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XRP climbed ahead of BNB in market capitalization, marking a fresh reshuffle near the top of the crypto market. Latest figures placed XRP at $92.91 billion, just above BNB at $91.66 billion. The move came after a stronger week for XRP. It rose 10.10% over seven days, while BNB added 4.77%. #xrp slipped 1.25% over the last 24 hours, but the broader trend still carried it into fourth place.
Trading activity also stayed firm. XRP’s daily volume topped $3.07 billion, a sign that interest around the asset remained active even as the market cooled slightly during the day. BNB did not fall far behind. It traded around $672.26 and continued to post steady gains, though at a slower pace. The gap between the two remained narrow, leaving room for another shift if prices change quickly.
Elsewhere, Bitcoin kept its lead with a market capitalization of $1.47 trillion. Ethereum held second place after posting a 15.10% gain over the past week. Tether stayed at $1.00, continuing to serve as a major source of market liquidity. The broader market also moved higher. The CoinMarketCap 20 Index rose 7.92% during the week, pointing to renewed strength across major digital assets.
Ripple Builds Out in Brazil
At the same time, Ripple continued to widen its footprint in Brazil, a market that is becoming more important in the company’s global expansion plans.
According to News.Az, Ripple is rolling out a broader blockchain infrastructure offering in the country. The platform includes payments, custody, stablecoins, trading, and treasury tools.
The company is aiming that package at banks, fintech companies, and crypto exchanges. The pitch is simple: handle the full digital asset cycle in one place rather than across several providers.
That approach could give institutions a more direct way to manage blockchain-based financial services. It also places Brazil closer to the center of Ripple’s international growth efforts as adoption of its products increases across the local financial sector.
SEC Lays Out Crypto Categories
In Washington, the US Securities and Exchange Commission introduced a new interpretation of federal securities laws that addresses a wide range of crypto assets. The guidance divides the market into two main categories. One covers tokenized securities. The other covers what the agency described as non-security crypto assets.
That distinction has been a major issue for the industry, which has long argued that digital assets do not fit neatly into legal frameworks built for traditional finance. Miller Whitehouse-Levine, founder and CEO of the Solana Policy Institute, told DL News the change carried major weight. He said the industry had sought this kind of clarity from the agency for 10 years before turning to Congress.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced the move during remarks at the DC Blockchain Summit on Tuesday. He said the commission was now implementing both a token taxonomy and an investment contract interpretation.
Congress Keeps Working on Clarity Act
The SEC’s action arrived as lawmakers continued work on legislation meant to address the same issue more directly. That bill, known as the Clarity Act, passed the House of Representatives last year. It then stalled in the Senate after disagreements over stablecoin interest payments and other matters.
Soon after Atkins spoke, Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott told attendees that an updated draft could arrive by the end of the week.
Taken together, the market shift around XRP, Ripple’s push in Brazil, and the SEC’s new guidance showed how quickly the crypto story was moving on several fronts at once.
Market Outlook
XRP moved ahead of BNB in market capitalization after a stronger weekly gain and solid trading activity. At the same time, Ripple expanded its blockchain services in Brazil, while the SEC introduced new crypto guidance. The latest moves show that market rankings, adoption, and regulation are all shifting at once.
#xrp #Ripple #bnb #crypto

Bitcoin climbed above $74,000 for the first time in weeks as the crypto market moved higher. The total value of all coins rose to $2.51 trillion, while several altcoins posted gains. LayerZero led the rally with a gain of nearly 13%. Bonk rose 8.60%, while Zcash, Pepe, River Ethereum, and Aave advanced by more than 6%. 
The move came amid global market reactions to geopolitical tensions and investor sentiment. At the same time, fresh ETF inflows added support across Bitcoin and other digital assets.
Crypto Advances While Global Stocks Send Mixed Signals
Global stock markets painted a mixed picture during the rally. Chinese shares moved lower, while U.S. stock futures pointed to a stronger open. The Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite each fell by more than 0.70%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 also slipped by over 0.40%.
In contrast, American futures turned positive. The Dow Jones, Nasdaq 100, and S&P 500 futures each gained more than 0.40%. That split in market direction came as geopolitical risks rose. Over the last three weeks, tension around Iran pushed investors to reassess where to place capital.
Oil prices also added to the pressure. Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude climbed above $95, while Iran aimed to push prices toward $200 in the coming weeks. As a result, some investors appeared to shift toward Bitcoin. The market reaction suggested that part of the demand came from those viewing it as a possible safe haven.
ETF Flows Add Support to Bitcoin and Altcoins
Institutional demand also played a role in the market’s rise. Spot Bitcoin ETFs added more than $1.3 billion in assets this month. At the same time, the SPDR Gold Trust lost assets in each of the last two weeks. That trend pointed to a possible rotation from gold into Bitcoin.
Ethereum funds also attracted steady demand. They recorded inflows for four straight days, lifting cumulative inflows to nearly $12 billion. Solana ETFs followed a similar path. They added assets during the last three days, showing that demand extended beyond Bitcoin alone.
These flows helped reinforce the rally. Large investors did not appear to step back even as geopolitical tension remained elevated. Is the latest move a sign that Bitcoin is gaining ground as a crisis-era alternative to gold?
War Pricing and Round-the-Clock Trading Shape the Move
The latest advance also followed an earlier sell-off. Bitcoin and many altcoins fell before the war began, which suggested that traders had already priced in some of the risk. After the conflict started, buyers returned. The market appeared to respond to the idea that the worst-case scenario had already been priced in.
Crypto’s nonstop trading structure also mattered. Unlike stocks, digital assets trade every hour of every day, allowing investors to react instantly to fast-moving events. When the first strikes on Iran took place, traditional markets were closed. Crypto markets stayed open and absorbed the first wave of selling and repositioning.
Expectations around the conflict also shifted. As some investors began to expect a more limited escalation, risk appetite and prices rebounded. Bitcoin had dropped toward $63,000 when the conflict began. Since then, it has recovered sharply, while altcoins joined the broader move higher.
Market Outlook
Bitcoin rose above $74,000 as the crypto market gained strength, supported by ETF inflows, safe-haven demand, and rapid investor reactions to developments in the Iran war. Ethereum and other altcoins also advanced, while mixed stock market signals added to crypto’s appeal. Investors are likely to closely monitor fund flows and geopolitical events.
#bitcoin #BTC #Ethereum #solana #crypto

A US demand indicator has shifted, suggesting early relief for #bitcoin after nearly ten weeks of negative readings. The Coinbase Premium Gap moved back into positive territory after a run of negative data that matched Bitcoin’s drop from about $95,000 to below $65,000 in February. The recent positive readings are small compared with the prior slump but point to renewed interest from US traders. 
Analysts say certain US investors may be slowly rebuilding Bitcoin positions. On-chain signals show tentative improvement, while many experts remain cautious about declaring the broader downturn over.
Bitcoin rose above $74,000 on Monday, erasing nearly $300 million in short positions. Illia Otychenko of CEX.IO noted that prices above $72,000 put short-term holders back in profit on average. That shift matters because short-term selling pressure had limited previous gains. If prices fall again, newly profitable holders could return to losses and sell, increasing short-term volatility.
Policy calendar and market risks
Market focus turns to the Federal Open Market Committee as the Fed meets and Chair Jerome Powell speaks on Wednesday. The CME FedWatch tool currently prices in near certainty that rates will remain at 3.5% to 3.75%. The decision itself may not surprise markets. Investors will parse Powell’s tone for clues on how the Fed views inflationary pressures tied to the Middle East conflict.
Oil rose above $105 a barrel on Sunday, adding another variable to the Fed’s balancing act. Traders also showed interest in contracts that priced Brent crude near $145, signaling bets on higher oil. The Producer Price Index on Wednesday will offer another inflation snapshot. Home sales and jobless claims later in the week will test the resilience of the US economy.
Policymakers at the European Central Bank, Bank of Japan, Bank of England, Bank of Canada, Swiss National Bank, Sweden’s Riksbank, and the Reserve Bank of Australia will also deliver rate announcements this week. Officials are expected to hold rates steady while monitoring geopolitical risks and inflation.
Market Reaction and Geopolitical Links
US political commentary is adding to market tension. President Donald Trump criticized Fed leadership on social media this week, renewing public pressure on central bank communications. We expect corporate earnings from Micron Technology, FedEx, and Dollar Tree to influence risk appetite and reveal consumer strength.
Bitcoin’s pattern shows some resilience amid geopolitical strain. Despite trading about 42% below its October peak, the asset has outperformed major US indices and gold since the Iran conflict began. Bitcoin gained roughly 12% since the start of the conflict while other benchmarks lagged. Analysts caution that short-term holder behavior and macro signals will influence whether this resilience holds.
Can renewed US demand and central bank signals sustain a lasting Bitcoin recovery, or will volatility return as geopolitical and macro risks evolve?
Market Outlook
#bitcoin shows early signs of US demand recovery as the Coinbase Premium Gap turns positive and short-term holders regain profit. Investors watch Federal Reserve decisions, oil prices, and geopolitical risks for potential market direction. Market caution remains amid possible volatility.
#bitcoin #BTC #crypto

