Crypto Market Surges to $2.73 trillion as Fed Rate‑Hike Concerns Fade

The overall valuation of crypto assets climbed sharply on Thursday, reaching $2.73 trillion as market participants reassessed the likelihood of another Federal Reserve rate hike.

Bitcoin and Major Coins Lead the Rise

Bitcoin gained roughly 4.8%, touching $81,364 and pushing its market cap above $1.62 trillion. Ethereum moved back above the $2,500 level, while Solana reclaimed $104, Binance Coin traded near $720, and XRP rose 8‑9% toward $1.46.

Altcoins Light Up with Double‑Digit Gains

Altcoin performance was broad‑based. Zigchain (ZIG) led with an 18.75% increase, followed by Zcash (ZEC) up 18.06%, and several others posting gains above 12%.

• ZIG +18.75%
• ZEC +18.06%
• NPC +17.78%
• ENA +17.51%
• NIGHT +16.70%
• XPL +16.25%
• ADA +13.34%
• TRUMP +13.30%
• PEPE +13.19%
• ORDI +12.89%

Fed Commentary Triggers Market Shift

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller indicated that cooling inflation could support keeping the policy rate in its current 3.50%‑3.75% range at the September meeting. Polymarket odds of a September rate hike fell from about 59% to 42% after his remarks, Treasury yields eased and gold rose roughly 2%.

Institutional Flows Provide Additional Support

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $101 million of net inflows on September 2, following a $236 million outflow the day before. August saw about $3.5 billion of net inflows, the strongest month of 2026. A major strategy fund recently purchased 4,603 BTC for $370 million at an average price of $80,318, bringing its holdings to 845,050 BTC.

Upcoming Inflation Data Could Influence Momentum

The next key catalyst is the August CPI release on September 11. A hotter reading could revive expectations of another rate hike, while a softer figure may reinforce the view that rates will stay steady at the September 15‑16 Fed meeting.