Bitcoin missed out on the artificial-intelligence boom that powered stocks higher over the first half of 2026, but it's now muscling into the party.

The world's largest cryptocurrency was up 4.3% to $81,266 over the past 24 hours to hit its highest level since May, according to Dow Jones Market Data. It's now up 34% over the past three months.

Bitcoin has spent much of the year sulking in the corner as investors plow all their cash into chip and memory stocks. If it can clear three hurdles, it will finally get a chance to step into the limelight.

For crypto investors, there'll be a lot riding on two key economic data releases-Friday's nonfarm payrolls report and the consumer price index inflation reading due on Sept. 11.

The other crucial event on the horizon is on Sept. 15, when the Senate is set to hold a procedural vote on the Clarity Act. That industry-friendly bill would regulate cryptos as commodities, not securities.

The recent move higher came after Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller signaled that he was open to holding interest rates steady later this month, citing signs of cooling in recent inflation data.

If the Fed does keep rates unchanged on Sept. 16, that would be good news for stocks-and even better for Bitcoin and other cryptos. When borrowing costs are lower, investors tend to ditch yield-bearing assets like bonds and seek out higher returns.

That's why the next two weeks will help decide if Bitcoin can finally catch up to the AI trade, after months of struggles.