Bitcoin and ethereum prices today, Friday, September 18, 2026: Crypto prices rise as investors move past CLARITY's failure

Bitcoin and ethereum prices rose on Friday, September 18, 2026, as investors moved past the failure of the CLARITY Act. Bitcoin opened at $76,350.68, climbing to $77,991.09, while ethereum started at $2,445.49 and reached $2,501.16. The price increase followed the Federal Reserve's first rate hike in three years and the restoration of the Saudi Arabia-Europe pipeline, which eased inflation fears.

Despite the CLARITY Act's setback in the U.S. Senate, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong expressed optimism about alternative paths forward for crypto investors, emphasizing the role of regulators like the SEC and CFTC. The all-time high for bitcoin was $126,198.07, while ethereum's peak was $4,953.73. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now considering cryptocurrency as assets for mortgages, potentially paving the way for crypto-backed home purchases.