Bitcoin concluded the third quarter with a 42.71% increase, marking its strongest performance for this period since 2017. This growth followed declines of 22.2% and 14.09% in the first and second quarters of 2026, respectively. As of September 30, the asset traded at approximately $83,700.
US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $6.34 billion in the third quarter, the highest result for 2026. Monthly inflows were $172 million in July, $3.52 billion in August, and $2.65 billion in September. However, the quarter ended with a net outflow of about $149 million on September 30.
Market activity remains relatively low, with average daily volumes on spot exchanges and ETFs at $6.4 billion. Glassnode analysts noted a lack of broad demand, while long-term holders increased profit-taking. A significant sell wall has formed on Binance in the $85,000–85,500 range.
Citigroup raised its 12-month Bitcoin price forecast from $82,000 to $113,000 and the Ethereum target from $2,240 to $3,028. The bank expects financial advisors and brokers to gradually increase crypto allocations, projecting an additional $5 billion inflow over the next year.
