressure as the token’s price climbed, forcing some to close their positions and buy back the token, which added upward momentum.

However, open interest in ICP derivatives has surged nearly 92% to $174 million, indicating heightened trading activity and volatility that could accelerate the rally further if key resistance levels are overcome.

The technical picture for ICP is equally compelling.

The token recently broke above a two-month falling price channel, a pattern that had contained the asset since early November.

This breakout is considered a bullish signal, with indicators like the Awesome Oscillator turning positive.

While the MACD remains bearish and the RSI hovers near neutral at 52, the price move suggests that sellers’ control is weakening.

Ecosystem growth supports ICP momentum

Beyond technical catalysts, the Internet Computer (ICP) price is also supported by strong ecosystem fundamentals.

The total value locked (TVL) in ICP’s DeFi ecosystem has grown 57% in the past month to reach $19.83 million, driven by platforms such as WaterNeuron, which alone has seen its assets increase by 90%.

Stablecoins on the network have also risen, now totalling nearly $4.93 million.

Additionally, the launch of Caffeine, a platform that allows users to build websites and applications through AI without coding, has reinforced ICP’s position in the fast-growing AI sector.

Institutional partnerships and integrations, including collaborations with Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, have further strengthened the network’s decentralised cloud and AI narrative, attracting developers and investors alike.

Internet Computer (ICP) price outlook

While the broader market faces uncertainty, ICP’s ecosystem expansion, AI integration, and strong technical setup position it for further upside potential.

The combination of technical and fundamental drivers suggests that the Internet Computer (ICP) price could continue its upward trajectory.

A successful breakout above the $5.94 resistance could open the path to $7 or higher, with strong buying momentum reinforced by the short squeeze dynamic.

At the same time, holding the key support level at $4.76 will be critical to maintaining investor confidence.

If bulls remain in control, traders should closely watch the $5.94 resistance, with a daily close above this level potentially confirming a trend reversal and opening the door to higher targets near $6.74 or even $7.32, in line with Fibonacci retracement levels.

Cryptocurrency prices today show strong bullish momentum, with Bitcoin rallying to $98K from $92K in a single surge as it marks its 16th anniversary. Internet Computer (ICP) and EOS emerged as top gainers, each recording a 15% price jump over the last 24 hours. Additionally, meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Bonk (BONK) also skyrocketed by 15%, contributing to the positive market sentiment.

The global cryptocurrency market cap increased by 2.31%, reaching $3.49 trillion, while trading volume grew by 2%, hitting $123 billion. The Fear and Greed Index climbed to 60, up from last week’s 50, indicating rising market optimism among investors. Crypto prices today reflect a positive outlook, with most of the top 20 altcoins trading in the green over the past 24 hours.

Cryptocurrency Prices Today: BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL Maintain Positive Momentum

Bitcoin (BTC) price rallied to $98K, showing strong bullish momentum. Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and Solana (SOL) also gained, with most major cryptos trading in the green. The cryptocurrency prices today reflect a stable upward trend across key digital assets.

Bitcoin Price Today

Bitcoin price was trading at $98,267, up 1.26% in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour low and high were $96,079 and $99,003, respectively. MicroStrategy announced plans to raise more capital for additional Bitcoin purchases, boosting investor confidence.

BTC ETF saw a significant inflow of $655 million on Jan 3. Fidelity led the purchases with $356 million, followed by Ark & 21Shares at $222 million, Bitwise at $61 million, and Grayscale at approximately $9 million. BlackRock’s data on ETF inflows is still awaited. Crypto prices today continues to reflect strong interest in Bitcoin investments.

Ethereum Price Today

Ethereum (ETH) price was trading at $3,596, reflecting a 4% increase in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour low and high were $3,422 and $3,628, respectively. ETH’s market cap stands at $433 billion, with a trading volume of $21 billion over the past 24 hours.

According to SoSo Value data, ETH ETF recorded an inflow of $24.9 million. Fidelity led the purchases with $27 million, while Grayscale sold $2 million worth of ETH ETFs.

XRP Price Today

XRP price was trading at $2.47, showing a 2% increase over the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour low and high were $2.40 and $2.50, respectively. The trading volume saw a 12% drop, now standing at $6 billion.

Solana Price Today

SOL price was trading at $216, marking a 5% rise in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour low and high were $206 and $217, respectively. Rumors of an airdrop for Solana Phantom Wallet users have sparked excitement within the community, driving positive sentiment. The cryptocurrency prices today shows increasing interest in Solana, contributing to its strong performance.

Meme Cryptocurrency Prices Today

The meme cryptocurrency market today displayed strong momentum, with most top meme coins trading in the green. Dogecoin (DOGE) surged by 14% and was trading at $0.39, while Shiba Inu (SHIB) saw a 9% rise over the last 24 hours. Other notable meme coins like BONK, PEPE, and WIF gained between 5% to 15%. However, Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) bucked the trend and remained in the red, making it one of the few exceptions in the meme coin rally.

Top Cryptocurrency Gainers Prices Today

Internet Computer

ICP price was trading at $12.39, reflecting a significant 15% surge in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour low and high were $10.80 and $12.53, respectively. The market cap stands at approximately $6 billion, with a trading volume of $315 million.

EOS

EOS price was trading at $0.93, showing a notable 15% rise in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour low and high were $0.81 and $0.95, respectively.

Top Cryptocurrency Losers Prices Today

FTX Token

FTX Token (FTT) emerged as the worst performer today, dropping 9% in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour low and high were $3.43 and $3.82, respectively. Meanwhile, FTX has begun the process of distributing funds to creditors under its Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, signaling progress in the ongoing recovery efforts.

Virtual Protocols

VIRTUAL price was the second-worst performer today, slipping by 6% in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour low and high were $4.117 and $4.43, respectively. The market cap stands at $4.18 billion, with a trading volume of $468 million.

Besides this, the hourly chart shows bullish momentum, with Bitcoin and major altcoins trading upward in the last hour. Analysts from Coingape reported that 2025 is expected to be the year of ETFs, sparking discussions on which crypto ETF will secure approval first.

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Coingape Staff

CoinGape comprises an experienced team of native content writers and editors working round the clock to cover news globally and present news as a fact rather than an opinion. CoinGape writers and reporters contributed to this article.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.