What to Expect in Crypto in October: Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP

Crypto entered October after a strong third quarter, although the final weeks of September were more uneven.

Bitcoin gained about 7% in September, while Ethereum rose around 7%. Solana also outperformed Bitcoin, while several large-cap altcoins gained as Bitcoin dominance slipped below 60%.

Here’s what happened in crypto in September and what to expect in October. 

What happened in September

Bitcoin ended September around $83,000-$84,000 after briefly approaching $87,000. Institutional demand provided support, with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs attracting about $2.4 billion during the week ending Sept. 25, their strongest weekly inflow since October 2025.

At the same time, rising bond yields and profit-taking have kept the market from moving decisively higher.

Ethereum finished September around $2,650-$2,700, gaining roughly 7% for the month and extending its relative strength against Bitcoin. The next major catalyst is Ethereum's Glamsterdam upgrade testing, with the first public testnet scheduled for Oct. 6.

Solana has remained one of the stronger major altcoins, roughly doubling from its June low. Chainlink also gained more than 20% since the start of September, while the broader altcoin market showed signs of increased participation as Bitcoin's market share fell below 60%.