Tag: Bitcoin

  • Capital B Boosts Bitcoin Treasury by 13 BTC, Total Reaches 3,538

    Capital B Boosts Bitcoin Treasury by 13 BTC, Total Reaches 3,538

    Capital B, a French company, has purchased 13 additional Bitcoin, increasing its treasury holdings to 3,538 BTC. The acquisition was funded by proceeds from a EUR 0.98 million share sale to asset manager TOBAM.

    Details of the Purchase

    According to the September 28 announcement, Capital B issued 172,978 new shares at an average price of EUR 5.68 each to TOBAM funds between September 14 and September 22. The company raised EUR 982,872.69 and used approximately EUR 0.97 million to acquire 13 BTC. The average share issue price was 3.8% above the closing price on the trading day before the announcement.

    CEO’s Strategy

    CEO Alexandre Laizet stated in an interview at BTC Prague that Capital B intends to buy Bitcoin “as much as possible, as fast as possible” while seeking terms that increase its holdings per share. He emphasized the company’s long-term holding plan and its reliance on public stock and debt markets for funding, as many large investors cannot buy Bitcoin directly under current regulations.

    Treasury Reserve Details

    Capital B and its Luxembourg subsidiary reported an acquisition cost of EUR 310.6 million for the 3,538 BTC treasury, averaging EUR 87,805 per BTC. The net asset value was approximately EUR 259.9 million based on the prior trading day’s Bitcoin price. The company also disclosed a 2.20% BTC Yield for 2026 to date, representing the change in Bitcoin held per fully diluted share. Additionally, 61 BTC are held for operational needs, separate from the treasury reserve. Swissquote Bank Europe executed the latest purchase and serves as the sole BTC custodian.

  • Crypto Weekly: Bitcoin ETFs See $2.38B Inflows, QNT Jumps 260%, UK Launches Crypto Licensing

    Crypto Weekly: Bitcoin ETFs See $2.38B Inflows, QNT Jumps 260%, UK Launches Crypto Licensing

    Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $2.38 billion in weekly net inflows, while Quant (QNT) surged 260% to a five-year high. Meanwhile, the Bitget hacker began moving stolen funds, Wintermute-linked shorts on Hyperliquid reached $126 million, and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) opened its new crypto licensing window.

    Bitcoin Spot ETFs Attract $2.38 Billion

    According to SoSoValue, Bitcoin spot ETFs saw a net inflow of $2.38 billion last week. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $1.158 billion, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC at $702 million. The total net asset value of Bitcoin spot ETFs now stands at $108.42 billion, with the ETF net asset ratio at 6.43% and cumulative net inflows totaling $57.55 billion.

    QNT Surges to Five-Year High

    QNT climbed roughly 260% weekly to a peak of about $370 before settling around $205. The rally was driven by The Clearing House selecting Quant for its On-Chain Money Initiative. Additional catalysts include Quant’s integration into Murex MX.3 and its selection by the European Central Bank for digital euro testing.

    Bitget Hacker Moves Stolen Funds

    The wallet linked to the September 24 Bitget hack began transferring Ethereum (ETH) into THORChain vaults and swapping assets into Bitcoin. Bitget confirmed the breach did not compromise private keys; instead, a critical backend component was exploited to pass fraudulent transaction data through the exchange’s authorization process.

    Wintermute’s Hyperliquid Shorts Reach $126 Million

    Onchain Lens reported that a Wintermute-linked wallet held roughly $126.25 million in short positions on Hyperliquid as of September 28, with a $46.92 million Ethereum short representing the largest position. The wallet showed approximately $963,600 in unrealized profit at the time and a lifetime P&L of around $197.22 million.

    UK Opens New Crypto Licensing Window

    The FCA began accepting crypto license applications at 7 am UK time on September 30. Firms have until February 28, 2027, to submit during the main application window. The new regime starts October 25, 2027. The FCA published a 73-page preview requiring details such as firm activities, regulated permissions, control structure, customer asset handling, and financial/operational standards.

    FAQs

    How much did Bitcoin spot ETFs attract last week?

    Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $2.38 billion in weekly net inflows. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $1.158 billion, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC with $702 million.

    Why did QNT surge 260% in a week?

    The rally coincided with The Clearing House selecting Quant for its On-Chain Money Initiative. Other factors include Quant’s integration with Murex MX.3 and its involvement in digital euro testing.

    What happened to the funds stolen from Bitget?

    A wallet linked to the September 24 Bitget breach began moving ETH through THORChain and swapping into Bitcoin. The exchange attributed the breach to a compromised backend component.

    How large are the Wintermute-linked Hyperliquid short positions?

    On-chain tracking identified approximately $126.25 million in short positions. The largest was a roughly $46.92 million ETH short.

    When does the UK’s new crypto licensing window open?

    The FCA’s crypto authorization gateway opened on September 30, 2026. The main application window runs until February 28, 2027, with the new regime beginning October 25, 2027.

  • Bitcoin Drops to $83,000 as Oil Price Rally Triggers Widespread Crypto Selloff

    Bitcoin Drops to $83,000 as Oil Price Rally Triggers Widespread Crypto Selloff

    Bitcoin fell to $83,000 on Monday as a surge in oil prices above $100 per barrel triggered losses across both cryptocurrency and traditional financial markets. The leading cryptocurrency dropped 1.7% since midnight UTC and 2.1% over the past 24 hours, while altcoins suffered even deeper declines.

    Oil Rally Pressures Risk Assets

    The market downturn followed a continued rise in crude oil prices, with Brent crude returning above $100 to trade at $100.83, a 3.2% gain during the session. The move came after President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which included demands for access to frozen funds, relief from oil sanctions, and an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

    Traditional markets also weakened. Gold fell 3.3% to $4,144, silver dropped 5.1% to $61.00, while S&P 500 futures lost 0.44% and NASDAQ 100 futures declined 0.95%. The US dollar index edged up 0.06% to 101.09, indicating broad selling pressure across multiple asset classes rather than an isolated crypto decline.

    Altcoins Hit Harder

    The CoinDesk 100 index fell 2.6% to 1,874.56, with 91 of its 100 constituents trading lower. Total crypto trading volume surged 70% to $172 billion over 24 hours, yet market-wide futures open interest dropped 3% to $150 billion, suggesting traders closed positions even as activity accelerated.

    Altcoins recorded sharper losses. QNT dropped 16% since midnight after a 39% gain during Friday’s session. GRT fell 12%, and ONDO also declined 12%. The DeFi Select Index lost 6.4% during the session and 7.3% over 24 hours, while the CoinDesk Computing Index fell 3.2% and 5.0% over the same period.

    Bitcoin Futures Show Traders Reducing Leverage

    Bitcoin futures open interest declined to 650,000 BTC, its lowest level since March. Funding rates turned negative across major exchanges, indicating that remaining leveraged positions leaned bearish. As of September 22, leveraged funds increased their net Bitcoin futures short position by 1,599 contracts to a total of 7,953 contracts, while asset managers added 411 contracts to raise their net long position to 3,171 contracts.

    The broader derivatives market later showed leverage declining further. The 24-hour taker long-short split stood at 46.9% against 53.1% as of 09:50 UTC, giving aggressive sellers a modest advantage. Ether saw a similar decline in leveraged exposure, with ETH futures open interest falling to 12.85 million ETH from 13.95 million on July 1.

    XRP and HBAR Break from Broader Trend

    XRP futures open interest moved differently, reaching a four-week high of 2.46 billion XRP early in the session before easing to 2.37 billion. Whale positioning varied: Binance whales remained bullish on Bitcoin, though weaker than Friday, turned bearish on Ether, and remained bullish on Solana. XRP positioning returned to bearish territory but less so than Friday.

    HBAR recorded an even stronger increase in derivatives activity, with open interest surging to a record 2.30 billion HBAR while its spot price climbed 48% over 24 hours. However, its 24-hour open-interest-adjusted cumulative volume delta remained negative, and annualized funding stayed only slightly above zero, indicating aggressive buying did not dominate.

