Bitcoin briefly surged to $96,000, marking a nearly 10% increase since 2026. This upward trend was primarily driven by strong performance during North American trading hours. According to Velo data, Bitcoin's cumulative return during North American trading hours was approximately 8%. In contrast, European trading hours saw only a modest increase of about 3%, while Asian trading hours dragged down the overall performance. This trend contrasts sharply with the situation at the end of 2025, when Bitcoin fell by as much as 20% during North American trading hours at the end of November, hitting a low of nearly $80,000. In the fourth quarter, Bitcoin selling pressure frequently emerged at the opening of the US market, and spot Bitcoin ETFs faced almost daily outflows. The strongest returns so far have occurred shortly after the US market opens, a period that coincides with Bitcoin's weakest performance over the past six months. (CoinDesk)