Bitcoin and ethereum prices today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026: Crypto prices mixed as Iran stalemate continues

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 brought mixed results for crypto prices, as the conflict in the Middle East continued with no clear resolution. Bitcoin (BTC) opened at $64,487.65, rising 2.7% from Monday's opening, but later dropped to $64,080.23. Ethereum (ETH) started the day at $1,911.89, up 2% from the prior trading session, but slipped to $1,895.37 by 9:19 a.m. ET.

Both cryptocurrencies have been on a downward trend since the war commenced in late February, with Bitcoin down 4.4% and Ethereum down 5.7%. For context, gold futures (GC=F) have declined even more, 14.7% over the same period.

Analysts are divided on whether Bitcoin and Ethereum have reached the bottom of their current bear market or if they will continue to decline. The Kalshi prediction market estimates Bitcoin's price at the end of the year to be between $65,000 and $69,999.99.

Bitcoin ETFs showed net inflows on Monday after three consecutive days of net outflows, according to Coinglass data. Bitcoin's price was 2.7% higher than Monday's opening, while Ethereum's price was 2% higher than its Monday open.