Bitcoin and Ethereum Prices Rise as Investors Move Past CLARITY Act Failure
On Friday, September 18, 2026, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) opened at $76,350.68 and rose to $77,991.09 in early trading, while Ethereum (ETH-USD) opened at $2,445.49 before climbing to $2,501.16. The price increases followed the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates for the first time in three years and progress on restoring Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, which eased inflation concerns among investors. Despite the failure of the CLARITY Act in the Senate—a bill aimed at providing regulatory clarity for crypto—market participants are shifting focus toward potential new legislative developments. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong suggested that while political setbacks like the failed act were disappointing, there remains a path forward through regulators such as the SEC and CFTC. The broader context includes growing interest in using cryptocurrency beyond speculative trading, including recent moves by U.S. housing agencies to consider crypto as an asset for mortgage qualification.
Topics: Bitcoin Crypto Market Movement Ethereum Regulatory News