Crypto market cap reclaims $3T as Bitcoin nears $87K and ETF inflows surge

The total crypto market capitalization crossed $3 trillion on September 22, 2026, briefly touching a level last seen in January before settling just under that threshold. The single-day gain of roughly 4.3% translated into a market that had added over $740 billion in total value since late August, all of it traced back to one policy announcement from Washington. That announcement: the U.S. Treasury Department said it would expand buybacks of long-dated bonds, a move that loosened financial conditions broadly and sent investors scrambling for risk assets. Bitcoin led, altcoins followed Bitcoin drove most of the advance, trading near $86,000 and briefly eclipsing $87,000 during the rally’s peak. For context, the coin had reached an all-time high near $4.4 trillion in total crypto market cap territory during late 2025, so the current move is a recovery trade more than a breakout. Altcoins picked up the momentum with varying intensity. Dogecoin was the standout performer, climbing roughly 11% on the day. XRP gained 5.7% to reach $1.53, while Ether rose to approximately $2,745, good for a 2.3% advance. Solana added 3.6% and BNB ticked up 1.6%. The leverage picture is getting interesting...