Market Signal Briefing

Crude oil inventories rose by 16 million barrels, posting their biggest weekly increase in three years as imports rose, exports fell and refineries cut their capacity use.

Key Takeaways RKLB's Q4 revenues are projected to rise 34.4% year over year, narrowing its loss.Rocket Lab's growth is driven by more launch missions and strong Space Systems demand.RKLB shares have soared 229.2% in a year but trade at a premium to industry peers. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB - Free Report) is slated to report fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 26, 2026, after market close.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $177.9 million, indicating an improvement of 34.4% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. The consensus mark for the bottom line is pegged at a loss of five cents per share, implying an improvement from the prior-year quarter’s reported loss of ten cents.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

RKLB’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in one of the trailing four quarters and missed in three, the average surprise being 11.51%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Earnings WhispersOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for RKLB this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat, which is not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Rocket Lab has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

A Recent Defense ReleaseThe Boeing Company (BA - Free Report) incurred an adjusted loss of $1.91 per share in the fourth quarter of 2025, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 40 cents. However, the bottom line improved from the year-ago quarter’s reported loss of $5.90 per share.

Revenues amounted to $23.95 billion, which outpaced the consensus estimate of $21.73 billion by 8%. The top line also surged 57.1% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure of $15.24 billion.

A Stock Worth a LookDraganfly (DPRO - Free Report) is set to report fourth-quarter 2025 earnings soon. It has an Earnings ESP of +4.00% and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Draganfly’s loss is pegged at 13 cents per share, indicating year-over-year improvement. The consensus estimate for its sales is pegged at $1.7 million, indicating year-over-year growth of 46.5%.

Key Factors to ConsiderHigher revenues generated from growth in the number of launch missions, as well as solid revenue contributions from strong bookings witnessed in the prior quarters, are likely to have bolstered the top line of the Launch Services business segment.

Solid growth in spacecraft and satellite manufacturing is likely to have boosted revenue growth for its Space Systems business segment.

What is Likely to Have Impacted RKLB’s Bottom Line?Healthy revenue contributions from both of its segments are likely to have supported Rocket Lab’s overall performance in the fourth quarter.

The strong revenue outlook is also expected to have contributed to earnings growth during the period. However, higher operating expenses due to continued investment in the Neutron program, expansion of its workforce, increased research and development spending, and higher IT costs, including enhanced cybersecurity requirements for U.S. government programs, are likely to have put pressure on operating margins. As a result, these factors are likely to have limited the improvement in overall earnings.

Price Performance & ValuationRKLB’s shares have exhibited an upward trend, gaining a notable percentage over the past year. Specifically, the stock soared 229.2% in the time frame, outperforming the Zacks aerospace-defense equipment industry’s growth of 46.1%. It has also outpaced the broader Zacks Aerospace sector’s return of 39.4% as well as the S&P 500’s gain of 18.5%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares of Draganfly and Boeing have surged 203.9% and 34.8%, respectively.

In terms of valuation, RKLB’s forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) is 40.65X, a premium to its industry’s average of 12.65X. This suggests that investors will be paying a higher price than the company's expected sales growth compared with its industry’s P/S ratio.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Its industry peers are currently trading at a discount compared with RKLB. While the forward 12-month price/sales multiple for DPRO is 2.38X, the same for BA is 1.86X.

Investment ThesisAccording to a report from GlobalData, the space economy market will witness a compound annual growth rate of 4% during the 2026-2029 period. This favorable outlook highlights the long-term growth opportunities for space-focused companies like Rocket Lab.

However, the company continues to face certain challenges that investors should keep in mind. One key concern is its high operating expenses, mainly due to ongoing investments in new product development and technology improvements. These elevated costs often reduce the benefits of strong revenue growth and have led to recurring quarterly losses.

Should You Buy RKLB Stock Before Q4 Earnings?RKLB appears well-positioned ahead of its fourth-quarter 2025 results, supported by solid revenue growth expectations. However, given its premium valuation compared with the broader industry, new investors may prefer to stay cautious and wait for the upcoming earnings release before taking a position in the stock.

