Bitcoin has surpassed the $85,000 threshold, reaching a peak of $85,686 during trading on September 21, 2026. This marks the highest value for the cryptocurrency since late January. Despite this recent surge, the asset remains below its all-time high of over $126,000, which was recorded in October 2025.
Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, stated that the crypto winter has ended, citing improved fundamental indicators such as increased transaction volumes and the involvement of major firms like BlackRock. Over the past five days, Bitcoin has grown by more than 7%, and by nearly 35% over the last three months.
Analysts suggest that as long as Bitcoin stays above $75,000, investors may target the $90,000 level. Meanwhile, shares of crypto-related companies, including Coinbase and MicroStrategy, have seen an increase in value. This market movement coincides with a shift in investor focus away from the AI sector.
The growth continues despite the US Senate blocking the Clarity Act last week, which aimed to establish a regulatory framework for the industry. Hougan noted that the current leadership at the SEC and CFTC is considered crypto-friendly, and the absence of new legislation might lead to more favorable regulatory conditions.
