On the Chain: Bitcoin holds around US$80,000 as ETF demand battles rate uncertainty

Bitcoin was holding around the US$80,000 mark on Monday morning as cryptocurrency markets weighed strong institutional buying against renewed uncertainty over the path of US interest rates.

The world's largest cryptocurrency was little changed over 24 hours after a volatile week that saw it briefly climb above US$82,000, its highest level since May, before retreating following stronger-than-expected US employment data.

Ethereum was firmer at around US$2,500, while Solana outperformed, gaining more than 2% to trade near US$106. BNB was among the weaker large-cap tokens, falling more than 2%.

ETF demand provides support

Institutional demand remains one of Bitcoin's strongest underlying supports.

US-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds attracted around US$986.9 million last week, taking inflows over the past three weeks to approximately US$3.8 billion — the strongest three-week run of 2026.

A particularly strong session on September 3 generated roughly US$730.9 million of inflows, the biggest daily intake in almost eight months.

The sustained buying suggests institutional investors have continued adding exposure despite Bitcoin remaining well below the record levels reached in late 2025.