    Options Market Shows Mixed Sentiment

    On Deribit, the $84,000 Bitcoin put expiring September 30 became the most traded Bitcoin options contract over 24 hours, while the $2,850 Ether call expiring October 20 led ETH options activity. Bitcoin implied volatility increased slightly as Volmex’s BVIV rose to 37.4% after rebounding from below 36% last week. Wall Street’s VIX rose to 16 on Friday from below 14, reflecting broader market uncertainty.

    Separately, Pluang data showed only nine of 50 major cryptocurrencies rising as 40 declined. Harmony led the gainers with a 30.54% rise, while GRT gained 17.15% and BAL advanced 11.14%.

    Bitcoin’s decline to $83,000 came as oil returned above $100 and selling spread across cryptocurrencies and traditional assets. Futures data showed lower leverage, negative funding, and bearish taker activity, while XRP and HBAR recorded stronger open interest. Options activity showed demand for both downside protection and selective upside exposure.

  • Bitcoin Faces Pivotal $84K Test as PCE, Jobs, and ISM Data Loom

    Bitcoin Faces Pivotal $84K Test as PCE, Jobs, and ISM Data Loom

    Bitcoin Holds Above $82.5K Support Entering Data-Heavy Week

    Bitcoin entered a critical U.S. data week near $84,000 after dipping to $82,563 on September 28. A string of inflation, manufacturing, and labor market reports could reshape expectations for interest rates and risk assets.

    Rising Treasury yields, oil prices above $90 a barrel, and volatile bond markets are adding pressure. The week begins with August personal income and outlays on September 30, followed by the ISM manufacturing report on October 1 and the September employment report on October 2.

    Glassnode Levels Provide Key Reference Points

    Glassnode analysts have highlighted the $84,000 to $85,000 range as a dense cluster of long-term holder acquisition prices. Bitcoin briefly slipped below that zone during Monday’s drop, making a close back above it a constructive signal.

    Additional market levels include the True Market Mean near $77,000 and the mean MVRV reference around $96,700. Glassnode’s September 21 Market Pulse also noted net spot taker buying, rising trading volume, and elevated futures leverage, while weekly ETF flows remained negative.

    The quality of any bounce matters. Fresh spot demand, stronger volume, and renewed ETF buying would offer more durable support than a short-term futures-driven recovery.

    Will September Break Its Historical Pattern?

    Bitcoin has gained about 7% in September after rallying 25% in August. Historically, every positive August since 2013 has been followed by a negative September. With two days left in the month, a positive September would break that sequence and mark a third consecutive monthly gain.

    Oil and Supply Chain Risks Could Influence the Inflation Outlook

    Energy markets remain a wildcard. The Energy Information Administration estimated Brent spot crude averaged $91 a barrel in August, up $7 from July. The International Energy Agency also pointed to severe restrictions on Gulf diesel and gasoil exports during August, while shipping incidents near Hormuz were reported on September 21 and 23.

    Because the August PCE report lands on September 30, it will not fully reflect late-September changes in fuel, freight, or factory costs. The ISM manufacturing report on October 1 may therefore offer a timelier inflation signal. ISM’s August Prices Index stood at 71.1, while Supplier Deliveries reached 59.3. A higher September Prices Index, slower deliveries, or stronger cost comments would point to renewed pressure on manufacturers.

    Jobs Data and Fed Rate Expectations Take Center Stage

    Labor market data begins with the August JOLTS report on September 29, followed by September payrolls on October 2. The Federal Reserve raised its target range to 3.75% to 4% on September 16, citing elevated inflation and steady job gains.

    A moderate cooling in labor conditions could reduce pressure on the Fed. However, a sharply weaker employment report might shift attention from inflation toward growth risks.

    Bond Volatility and Q4 Liquidity Concerns

    The 10-year Treasury yield is above 5.2%, and the MOVE index has moved above 100, near its year-to-date highs. Oil above $90 adds another inflation worry, while gold fell about 3% on Monday to just above $4,000 an ounce.