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. is facing existential risk as regulatory uncertainty and margin erosion undermine its growth narrative. HIMS' reliance on compounded GLP-1 drugs has faltered, with regulatory headwinds and an SEC investigation clouding visibility and investor trust. Despite solid subscriber and revenue growth, margin compression and weak guidance highlight unsustainable marketing intensity and operational risks.

GERMANY - 2026/01/15: In this photo illustration, the Oracle Corporation logo seen displayed on a smartphone. (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Oracle stock (NYSE: ORCL) has had a rocky start to the year, with its stock price sliding 25% year-to-date. This decline is largely driven by a slowdown in cloud revenue growth and increased capital expenditures as the company races to expand its AI infrastructure.

This recent downturn isn't an isolated incident; Oracle has a history of sharp corrections. In recent years, the stock has plummeted by more than 30% in under two months on two separate occasions. These episodes wiped out billions in market capitalization and erased months of steady gains in a matter of weeks.

Historical data suggests that ORCL is particularly susceptible to abrupt and steep declines, making it a high-volatility play for investors during periods of market uncertainty.

In particular, we note the following risks:

Unfunded AI Capital Expenditure SurgeSecurities Fraud Lawsuit and Management Credibility DilemmaRevenue Growth Slowing and Margin ErosionRisk 1: Unfunded AI Capital Expenditure SurgeDetails: Negative free cash flow surpassing $10 billion in a single quarter, Possible downgrade of credit rating due to rising debt levelsSegment Affected: Cloud Infrastructure (IaaS)Potential Timeline: Immediate to Q2 2026Evidence: Projected fiscal 2026 CapEx soared to $50 billion, marking a $15 billion increase from the September 2025 projection; Blue Owl Capital exited a $10 billion data center financing arrangement, citing concerns regarding Oracle’s expenses and debt.Risk 2: Securities Fraud Lawsuit and Management Credibility DilemmaDetails: Allegations of materially false and misleading statements related to AI strategy and financial stability; Stock price plummeted by nearly 11% in a single day after disclosures.Segment Affected: Corporate-levelPotential Timeline: Ongoing through 2026Evidence: A class-action securities fraud lawsuit was initiated, with a lead plaintiff deadline set for April 6, 2026; Claims that the company concealed substantial increases in CapEx without corresponding near-term revenue growth.Risk 3: Revenue Growth Slowing And Margin ErosionDetails: Q2 2026 revenue growth falling short of analyst expectations despite significant investments; Negative free cash flow exceeding $10 billion, indicating a serious imbalance between expenses and returns.Segment Affected: Cloud Services and License SupportPotential Timeline: Q1 – Q3 2026Evidence: Even with a $15 billion increase in projected FY2026 CapEx; the company did not elevate its revenue guidance for that timeframe; The company held $248 billion in additional, off-balance-sheet lease obligations for data centers, which will apply further pressure on margins.MORE FOR YOU

What Is The Worst That Could Happen?Analyzing Oracle’s risks during challenging market periods reveals some significant downturns. It declined by 77% during the Dot-Com crash and 41% amid the Global Financial Crisis. The Inflation Shock resulted in a 40% drop, while corrections during Covid and in 2018 still led to decreases in the range of 19-29%. Even reputable companies experience significant fluctuations.

Is Risk Showing Up In Oracle’s Financials Yet?Revenue Growth: 11.1% LTM and 9.8% average over the last three years.Cash Generation: Approximately -21.6% free cash flow margin and 31.9% operating margin LTM.Valuation: Oracle stock trades at a P/E ratio of 27.1ORCL Stock Key Fundamentals vs. S&P Medians

Trefis

*LTM: Last Twelve Months

For further insights, read Buy or Sell ORCL Stock.

The Right Approach To Investing Is Through PortfoliosStocks can experience rapid increases or declines, but achieving long-term success requires remaining invested. An appropriately diversified portfolio can help you capitalize on gains and mitigate the impact of declines in individual stocks.

