Bitcoin Reclaims $80,000 Amid Short Squeeze

Bitcoin surged 5% overnight, reaching $81,600 before stabilizing near $81,000. The rally triggered $613.7 million in liquidations, with $536 million coming from short positions. Ethereum, Solana, and Hyperliquid also saw significant gains. Meanwhile, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows of $159 million on September 17 and $433 million on September 18. Market sentiment recovered despite the U.S. Senate's failure to advance the CLARITY Act (US digital-asset market-structure bill) and the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hike. Analysts suggest the industry continues to progress through ongoing regulatory actions by the SEC and CFTC.