Private credit fund managers have recently capped investor withdrawals, tightening liquidity across markets days before the Federal Reserve’s March policy meeting. The restrictions raise concerns that investors trapped in credit funds may sell liquid assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum to raise cash. The Federal Open Market Committee meets March 17–18, and #crypto markets already show fragile sentiment ahead of the rate decision.
Five major private credit firms have limited redemptions since late February. The group includes Blue Owl Capital, BlackRock, HPS, Cliffwater, and Morgan Stanley. Their actions have created a ripple across credit markets. Investors now face restricted access to capital while risk sentiment weakens.
At the same time, Bitcoin has historically struggled around Federal Reserve policy meetings. Data shows the asset fell after seven of eight FOMC meetings during 2025. The Fear and Greed Index now signals extreme fear across the crypto market, levels not seen since 2022.
The convergence of private credit stress and a major central bank meeting has placed crypto liquidity under intense scrutiny. Could a credit squeeze force investors to sell Bitcoin and #Ethereum during an already fragile market moment?
Private Credit Funds Restrict Investor Withdrawals
The wave of withdrawal limits began with Blue Owl Capital. Soon after, several other private credit firms introduced similar restrictions. BlackRock, HPS, Cliffwater, and Morgan Stanley all capped investor redemptions within weeks.
These limits triggered a chain reaction across credit funds. Once one vehicle blocks withdrawals, investors often rush to redeem capital from other funds before new gates appear. This dynamic spreads pressure across the sector.
Cliffwater’s $33 billion flagship fund recently faced heavy redemption requests. Investors attempted to withdraw roughly 14 percent of assets in one quarter. The fund restricted withdrawals to 7 percent of assets.
Morgan Stanley’s North Haven Private Income Fund also limited withdrawals. The fund capped redemptions at 5 percent of shares. It returned $169 million to investors, about 45.8 percent of the requested amount. Bitcoin advocate Justin Bechler tracked the trend publicly. He reported that five private credit firms had blocked or scrambled investor withdrawals within three weeks.
Investors who cannot access capital inside those vehicles must seek liquidity elsewhere. Bitcoin and Ethereum rank among the most liquid assets held by many institutional investors. As a result, they often become the fastest source of cash during financial stress.
Meanwhile, Business Development Companies, which finance small and mid-sized firms, now trade at roughly 0.73 times net asset value. That level marks the deepest discount since 2020 and signals rising caution among credit investors.
FOMC Decision Adds Pressure to Crypto Markets
The Federal Reserve’s policy meeting arrives during this tightening liquidity environment. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets expect a strong probability that the Fed will keep rates unchanged next week. Investors assign more than a 99 percent chance that the benchmark rate remains between 3.50 percent and 3.75 percent. Markets already price in that outcome.
Still, the tone of the Federal Reserve’s communication remains critical. Any hawkish message from Chair Jerome Powell could intensify de-risking across credit markets. Recent market reactions illustrate the risk. Bitcoin fell from $90,400 to $83,383 within 48 hours after the January FOMC rate hold.
If similar selling appears during the upcoming meeting, analysts note that Bitcoin’s $62,300 support level could face pressure. The private credit liquidity squeeze adds another layer of risk during that period.
Credit Market Stress Signals Broader Financial Risk
Recent disclosures also reveal growing exposure within private credit markets. Deutsche Bank reported that its private credit portfolio reached €25.9 billion, or about $30 billion, this year.
The figure represents a six percent increase from 2024 levels. Technology lending within that portfolio expanded rapidly. Loans to software companies rose more than one-third to €15.8 billion. The bank also increased lending tied to data center financing. A senior executive said the institution had placed large bets on AI infrastructure funding.
This shift introduces new credit risks. Software companies face disruption from artificial intelligence competition. At the same time, rapid expansion in AI infrastructure lending may create its own speculative cycle. Institutional investors already show signs of caution. Put option open interest on major U.S. credit exchange-traded funds reached a record 11.5 million contracts.
Those positions doubled over the past year and surpassed levels seen during 2022 market stress. Credit spreads also widened across the technology sector.
High-yield spreads in tech debt reached 556 basis points. That level represents a 195-point premium above broader high-yield benchmarks. The figures show how aggressively institutional investors now hedge against credit market instability.  
Conclusion
Private credit funds have capped investor withdrawals just days before the Federal Reserve’s March FOMC meeting, tightening liquidity across markets. As investors struggle to access capital, liquid assets such as Bitcoin and @Ethereum may face selling pressure. Market participants now watch the Fed’s tone closely as credit stress and crypto sentiment converge.
#bitcoin #BTC #crypto

Bitcoin market sentiment has shifted toward a bullish outlook as derivatives traders position for a potential rally above $80,000. Options pricing data shows traders increasing bets on higher prices while reducing protection against sharp declines. Analysts say changes in option skew and rising put selling signal a market expecting stabilization and potential upward movement.
Nick Forster, who established the on-chain options platform Derive.xyz, explained that current options pricing indicates a 35% chance that Bitcoin will reach $80,000 before the end of June. He added that traders expect Bitcoin to approach that level between June and September.
Bitcoin traded close to $70,000 at the time of reporting. According to CoinDesk data, the asset has increased nearly 5% during the last month.
Options Data Shows Shift in Market Sentiment
Options contracts allow traders to bet on price movements while limiting risk to a small upfront premium. A call option lets traders wager on price increases, while a put option allows them to hedge against declines. This structure has prompted many traders to examine the pricing gap between calls and puts. The difference, known as options skew, signals the direction of market sentiment.
Recently, #bitcoin skew shifted from strongly negative levels to positive territory. According to Forster, that change indicates traders no longer focus heavily on protecting against declines and instead show a growing willingness to bet on gains.
During the past week, the sale of put options increased sharply. Forster said seven of the ten largest trades on Deribit involved put options with strike prices around $70,000 or higher. The trend shows traders accepting downside risk while collecting premium income from selling puts. This behavior often reflects expectations that prices will stabilize or move higher.
Derivatives Markets Reduce Crash Protection
Bitcoin derivatives data also shows traders reducing aggressive hedging positions. Forster noted that skew recovered from about-25% earlier this year to roughly +10 %.
That shift occurred after Bitcoin fell toward $25,000 in early February, which triggered panic across the derivatives market. At that time, traders bought protective puts in large volumes. Since then, both seven-day and thirty-day skew indicators climbed back toward negative six percent. The recovery indicates traders have reduced demand for crash protection.
According to Forster, the rebound suggests earlier fears of a catastrophic market collapse may have been overstated. Instead, derivatives markets now show traders gradually shifting toward a more confident outlook.
Put writing activity also increased across multiple venues. Forster explained that traders sell puts to collect premiums while assuming limited downside risk, which often aligns with expectations for price stability.
Market Dynamics Support the Price Recovery
Meanwhile, broader market conditions also influenced the shift in sentiment. Gabe Selby, head of research at CF Benchmarks, said Bitcoin rose more than 4% on Wednesday even as major US stock indices fell over 1%. During the same period, oil prices climbed amid the second week of the US-Iran conflict. Traditional markets showed volatility, yet cryptocurrency prices advanced.
Selby pointed to three forces shaping the current #crypto environment. First, the market unwound oversized short positions that built up during earlier declines. Second, major long-term sellers showed signs of exhaustion. Third, the cryptocurrency market operates continuously, which allows traders to digest geopolitical shocks before traditional markets open.
Derivatives funding rates declined into negative territory because of the sell-off that resulted from the conflict that occurred earlier this month. Selby described the environment as "coiled energy," capable of producing instant changes. At the same time, institutional demand for Bitcoin continued. On Monday, Strategy disclosed the purchase of another 17,994 Bitcoin for about $1.3 billion at an average price of roughly $70,946.
The company now holds approximately $56 billion in Bitcoin, with an average acquisition cost of $75,862. Meanwhile, its preferred stock STRC recorded the highest daily trading volume in its history. Chief Executive Phong Le said STRC offers more stability than MSTR shares, Bitcoin, gold, the S&P 500, and investment-grade bonds.
As derivatives traders increase bullish positioning and institutional buying continues, a question remains: Could Bitcoin’s renewed momentum carry the asset beyond the $80,000 level that traders now anticipate?
What’s Next 
Bitcoin options data showed a clear shift in market sentiment as traders reduced downside protection and increased bullish positions toward $80,000. At the same time, Strategy added more Bitcoin, while broader derivative signals pointed to growing confidence. The key takeaway is that traders are watching whether this momentum can hold.
#bitcoin #BTC #crypto

