Why are Crypto Prices Surging? BTC Hits $80k

The Crypto prices jumped sharply on Friday as Bitcoin reclaimed $80,000 and forced heavily leveraged bearish positions to close. Total market capitalization rose 4.49% to $2.75 trillion within 24 hours. Enhanced regulatory hopes, robust Bitcoin ETF demand, and a new risk appetite contributed to increased gains in major digital assets and altcoins.

Ad

Ad

Crypto Prices Surge as BTC Hits $80K And ETH Rallies Above $2,500

Bitcoin price gained 5% in 24 hours, to above $80,000, having surmounted macroeconomic and regulatory pressure early this week. The breakout reinstated a significant level of psychology and enhanced momentum throughout the digital asset market. 

Ethereum was up 5.00% and remained over the $2,500 level, an indicator of the more optimistic mood in large-cap cryptocurrencies. BNB increased 4.02% above $750, and the XRP price increased 6.23% and was holding at above $1.35. Solana price posted the biggest increase among the listed majors, climbing 10.25% and surpassing the $110 mark. 

Increased Crypto Prices boosted the mood of the market, and the Fear and Greed Index increased to 73. That reading is an indicator of greed, indicating that traders have become more certain following the uncertainty in the past.

Crypto-related equities followed the rally as investors increased exposure to companies tied to digital assets. Strategy shares gained 13%, Coinbase rose 11.5%, Circle added 8%, and BitMine advanced 7%. Bitcoin later traded above $81,000, extending its three-day gain to roughly 8%. Those gains came despite rate increases from the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan.

Ad

Ad

CFTC Sends Proposed Crypto Market Rules to White House

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission submitted a cryptocurrency framework to the White House for regulatory review. The filing reached the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on September 17. It carries the title “Regulation Crypto Asset Transactions and Regulation Crypto Asset Markets.” The submission followed the Senate’s 49-50 rejection of the CLARITY Act’s advancement two days earlier. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig had said the agency was prepared to issue rules after lawmakers failed to advance legislation. 

Details of the proposal remain undisclosed, and White House review does not represent final approval. 

CFTC Submits Crypto Market Rule Proposal for White House Review as CLARITY Act Stalls

A regulatory filing on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website indicates that the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) submitted a proposal to regulate… pic.twitter.com/XJSzJ9k1MK

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) September 18, 2026

However, the action signals regulators may use existing authority while Congress continues negotiations. Clearer federal oversight could support sector companies by reducing uncertainty surrounding trading, compliance, and market supervision.

Bitcoin ETF Inflows and Short Liquidations Fuel Rally

Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded $159 million in net inflows on September 17, providing another source of market support. 

BlackRock’s IBIT was the only fund reporting positive net flows during the session. Ethereum ETFs moved differently, posting $39.2445 million in outflows and extending their outflow streak to three days. 

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Record $159 Million in Net Inflows on Sept. 17

On Sept. 17 (ET), spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded total net inflows of $159 million, with BlackRock’s IBIT being the only fund to report net inflows. Spot Ethereum ETFs saw total net outflows of $39.2445 million,… pic.twitter.com/EWHuy3NIHR

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) September 18, 2026

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s breakout forced traders holding leveraged short positions to close rapidly. Reported estimates placed one-hour short liquidations between $170 million and $230 million as prices accelerated. Those closures created additional purchases, intensifying the rally and pushing Bitcoin through nearby resistance. 

About $130 billion entered total cryptocurrency capitalization during the latest 24-hour period across major exchanges. Crypto Prices also benefited from easing policy concerns, despite the Senate setback and the Bank of Japan’s hawkish guidance.