    Despite these headwinds, Bitcoin’s quarter remains strong. A positive September would put Q3 2026 more than 40% higher and mark the first positive third quarter since Q3 2025. Historical CoinGlass data shows Bitcoin’s average fourth-quarter gain is around 77%, but Q4 could bring fresh tests for liquidity and risk appetite.

    Anthropic’s reported November IPO plans and the U.S. midterm elections could add further volatility. The clearest cross-market test may come from a soft August PCE reading followed by a higher September ISM prices reading. That sequence could initially ease Treasury yields before renewed cost concerns push rate expectations higher.

    This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.

  • Strategy Considers Bitcoin Sales as Canadian Pension Funds Accumulate MSTR Shares

    Strategy Considers Bitcoin Sales as Canadian Pension Funds Accumulate MSTR Shares

    Strategy is reviewing the possibility of selling Bitcoin to fund dividends after a sharp price decline, challenging the company’s long-standing accumulation model. At the same time, several large Canadian institutions hold sizable positions in MSTR stock, linking retirement and banking capital to Strategy’s Bitcoin strategy.

    Bitcoin Position Below Average Cost

    Strategy held 843,775 BTC as of July 2026, acquired at an average price of approximately $75,476 each. With Bitcoin trading at $64,667.49 on Binance, the position sits below its average acquisition cost. The company has financed further purchases through common stock and high-yield preferred share issuance, giving investors Bitcoin-linked exposure through MSTR but also adding corporate financing and dilution risks.

    Those pressures became more visible after Bitcoin’s decline. Strategy is considering Bitcoin sales to help fund dividends following a 23.8% price drop in the first quarter and a reported $12.5 billion loss. A sale would mark a significant shift from Strategy’s established approach of continued accumulation.

    Canadian Institutions Build Large MSTR Positions

    AIMCo, overseeing about $195 billion for Alberta pensions, disclosed 1.38 million MSTR shares worth about $219 million. The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board opened a 393,322-share position valued near $127 million. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan disclosed an MSTR holding worth about $31 million.

    Canadian banks also hold sizable stakes: National Bank of Canada owns nearly 1.47 million shares valued near $273 million, and Royal Bank of Canada expanded its position to around $230 million.

    These holdings give institutions exposure to Strategy’s Bitcoin position through public equity rather than direct Bitcoin ownership, but also carry risks tied to share issuance, preferred financing, corporate decisions, and Bitcoin price movements.

    Bitcoin Buying Continues Despite Weak Sentiment

    The wider Bitcoin market shows another form of accumulation. Binance data indicates clients bought 19,900 BTC worth about $1.3 billion in one day while the Fear & Greed Index remained in fear territory. Binance Co-CEO Richard Teng expressed long-term confidence, stating, “Every time people say that bitcoin is dead, that’s the time that I’ll go all in.”

    For Strategy, the next financing decision could affect MSTR holders directly. The upcoming quarterly 13F filing will show whether major institutions add, maintain, or reduce their positions.

    Also Read: Crypto News Today: Bitcoin Outflow, Aave RWA Hub, Strategy Buybacks

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are risky and may result in total loss of investment. Always conduct your own research before investing.

  • How Federal Reserve Policy Moves Bitcoin Prices: Rates, Inflation, and Liquidity Explained

    How Federal Reserve Policy Moves Bitcoin Prices: Rates, Inflation, and Liquidity Explained

    Bitcoin was designed to operate outside the control of any central authority, including the U.S. Federal Reserve. Yet in practice, the cryptocurrency’s market price remains tightly linked to the Fed’s policy decisions. Interest rates, liquidity conditions, inflation expectations, and bond yields all shape how investors allocate capital between Bitcoin and traditional financial assets.

    Fed’s September Rate Hike and Its Impact on Bitcoin

    On September 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve raised its target federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75%–4.00%. Citing persistently elevated inflation, the central bank said the move was intended to steer inflation back toward its 2% objective. For Bitcoin, the decision is significant because interest rates directly affect the returns available from other investments.