#xrp has held up better than traditional safe-haven assets such as gold and silver since the Israel-Iran conflict escalated on Feb. 28. Markets reacted sharply to the geopolitical tension, yet XRP recovered quickly after an early decline.
Global markets entered panic mode after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian facilities on Feb. 28. Iran later responded with retaliation. Investors rushed to protect capital as fears of prolonged escalation spread across financial markets.
During that turmoil, the global crypto market cap dropped to $2.16 trillion. XRP also declined, touching $1.27 that same day. That level marked its lowest point since the early February market crash.
Yet the recovery began almost immediately. XRP rebounded along with the broader crypto market soon after the drop. The quick reversal surprised many investors who expected deeper losses during the regional conflict.
Risk assets often weaken during geopolitical crises. Gold and silver usually attract capital during uncertainty. This time the pattern shifted. XRP held up better than gold, silver, and the S&P 500.
After the rebound, XRP climbed to $1.47 by March 4, then encountered resistance. The price later pulled back briefly. Then it recovered the following week again and traded near $1.40 at press time.
From the Feb. 28 price of $1.35, #Xrp🔥🔥 gained 2.22 percent. Could digital assets begin competing with traditional safe havens during periods of geopolitical tension?
Market Reaction and XRP Price Movement
Investors initially feared the conflict could deepen the ongoing downturn that began in the fourth quarter of 2025. That downturn already weakened crypto sentiment across markets.
Despite those concerns, XRP maintained relative stability. The asset moved upward after its Feb. 28 drop and continued its recovery through early March. Short pullbacks appeared but the broader rebound continued. At press time, XRP traded near $1.40. The price stood above the Feb. 28 level of $1.35. That movement represented a net gain of 2.22 percent during the conflict period.
Meanwhile, traditional safe havens did not show stronger relative performance against XRP during this timeframe. Gold, silver, and the S&P 500 failed to outperform the cryptocurrency in that window.
The rebound across digital assets followed the earlier market drop to $2.16 trillion. #crypto prices recovered quickly after investors reassessed the geopolitical developments and the potential duration of the conflict.
Technical Data Shows Consolidation in Gold-XRP Chart
Gold priced in XRP traded at 3,763 on the one-day ICE chart at 09:52 UTC on March 11 2026. The session recorded a gain of 28 or 0.77 percent. The chart showed an opening price of 3,749. The session high reached 3,781.96768, while the low touched 3,737. Price action formed a narrowing triangle pattern.
A descending trendline extended from the early February peak. Meanwhile, an ascending trendline rose from the January base. Both lines converged toward an apex projected between late March and early April. The Fibonacci retracement grid showed several key levels. The top reference stood at 4,236. The 0.236 level appeared at 3,671 and sat just below the current price. The 0.382 retracement level stood at 3,322. The 0.5 level appeared at 3,039. Meanwhile, the 0.618 retracement sat at 2,757.
Further down, the 0.786 level appeared at 2,355. The deepest level, labeled 1, stood at 1,843. A gray support zone appeared slightly above that region, around the high 1,800s to near 1,950. Price data showed a steady climb from September through December. The trend accelerated sharply from January into February.
That rally lifted the pair from near the 1 Fibonacci level to above 4,200 before a pullback began. After the surge, candles rotated downward and later stabilized. Recent candles formed a consolidation between the 0.236 and 0.382 levels. Most trading activity clustered between 3,700 and 3,800.
Momentum indicators showed moderate strength. The 14-period RSI read 57.93 while its moving average stood at 59.58. Both values remained below the 80 mark and above the 40 level. The readings placed momentum in the middle-upper range without reaching extreme conditions.
Market Outlook
XRP maintained stronger stability than gold, silver, and the S&P 500 after the Israel-Iran conflict escalated on Feb. 28. The asset rebounded quickly from $1.27 and traded near $1.40, while technical charts showed consolidation between key Fibonacci levels and moderate momentum in RSI readings.
#xrp #crypto

The #Ethereum Foundation has launched a treasury staking initiative that will lock about 70,000 ETH into validators. The move replaces a long-standing strategy of selling ETH to fund operations. Instead, the foundation will use staking rewards to finance research, grants, and development. The initiative began on February 24, 2026, with an initial deposit of 2,016 ETH. The deposit was entered into the Ethereum staking contract and was valued at an estimated $3.8 million at the time.
The foundation plans to expand that position to 70,000 ETH. At current market prices, the targeted amount exceeds $140 million.
This shift changes how the foundation finances its activities. Selling ETH previously provided liquidity for operational expenses. Now, staking yield may support those costs while keeping treasury holdings intact.
Staking Replaces Treasury ETH Sales
For years, the Ethereum Foundation funded operations through periodic ETH sales. Those transactions added consistent sell pressure to the open market. Every grant and development program required #ETH from the treasury to enter circulation. Operational costs and ecosystem funding relied on that approach.
The new staking program introduces a different model. Instead of selling assets, the foundation generates yield from validator participation. Annual staking returns range between 2.8% and 4%. Under that estimate, 70,000 ETH could generate between 1,960 and 2,800 ETH in rewards each year.
Those rewards will fund research programs, grants, and community initiatives. As a result, the foundation can support development without liquidating core holdings.
The financial logic behind the shift remains straightforward. Selling ETH reduces treasury reserves over time. Staking creates ongoing yield while the principal remains locked.
That structure also extends the foundation’s operational runway. If yield covers expenses, treasury depletion slows or stops entirely.
Validator Infrastructure and Defipunk Principles
The Ethereum Foundation built the initiative on open-source infrastructure developed by Bitwise Onchain Solutions. The system relies on two primary tools called Dirk and Vouch. Dirk handles distributed key signing across multiple nodes. The system spreads signing responsibilities across machines and jurisdictions to remove single points of failure.
Vouch manages validators across several client implementations. It coordinates execution and beacon clients while applying strategies that reduce client diversity risks. Client diversity remains important in proof-of-stake networks. A bug within a dominant client could cause large-scale validator penalties or slashings.
Through these tools, the foundation operates validator nodes directly. That approach avoids delegating funds to external staking providers. The foundation also follows what it calls “Defipunk” principles. Under that policy, the organization deploys capital only through open-source and permissionless infrastructure.
It also avoids concentration with one stakeholder operator. Direct validator participation helps maintain decentralization within the Ethereum network. Yet one question remains: could this treasury strategy redefine how major blockchain organizations finance development?
Bitwise and Attestant Technology Behind the Tools
Dirk and Vouch originally came from Attestant, a London-based staking infrastructure company. The firm specialized in validator operations and enterprise-grade staking services.
Attestant founders include Sreejith Das, Jim McDonald, and Steve Berryman. Their company built infrastructure designed for large staking deployments. Bitwise acquired Attestant in late 2024. The acquisition added about $3.7 billion in staked assets under management to Bitwise’s ecosystem.
Following the acquisition, the team joined Bitwise Onchain Solutions. The unit now develops staking infrastructure for institutional users. Dirk distributes cryptographic signing duties across multiple machines. This structure prevents one compromised system from interrupting validation.
Vouch coordinates multiple validator clients simultaneously. The system also applies configurable policies that reduce client-specific risk. Sreejith Das, now head of on-chain solutions at Bitwise, described the moment as validation of the project’s original goal. The team sought to build resilient staking infrastructure for the ecosystem.
Bitwise chief technology officer Hong Kim described the foundation’s adoption as a watershed moment for the company. Both Dirk and Vouch remain open-source tools. Developers across the Ethereum ecosystem can access them freely.
Bitwise also confirmed continued maintenance and support. The company stated it will update the software regardless of commercial arrangements.
Market Outlook
The Ethereum Foundation has shifted from selling #ETH to staking 70,000 ETH to fund yield. The plan uses open-source tools from Bitwise Onchain Solutions and supports grants, research, and development while keeping treasury holdings intact. The move also aims to reduce sell pressure and support decentralization.
#Ethereum #ETH

