Updated: September 28, 2026 | PickNexo

Brent crude approached US$108 per barrel after negotiations involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz showed limited progress. The move has revived inflation concerns and strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve may need to keep monetary policy restrictive or raise rates again.
The decline comes despite strong institutional demand. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted approximately US$2.4 billion last week, while Strategy and Strive announced combined purchases of 2,772 BTC. The result is a market divided between supportive long-term accumulation and difficult short-term macroeconomic conditions.
Bitcoin traded near US$82,600 during Monday's session, falling approximately 2% over 24 hours and reaching its lowest level in about a week. Ether declined toward US$2,650 to US$2,680, while XRP traded near US$1.50.

The US$82,000 area remains the nearest important support zone for BTC. A sustained break below it could shift attention toward US$80,000. To improve the short-term structure, Bitcoin would first need to recover US$84,000 and then close convincingly above US$85,000.
Brent crude climbed toward US$108 per barrel as geopolitical uncertainty increased. Higher energy prices can raise transportation and production costs throughout the economy, making inflation more difficult for central banks to control.

Bitcoin has sometimes been described as an inflation hedge, but over shorter periods it often trades like a high-volatility technology asset. When yields rise rapidly, investors can reduce exposure to BTC because government bonds offer higher returns with substantially lower price risk.
This week contains several economic releases that could influence Federal Reserve expectations. Tuesday's JOLTS report is expected to show approximately 7.24 million U.S. job openings.

Friday's employment report is the week's main event. Nonfarm payrolls are expected to increase by approximately 84,000, down from 162,000 in August, while unemployment is forecast to remain at 4.1%.
Stronger-than-expected inflation or employment data could push yields higher and reinforce rate-hike expectations. Softer data could provide relief for Bitcoin, technology stocks and other assets that are sensitive to financial conditions.
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded approximately US$2.4 billion in net inflows during the week ending September 25, their strongest weekly performance since October 2025. The inflows moved estimated cumulative flows for 2026 back into positive territory.

However, ETF inflows do not protect the market from every short-term decline. If macro conditions worsen, new fund demand may be offset by futures liquidations, profit-taking and selling across traditional risk markets.
The next daily flow reports will show whether institutional investors are buying the latest pullback or waiting for economic data before increasing exposure.
Strategy announced the acquisition of 1,665 BTC for approximately US$143 million. The company now holds 847,666 BTC, maintaining its position as the largest publicly traded corporate Bitcoin holder.

Corporate purchases can strengthen the long-term demand narrative, but they also introduce financing and concentration risks. Investors should evaluate the company's liabilities, preferred-stock obligations and funding costs rather than looking only at the number of bitcoins held.
Strive purchased 1,107 BTC for approximately US$94.5 million between September 21 and September 25. The average acquisition price was reported at US$85,396 per bitcoin.

Strive bought above Bitcoin's current market price, illustrating the volatility faced by companies that accumulate on a fixed schedule. The strategy can perform strongly during a sustained rally but may produce significant unrealized losses during corrections.
Several of Friday's strongest altcoins are giving back gains as traders reduce risk. The reversal follows an exceptional rally in Quant after The Clearing House selected the project to support its On-Chain Money Initiative for tokenized deposits.

Zcash, Dogecoin, Solana and Hyperliquid also declined more sharply than Bitcoin. This is typical during risk-off sessions because smaller assets usually have thinner liquidity and more speculative positioning.
Bitget has reopened Bitcoin withdrawals on the Bitcoin network following the security incident reported on September 24. The exchange is restoring services in stages after an exploit caused losses estimated at approximately US$388 million.

Bitget says the vulnerability has been patched and its Protection Fund will cover the losses. These remain company statements while external cybersecurity firms continue assisting with the investigation. Users should verify availability directly in their accounts and remain cautious of fake recovery messages or phishing links.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2409, legislation designed to prevent California public officials from issuing memecoins. The measure also restricts companies from listing memecoins that use the image or likeness of public officials.

The law reflects growing concern about conflicts of interest when political figures issue speculative tokens connected to their public identity. California's approach may become a reference point for other states considering rules for politically linked digital assets.
The first signal is Bitcoin's US$82,000 support. A strong defense could keep the current decline inside a consolidation range, while a close below it would increase the probability of a test near US$80,000.

The third signal is Wednesday's core PCE reading and Friday's U.S. employment report. Surprises in either direction could produce significant moves in Treasury yields, the dollar and crypto.
The fourth signal is ETF flow. Continued buying during the pullback would show that institutional investors remain willing to accumulate near US$82,000 to US$83,000.
The fifth signal is Bitget's restoration schedule. Reopening ETH and USDT withdrawals on time would represent another operational step toward normal service after the exploit.
Crypto markets have started the week defensively. Bitcoin has fallen below US$83,000 as oil approaches US$108, Treasury yields rise and investors prepare for important U.S. inflation and employment data.
The decline is broader than Bitcoin. Ether is below US$2,700 and several major altcoins are recording larger losses as traders reduce speculative exposure. The US$82,000 support zone is now central to Bitcoin's short-term outlook.
Longer-term demand remains more constructive. Spot ETFs attracted approximately US$2.4 billion last week, while Strategy and Strive added a combined 2,772 BTC to their corporate treasuries. Bitget has also begun restoring withdrawals, and California has introduced clearer restrictions around memecoins linked to public officials.
The market therefore presents two different signals: institutional accumulation continues, but macroeconomic conditions are becoming more difficult. This week's data will help determine which force controls Bitcoin's next move.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.
Sources: CoinDesk - Crypto Markets Today, CoinDesk - Live Markets, CoinDesk - Week Ahead, Strategy, The Block - Strive, Bitget, The Block - Bitget, Governor of California, The Block - ETF Flows.