Why did the price of BCH go up?
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) increased by 1.29% in the last 24 hours, slightly outperforming the overall crypto market, which saw a modest 0.02% gain. Here are the main reasons behind this movement:
- Technical Breakout – BCH surpassed the $635 resistance level, sparking momentum buying.
- Whale Accumulation – Large investors boosted their BCH holdings amid positive price trends.
- Upgrade Buzz – Growing excitement around the upcoming May 2026 CashVM upgrade, which promises enhanced security and smart contract features.
Deep Dive
1. Technical Breakout (Positive Signal)
What happened: Bitcoin Cash broke through a key resistance point at $635, a level it hadn’t surpassed in years. The price stayed above its 7-day average of $639.04, encouraging automated and momentum-based trading.
Why it matters: Breaking this barrier changes how traders view BCH, attracting short-term buyers who can push prices higher. Technical indicators like the MACD (0.83) and RSI (58.5) suggest there’s still room for growth without the asset being overbought.
What to watch: If BCH can consistently close above $650, the next target is around $668, the high from January 9.
2. Whale Activity (Positive Signal)
What happened: Data shows that “whales” — investors moving more than $100,000 — have been buying BCH. Notably, on January 3, a large purchase of 24,950 BCH (about $16 million) was recorded. Overall, large wallet inflows reached their highest level this month.
Why it matters: When big players accumulate BCH, it reduces the amount available on the market and signals confidence from institutional investors. This often leads to increased interest from smaller investors, creating upward momentum.
What to watch: A drop in large transactions or increased BCH moving to exchanges could indicate that whales are selling to take profits.
3. Upgrade Buzz (Positive Signal)
What happened: Social media and community discussions have picked up around Bitcoin Cash’s planned CashVM upgrade in May 2026. This upgrade aims to add quantum-resistant security and smart contract capabilities similar to Ethereum.
Why it matters: Traders often buy in anticipation of major improvements that can increase a cryptocurrency’s usefulness and demand. This excitement grew as NEAR Protocol recently integrated BCH for cross-chain swaps, broadening BCH’s ecosystem.
What to watch: Keep an eye on official announcements confirming upgrade timelines and developer activity to gauge progress.
Conclusion
Bitcoin Cash’s recent price increase is driven by a combination of technical gains, strong buying from large investors, and optimism about future upgrades. However, trading volume is down by 35.42%, indicating some caution among traders.
Key question: Can BCH maintain support above $635 and see higher trading volume to confirm this breakout, especially with the upcoming U.S. tariff decision this week?
What could affect the price of BCH?
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is facing a mix of challenges and opportunities as we head into early 2026.
- Layla Upgrade (May 2026) – New security features and expanded decentralized finance (DeFi) options could boost adoption.
- Key Price Level ($641.9) – Breaking above this price might lead to a 10% or more increase.
- Tariff Decision Impact – Uncertainty around U.S. tariffs adds risk to BCH’s price movement.
In-Depth Analysis
1. Network Upgrade Catalysts (Positive Outlook)
What’s Happening:
In May 2026, Bitcoin Cash plans to roll out the Layla upgrade. This update will introduce quantum-resistant security measures and improve smart contract capabilities by making the system more efficient. This builds on the previous Velma upgrade from May 2025, which already made BCH more programmable. The Layla upgrade could allow more advanced DeFi projects and NFTs (digital collectibles) to run directly on the BCH blockchain without needing extra layers.
Why It Matters:
If the upgrade goes smoothly, BCH could become a stronger platform for developers and users who want low-cost transactions and smart contract features. Historically, BCH’s price has increased by 15-20% around major upgrades when they are successful. However, delays or disagreements within the community could cause setbacks.
2. Technical Price Outlook (Positive Outlook)
Current Situation:
Bitcoin Cash is trading near an important resistance level at $641.9 as of January 10, 2026. Technical indicators like the MACD (which measures momentum) are showing positive signs, and the RSI (which measures if an asset is overbought or oversold) suggests there’s room for the price to go higher. If BCH closes above $641.9, it could move toward $650-$660 and possibly reach $700, a level last tested in December 2025. Support is currently around $629.65.
What This Means:
This pattern is similar to what happened in December 2025 before a 12% price rally. If daily trading volume stays above $200 million, it would confirm strong buying interest. On the other hand, if BCH fails to break through, it might fall back to around $602, increasing the risk of a price drop.
3. Regulatory Uncertainty (Mixed Outlook)
Background:
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to make a decision on tariff policies that could impact the broader market. Analysts predict two possible outcomes: a 30% price drop to $413 if tariffs are canceled, or a rally to $688 if policies remain stable. The White House has plans to respond to unfavorable rulings, but how the market will react is uncertain.
Implications:
Because BCH holds about 41% of the market cap dominance in its space, it is sensitive to overall crypto market swings. If traditional markets become unstable, investors might move money into coins like BCH that offer practical uses. However, regulatory uncertainty often holds back price gains until clarity is reached.