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins called for clear cryptocurrency regulations in the United States during remarks in Washington, D.C., in October 2025. He said the digital asset market needs a coherent framework as firms and investors face legal confusion. His call came as #CryptoMarkets remained volatile and other jurisdictions moved ahead with defined rulebooks.
Paul Atkins said the current mix of state and federal guidance creates uncertainty across the industry. He said that confusion can slow business growth and leave consumers exposed to avoidable risks. He also stated that the SEC still aims to protect investors and maintain fair markets while recognizing the promise of blockchain technology.
His remarks added urgency to a policy debate that has stretched across several years. They also pointed to a possible shift toward firmer regulatory action in the United States.
Patchwork Rules Leave Firms and Investors in Limbo
Atkins said regulatory certainty is necessary for stable growth in the #crypto sector. Without it, companies must interpret overlapping guidance from different authorities. That makes compliance harder and raises costs.
He said the lack of a full legal framework also affects investors. Retail participants may encounter projects that operate in legal gray areas. In that setting, clear rules become central to both market confidence and consumer safety.
The SEC has tried to define its approach over time. The 2017 DAO Report marked an early effort to explain how securities laws could apply to some digital assets. After that, enforcement actions and settlements offered more direction, but not a complete framework.
That gap has remained in place even as the market expanded. As a result, many businesses still face uncertainty over classification, disclosure, and registration.
A Long Regulatory Trail Still Lacks Final Clarity
The US debate over #crypto rules did not begin recently. Bitcoin’s rise first raised basic questions about how officials should classify digital assets. In 2014, the IRS said Bitcoin would be treated as property for tax purposes.
Later, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued an interpretive letter in 2020. That letter allowed banks to custody crypto assets. It marked another step in the federal government’s broader engagement with the sector.
Still, the biggest disputes have centered on whether certain tokens qualify as securities. Court cases and settlements have addressed parts of that issue, yet Congress has not produced a comprehensive law. Atkins’ statement brought fresh momentum to that stalled process.
Can the United States keep its edge in digital assets without a clear national rulebook?
Clear Rules Could Shape Investment and Competition
The lack of clarity affects several parts of the market. Large financial institutions often want legal certainty before committing significant capital. Startups may also choose to launch abroad to avoid the complexity of the US.
Trading platforms face similar pressure. Exchanges must continually adjust to evolving compliance expectations. That process can slow operations and complicate long-term planning.
Consumer protection also remains part of the debate. Without clear rules, bad actors may exploit loopholes that harm retail investors. A transparent framework could reduce those risks while supporting legitimate activity.
The United States also faces pressure from abroad. The European Union has already adopted the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework, known as MiCA, for its 27 member states. Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom have also established detailed crypto regimes.
Those systems illustrate how clear regulation can support market development. They also show the cost of delay. If the United States moves too slowly or adopts overly restrictive rules, it could lose talent, capital, and business activity to other markets.
Market Outlook
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins called for clear #cryptocurrency regulations amid ongoing legal uncertainty affecting investors, startups, and exchanges. He pointed to the need for a coherent US framework that protects consumers, supports innovation, and helps the country remain competitive as other major markets move ahead.

#crypto

XRP is attempting to move above the 200 EMA and the $1.55 level, as analysts monitor whether the token can break out of its months-long descending channel. Market analyst EGRAG CRYPTO shared the move could show short-term strength if XRP secures a weekly close above that level. Still, the broader structure remains corrective until the price pushes above $2.20. At the same time, derivatives activity has contracted, and market observers are debating whether the token could eventually support large-scale settlement across global markets.
XRP Pushes Against Key Resistance Levels
EGRAG CRYPTO explained that XRP recently started pushing above the 200 EMA. The analyst shared the observation in a post on X on March 4. The analyst explained that XRP still trades inside a descending channel on the weekly timeframe. That channel has shaped the asset’s price action for months and continues to define the current trend.
According to the analysis, #Xrp🔥🔥 must close above $1.55 on the weekly chart to weaken the present downward structure. Such a move would show that buyers regained some short-term control.
A stronger confirmation would come with a weekly close above $2.20. The analyst said that level would invalidate the broader bearish structure that formed during the recent corrective phase. If that breakout occurs, the analysis pointed to potential targets between $2.70 and $3.60. These levels mark areas where the price could move if the descending channel breaks.
Meanwhile, the analyst warned that failure to reclaim $1.55 could send the price lower. Under that scenario, XRP could decline toward $1.26.
The analysis also noted a possible sweep of macro support from $0.95 to $0.85. EGRAG CRYPTO assigned a 55% to 65% probability to a deeper sweep and a 35% to 45% chance of an early breakout reclaim. “Structure > Emotion,” the analyst wrote while explaining the chart setup.
Derivatives Activity Contracts as Market Resets
While XRP tests resistance levels, derivative activity has declined across the market. Analyst Amr Taha previously reported that XRP futures open interest dropped sharply during recent months.
According to Taha, open interest has fallen about 70% since October 2025. The figure now stands near $203 million. Data from Binance shows a similar contraction. Open interest on the exchange slipped below $270 million.
Those levels last appeared in April 2025. That period came shortly before a large market rally. Historically, such declines often occur when leverage leaves the market. Traders sometimes view these resets as conditions that precede local bottoms.
Still, analysts note that reduced open interest does not guarantee a rebound. The market must still reclaim key technical levels before momentum changes. As @XRP approaches resistance, traders now watch the weekly close closely. Could the asset break out of its descending channel or will the corrective trend continue?
Long-Term Settlement Debate Shapes Price Expectations
Digital Ascension Group CEO Jake Claver offered a longer-term perspective on XRP’s potential trajectory. He argued that the token could reach three-digit or even four-digit territory before 2030. Claver made the comments during a recent YouTube discussion. He connected his forecast to utility, liquidity, and a potential supply shock tied to institutional adoption.
According to Claver, #xrp must reach higher price levels before large-scale settlement can occur across tokenized markets. He argued that low-priced assets cannot process settlement flows tied to equities, foreign exchange, commodities, and tokenized real-world assets.
“I really think three and four digits are both possible before the Clarity Act,” Claver said. He added that three-digit prices appear more likely before the law arrives, while four-digit prices could follow afterward.
Claver explained that settlement usage requires higher liquidity and price levels. In his view, XRP must reach a certain scale before institutions rely on it for large financial transfers. He also said banks already hold digital assets to settle transactions. Claver cited OCC authority in arguing that XRP already holds commodity status in the United States.
He referenced XRP’s listing on Bitnomial against the U.S. dollar alongside Bitcoin and Ether.
Claver also suggested that a crisis moment could create a supply shock. Such a scenario could push #xrp toward three-digit prices if institutional demand accelerates.
In another video, Claver addressed whether XRP could still gain value by 2030 if broader adoption slows. He said the asset could still appreciate, though exponential growth would require simultaneous demand from institutions, exchanges, markets, and retail participants.
Conclusion
XRP continues to test the 200 EMA and the $1.55 resistance, trading within a descending channel that still controls the broader trend. Analysts say a weekly close above $1.55 could weaken downside pressure, while $2.20 remains the key level that would shift the structure toward a bullish outlook.
#xrp #crypto

Dogecoin traded at $0.09194 over the past 24 hours, up 0.31%, according to CoinMarketCap data. Its market capitalization rose 0.41% to $15.53 billion. Trading volume climbed 13.51% to $1.23 billion, while the volume-to-market-cap ratio reached 7.95%. The token’s circulating supply stood at 168.96 billion DOGE, with no maximum cap. Fully diluted valuation came in at $15.52 billion.
Short Rally Fades After Evening Surge
DOGE started the period near $0.092 and showed early weakness before a sharp evening move pushed the price above $0.096. That jump briefly lifted momentum and drew stronger trading activity.
The rally did not last. Sellers returned overnight and pushed the token back toward the $0.091 range by morning. Even so, #Dogecoin stayed above the $0.090 mark, which remained a key short-term support level.
The pullback left the token in a narrow range after a brief breakout attempt. Volume stayed active, but price direction weakened as buying pressure faded.
Broader Market Weakness Weighs on Meme Coins
The wider crypto market continues to limit Dogecoin’s recovery. Bitcoin remains below the $70,000 level and shows limited strength. #xrp and Ethereum are also consolidating, pointing to a weaker risk appetite across major digital assets.
That backdrop often affects meme coins more sharply. When traders grow cautious, speculative assets usually lose momentum first. Dogecoin has often performed better when the broader market shows stronger confidence.
The total crypto market capitalization stands at $2.38 trillion. At the same time, trading activity has slowed across much of the sector. With lower participation and softer sentiment, meme coins face tighter liquidity and weaker demand.
ETF Flows Stay Weak as Sell Pressure Builds
Sosovalue data showed zero daily net inflows for Dogecoin ETFs from Grayscale, 21Shares, and Bitwise. That trend has held since Feb. 3. During that stretch, total traded value ranged from $150,000 to $1.37 million.
The same pattern appeared through most of December and January. Although a few sessions posted inflows, outflows also appeared, and most days ended with no net additions. Grayscale’s spot Dogecoin ETF, GDOG, opened with $1.4 million in trading volume, below analyst expectations.
Earlier this year, Dogecoin and other meme coins briefly led a market rebound, and the 2x Dogecoin ETF outpaced peers during that move. Still, the rally reversed quickly, and DOGE returned to multimonth lows. Dogecoin has now fallen for five straight months since September 2025 and opened 2026 with losses in both of the first two months.
Large-holder activity has also remained part of the picture. Dogecoin, like many older coins, has gone through periods when a small number of wallets controlled a large share of supply. When the price nears key levels, profit-taking from those holders can add selling pressure and cap breakouts. In a range-bound market, that pressure can keep recovery attempts short-lived.  
Conclusion
Dogecoin price held above the $0.090 support level despite fading intraday gains. Flat DOGE ETF inflows, weak meme-coin sentiment, and softer broader market conditions continued to limit upside. For now, traders will likely watch volume, support strength, and wider #crypto sentiment for the next move.
#Dogecoin #DOGE

