Bitcoin and ethereum prices today, Friday, August 28, 2026: Bitcoin moves above $81,000 before falling back

On Friday, August 28, 2026, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) opened at $80,261.86, which was 1.5% higher than Wednesday's opening price. By 7:00 a.m. ET, the price of Bitcoin dropped to $79,560.02. Ethereum (ETH-USD) began the day at $2,511.31, up 0.2% from the previous Thursday's opening price, before falling to $2,505.68 at 7:00 a.m. ET.

Both Bitcoin and Ethereum prices have hit weekly highs this week. This surge in prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including economic data, a major options expiry, a new Federal Reserve chair's first big speech, Nvidia's earnings, and an upcoming rate decision. These events are pulling different levers on Bitcoin's price, making this a particularly significant period in Bitcoin's history.

President Trump has called for the United States to become the crypto capital of the world. In response, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), William J. Pulte, directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare for counting cryptocurrency as an asset for a mortgage. This could potentially allow individuals who own cryptocurrency to buy homes like any other homeowner, marking a significant shift in the housing system.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored entities that fund a significant portion of the mortgage industry. Their willingness to consider cryptocurrency as an asset for mortgage purposes could lead to a fundamental change in how cryptocurrency is used to qualify for a mortgage. This development could pave the way for a new movement in the crypto market, allowing crypto investors to invest in real estate in a more traditional manner.