Internet Computer (ICP) reclaimed the $3.00 threshold as early January 2026 began, driven by a short-term pickup in market momentum and clearer regulatory signals in the United States. The move was accompanied by elevated trading activity that lent conviction to the rebound.
The token traded in a tight band around $3.01–$3.06 during the move, with intraday swings showing both quick gains and pullbacks as traders reacted to technical levels and volume spikes.
ICP registered gains ranging from roughly 3% to as high as 8.39% over 24 hours, with prices observed near $3.013 after touching $3.03, and short-lived rejections that pushed the token back to about $2.99. The uptick contrasted with its recent 7‑day decline of 4.07% and a 30‑day drop of 6.71%, signaling that a short-term regime shift may be under way rather than a clear reversal of the broader downtrend, according to the same market summary.
Technically, analysts noted a bullish engulfing candle formed near support at $2.68, a pattern traders often view as a potential reversal cue when confirmed by volume. Resistance near $3.15 produced a rejection that led to a 3.2% dip to $2.99, underscoring that follow‑through and volume will be needed to validate any sustained breakout.
Volume, history and implications for risk management
Trading activity rose alongside the price move. Twenty‑four hour volumes ranged from about $58 million to $104 million in recent snapshots, with occasional spikes noted up to $466 million. That increase in turnover supported the price move but also raises the probability of volatile intraday swings and event-driven outsized moves.
Context matters: ICP reached an all‑time high of $700.65 on May 10, 2021, then fell to an all‑time low of $2.23 on October 10, 2025. The January 2026 rebound leaves the token roughly 99.57% below its 2021 peak, but about 34.53% above its October 2025 low. Earlier, a 45% surge to $5.20 in November 2025 followed the launch of Dfinity’s Caffeine AI application, demonstrating ICP’s sensitivity to on‑chain product launches and event‑driven narratives.
For traders and treasury managers, the message is operational: the rally is measurable but fragile. Confirmations such as sustained volume above recent averages and a settled break above $3.15 would reduce the odds of a short squeeze‑style retracement. Conversely, failure to hold support near $2.68 could reopen downside risk toward recent lows.
Investors are now watching whether development catalysts and continued market participation will sustain gains beyond early January 2026. Market participants should track volume, reactions to the $3.15 resistance, and any new event‑driven news that historically has produced rapid, high‑amplitude moves for ICP.