Conclusion
Bitcoin Cash’s path in 2026 will depend on how well it balances technical momentum with external risks. The Layla upgrade offers a strong potential boost, but keep an eye on the $641.9 resistance level and upcoming tariff news for clues on price direction.
Question to Consider:
What on-chain activity (like increased developer transactions or smart contract deployments) would clearly show that the Layla upgrade is driving more developer interest?
What are people saying about BCH?
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is seeing mixed reactions as traders weigh the excitement around an upcoming upgrade against some technical warning signs. Here’s the quick summary:
- Targets between $720 and $750 are driving optimistic bets ahead of the CashVM upgrade.
- Positive technical signals suggest $625 could be a launchpad to $650 or higher.
- Bearish patterns warn that falling below $515 support might lead to further drops.
- Neutral RSI (Relative Strength Index) indicates the price might stabilize before making its next big move.
In-Depth Look
1. @bpaynews: CashVM Upgrade Could Push Price to $750
"Targets $720-750 by February as CashVM Upgrade Approaches... Bullish momentum with neutral RSI at 57.79."
– @bpaynews (2,021 followers · 754 likes · 2026-01-09 09:10 UTC)
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What this means: This is a positive sign for BCH. Historically, upgrades to the protocol tend to increase interest and value. The technical indicators suggest there’s room for the price to rise if it breaks through current resistance levels.
2. @c3_trading: Breakout Above $625 Could Mean 20% Gains
"Bias stays bullish. Best re-entry near $550 support for $625–650 upside. Invalidation below $515."
– @c3_trading (6,038 followers · 1,933 likes · 2025-12-25 18:56 UTC)
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What this means: This is another bullish signal. The $515 to $550 price range has been a strong support zone, absorbing selling pressure and setting the stage for a potential rally toward $625 or higher.
3. @Im_Aman2: Breakdown Below Neckline Signals Possible Downtrend
"Broke the neckline, confirming bearish setup. Downside continuation likely unless reclaimed."
– @Im_Aman2 (13,872 followers · 24,696 likes · 2025-12-29 15:14 UTC)
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What this means: This is a warning sign. If BCH falls below key support levels, it could trigger more selling. The neutral RSI suggests there isn’t strong momentum to push prices back up right now.
4. @Finora_EN: Price Near $640 Resistance Shows Mixed Signals
"Price hovering near swing high equilibrium ($633). Expect retracement or liquidity sweep before significant move."
– @Finora_EN (6,222 followers · 3,622 likes · 2026-01-04 12:30 UTC)
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What this means: This is neutral. The price is fluctuating near a key resistance level, showing balanced buying and selling pressure. Traders will be looking for strong volume to confirm whether BCH will break out higher or pull back.
Conclusion
The outlook for Bitcoin Cash is mixed right now. Optimism about the upcoming CashVM upgrade and solid support between $515 and $550 is balanced by caution over potential breakdowns and weakening volume. Keep an eye on the $640 to $655 resistance zone—how BCH behaves here will help indicate whether the next trend is up or down.
What is the latest news about BCH?
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is attracting positive attention with signs of potential price increases and key breakout points. The big question: will it turn this momentum into real gains?
- Price Predictions Favor BCH (January 9, 2026) – Experts believe BCH could rise to $720 if it breaks through important resistance levels.
- Poloniex Sets $800 BCH Goal (January 5, 2026) – The exchange’s optimistic outlook highlights growing confidence in BCH’s future.
- BCH Approaches Multi-Year Breakout (January 3, 2026) – Technical indicators suggest a strong upward move if BCH surpasses $680 resistance.
In-Depth Look
1. Price Predictions Favor BCH (January 9, 2026)
Summary: Analysts observed that BCH bounced back from its 20-day moving average around $613. Bulls are aiming for a price range between $670 and $720. However, if BCH falls below support levels, it could drop to $518, which might indicate a false rally or “bull trap.”
What this means: This is a neutral signal overall. BCH’s future depends on whether it can break through the $670 resistance amid a generally steady market.
(CoinMarketCap)
2. Poloniex Sets $800 BCH Goal (January 5, 2026)
Summary: Poloniex, a cryptocurrency exchange, pointed out BCH’s strong momentum, questioning if it can reach $800 after gaining 40% over the past year—outperforming competitors like Ethereum and Solana.
What this means: This is a positive sign for BCH. When exchanges show confidence, it can increase BCH’s visibility and attract more investors. Still, reaching this target depends on continued user adoption and market support.
(Poloniex)
3. BCH Approaches Multi-Year Breakout (January 3, 2026)
Summary: Traders noticed BCH testing the $680 resistance level after regaining important support. If BCH breaks above $680, it could aim for $1,100 or higher. If it fails, the price might pull back to around $600.
What this means: This is a bullish indicator. A confirmed breakout would show strong buying interest, possibly leading to faster price gains, especially if large investors (whales) continue to buy.
