Santiment: Retailer Sentiment Starts Year Strong, Potential FOMO If Bitcoin Quickly Rises to $92k

On January 3rd, blockchain analytics firm Santiment noted cryptocurrency market participants have shown strong social media sentiment early this year—but warned further upside hinges on retail investors staying rational. In a Saturday YouTube video, Santiment analyst Brian Quinlivan said: “We need retail investors to keep a degree of caution, pessimism, and impatience.” While other crypto sentiment gauges signal fear, Santiment’s social media data tells the opposite: “Sentiment is currently very positive.” Quinlivan added the positivity “normally would be somewhat worrying, but this time it may just be a normal rebound after the holidays.” He’s not overly concerned about a “flood of FOMO sentiment” yet—but noted if Bitcoin surges quickly to $92,000, that FOMO could take over. “When market excitement runs too high, crypto tends to move opposite to what most people expect.” A rapid rally to $92k would reveal retail’s “true reaction,” Quinlivan said: “If they start pouring money in just because ‘Bitcoin’s going up,’ that’s a negative signal.” Despite January’s historically strong performance, the market still faces fear signals. Retail frenzies often hit near all-time highs or cycle peaks—and historical data shows a subsequent pullback usually follows.