    Why Higher Rates Can Pressure Bitcoin

    Bitcoin does not yield contractual interest. When Treasury bills, bonds, and cash-equivalent instruments offer higher yields, investors can earn meaningful returns without taking on the price volatility inherent in cryptocurrencies. Higher borrowing costs also tend to reduce liquidity across the financial system and discourage leveraged speculation. These conditions can create downward pressure on risk assets, including equities and digital currencies. As institutional participation in Bitcoin grows, macroeconomic variables increasingly influence BTC in tandem with conventional markets.

    Why Lower Rates Can Encourage Risk-Taking

    When monetary policy becomes less restrictive, the dynamic shifts. Declining interest rates reduce the yields on cash and short-term government securities, prompting investors to seek higher returns in stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Easier access to credit further improves overall liquidity. However, Bitcoin does not automatically rally when rates fall. Regulatory news and other crypto-specific developments can sometimes overshadow the impact of lower rates.

    Inflation: A Double-Edged Sword for Bitcoin

    Bitcoin’s fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins has led many to compare it to scarce assets like gold. Persistent inflation can therefore strengthen Bitcoin’s appeal as a hedge against currency debasement. But unexpectedly high inflation can also prompt the Fed to raise rates, creating a tug-of-war: a stronger scarcity narrative versus tighter monetary conditions. These competing forces make Bitcoin’s response to inflation complex and sometimes unpredictable.

    Other Drivers of Bitcoin’s Price

    Federal Reserve policy is just one factor among many. Spot ETF flows, institutional adoption, regulatory developments, leverage levels, mining economics, and Bitcoin’s roughly four-year halving cycle all contribute to crypto-specific supply and demand dynamics. This is why Bitcoin does not maintain a permanent inverse relationship with interest rates. Sometimes crypto-native catalysts outweigh the influence of monetary policy.

    Key Takeaways

    • Higher interest rates make yield-bearing assets more attractive and can reduce appetite for volatile investments like Bitcoin.
    • Lower rates and easier liquidity conditions generally support risk assets, but Bitcoin’s response is not guaranteed.
    • Inflation boosts Bitcoin’s scarcity narrative but may also trigger rate hikes that pressure prices.
    • ETF flows, regulation, mining economics, and halving cycles are equally important price drivers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How do Federal Reserve interest rates affect Bitcoin?

    Higher rates make bonds and cash-like assets more attractive while increasing borrowing costs and tightening liquidity. These conditions can reduce investor appetite for volatile assets such as Bitcoin.

    2. Why can lower interest rates support Bitcoin prices?

    Lower rates reduce yields on cash and short-term government securities while potentially improving financial-system liquidity. This can encourage investors to increase exposure to risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

    3. Does Bitcoin always fall when the Federal Reserve raises rates?

    No. Bitcoin is also influenced by ETF flows, institutional demand, regulation, leverage, and crypto-specific market conditions. These factors can sometimes outweigh the effects of tighter monetary policy.

    4. How does inflation affect Bitcoin?

    Bitcoin’s maximum supply of 21 million BTC supports its scarcity narrative during periods of inflation. However, persistent inflation can also trigger higher interest rates, potentially creating pressure on Bitcoin and other risk assets.

    5. What other factors influence Bitcoin besides Federal Reserve policy?

    Spot Bitcoin ETF flows, institutional adoption, mining economics, regulation, market liquidity, and Bitcoin’s halving cycle can all affect BTC. Monetary policy is therefore one important factor rather than a standalone price indicator.

  • Bitcoin Holds Near $85K as ETF Inflows Meet Falling Miner Reserves

    Bitcoin Holds Near $85K as ETF Inflows Meet Falling Miner Reserves

    Bitcoin Trades in a Tight Range

    Bitcoin changed hands at $84,779.26, up 0.88% over 24 hours and roughly in line with the wider crypto market’s 1.03% advance. The largest cryptocurrency has mostly moved between $83,000 and $85,000 since pulling back from a September high near $87,374.