(First1Bitcoin)
Conclusion
Bitcoin Cash shows a mix of technical strength and growing optimism from exchanges. Its success in 2026 will largely depend on overcoming the $680–$720 resistance zone. The key question remains: will wider merchant adoption and upgrades like Layla help BCH turn this positive outlook into lasting value?
What is expected in the development of BCH?
Bitcoin Cash’s upcoming roadmap highlights improvements in quantum security and smart contract features.
- CashVM Upgrade (May 2026) – Introduces quantum-resistant encryption and smart contracts similar to Ethereum.
Deep Dive
1. CashVM Upgrade (May 2026)
Overview:
Set for May 2026, the CashVM upgrade will add advanced security designed to protect against future quantum computer threats, using strong encryption standards (256-bit classical and 128-bit quantum resistance). It will also bring smart contract capabilities like those on Ethereum, allowing more complex decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and easier interaction with other blockchains through integration with the NEAR Protocol. Importantly, these upgrades aim to keep transaction fees very low—less than a penny per transaction. The goal is to make Bitcoin Cash a strong, secure, and affordable blockchain platform for programmable money (Coin Edition).
What this means:
This is positive news for Bitcoin Cash because quantum-resistant security helps protect against future hacking risks, while smart contracts open up new uses beyond simple payments, such as DeFi and token creation. However, success depends on how quickly developers adopt these features and how Bitcoin Cash competes with other blockchains that are also improving. Market interest and price could be more volatile as the upgrade date approaches.
Conclusion
Bitcoin Cash’s future in 2026 depends on how well it combines advanced quantum security with new smart contract functions through the CashVM upgrade. The key question is whether BCH can maintain its reputation as a fast, low-cost payment system while expanding into more complex blockchain applications, especially against strong competitors in the Layer-1 blockchain space.
What updates are there in the BCH code base?
Bitcoin Cash’s latest software update focuses on making its smart contracts more scalable and precise, helping BCH compete as a strong Layer 1 blockchain.
- VM Limits & BigInt Upgrade (May 2025) – Expanded smart contract power and improved number handling.
- Cross-Chain Swaps via NEAR Intents (Dec 2025) – Easier asset swaps between BCH and other blockchains.
- Developer Momentum – Growing activity in DeFi, stablecoins, and token-based apps on BCH.
Deep Dive
1. VM Limits & BigInt Upgrade (May 2025)
Overview: On May 15, 2025, Bitcoin Cash upgraded its smart contract system to handle more complex tasks and work with much larger numbers.
The VM Limits update removed a previous cap on operations, increased the size of data chunks smart contracts can use by 19 times (from 520 bytes to 10,000 bytes), and improved how resources are managed. This lets developers build more advanced decentralized finance (DeFi) tools and cuts the worst-case processing time for nodes by half. The BigInt upgrade allows calculations with very large numbers (up to 10,000 bytes), which is important for advanced cryptography like zero-knowledge proofs and connecting BCH with other blockchains. After this upgrade, smart contracts can perform over 100 times more calculations and handle numbers 1,250 times larger than before.
What this means: This is a positive development for BCH because it opens the door to sophisticated DeFi applications such as lending platforms and automated market makers (AMMs). It also gives developers more flexibility while keeping transaction fees very low. Plus, the upgrade works smoothly with existing BCH software, making it easy for users and developers to adopt.
(Source)
2. Cross-Chain Swaps via NEAR Intents (Dec 2025)
Overview: In December 2025, BCH integrated with NEAR Intents, a system that makes swapping assets between blockchains simpler.
This update lets users exchange tokens directly into Bitcoin Cash from other blockchains like NEAR, Solana, and Ethereum without complicated bridging steps. NEAR’s intent-based design handles the technical details behind the scenes, making the process smoother.
What this means: This is a neutral but useful improvement for BCH. It makes BCH easier to use alongside other blockchains but faces competition from other well-established cross-chain solutions. If more people start using it, BCH could attract liquidity from popular chains like Ethereum.
(Source)
3. Developer Momentum
Overview: Since 2023, the Bitcoin Cash ecosystem has seen steady growth in developer activity, with new native tokens, smart contracts based on covenants, and better development tools.
Projects like Future Bitcoin Cash (FBCH) are creating stablecoins, lending platforms, and governance systems directly on BCH. The May 2025 upgrade boosted this growth by adding support for programming features like loops and function calls in smart contracts.
What this means: This is good news for BCH because a strong developer community leads to more useful applications and less reliance on price speculation. A key indicator to watch is the transaction volume coming from BCH-based DeFi apps.
(Source)
Conclusion
Bitcoin Cash’s recent upgrades focus on improving scalability, precision, and interoperability. These changes bring BCH closer to Ethereum-like smart contract capabilities while keeping its advantage of low transaction fees. The May 2025 hard fork was a major step, but the real test will be how developers and users adopt these new features over time.
Could BCH’s enhanced smart contracts carve out a niche in DeFi alongside Ethereum and Solana?