Bitcoin records third-best August with 25% gains

Bitcoin broke its typical summer slowdown in August 2026, recording its third-best performance for that month in its history with a 25% gain.

Analysts note that bitcoin often sees weaker returns between June and September, but this year was different. The cryptocurrency, a digital form of money that operates without a central authority, climbed sharply in the second half of August.

Strongest Augusts on record

According to André Dragosch, European Head of Research at Bitwise, August 2026 ranks as the third-strongest August for bitcoin. Only August 2017, with a 65.6% gain, and August 2013, with a 30.7% gain, performed better.

What drove the gains

Several factors contributed to the surge. The U.S. Treasury Department announced plans to more than double its government debt repurchases, which pushed long-term bond yields lower. Lower yields reduce the cost of holding assets like bitcoin, which do not generate income, and often support risk-taking in markets.

Investors also returned to bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are investment products that track the price of bitcoin, pouring in over $2.8 billion—the highest inflow since October. Additionally, political developments, including support from President Donald Trump for the proposed crypto Clarity Act, added to the positive sentiment.

Price movement

Bitcoin reached as high as $81,281 during the month before pulling back. At the time of reporting, it was trading near $76,883, down about 3% over the previous 24 hours.

Sources

• Bitcoin Magazine