Bitcoin Reclaims $81,000 as ETF Demand and Resilience Boost Crypto Markets

Bitcoin has regained its footing above $81,000 after a brief slip below that level, as renewed institutional buying helps shake off last week's regulatory setback. The cryptocurrency is now about 7.8% higher than its September 16 closing price of $75,590.

The turnaround in US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund flows has been significant, with net inflows totaling $324.6 million on September 18, led by Fidelity's FBTC attracting $310.7 million. This reversal came after investors withdrew $450.4 million on September 15 and $295.9 million on September 16.

The failure of the US Senate to advance the CLARITY Act, which aimed to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, had triggered an immediate decline across Bitcoin, Ether, and crypto-related equities on September 15. However, traders seem to be looking beyond this setback, with the cryptocurrency absorbing the blow.

The broader crypto market has also strengthened, with Ether up around 2.3% to $2,678, BNB gaining around 2.9% to $782.48, Solana near $112, up around 1.8%, and XRP around $1.42, up roughly 1.9%. The return of ETF inflows and Bitcoin's resilience have given crypto markets a stronger footing heading into the new week.