Bitcoin formed a base above $63,500 and pushed past $67,000 before sellers capped gains near $68,180. The pullback now places BTC below $67,000 and the 100-hour moving average, while XRP analysts project a possible long-term move toward $5. Market participants now watch whether Bitcoin can reclaim resistance and whether XRP’s multi-year breakout thesis can hold.
Bitcoin Price Tests Resistance After Sharp Rally
Bitcoin climbed steadily after building support above $63,500. It cleared $64,500 and extended gains beyond $67,000. The rally stalled near $68,180, where sellers entered the market. Soon after, the price retraced below the 50% Fibonacci level of the move from $63,030 to $68,181. BTC now trades under $67,000. It also sits below the 100-hour simple moving average.
If #BTC holds above $65,000, buyers could attempt another push higher. Immediate resistance stands near $67,000. A bearish trend line also forms near that level on the hourly chart. According to NewsBTC, the next key resistance sits at $68,200. A close above that level could open the path toward $69,500. Further strength may target $70,000, followed by $70,500 and $71,200.
The immediate support level stands at $65,500, which represents the first point of protection for the market. The market shows its strongest support at $65,000 as this level corresponds with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement point. The market establishes two extra support levels at $64,250 and $64,000, which function as protective barriers. 
The primary support level exists at approximately $63,000. The recovery process becomes challenging when BTC reaches that threshold as it creates a zone in which recovery becomes more difficult.
XRP Faces Steep Drop Yet Draws Bold Forecasts
Meanwhile, #xrp has struggled for months. The token fell sharply after reaching roughly $3.66 in mid-2025. It now trades near $1.30.
That decline marks a major pullback. Despite this drop, one widely followed analyst remains firm on a long-term projection. CryptoBull, known on X, shared a monthly XRP/USD chart. He described a multi-year consolidation pattern followed by a breakout attempt heading into 2026.
His projection calls for a potential move to $2. He stated that the chart structure points to that level regardless of market sentiment. CryptoBull previously outlined a broader $3- $4 target range using higher timeframe analysis. The $2 figure falls within that band.
At current prices, a rally to $2 would represent huge gains. Even so, the analyst has rejected extreme forecasts such as $30 or $50, stating that those levels lack structural support.
Market Value Implications and Analyst Support
A $2 XRP price would place its market value near $100 billion. At $5, the market capitalization would exceed $300 billion. Those figures remain large yet differ sharply from projections implying far higher valuations.
CryptoBull also referenced XRP’s past performance. In a previous cycle, XRP surged 3,500%, rising from $0.11 to $3.65. Using that history as context, he suggested a move toward double digits could fit within this cycle. A rise to $3 would approach a similar scale to the prior rally.
Other analysts share constructive outlooks. Javon Marks maintains a measured target above $15, citing a late-2024 breakout structure. Korean Elliott Wave analyst XForceGlobal also pointed to strength in XRP’s chart. He noted that the altcoin revisited its previous all-time high zone and retraced toward $1 before stabilizing.
Can XRP repeat its historic surge while Bitcoin fights to reclaim $68,200?
Market Outlook
Bitcoin remains under pressure below $67,000 after failing near $68,180, with $65,000 acting as a key support zone. At the same time, XRP price prediction stays in focus as analysts continue to point to a possible long-term breakout, with targets ranging from $2 to $5 if the chart structure holds

#bitcoin #xrp #BTC

Circle shares rallied nearly 50% over two sessions after the USDC issuer reported fourth-quarter results that topped estimates. The surge followed heavy bearish positioning before the release. Short sellers absorbed about $500 million in single-day losses as they rushed to cover positions. The rebound snapped an 80% drawdown from record highs reached last year. Analysts said the move reflected a short squeeze rather than a fundamental re-rating.
Short Squeeze Drives Sharp Reversal
The rally accelerated because hedge funds entered the earnings release with sizable bearish bets. Once Circle posted stronger-than-expected numbers, those funds moved quickly to cover shorts. That wave of buying pressure lifted the stock sharply.
The violent reversal did not stem solely from headline earnings data. Instead, investor positioning shaped the reaction. As short sellers closed trades, their buying activity amplified the surge.
The squeeze pushed shares higher from deeply depressed levels. Even after the rebound, the stock trades well below its 2025 peaks. Analysts noted that the rapid climb reflected positioning dynamics more than structural change.
Earnings Beat Meets Margin Pressure
Circle reported fourth-quarter earnings of 43 cents per share on revenue of $770 million. Both figures exceeded analyst estimates. @USDC circulation reached $75.3 billion, up 72% year over year, outpacing Tether’s growth rate.
Yet profitability weakened. Distribution costs rose 66% to $1.66 billion as Circle paid partners and platforms to expand adoption. The company moved from a $156 million net profit in 2024 to a $70 million loss in 2025.
“Stablecoin may be scaling; stablecoin issuance is a tough business,” said Harvey Li of Tokenization Insight. His remarks pointed to rising costs despite growth in circulation.
Meanwhile, Mizuho raised its price target on Circle to $90 from $77. Analysts cited growth drivers such as prediction markets and agentic commerce, where AI agents transact autonomously using stablecoins. Still, they kept a neutral rating.
Mizuho analysts Dan Dolev and Alexander Jenkins forecast average USDC circulation of about $123 billion in 2027. They projected reserve income of $3.7 billion and EBITDA of $916 million. At the same time, they warned that lower interest rates could pressure reserve income.
Circle earns yield on Treasury reserves backing #USDC . As a result, potential Federal Reserve easing later this year could compress margins. The company’s business model remains closely tied to interest rate levels.
Circle management identified Polymarket and other prediction platforms as contributors to the recent growth of USDC. These platforms generate high-frequency transaction flows, which lift circulation volumes. The company also positioned USDC as a potential default currency for AI agents in digital marketplaces.
Even so, questions about long-term profitability remain. Circle operates in a competitive stablecoin market while facing rising distribution costs and rate sensitivity. Does rapid USDC growth offset the pressure from narrowing margins?
At the same time, Bybit outlined its own stablecoin strategy. Co-CEO Helen Liu said users now prioritize stability and predictable returns. She stated that the exchange aims to ease pressure by expanding access to stablecoin yield tools.
Bybit plans to roll out up to $10 million in fixed-income opportunities backed by stablecoins. The company also promotes on-chain yield through Mantle Vault and capital efficiency through BYUSDT. According to #bybit , this market cycle reflects a structural shift toward capital preservation and sustainable yield rather than high-risk speculation.
What’s Next 
Circle stock surged after strong quarterly results and rapid USDC growth triggered a sharp short squeeze. Still, rising distribution costs, a yearly net loss, and interest rate pressure continue to cloud the company’s long-term profit outlook. Investors may now watch whether growth can turn into durable earnings.
#USDC #crypto #CryptoNews

