Bitcoin climbed above $85,000 on Monday, reaching its highest level since January as investors debated whether the cryptocurrency’s prolonged downturn has ended.
The cryptocurrency reached $85,229 before easing to around $84,256, up roughly 3.8%, according to CoinMetrics. Bitcoin has gained more than 7% over five days and nearly 35% over three months, although it remains below its record high of more than $126,000 reached in October 2025.
BTIG analysts said bitcoin could target $90,000 if it holds above $75,000.
The rally comes despite the Senate blocking the Clarity Act, which would have established a broader US crypto regulatory framework. Hougan said investors may also be shifting money from AI stocks into cryptocurrencies as the AI-driven market momentum cools.
Crypto-related stocks including Coinbase and Strategy also gained in premarket trading.
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Bitcoin hits highest level since January at $85,000, as the market debates whether the 'crypto winter' is over https://t.co/zzfryIUUQw
— CNBC (@CNBC) September 21, 2026
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