    On the upside, resistance sits between $85,500 and $86,000. A clean break above that zone could put the earlier high back in play. If Bitcoin loses $83,000, traders may look toward $80,000 to $81,000 as the next support area.

    Spot Bitcoin ETF Demand Returns

    U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds attracted about $2.4 billion during the five trading days ending September 25, according to SoSoValue. That was their strongest weekly inflow of 2026 and marked a shift back to net buying after a period of outflows.

    Bitcoin’s 30-day correlation with the S&P 500 reached 95%, underscoring how closely the two markets have traded. Interest rate expectations remain a key link between them. Bitcoin also held above its main daily moving averages, and its MACD reading stayed positive, though neither indicator can quantify how much of the rally came from ETF demand.

    Miner Reserves Decline as Hashrate Eases

    Miner reserves fell by 1,530 BTC in the week ending September 26 to about 1.193 million BTC, according to CryptoQuant. The metric tracks coins held in wallets linked to miners and mining pools. Coins leaving those wallets may be sold, moved to custody or used for other purposes, so the decline alone does not confirm how much miners sold.

    Bitcoin’s seven-day average hashrate dropped to roughly 915.8 exahashes per second on September 26, its lowest level in about three weeks. Hashrate estimates can shift because of block timing, power conditions and changes in active mining equipment. The network continued producing blocks during the decline.

    Bitcoin’s Puell Multiple rose by 0.24 during the week to 1.13. CryptoQuant defines the measure as daily mining revenue divided by its 365-day average. A reading above one means revenue from newly issued Bitcoin is above that average. The metric does not account for miners’ electricity, equipment or financing costs.

    Derivatives Activity Cools

    Bitcoin derivatives activity eased during the price pause. Open interest fell 6.5%, while 24-hour Bitcoin liquidations dropped 88% to $7.45 million. The figures suggest fewer outstanding leveraged positions and fewer forced closures.

    What Traders Are Watching Next

    Market participants are focused on whether Bitcoin can clear $86,000. The next major macro catalyst is the U.S. inflation data due September 30. The Bureau of Economic Analysis has scheduled its August personal income and outlays report for that day, which will include the personal consumption expenditures price index, a gauge closely watched for its impact on interest rate expectations.

    Some traders refer to October as Uptober because Bitcoin has often gained during the month. Past returns, however, offer no assurance that the pattern will repeat. Bitcoin’s next move will depend on the incoming data and whether the price holds its nearby support levels.

  • Bitcoin Holds Near $85,000 as ETF Demand Offsets Miner Reserve Decline

    Bitcoin Holds Near $85,000 as ETF Demand Offsets Miner Reserve Decline

    Bitcoin was trading around $84,800 on Sept. 27, 2026, holding close to the $85,000 mark after a week of heavy buying through U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. The largest cryptocurrency gained 0.88% over 24 hours, slightly trailing a 1.03% advance across the broader crypto market.

    The price action leaves traders focused on two near-term signals: whether BTC can clear resistance at $86,000 and how the market reacts to the Sept. 30 U.S. inflation report.

    ETF inflows provide support

    U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted about $2.4 billion during the five trading days ended Sept. 25, according to SoSoValue. That was the strongest weekly inflow of 2026 and marked a shift back to net buying after a period of outflows.

    Bitcoin’s 30-day correlation with the S&P 500 reached 95%, underscoring how closely the asset has tracked broader risk sentiment and interest-rate expectations. BTC also remained above its key daily moving averages, and its MACD stayed positive. Those technical signals, however, do not show how much of the move was driven specifically by ETF demand.

    Miner reserves and hashrate decline

    Miner reserves fell by 1,530 BTC in the week to about 1.193 million BTC, according to CryptoQuant, which tracks wallets tied to miners and mining pools. A decline in reserves does not by itself confirm sales; coins may be sold, moved into custody, or redirected for other uses.

    The network’s seven-day average hashrate dropped to roughly 915.8 exahashes per second on Sept. 26, a three-week low. Hashrate estimates can fluctuate because of block timing, power availability, and changes in active mining equipment. Mining continued during the decline.