Cardano rose more than 7% over the past 24 hours, even as the token remains in a broader recovery phase. The move came as large holders continued to add to their positions during recent weakness. 
On-chain data shows that wallets holding between 100,000 and 100 million ADA accumulated more than 819 million tokens over the past six months, while ADA traded near $0.29.
Cardano whales add to holdings during prolonged decline
Santiment data shows steady accumulation by Cardano whales and sharks through a period of heavy price pressure. Wallets in the 100,000 to 100 million ADA range added about 819.14 million ADA over six months. The buying continued even as market sentiment weakened.
During that stretch, ADA fell about 71%, dropping from near $0.90 to the mid-$0.20 range. Despite the decline, these larger holders increased exposure rather than cutting positions. That behavior often signals confidence in longer-term value.
The added tokens amount to roughly $213.9 million. The trend also suggests that larger wallets absorbed supply while smaller participants sold into volatility. This pattern has drawn attention because it contrasts with the weak price trend seen across much of the period.
ADA tests resistance near the $0.30 zone
ADA hovered near $0.29 as the crypto market pushed higher alongside Bitcoin’s rebound toward $69,000. The broader upswing also lifted sentiment for major altcoins like #Ethereum , #xrp , and #solana . Cardano also posted stronger daily volume during the rebound.
Even so, ADA still faces resistance near $0.30. Price action has struggled around that area, with overhead pressure near the upper Bollinger Band around $0.2985. Buyers have pushed toward that level, but follow-through has remained limited.
ADA has stayed above the 20-day simple moving average near $0.2753. That supports the case for a short-term recovery, but it does not confirm a full trend reversal. A sustained move above $0.30 would strengthen the near-term bullish picture.
Market analysts see mixed technical signals
Market analysts say whale accumulation has not yet produced a decisive breakout. The Chaikin Money Flow reading near -0.04 points to mild selling pressure in the short term. That suggests smaller holders may still be distributing into strength.
Support remains visible around $0.2520, with another near-term support zone in the $0.27 to $0.28 range. These levels remain important for the current rebound attempt. If ADA holds above them, buyers could continue testing higher resistance areas.
At the same time, some momentum indicators have started to improve. Analysts point to a firmer RSI and a bullish MACD on the daily chart. If the broader #crypto market stays steady, ADA could build on recent gains, but a move below support may extend the decline.
Longer-term outlook remains tied to demand and market conditions
On the higher-timeframe charts, Cardano is still trading within a wide correction range that began after its 2021 high near $3.10. ADA has spent a long period moving sideways, and recent rebounds from the lower end of that range have brought back attention to a possible longer-term recovery.
The analysts compare the current structure to earlier Cardano cycles that included a long base before a stronger upward phase. They view the current range as a possible transition between accumulation and expansion. That view still depends on sustained demand and stronger market conditions.
Targets above previous highs, including projections above $7, continue to appear in cycle-based analysis. Those projections require major shifts in liquidity, adoption, and market sentiment. For now, the clearest signal remains the steady buying by large ADA holders during a period of price weakness.
#Cardano

Solana trades near a critical support level around $76 as analyst Four_iv warns of a make-or-break moment, while Solana-based projects Step Finance, SolanaFloor, and Remora Markets announce immediate shutdowns following a $28.9 million hack.
Solana Near a Make-or-Break Level
Four_iv shared a four-hour TradingView chart on X showing SOL/USD hovering near $76.70. The chart marks a green horizontal band labeled "support." Price now presses directly against that zone.
Earlier this month, #solana dropped sharply from above $94. The market then staged a rebound toward the $88 to $90 range. Sellers later regained control and pushed the price lower again.
Since that rebound, the chart shows a series of lower highs. This structure reflects short-term weakness. Each rally attempt stalled below previous peaks.
Recently, the price slid from the mid-$80 range and revisited the same support band. Candles now compress just above the zone. Wicks show brief dips below support, yet no clear breakdown has occurred.
Previous tests of this area triggered rebounds around February 6 and February 13. Still, each bounce failed to break prior highs. Support now stands at the center of Solana’s next move.
Step Finance and Related Projects Close
At the same time, Step Finance announced it will wind down operations. The project shared the update in a Tuesday tweet. It confirmed that SolanaFloor and Remora Markets will also shut down.
Step said it explored financing and acquisition options after a hack in late January. The team stated it could not secure a viable outcome. As a result, it will end operations effective immediately.
The project said it is working on a buyback for STEP holders. The buyback will rely on a snapshot taken before the incident. It also plans a redemption process for Remora rToken holders.
Remora tokens remain backed at a one-to-one ratio, according to the statement. The team thanked its community and customers for their support over the years.
Hack Details and Market Impact
Step Finance launched in 2021 as a #solana -based decentralized finance portfolio manager. Later, it expanded into SolanaFloor, a news outlet, and Remora Markets, a tokenized stock marketplace.
At the end of January, attackers breached the project’s treasury wallets. Blockchain security firm CertiK reported that 261,854 #sol were transferred from wallets after stake authorization was shifted to another address. The funds were worth about $28.9 million at the time.
Co-founder George Harrap described the shutdown as a difficult day. He said his immediate focus centers on finding roles for the team. He added that some parties have shown interest in acquiring parts of the business, although time pressure remains.
Step’s closure follows another DeFi shutdown. Lending platform ZeroLend said last week it plans to end operations after three years. Founder Ryker cited declining on-chain activity, infrastructure challenges, and rising security risks.
Market Outlook
Solana remains pinned near a major support zone as traders watch for the next price move. At the same time, Step Finance, SolanaFloor, and Remora Markets are closing after the January hack. The key takeaway is clear: Solana now faces both technical pressure and ecosystem strain.
#solana #sol

World Liberty Financial said Monday that attackers targeted its USD1 stablecoin in a coordinated effort to shake market confidence. The dollar-pegged token briefly slipped to about $0.99707 before returning closer to its $1 peg, according to The Block’s data. The Trump family-backed crypto project claimed hackers accessed co-founders’ X accounts, paid influencers to spread fear, and opened large short positions on WLFI to profit from market disruption.
Brief Dip and Alleged Multi-Vector Attack
The company posted on X that attackers hacked several WLFI co-founder accounts and pushed negative narratives online. It said those actors also opened massive #WLFI short positions to benefit from panic selling. World Liberty stated the strategy failed as the USD1’s mint-and-redeem system and 1:1 backing kept the token stable.
Market data showed the token fell only slightly before moving back toward parity. Such minor price swings often occur in stablecoins due to trading spreads, liquidity gaps, exchange differences, and arbitrage timing. Experts generally do not classify a 0.01% to 0.03% fluctuation as a depeg unless it lasts for an extended period.
Meanwhile, market observer Wu Blockchain reported that co-founder Eric Trump deleted several WLFI posts on X before the token’s price moved lower. The exact mechanism behind the alleged attack remains unclear at the time of writing.
World Liberty later clarified that unauthorized access involved co-founders’ X accounts rather than wallets or core infrastructure. The company stated that no smart contracts were affected and that all USD1 funds remain secure and fully backed.
Reserve Backing and Oversight Structure
#USD1 holds reserves in custody with #BitGo , including short-term US Treasuries. World Liberty said its infrastructure and team operated as designed during the incident. A company spokesperson told The Block that engineering and security teams repelled a coordinated attack from multiple vectors.
According to the Financial Times, BitGo compiles and checks USD1’s monthly reserve reports. Crowe LLP then examines those reports under attestation standards set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Arkham data shows that almost $4.5 billion of USD1 sits on the Binance exchange. Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao attended a World Liberty conference last week. Zhao pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to maintain anti-money laundering controls at Binance and received a presidential pardon in October.
Earlier, Zach Witkoff announced that Abu Dhabi investment vehicle MGX used USD1 to complete a $2 billion investment in Binance. That transaction placed the stablecoin at the center of a major institutional deal.
Market Context and Broader Developments
The wider crypto market has faced a heavy sell-off in recent weeks. Bitcoin fell about 4% on Monday to $64,600 and remains nearly 50% below its early October peak. At the same time, WLFI, the project’s free-floating token, dropped around 3%, according to The Block’s price page.
Earlier this year, WLTC Holdings LLC filed an application to establish a national trust bank to expand USD1 operations. World Liberty also engages in crypto lending, adding another layer to its business model.
The project drew scrutiny after a United Arab Emirates-based entity used USD1 to facilitate a $2 billion #Binance investment. In addition, an Abu Dhabi investment vehicle backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan acquired a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial for $500 million before President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
As the token stabilizes near its peg, one question lingers: will heightened scrutiny reshape how investors assess stablecoin resilience during coordinated market shocks?
Conclusion
World Liberty Financial said attackers accessed co-founders’ X accounts, pushed fear online, and opened large WLFI shorts as USD1 briefly dipped near $0.997. The firm said wallets and smart contracts stayed safe, and USD1 remained fully backed with BitGo-held reserves. Readers should verify claims using official updates and reserve reports.

