Crypto: markets on pause, regulators on the offensive

On the night of October 17–18, 2026, a market snapshot put bitcoin around 72 300 € (≈81 328 $) and ether at about 2 132 € (≈2 396,23 $), marginally down over 24 hours. These levels come against a backdrop where the market has already corrected year‑on‑year, but without any recent sharp move. A specific price indicator for ether reported a quote of 2 135 € (≈2 400,31 $) on October 18, representing a limited decline of 0.84 % compared with the previous day.

Over twelve months, performances diverge between the two majors. A weekly review dated October 18, 2026, estimates bitcoin’s retreat at 25.9 % year‑over‑year, versus –38.8 % for ether. The gap between the two assets widened over the autumn, reinforcing the perception of bitcoin as relatively more resilient. At the same time, the ether price indicator cites an annual decline of 37.35 %, placing the asset’s dynamics near the lower end of the recent historical range.

Cumulative price data for 2026 show that ether went from around 2 643 € (≈2 970 $) on January 1 to nearly 2 153 € (≈2 422 $) on October 18, 2026, a drop of approximately 18.5 % year‑to‑date. Despite this gradual erosion, the market is not reacting violently to the week’s macro surprises. This more stretched trajectory over time, rather than one punctuated by isolated shocks, complicates reading ether simply as a 'risk asset' or as a potential safe haven.

The contrast between these relatively smoothed price curves and the US economic calendar is notable. On October 18, 2026, a weekly roundup noted that the week was marked by two inflation releases above consensus, including a producer price index up 1.3 % month‑on‑month and 6.3 % year‑on‑year. Despite these signals of persistent price pressures, neither bitcoin nor ether appears to react sharply, leaving open the question of their macroeconomic role in autumn 2026.