Last week’s crypto market (April 20-26, 2026) ended stronger compared to the previous week. Bitcoin and Ethereum recorded gains, supported by strong spot Bitcoin ETF inflows as well as improved risk-on sentiment despite ongoing geopolitical turmoil.
Total crypto market capitalization rose by about 3-4% to a range of US$2.5-2.65 trillion. Bitcoin dominance stayed at a high level of around 59-60%. There was no major new news outside of this period that had a significant impact on the crypto market. However, the slow rise in the majority of crypto assets indicates that the crypto market is starting to recover.
Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis
Bitcoin started last week at around US$73,800 (April 20). The price had a strong rise, passing US$78,000. By the end of the week. BTC stabilized in the range of US$77,000-78,000. On a weekly basis, BTC rose with higher highs & higher lows forming, indicating bullish momentum.
The key resistance for Bitcoin is at US$79,700-80,400, and 81K. Price is moving above the 50 EMA on the 1-day timeframe. Leverage is decreasing (funding rate is falling), signaling a “digestion” phase after the rally.
Ethereum (ETH) Price Analysis
Last week, Ethereum opened at around US$2,260. Over the past week, Ethereum has risen and touched US$2,400 in the middle of the week. Ethereum experienced a weekly increase of almost 5%.
Overall, investor sentiment is improving. Large altcoins like SOL and XRP saw moderate gains, but the focus is still on BTC and ETH. Weekly trading volume was above average. Some altcoins with small and medium market capitalization experienced significant gains, such as LDO, BSB, Orca, and Raydium.
News and Updates on the Crypto Market
– Kelp DAO Hack (main impact this week): An attack that resulted in the loss of million rsETH worth approximately $290 million via LayerZero bridge (suspected Lazarus/North Korea). This attack led to large DeFi outflows (US$5-10 billion out), Aave bad debt of ~US$236-280 million, and panic withdrawals on liquid restaking protocols. This became the biggest DeFi hack of 2026 so far and sparked bridge/cross-chain security concerns.
– Spot Bitcoin ETF Inflow: Record inflows continue, eight consecutive days of inflows through April 23, April total already US$2.43bn (almost 2x March). BlackRock IBIT is dominant (~75-91% of daily inflows). This is likely to be a major catalyst for BTC prices.
Conclusion
The week of April 20-26, 2026 was a solid recovery week for the crypto market. BTC managed to hold support and climb to new resistance thanks to ETF inflows & geopolitical de-escalation. Kelp DAO hack was a reminder of DeFi risks, but did not stop institutional momentum. On-chain shows strong accumulation at whale levels, although organic activity still needs recovery. Short-term outlook is bullish as long as BTC holds above US$76,000 and ETF inflows continue.