Bitcoin blasts past $80K 🚀

BTC surged to highs above $81,000 Friday, liquidating over $230 million in Bitcoin short positions as the Fed posted an unexpectedly dovish forecast.

Author

Stephen Graves
September 18, 2026

đź“ť What you need to know

Bitcoin surged past $80,000 Friday to a local high of $81,213, after the Federal Reserve paired its first rate hike since 2023 with a "dot plot" projecting a median policy rate of 4.1% through the end of 2027.

The rally has liquidated more than $230 million in Bitcoin short positions and over $445 million across the crypto market—but Bitcoin has plenty of ground to make up, sitting nearly 20% below its record high.

Its recovery sits on shaky foundations, too, after the failure of the Clarity Act to clear a Senate procedural vote earlier in the week. While both the SEC and CFTC have stepped in to bridge the gap with crypto rulemaking, their rules can be overturned by a future Commission or the courts.

Bitcoin Blasts Past $80K and a Fresh Short Squeeze Is On

Bitcoin just ripped 5.88% higher in a single session, tearing back toward its 2026 highs, wrecking short positions along the way.

Bitcoin · BTCSeptember 18, 2026
$80,744
â–˛ 5.2% past 24 hours
View live price

đź“° In the News

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đź“Š Myriad Insight of the Day

BTC next move: Pump to $84K or Dump to $55K?
$84K 84%16% $55K
  
Why it matters
BTC blasted 5.88% higher today to $80,846 after Wednesday's Fed decision came paired with an unexpectedly dovish dot plot projecting only one more move through 2027. Over $230 million in BTC shorts have been liquidated in 24 hours. The pump line has round-tripped from 77% on our September 11 card back to 84% today, matching September 7 levels. From $80,846, $84K is just 3.9% away versus 32% for $55K.
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