Bitcoin and ethereum prices today, Thursday, September 17, 2026: Crypto prices move up following Fed's rate increase
Bitcoin (BTC) opened at $76,143.81, up 0.7% from Wednesday, and ethereum (ETH) opened at $2,416.14, also up 0.7%, following the Fed's rate increase. Both cryptocurrencies have monthly gains of 21.2% and 28.9%, respectively, despite recent struggles.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The Fed's decision serves as a fresh macro catalyst, prompting modest gains in major cryptocurrencies.
Market read
Fed rate hike lifts risk‑on sentiment, providing a short‑term boost to major cryptos.
What to watch
Potential regulatory scrutiny or macro‑economic headwinds could dampen the rally.
Background
The article reports the immediate price reaction of Bitcoin and Ethereum to the Federal Reserve's first rate hike in three years.
Ticker impact
Bitcoin rose 0.7% in pre‑market trading following the Fed's rate increase.
Potential continuation of modest gains if higher rates spur crypto inflows.
The Fed move is a fresh macro catalyst; crypto historically rallies on surprise rate hikes.
Ethereum gained 0.7% in early trading after the Fed raised rates.
Likely to track Bitcoin's short‑term trajectory, with upside if risk appetite improves.
Same macro driver; Ethereum often moves in tandem with Bitcoin on broad market sentiment.
Market effects
Crypto sector shows short‑term strength; risk‑on assets may benefit.
U.S. rate policy influences global crypto markets, especially in North America and Europe.
Fed decision is a key driver for worldwide asset allocation, affecting crypto liquidity.
Counterpoint
Higher rates could eventually pressure crypto as investors shift to yield‑bearing assets.
Key entities
- institutionFederal Reserve
U.S. central bank that raised interest rates.
- cryptocurrencyBitcoin
Leading digital asset, ticker BTC-USD.
- cryptocurrencyEthereum
Second‑largest digital asset, ticker ETH-USD.