#blockchain #stablecoin

Bitcoin dropped below $65,000 in Asian trading on Monday as large holders increased selling and global markets turned cautious over new U.S. trade tariffs. The cryptocurrency fell 4.6% to $64,882.1 after reaching $64,384.2 over the past 24 hours. At the same time, equities weakened, and investors shifted toward gold and silver, which gained sharply.
The decline pushed #bitcoin back to levels last seen in early February when prices briefly approached $60,000. It now trades about 48% below its October peak of $126,000. It also sits roughly 5.5% under its 2021 high near $69,000.
Meanwhile, U.S. stock index futures edged lower. Nasdaq 100 contracts lost 0.9%. In contrast, gold climbed about 2% and silver jumped more than 5%. The divergence reflected rising caution across risk assets.
Liquidations Surge as Fear Index Plunges
The sharp slide triggered heavy liquidations in derivatives markets. Data from CoinGlass showed that more than 136,000 traders faced liquidation over the past 24 hours. Total losses reached $458 million.
About 92% of those liquidations involved leveraged long positions. Bullish traders absorbed most of the losses as prices fell quickly. The rapid unwind added further pressure to the market.
At the same time, sentiment deteriorated. Alternative.me’s Crypto Fear and Greed Index dropped to 5 out of 100 on Monday, signaling extreme fear. Since 2018, the index reached this level only three other times, including August 2019 and June 2022.
The latest reading matched levels seen earlier this month during another intense correction. Such periods often align with heavy selling and sharp volatility. Markets reacted swiftly to macroeconomic signals.
Tariff Escalation Weighs on Risk Assets
U.S. trade policy added to market stress. President Donald Trump announced a new 10% global tariff on imports for 150 days. He later raised the rate to 15%, the maximum allowed under the statute.
Asian equities declined as investors assessed the impact of higher trade barriers. Market participants feared slower global growth and tighter liquidity conditions. Risk-sensitive assets, including cryptocurrencies, felt immediate pressure.
Ethereum and #xrp each declined nearly 6% during the same session. The broader crypto market moved in line with equity weakness. Investors sought safer alternatives instead.
On-Chain Data Signals Ongoing Strain
On-chain metrics reflected continued stress among recent buyers. Glassnode reported that short-term holders realized steep losses earlier this month. On Feb. 6, a seven-day smoothed measure of net realized profit and loss fell to negative $1.24 billion per day.
That figure later improved to around negative $480 million per day. Although losses slowed, newer investors still sold at a net loss. Glassnode stated that such behavior aligns more with bottom-building phases than strong uptrends.
Exchange data from CryptoQuant offered further insight. During the early February drop toward $60,000, Bitcoin inflows to exchanges reached nearly 60,000 BTC per day. On a seven-day smoothed basis, inflows later declined to about 23,000 #BTC .
Yet the composition of deposits shifted. CryptoQuant’s exchange whale ratio rose to 0.64, its highest level since 2015. Nearly two-thirds of Bitcoin entering exchanges now comes from the 10 largest daily deposits.
Average deposit sizes also climbed to levels last seen in mid-2022. The data indicates that large holders drive much of the current exchange activity. As whale flows dominate and fear remains elevated, will selling pressure persist or stabilize in the days ahead?
Conclusion
Bitcoin price fell below $65,000 as whale selling increased and U.S. tariffs unsettled global markets. Crypto liquidations reached $458 million while the Crypto Fear and Greed Index dropped to extreme fear. Exchange data shows large holders dominate inflows, leaving the market fragile and highly sensitive to further macro shifts.
#bitcoin #BTC

#Ethereum dropped after failing to hold above US$1,950. The move sent ETH below US$1,935 and US$1,920 into a bearish zone. Buyers then appeared near US$1,900, helping the price rebound from US$1,905. The recovery pushed ETH above US$1,945. Price also tested the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement from the swing high of US$2,038 to the US$1,905 low. Still, Ethereum continues to trade below US$1,970 and the 100-hour Simple Moving Average.
At the same time, BitMine Immersion Technologies added more Ethereum to its balance sheet. On 20 February 2026, the firm bought 10,000 ETH, worth about US$19.49m, from Kraken. The purchase came while Ethereum traded below US$2,000 during what many traders describe as a soft market phase.
Ethereum Slips, Then Rebounds From US$1,905
The decline started when ETH failed to stay above US$1,950. The price continued to decline, falling below US$1,935 and US$ 1,920. The shift pushed Ethereum into a bearish zone until buyers stepped in at a price near US$1,900. Another low formed at US$1,905, after which the price picked up a wave of recovery. 
The rebound carried ETH above US$1,945. Price then tested the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the drop from US$2,038 to US$1,905. For now, ETH remains below US$1,970 and the 100-hour Simple Moving Average.
Resistance Near US$1,985 Meets Support at US$1,905
If buyers stay active above US$1,920, #Ethereum could push higher. Immediate resistance sits near US$1,970, lining up with the 50% Fibonacci retracement of the same downswing.
A recent report points to US$1,985 as the first key resistance. The report also notes a bearish trend line with resistance at US$1,985 on the hourly ETH/USD chart. The next major resistance stands near US$2,000.
A clear move above US$2,000 could propel #ETH toward US$2,050. If price breaks above US$2,050, Ether could rise toward US$2,120, even US$2,150 in the near term. With these levels tightening, will ETH clear US$1,985 before sellers return?
On the downside, initial support sits near US$1,935. The first major support remains near US$1,905. A move below US$1,905 could push ETH toward US$1,880, then to US$1,840, and finally to US$1,820 as the main support.
BitMine Adds 10,000 ETH as Holdings Near 4.38M ETH
BitMine Immersion Technologies, chaired by Wall Street strategist Tom Lee, bought 10,000 ETH on 20 February 2026 at nearly US$19.49m. The transaction took place on Kraken.
The buy raised BitMine’s total Ethereum holdings to roughly 4.37–4.38 million ETH. At current market prices, that amount can be valued at about US$8.5–US$8.7bn. Earlier this week, BitMine reportedly acquired more than 45,000 ETH through multiple transactions.
The accumulation pattern suggests the firm is aiming to build steadily rather than focusing on short-term price swings. The scale is notable because BitMine now controls more than 3% of Ethereum’s circulating supply. Many analysts describe it as one of the largest corporate @Ethereum treasuries in the market.
Lee has linked his view to several long-term themes he expects to support the use of Ethereum. He points to efforts by Wall Street to tokenize assets, with tokenized assets built on Ethereum. He also cites AI systems and autonomous agents using Ethereum for payments and verification as evidence of the creator economy's growth, as well as proof-of-human-identity tools on Layer-2 networks.
He has compared current sentiment to past market bottoms of 2018 and 2022. He has described the current dip as a “mini-winter” rather than a structural breakdown.  
Market Outlook 
The Ethereum price stayed below US$2,000 after dropping to US$1,905 and then rebounding toward US$1,970. Resistance sits near US$1,985 and US$2,000, while support holds at US$1,935 and US$1,905. Meanwhile, BitMine bought 10,000 ETH from Kraken, lifting its holdings to about 4.38 million ETH.

#Ethereum #ETH

Capital allocation to digital assets is going through a structural shift, with Ethereum’s tokenized real-world assets climbing 315% year over year to $17 billion. Institutions are moving private credit and Treasury instruments onto public blockchain infrastructure at increasing scale. 
#Ethereum now accounts for 34% of the #RWA sector and leads settlement for USD-pegged tokenized assets. At the same time, on-chain data shows large holders accumulating Ether during unrealized losses, a pattern previously linked to cyclical market bottoms.
Institutional Capital Moves On-Chain
The aggregate value of on-chain assets has expanded sharply over the past year. Ethereum tokenization growth drove the sector to its highest recorded valuation. Financial institutions now migrate private credit and Treasury assets directly to the Ethereum mainnet.
As a result, Ethereum holds 34% of the global RWA industry. Its smart contract infrastructure and regulatory clarity have drawn institutional investors seeking compliant blockchain exposure. Liquidity for tokenized assets has also increased alongside that migration.
Much of this growth stems from tokenized money-market funds and Treasury-backed instruments. Asset managers increasingly issue fixed-income products through public blockchain rails. The shift marks a transition from limited pilots toward scaled institutional implementation.
BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund, known as BUIDL, stands at the center of this expansion. The fund launched on Ethereum and is backed by US Treasuries and cash equivalents. It later expanded to Solana, reflecting broader institutional demand.
Tokenised Funds Enter Trading Infrastructure
Market infrastructure continues to evolve around tokenized assets. Binance confirmed it would accept BUIDL as off-exchange collateral for eligible institutional clients. Traders can deploy tokenized Treasury exposure while assets remain with approved custodians.
This development integrates tokenized funds directly into crypto trading operations. It also signals that blockchain-based fixed-income instruments now serve functional roles beyond issuance. Institutions increasingly treat tokenized products as active components of liquidity management.
JPMorgan Chase has also expanded its blockchain footprint. The bank introduced a $100 million tokenized money-market fund on Ethereum. Qualified investors now access short-term debt instruments through blockchain-based settlement.
In a separate transaction, JPMorgan worked with Galaxy Digital to structure a commercial paper issuance on #solana . That deal demonstrated how corporate short-term debt can be issued and settled on blockchain infrastructure. Even so, Ethereum continues to dominate total RWA value.
Whale Accumulation and Market Structure
While institutions build on-chain products, CryptoQuant data shows a notable pattern among large Ether holders. Current unrealized losses among whales remain elevated. Historically, similar conditions aligned with cyclical market bottoms.
Large holders have not reduced exposure. Instead, they continue accumulating ETH at lower prices. Their actions reflect confidence in Ethereum’s tokenization trajectory and long-term positioning.
Ether’s market share remains resilient despite recent technical weakness. Institutional adoption of tokenized RWAs provides structural depth to the network. As whales absorb circulating supply, market participants monitor the potential for a supply shock.
Tokenized RWAs increasingly bridge traditional finance and decentralized protocols. Rising interest rates have also strengthened demand for Treasury-backed digital instruments. Investors now pursue yield through blockchain-issued fixed-income assets.
With over $17 billion in assets on Ethereum, public blockchain infrastructure now supports the issuance, custody, and trading of traditional financial products. As banks and asset managers scale activity, a central question emerges: will tokenization redefine how capital markets operate in the years ahead?
Conclusion
Ethereum’s RWA market has expanded 315% year over year to $17 billion as institutions migrate Treasuries and private credit on-chain. BlackRock and JPMorgan have deepened blockchain issuance while whales accumulate ETH. The data shows tokenization moving into scaled adoption. Market participants now watch how this shift reshapes capital allocation.
Social Media Blurb:
The Ethereum RWA market has surged 315% to $17B as institutions move Treasuries on-chain and expand tokenized real-world assets. With BlackRock BUIDL and JPMorgan activity rising, adoption is accelerating. 
#Ethereum #RWA