Consistently outperforming the market is challenging, but the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio demonstrates that it can be done. By selecting 30 high-conviction stocks, the HQ strategy has historically outperformed the S&P 500, S&P Mid-cap, and Russell 2000. Discover how this curated selection achieves superior risk-adjusted returns in our detailed performance factsheet.

Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact March 4, 2026, 10:45 a.m. Pacific time

, /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (Nasdaq: TXN) Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Haviv Ilan will speak at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 4, at 10:45 a.m. Pacific time. Ilan will field questions from analysts and investors, as well as discuss TI's business outlook and its strategy to address key markets for its analog and embedded processing technologies and how these capabilities position the company for growth.

The audio webcast for the conference can be accessed live through the Investor Relations section (ti.com/ir) of TI's website. An archived replay will be available on the website after his remarks.  

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, data center, personal electronics and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com.

TXN-G

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated

Also from this source

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is back above $66,000 on renewed ETF inflows, with on-chain data suggesting the asset may have meaningful upside if correlations normalize. BTC Has Room To Grow Bitcoin has historically traded in close alignment with the S&P 500, typically rising during periods of low interest rates and economic strength, such as 2021 and 2024, and falling during risk-off environments like 2018 and 2022.

Avalanche (AVAX), up 12.9% from Tuesday, was also among the top performers.

Cover image via www.freepik.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Crypto investments and research firm CoinShares has joined the conversation around Bitcoin and potential threats from quantum computers. In a newly released research report, the firm said quantum computers do not pose an immediate risk to Bitcoin, alleviating concerns from market stakeholders.

Real truth about Bitcoin quantum risksPer the research report, CoinShares said the number of Bitcoin that is currently at risk is less than 8% of the total. With this, it noted that only 10,200 BTC can disrupt the market if they are compromised.

Compromising even these vulnerable addresses may not be as easy as many think. As the report noted, breaking Bitcoin will require 100,000 times more powerful quantum computers than what the tech world currently has. Achieving this feat will take a long time.

The conversations around quantum computers and their impact on Bitcoin remain at the forefront. While many have different projections on the timeline required for drastic changes, CoinShares believes any significant threat is still 10 to 20 years away.

Before this period, it was noted that Bitcoin developers could adopt quantum-resistant signatures through soft forks. This way, the research noted that Bitcoin will be able to preserve its core principles.

While different analysts have shared different opinions about what to expect in the quantum world, CoinShares believes users will have enough time to migrate funds before any damage is recorded.

Is quantum computing suppressing Bitcoin price? You Might Also Like

The sentiment around Bitcoin and the broader crypto industry is negative, marked by intense volatility in price action. Experts have linked the BTC price crash to quantum computing risks, despite evidence pointing otherwise.

In the global market, macro headwinds around tariffs and geopolitical instability have continued to weigh on sentiment. It remains to be seen whether the BTC price will chart a sustained path toward retesting its all-time high (ATH) as more data emerge as to its correlation to quantum risks.

As of writing time, the top coin was changing hands for $66,072, up 4.73% in the past 24 hours. While metrics have flipped positive, analysts advocate caution, judging by short-term historical trends.

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

On longer time frames, the price action is still under pressure and structurally weak, but XRP Ledger metrics reveal a notable uptick in real network usage.

XRP surges substantially Compared to recent lows, the volume of payments between accounts has increased by about 400%, reaching levels observed prior to the wider market correction. 

Additionally, the number of successful transactions has sharply increased, indicating that the network is not only active once more but also running at a much higher throughput than it did during the most recent decline phase.

HOT Stories

XRP/USDT Chart by TradingViewIn the past, increases in ledger activity have typically been caused by speculative rotation or renewed utility rather than sudden price growth. This distinction is important. With lower highs continuing to define momentum, XRP is still trading in a broader downtrend structure and is still below major moving averages on the chart.

Despite the improvement in underlying activity, the current price behavior indicates that market participants are still cautious.

Price increase somewhat sustainedIn previous cycles, sustained increases in payments and transactions eventually supported stabilization phases, but only after selling pressure tired itself out. This discrepancy between on-chain growth and market valuation raises an important question: is the ledger driving the price, or is activity being driven by short-term flows that may fade quickly?

