The total global cryptocurrency market capitalization climbed to nearly $2.82 trillion on Thursday, reaching a new seven-month high. Bitcoin (BTC) surged 5.4% to break above $81,000; Zcash (ZEC) led the top 50 cryptocurrencies with a 16.5% gain; Cardano (ADA) rose 13%, while Dogecoin (DOGE) and XRP each increased by approximately 10%.

Crypto-related stocks also saw broad gains, with MicroStrategy (MSTR) and USDC issuer Circle (CRCL) both up 15%, and Coinbase (COIN) rising about 10%. Market expectations for the Federal Reserve's September 16 FOMC meeting were nearly evenly split between a 25 basis point rate hike and maintaining current interest rates.