Bitcoin and ethereum prices today, Monday, September 21, 2026: Crypto prices hit highest levels in 8 months

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) opened at $81,162.18 on Monday, September 21, 2026, nearly even with Sunday's opening price. As of 10:07 a.m. ET this morning, the price of bitcoin surged to an 8-month high of $85,134.02.

Ethereum (ETH-USD) opened at $2,644.80 on Monday, September 21, 2026, up 0.5% from Sunday's opening price. The price of ethereum moved even higher this morning to $2,713.90 as of 10:07 a.m. ET.

Bitcoin and ethereum prices are surging today despite the recent failure of the CLARITY Act. The prices of bitcoin and ethereum hit 8-month highs earlier today. Here's why:

Just days earlier, on September 16, the Fed raised interest rates, a day after the Senate blocked the CLARITY Act, while Bitcoin was hovering around $76,000. So, what changed? The answer lies in three main factors that developed between September 18 and September 21: a drop in oil prices, a strong weekly close for Bitcoin, and a surge in short sellers.

Learn more: What's happening with crypto today?

Current price of bitcoin and ethereum

Bitcoin

The price of bitcoin this morning, Monday, September 21, 2026, was flat compared to Sunday's opening price. Here's a look at how the opening bitcoin price has changed versus last week, month, and year: