Bitcoin and Ethereum opened the week on firmer footing on Jan 5, extending early-year gains as investors cautiously rebuilt positions in digital assets.

Bitcoin rose about 1.8% to trade near US$92,950, after touching an intraday high above US$93,000. The world’s largest cryptocurrency is finding support from renewed risk appetite and expectations that institutional inflows could pick up again after a volatile end to last year.

Ethereum, meanwhile, also edged higher, gaining roughly 1.3% to around US$3,187. The second-largest token tracked Bitcoin’s advance, with buying interest returning after recent pullbacks, though gains remained more measured.

Market participants said sentiment has improved as the new year begins,…