Sep 21, 2026

Bitcoin Hits Eight-Month High Above $85,000 on ETF Inflows and Regulatory Optimism

Bitcoin reached an eight-month peak on Monday, surpassing the $85,000 threshold, driven by increased ETF inflows, regulatory progress and a pickup in risk appetite.

The largest digital currency climbed as much as 5 per cent to hit $85,200 before retreating to $84,473 by Monday afternoon, according to CoinMarketCap data. The gain reversed a decline from the previous week that had pushed Bitcoin beneath $76,000.

Naeem Aslam, chief investment officer at Zaye Capital Markets, attributed the rebound to stronger ETF inflows, regulatory developments and a sharp squeeze in bearish positions. He observed that the rally occurred despite tighter monetary policy, indicating institutional demand is currently soaking up some of the pressure from elevated interest rates. The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years last week.

The advance also took place before a summit between US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping, which has been bolstering markets. Aslam noted that a more constructive tone ahead of talks with China can lift general risk appetite across equities, technology and digital assets, while ongoing tension involving Iran and sanctions can heighten market volatility and defensive positioning.