    Bitcoin’s Puell Multiple rose by 0.24 during the week to 1.13. The metric compares daily mining revenue with its 365-day average; a reading above 1 indicates that revenue from newly issued BTC is above that average. It does not account for miners’ electricity, hardware, or financing costs.

    Key price levels to watch

    Since retreating from a September high near $87,374, Bitcoin has mostly traded between $83,000 and $85,000. Resistance is clustered between $85,500 and $86,000. A break above that zone could put the earlier high back in play. If BTC falls below $83,000, traders may watch the $80,000–$81,000 area for support.

    Derivatives activity has cooled during the pause. Open interest dropped 6.5%, and 24-hour Bitcoin liquidations fell 88% to $7.45 million, pointing to fewer leveraged positions and fewer forced closures.

    Inflation data looms

    The next U.S. inflation reading is scheduled for Sept. 30, when the Bureau of Economic Analysis releases its August personal income and outlays report. The data will include the personal consumption expenditures price index, a gauge closely watched for its impact on interest-rate expectations.

    Some traders refer to October as "Uptober" because Bitcoin has often gained during the month, but past performance does not guarantee a repeat. Near term, BTC’s response will depend on the inflation data and whether the price can hold its nearby support levels.

  • Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP Face Crucial Resistance Tests as September Ends

    Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP Face Crucial Resistance Tests as September Ends

    The cryptocurrency market is heading into the final days of September with several major assets facing pivotal resistance tests. Analysts have set ambitious price targets for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP, with each needing to clear nearby technical hurdles to reach new highs. The upcoming U.S. inflation report on September 30 could also play a decisive role in shaping market direction.

    Overall crypto market capitalization has risen from roughly $2.62 trillion on September 1 to $2.87 trillion, reflecting a broad rally. Bitcoin recently traded near $84,900, up about 0.9% over 24 hours, while the total market gain sets the stage for a potentially strong month-end finish.

    Bitcoin Eyes $87,000 After Reclaiming $85,000

    Bitcoin has gained approximately 7.4% in September. Analyst Philakone noted that the price remains above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages, with resistance identified at $87,385. Martini Guy highlighted $85,000 as an earlier level that Bitcoin needed to reclaim before approaching $87,000. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted about $2.39 billion in net inflows during the week ending September 25, signaling strong demand. In the near term, traders are watching resistance around $85,900 to $86,000. A move below $84,000 could shift focus to the $82,000–$83,500 area.

    Ethereum Must Clear $2,800 to Target $2,900

    Ethereum has risen about 9.3% this month. Analyst Alex Marzell pointed to $2,900 as a possible destination due to concentrated trading interest near that level. Daan Crypto identified $2,800 as the nearer obstacle; a move through it would open a clearer path to higher levels. Ethereum was near $2,700 in recent pricing, leaving it below both targets. Traders will look for a sustained push above $2,800 before judging whether the $2,900 target is achievable.

    Solana Analysts Watch the $125–$130 Range

    Solana traded near $122 after a daily gain of about 1.2%. Alaoui Capital suggested that breaking out of a sideways trading pattern could carry SOL toward $130, citing demand from Solana investment funds. Analyst Apex Gotu identified $125 to $130 as the next key zone, with SOL needing to pass $125 before testing the upper end of that range.

    XRP Must Pass $1.61 to Test $1.70

    XRP has gained about 7.9% over the past month. Analyst Diana said the token recovered after an earlier rejection near $1.61. In her view, a break above that level could open a move toward $1.70, though the target remains conditional on clearing resistance. ETF inflows offer another measure of interest, but price action will ultimately determine whether buyers can sustain the recovery.

    The final trading days of September also bring a scheduled U.S. economic release on September 30: the Bureau of Economic Analysis will publish August personal income and outlays data, including the personal consumption expenditures price index. This inflation report could influence market sentiment and price action across the board.

