Coinbase + Glassnode: Charting Crypto Q1 2026
Coinbase and Glassnode's Q1 2026 "Charting Crypto" report indicates that digital asset markets entered the year with cleaner structure, lower leverage, and more disciplined risk management following a significant deleveraging event in October 2025. Bitcoin continues to structurally outperform, with its dominance holding near 59%. Market sentiment remains cautious, with Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) stabilizing in the "Anxiety" phase, suggesting a consolidation period. A key shift occurred in derivatives, where BTC options open interest has now surpassed perpetual futures, reflecting a move towards protective, defined-risk strategies rather than a full exit from risk. Ethereum is showing late-cycle characteristics, though traditional cycle-based signals are losing predictive power due to structural changes in its ecosystem. Institutional sentiment remains selectively constructive, with a preference for large-cap assets amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. The overall market behavior points to greater structural stability compared to previous cycles.
insights.glassnode01/27 15:35