Aug. 21, 2026 09:05AM PST
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Bitcoin surged 22 percent to settle above US$77,000, marking its best five day performance since March 2024.

Chidori_B / Adobe Stock
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.
Here's a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (August 21) as of 10:00 a.m. UTC.
Bitcoin price update
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$77,864.10, up 8.3 percent over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency has risen over 20 percent this week, recording its best five day performance since March 2024.
The rally gained momentum after US President Donald Trump met with crypto executives at the White House and urged Congress to pass the CLARITY Act. Digital assets broke out of a months-long slump as Ether climbed above US$2,200 and XRP jumped 25 percent. Macroeconomic policy changes added fuel to the surge when Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent announced plans to double long-term bond buyback limits.
Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded US$517 million in single-day net inflows during the market recovery. A massive short squeeze accelerated the price movement.
Crypto-related equities joined the surge, pushing Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) up nearly 12 percent, while Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN), Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) and BitMine Immersion Technologies (NYSEAMERICAN:BMNR) each gained roughly 10 percent.
Bitcoin price chart

Bitcoin price performance, August 21, 2026.
Chart via the Investing News Network.
Ether and altcoin price update
- Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$2,402.78, trading 5.1 percent higher over the last 24 hours.
- XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.42, up 19.6 percent over the past 24 hours.
- Solana (SOL) was trading at US$91.64, a rise of 5 percent higher over the past 24 hours.
Today's crypto news to know
Read on for a round-up of the biggest crypto market news:
- Coinbase CEO backs CLARITY Act to boost consumer protections
- CME, Kalshi executives clash at CFTC roundtable
Coinbase CEO backs CLARITY Act to boost consumer protections
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly endorsed the bipartisan CLARITY Act during a CBS News interview, arguing that the legislation will protect consumers and prevent another FTX-style collapse.
"The current status quo today is that there isn't much clarity about what the rules are," Armstrong said, noting that this has left ordinary Americans vulnerable to harm.
The bill establishes joint regulatory oversight between the US Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity. Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) while granting law enforcement stronger tools to combat illicit activity.
Trump pushed for the legislation following a White House meeting with industry executives, stating, "It's a very, very powerful, structured legislation which will keep us ahead of China, keep us ahead of everyone else."
The White House meeting coincided with regulators granting preliminary bank charter approval to World Liberty Trust Company, a firm affiliated with Trump's family. Armstrong defended the bill against conflict of interest allegations by pointing to embedded ethics provisions targeting executive branch officials.
The Senate plans to hold a procedural vote on the market structure bill when lawmakers return in September.
CME, Kalshi executives clash at CFTC roundtable
A CFTC roundtable on prediction markets turned hostile when participants traded insults over market integrity.
CME Group (NASDAQ:CME) Chair Terry Duffy voiced deep concern over contract manipulation, asserting, "We're not a bunch of carnival barkers at a circus." He mocked Kalshi's consumer offerings, saying the company's event contracts on a Nathan's hot dog eating contest lacked economic significance.
Kalshi co-founder Luana Lopes Lara challenged the legacy exchange chief directly, asking whether CME Group has ever experienced market manipulation issues throughout its operating history. Duffy defended his exchange by boasting about the size of his regulatory department compared to Kalshi's entire workforce.
DraftKings (NASDAQ:DKNG) CEO Jason Robins eventually intervened, asking attendees to refrain from attacking rival business models.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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The Conversation (0)
Giann Liguid is a graduate of Ateneo De Manila University with an AB in Interdisciplinary Studies. With a diverse writing background, Giann has written content for the security, food and business industries. He also has expertise in both the public and private sectors, having worked in the government specializing in local government units and administrative dynamics.
When he is not chasing the next market headline, Giann can most likely be found thrift shopping for his dogs.
When he is not chasing the next market headline, Giann can most likely be found thrift shopping for his dogs.
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Giann Liguid is a graduate of Ateneo De Manila University with an AB in Interdisciplinary Studies. With a diverse writing background, Giann has written content for the security, food and business industries. He also has expertise in both the public and private sectors, having worked in the government specializing in local government units and administrative dynamics.
When he is not chasing the next market headline, Giann can most likely be found thrift shopping for his dogs.
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