Tokyo-based @Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet reported a 95 billion yen net loss for fiscal 2025 after a sharp decline in the value of its Bitcoin holdings. The company recorded a 102.2 billion yen valuation drop as Bitcoin retreated from record highs reached in October. Metaplanet ended the year with 35,102 #BTC worth about $2.4 billion.
The disclosure places Metaplanet among corporate Bitcoin buyers facing pressure from recent market volatility. Its holdings as of December 31 reflected a 37% unrealized loss from an average purchase price of $107,000 per coin. On paper, that equals nearly $1.4 billion in losses.
Despite the decline in asset value, Metaplanet maintained its long-term target of holding 210,000 BTC by 2027, or about 1% of the total Bitcoin supply.
Bitcoin Valuation Loss Weighs on Balance Sheet
Metaplanet spent nearly $3.8 billion on Bitcoin over the past 21 months. The company built its position through steady accumulation during periods when prices traded above $100,000. Its largest purchases came in September and October.
In September, the firm increased holdings by 25% through a $630 million acquisition at around $106,000 per coin. In October, it added another $615 million in Bitcoin at $108,000 per coin. Those transactions formed the bulk of its high-cost basis.
During the fourth quarter alone, the Bitcoin treasury lost about 102 billion yen in value. The quarterly decline drove the full-year net loss. Even so, Metaplanet now ranks as the fourth-largest public corporate Bitcoin holder globally, behind Strategy.
The company’s equity ratio stands at 90.7%, which signals a strong capital base. However, the market has priced in a 22% probability this year that a firm like Metaplanet may sell holdings to raise funds. This risk ties directly to the unrealized $1.4 billion loss.
Revenue and Profit Surge on Options Premiums
While Bitcoin valuations declined, operating performance improved sharply. Revenue rose 738% to 8.91 billion yen, or about $58 million, compared with 1.06 billion yen a year earlier. The growth stemmed largely from Bitcoin option premiums.
Premium income from Bitcoin option transactions accounted for about 95% of total revenue. As a result, operating profit climbed 1,695% to 6.29 billion yen, or approximately $41 million. The company’s core operations scaled rapidly during the fiscal year.
For fiscal 2026, Metaplanet forecasts revenue of 16 billion yen and operating profit of 11.4 billion yen. Those projections reflect about 80% growth in both metrics. The company did not issue net income guidance due to Bitcoin price volatility.
Operational cash flow now plays a central role in sustaining the treasury strategy. Projected operating profit for the current fiscal year stands at $74.3 million, marking an 81.3% increase. The cash generation funds are accumulated without drawing from the Bitcoin reserve.

Strategy Hinges on Price Recovery and Cash Flow
Metaplanet’s long-term accumulation plan depends on two forces: sustained operating income and Bitcoin price recovery. A sustained move above the $107,000 average entry price would erase the current unrealized loss. This shift would convert the treasury from a balance sheet drag into a potential asset.
Until that level returns, the company relies on operating growth to support its strategy. Management funded purchases primarily through common stock issuances. In addition, the firm introduced MERCURY and MARS, Japan’s first preferred share offerings, to strengthen its capital buffer.
Those preferred shares provide additional flexibility against crypto market swings. The approach seeks to avoid a forced sale of holdings. However, one question is raising concerns for investors: Will rising operational cash flow and a potential price rebound close the 37% paper loss gap?
Metaplanet continues to pursue its 210,000 BTC target by 2027 while monitoring market conditions. For now, the balance between cash generation and Bitcoin volatility defines the company’s financial trajectory.
#BTC #Bitcoin #bitcoin

Nicki Minaj will take the stage at the Trump-linked World Liberty Forum on February 18 at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. World Liberty Financial confirmed her participation in its flagship crypto summit. 
The invitation-only event will gather roughly 300 to 400 executives, investors, policymakers, and technologists as the Trump family advances its digital asset strategy.
Star Power Meets Crypto Policy
World Liberty Financial, the DeFi project backed by the Trump family, hosts the forum at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Organizers expect between 300 and 400 high-level participants. The guest list includes senior figures from global finance and digital assets.
Confirmed attendees include Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson will also attend. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is also on the speaker roster.
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, who co-founded World Liberty Financial, will speak during the summit. Their involvement reflects the family’s direct role in the venture. Business Wire materials describe the gathering as a platform for policy and industry leaders to exchange views.
Meanwhile, WLFI has not released a detailed agenda for Minaj’s segment. Her appearance adds a cultural dimension to a forum already drawing attention for its political and financial backdrop. The event now blends celebrity presence with regulatory discussion and market expansion.
Minaj’s History With Crypto and Trump
Nicki Minaj has not launched a or #nft brand. Still, she has interacted with the space before. In 2021, during the NFT boom, she promoted the Happy Hippos NFT collection on social media.
Unlike several celebrities who created tokens or digital projects, Minaj limited her involvement to promotion. She did not build or manage a blockchain venture. Her connection to crypto has remained occasional and brand-based.
Her upcoming forum appearance follows her participation in #TRUMP ’s January event tied to a government savings initiative. During that event, she publicly endorsed Donald Trump and rejected criticism from the media and political opponents. That moment marked one of the clearest endorsements Trump has received from a major global pop star.
At the same time, many Hollywood figures have voiced opposition to the Trump administration and its policies. Trump has increasingly engaged high-profile cultural figures as his administration advances policies aimed at supporting crypto markets and stablecoin infrastructure. Will Minaj’s presence deepen the intersection between celebrity influence and crypto policy?
Regulatory Scrutiny and Product Expansion
As WLFI prepares for the forum, regulatory questions continue to surface. Reuters reported that senators referenced reporting linking a stake to G42 and to Emirati national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Reuters also noted prior U.S. scrutiny of G42 over alleged ties to China’s military.
These developments add political sensitivity to the broader discussion surrounding Trump-linked crypto ventures. The scrutiny connects to calls for review related to foreign investment and national security. Lawmakers have sought clarification amid the growing profile of the project.
At the same time, World Liberty Financial has promoted new offerings. Reuters reported on February 12 that the venture plans to launch a foreign exchange and remittance platform called “World Swap.” The platform aims to offer lower-fee options for cross-border transfers.
According to the same report, WLFI’s lending unit processed more than $320 million in loans and over $200 million in borrowings within four weeks. Ethics experts have raised conflict-of-interest concerns, while the White House has denied those claims.
With the February 18 summit approaching, the World Liberty Forum now sits at the center of celebrity engagement, financial ambition, and regulatory attention. Observers will monitor announcements related to payments and remittances, along with responses to ongoing scrutiny surrounding the venture.
Conclusion
Nicki Minaj will appear at the World Liberty Financial summit on February 18 at Mar-a-Lago. The invitation-only forum expects 300 to 400 leaders, including top finance and crypto executives. WLFI has introduced new plans, such as World Swap, amid increased scrutiny from lawmakers. Follow the forum’s updates as they emerge.
#WorldLibertyFinanciaI #crypto #CryptoNews