Bitcoin and Ethereum rise as market looks past CLARITY Act failure

Bitcoin and Ethereum prices increased on Friday, September 18, 2026, as investors appeared to move beyond the recent legislative setback in the United States Senate. Bitcoin opened at $76,350.68, a 0.3 per cent increase from the previous day’s opening price, before climbing to $77,991.09 by 7:25 a.m. Eastern Time. Ethereum also posted gains, opening at $2,445.49, which represented a 1.2 per cent rise from Thursday’s open. By the same time on Friday, the price of Ethereum had reached $2,501.16. These early trading movements suggest that market sentiment is stabilising following the Federal Reserve’s recent policy decision and the ongoing developments in energy infrastructure.

The Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates for the first time in three years has contributed to a shift in investor focus. This monetary policy move, alongside the restoration of Saudi Arabia’s key East-West pipeline, has helped to ease inflation concerns among market participants. Consequently, attention has turned towards potential new legislation that could support the growth of the cryptocurrency industry. Although the failure of the CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate this week was viewed as a significant blow to the sector, industry leaders are suggesting that alternative regulatory pathways remain available. The market’s reaction to these events indicates a resilience in digital asset prices despite the legislative impasse.

Brian Armstrong, the chief executive officer of Coinbase, addressed the status of the CLARITY Act in an interview with Yahoo Finance partner the Daily Wolf. Armstrong acknowledged the political difficulties that led to the bill’s failure, stating, “We let politics get in the way, I guess.” He further noted that he would assume the bill is now dead. However, Armstrong expressed optimism regarding other avenues for regulatory clarity, highlighting the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. He indicated that there is another path forward for crypto investors through these regulatory bodies, suggesting that the industry can continue to develop even without the specific legislation that failed in the Senate.

Historical data provides context for the current price levels. The all-time high for Bitcoin was recorded at $126,198.07 on October 6, 2025, while the all-time low was $0.04865 on July 14, 2010. For Ethereum, the all-time high stood at $4,953.73 on August 24, 2025, and the all-time low was $0.4209 on October 21, 2015. The current trading prices reflect a period of volatility and evolution in the cryptocurrency market. Investors are closely monitoring how these digital assets perform in relation to traditional financial metrics and regulatory changes.

In parallel with market movements, there are ongoing developments regarding the use of cryptocurrency in traditional financial transactions. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for the United States to become the crypto capital of the world. In line with this objective, William J. Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare their businesses to count cryptocurrency as an asset for mortgages. Pulte stated that the housing system needs a massive upgrade and that he wants people who own cryptocurrency to be able to buy homes like everyone else. He emphasised his belief that cryptocurrency is an asset and that Americans should be able to use their crypto holdings if they wish. This directive signals a potential fundamental change in how cryptocurrency may be utilised to qualify for mortgage financing.

The integration of cryptocurrency into the housing market represents a significant shift in financial practices. Fannie Mae has recently announced that it will begin accepting crypto as collateral for conventional mortgages. This development follows earlier moves by Better and Coinbase, which issued their first Fannie Mae-backed crypto mortgage to a couple in Ann Arbor, Michigan. These initiatives suggest a growing trend towards recognising digital assets within traditional financial frameworks. As the market continues to evolve, the interplay between cryptocurrency prices, regulatory actions, and broader economic factors will remain a key focus for investors and industry stakeholders.