  • Bitcoin’s Market Share Slips Below 60% as Altcoin Recovery and Privacy Tech Gain Attention

    Bitcoin’s Market Share Slips Below 60% as Altcoin Recovery and Privacy Tech Gain Attention

    Bitcoin’s share of the cryptocurrency market has fallen to 58.5%, slipping below the 60% level that traders often watch as a signal of market leadership. The move comes as altcoins recover from a soft stretch and privacy-focused crypto assets attract fresh attention.

    Glassnode’s Altcoin Cycle Signal has climbed to 81.25, and the total market value of altcoins has risen about 33% since mid-August. Even so, the Altcoin Season Index remains neutral, suggesting that a broad, sustained run of altcoin outperformance has not yet been confirmed.

    Altcoin recovery is visible, but not yet a full season

    Recent price action shows selective strength rather than a market-wide rotation. Filecoin gained 5.88%, Theta Network added 5.55%, and Axie Infinity rose 5.11%, with order activity favoring buyers in those assets. Those gains are notable, but the neutral Altcoin Season Index indicates that most altcoins have not consistently beaten Bitcoin.

    The current market structure may also differ from earlier cycles. Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds now give institutional investors a direct way to gain exposure to the largest cryptocurrency. That channel could reduce the amount of capital that moves from Bitcoin into smaller tokens, meaning Bitcoin dominance might decline without producing the same kind of altcoin rotation seen in the past.

    Shielded Bitcoin proposal puts privacy back in focus

    Separately, researchers Clara Shikhelman, Mikhail Komarov, and Aleksei Moskvin from cryptography firm [alloc] init have proposed a privacy system called Shielded Bitcoin. The design borrows the encrypted payment structure used by Zcash and aims to make Bitcoin payments harder to trace without altering Bitcoin’s core network rules.

    Under the proposal, Bitcoin-denominated value would be held in encrypted records called notes. When a user spends a note, the system would publish a marker showing that the record had already been used. A mathematical proof would verify ownership and confirm that no new value was created. The transfer would conceal the payment amount as well as the sender and recipient.

    The key difference from Zcash is enforcement. Bitcoin nodes currently validate every transaction against a shared set of rules, and transactions that fail those rules cannot enter a valid block. Shielded Bitcoin would instead place encrypted transfer information on Bitcoin while separate software checks whether the private payment follows the proposed system’s rules. As a result, Bitcoin could confirm an underlying transaction even if the private payment encoded inside it fails Shielded Bitcoin’s separate checks.

    Zcash shielded activity rises with privacy demand

    The proposal arrives as developers explore privacy for payroll, business payments, and everyday spending. Standard Bitcoin transactions permanently display amounts and addresses on the public ledger. Once an address is linked to a company or individual, related activity can become easier to trace. Shielded Bitcoin seeks to reduce that visibility while preserving Bitcoin’s public transaction record.

    Users could reconstruct accepted private payments with wallet keys because encrypted transfer data would remain on Bitcoin. Separate viewing keys could give accountants or auditors transaction access without spending authority.

    Zcash already supports both transparent and shielded payments. Transparent transactions expose addresses and values, while shielded transactions encrypt those details. According to CoinDesk calculations based on ZecStats data, Zcash shielded pools held about 4.9 million ZEC on Friday, up 14% from July 30. That represented roughly 29% of issued ZEC and had an estimated value of USD 7.8 billion after the cryptocurrency’s rally.

    Zcash also recorded around 63,000 shielded transactions last week, its busiest week for private transactions since 2022 and its fourth-highest total on record. Reported transfer volume across the Zcash network exceeded USD 23 billion, the largest weekly total since 2021 and the second-highest weekly level in the network’s history.

    What to watch next

    For crypto traders, the main question is whether altcoin strength broadens enough to push the Altcoin Season Index out of neutral. For privacy advocates, the focus is whether proposals such as Shielded Bitcoin can advance without compromising Bitcoin’s validation model or creating new audit and compliance challenges.

    Bitcoin dominance has slipped below 60% as altcoins recover, but neutral altcoin-season readings show that broad outperformance remains unconfirmed. At the same time, Shielded Bitcoin and rising Zcash shielded activity show that private cryptocurrency payments are drawing renewed attention.