Bitcoin crossed $86,500 on Tuesday after several weeks stuck below this zone. BTC gained 12.2% over seven days, while the total crypto market capitalization rose above $3 trillion. The move accompanies a session very favorable to risky assets: the Nasdaq set a new record, while Brent briefly fell below $98. Bitcoin thus benefits from a significantly different environment than that observed a few days earlier.
The options market sometimes presents scenarios that are difficult to understand at first glance. A trader has just bet $3.17 million on a rise in bitcoin, with an expiration set for October 30. However, reaching $100,000 could cost him his entire initial stake. The position targets precisely $95,000 and relies on a strategy that limits the gain when the price exceeds certain levels. Here is why this operation can produce an unusual outcome.
In the week ending September 20, the average volume of XRP transferred to the Binance exchange platform reached 21.7 million tokens, 663% higher than its quarterly reference. Meanwhile, XRP surpassed $1.50, however, these inflows are not sufficient to confirm an increase towards $1.80.
Zcash takes a new step in Europe with its first ETP listed on Euronext. 21Shares thus opens institutional access to a crypto known for its privacy.
Europe could tighten the rules on stablecoins. In its response to the European consultation, the European System of Central Banks defends an expanded ban on returns related to tokens. The ECB targets indirect mechanisms related to lending, borrowing, or staking. The goal is to preserve the distinction between electronic money and deposits, while the MiCA revision opens debates on the rules of the European market. The proposal also directly concerns platforms offering returns.
Bitcoin has just held above $86,000 this Tuesday, after many weeks of strong progress supported by the return of appetite for risk. Various observers see in this scenario the end of "crypto winter," however, short position liquidations and monetary uncertainties still call for caution.
Last week, I explained that Bitcoin was still moving inside the $76,000-$82,000 range, continuing the sideways structure we have seen since August. My view remains unchanged: we are getting closer to another attempt to break the $82,000-$83,000 area, but for me a real breakout requires a solid weekly close above that zone.
On Monday, US Bitcoin ETFs experienced their best day of 2026 with nearly 1 billion dollars collected in one session, a record not seen since October 2025. IBIT, ARKB, and FBTC led the charge while bitcoin flirted with 87,200 dollars. But one figure spoils the mood.
While other conferences line up promises, MERGE Madrid sets up shop where institutional money actually gets decided: inside the historic Madrid Stock Exchange building, then inside one of the Spanish capital's most iconic buildings. From October 27 to 29, 2026, the event presents itself as the reference point for institutional crypto in Southern Europe and Latin America, a deliberate bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. A discounted rate is reserved for the Cointribune community.
The crypto market briefly reclaimed a $3 trillion capitalization on Tuesday, driven by Bitcoin and several major altcoins. BTC was trading around $86,000, up about 4.5% in 24 hours, while DOGE gained nearly 11%, XRP 5.7%, and Solana 3.6%. Behind the rebound, another figure stands out: over $920 million in short positions were liquidated on Monday. American Bitcoin ETFs also attracted nearly $1 billion in a single session.
Bitcoin nearly reached $87000 before falling back to around $85000, after a rise largely amplified by the liquidation of short positions. About one billion dollars of leveraged bets were immediately closed in the crypto market.
Binance opened bStocks collateral to all its margin accounts on September 21, lifting the restriction that reserved it for VIP 3 clients and above. The range exceeded 30 billion dollars in cumulative volume in less than 90 days. However, the announcement adds a questionnaire and automatic restrictions for ordinary accounts.
The European Central Bank is preparing its first direct investments in tokenized securities. A small portion of its own funds will be placed in bonds and other euro-denominated securities, mainly issued by eurozone states, public agencies, and European institutions. The amounts and date of the first purchases are not yet fixed. Settlements will go through Pontes, the new infrastructure launched by the Eurosystem on September 21. For institutional crypto finance, the ECB no longer just observes tokenization: it now wants to use it itself.
The crypto market regains height after a week marked by a correction. On Monday, September 21, bitcoin reached $87,374, its best level since the end of January, while billions of dollars flowed back to cryptocurrencies. The total sector capitalization now approaches $3 trillion. After moving from $75,000 to $76,000, the market finds a firmer momentum, with the $90,000 threshold at the center of discussions.
BitMine has just acquired 27562 additional Ethers for nearly 75.2 million dollars, bringing its treasury to about 6 million ETH. Thus, the company is approaching its goal of owning 5% of the total supply of the world's second largest crypto.
The crypto NEAR jumps 78.2% in one week, driven by the rise of NEAR Intents, privacy and cross-chain volumes now close to 30 billion dollars.
This Monday, the price of the main crypto approached 86000 dollars, its highest level since the end of January. However, this recovery remains imperfect, as US spot demand has not yet shown strength comparable to that of the price.
Ethereum rises back above $2,700 with two big buyers leading the way. In five days, two whales have engaged about $106.4 million in ETH. The largest sold 1,107 BTC before buying 34,422 ETH and staking the entire amount. The move comes as Ethereum ETFs recorded about $140 million in outflows for the week ending September 18. In the crypto market, large wallets appear much more aggressive than funds this week.
Strategy resumes its bitcoin purchases after a two-week pause, acquiring 950 BTC for 75.7 million dollars. The company also repurchases 174 million dollars of its STRC shares. At the same time, Strive buys BTC at almost the same price. And Bitcoin remains tenth in the global asset ranking.
X filed on September 17 before the High Court of London a complaint against two Britons and several unidentified operators. The platform accuses them of artificially inflating the engagement of six Bitcoin-focused accounts to receive at least 207,384 pounds sterling through its former creator payment program.
Bitcoin opens a new week above 80,000 dollars after briefly plunging towards 75,000 dollars during the Federal Reserve's decision. The economic calendar seems lighter, but three appointments stand out: a series of interventions from Fed officials, the first US PMIs for September on Wednesday, and the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping on Thursday. Last week, the US central bank raised its rates by 25 basis points, for the first time since July 2023. The Bitcoin market must now digest this return of monetary tightening.
Scheduled for September 24 in Washington, the Trump-Xi summit is set to address tariffs, artificial intelligence, and sensitive technologies. This meeting would extend the trade détente, however many Chinese commitments remain contested by the United States.
The digital asset market changed pace after the rebound observed last week. Bitcoin now surpasses Tesla and Samsung in market capitalization, according to reported data. This progress follows a price rise up to 81,914 dollars on Saturday. Market capitalization reaches 1,615 billion dollars, ahead of two widely followed global groups. The ranking places the digital asset at 13th among monitored assets. Tesla holds 14th place, while Samsung ranks 15th, behind it.
Ethereum staking regains real momentum, with thirteen times more ETH awaiting entry than exit. This imbalance potentially reduces the available supply, without by itself guaranteeing a price increase.
Donald Trump wants to strengthen the oversight of artificial intelligence in the United States. On Saturday, the American president announced on Truth Social the creation of an "AI Force" and the upcoming appointment of an AI czar. This announcement comes as debates on the regulation of advanced models intensify in Washington.