You Might Also Like

Technical indicators currently indicate lingering downside risk, indicating that the market has not yet fully embraced the bullish on-chain narrative. XRP may eventually enter a consolidation zone where supply dries up and volatility declines if network activity keeps growing while prices decline. This arrangement frequently serves as the basis for more powerful medium-term actions.

However, this surge would become just another transient spike if on-chain momentum was not translated into market demand. Whether ledger metrics stay high while the price sets higher lows is the important relationship to monitor moving forward. 

The first clear indication that XRP is moving from a recovery in activity to a recovery in value would be a consistent alignment between usage growth and market structure. Until then, the asset is caught between a more robust network and a market that is still under pressure to sell.

Bitcoin spent the last two days sliding down familiar shelves, and the order book kept printing lower bids as liquidity thinned.

However, by Wednesday afternoon, the price traded back toward $65,000 after sweeping the low $63,000s, with the last 24 hours spanning roughly $62,800 to $66,200.

The bounce depicts a market that hit the air pocket, found the next ledge, and then checked whether the wrapper still had buyers behind it.

The cleanest signal arrived through U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, Tuesday flipped to about $257.7 million of net inflows, led by IBIT at +$78.9 million, FBTC at +$82.8 million, and ARKB at +$71.1 million.

This single green day was extremely important as the market had been conditioning traders to expect leaks, mid February featured a string of red prints on flows, including -$104.9 million on Feb. 17, -$133.3 million on Feb. 18, -$165.8 million on Feb. 19, and -$203.8 million on Feb. 23, which built a simple narrative, sell pressure kept finding an exit through the wrapper.

Tuesday interrupted that pattern, showing the market starting to bid as the ledger tightens.

The options market supplied the other half of the picture, and it arrived with a different tone.

Volatility tilted further toward puts on Deribit, and the 7-day put-call skew moved from -6% to -17% in 24 hours, as traders started paying up for downside coverage even while price climbs back toward the first repair rung.

A market can buy spot and buy protection in the same breath, and that combination turns rebounds into tests of follow-through.

Macro data creates the backdrop, tariffs acted like a volatility lever, and the timing lined up with the flush. Trump introduced new 10% global tariffs effective Feb. 24, with the rate rising to 15% this weekend.

Barron’s framed the move as part of broader risk aversion, which keeps the week’s bounce in context. Liquidity assets tend to trade like mood rings when policy uncertainty widens and spreads.

So the recovery carries a narrow question with a wide shadow: do flows keep arriving while macro volatility cools, or does the market return to defending the lower shelf as the default job?

The answer sits inside a ladder of levels: when bids return with patience, price climbs the repair staircase, when bids fade, price revisits the consequence zone and speeds up.

Bitcoin ETF flows flipped greenTuesday’s +$257.7 million net inflow landed above the long-run daily average of +$101.8 million, a roughly 2.5x day in terms of magnitude, and IBIT, FBTC, and ARKB carried most of the load.

Concentrated leadership can mean one thing in practice, large allocators use the deepest pipes, and the deepest pipes set the tone for the day.

Still, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs sit at around $2.6 billion in net selling year to date, and roughly five straight weeks of outflows totaling around $4.3 billion.

That context turns Tuesday into an early data point inside a larger drawdown story, a single inflow day can mark a turn, and it can also mark a pause; the follow-through decides which interpretation holds weight.

For a price map, the implication stays mechanical, $65,000 remains the first repair rung, and a sustained hold above it sets up the higher rungs at $66,894 and $67,995, the rooms where prior support lives as resistance.

Hedging stays loud, protection gets pricierThe options skew move on Deribit keeps the bounce honest, -6% to -17% over 24 hours is a fast repricing of insurance, and the report described risk appetite deteriorating as spot traded near $62,000.

That combination tells a simple story: the market accepted the bounce, and it also priced the path as unstable, which often leads to rallies that face supply as they approach repair zones.

CryptoSlate Daily Brief

Daily signals, zero noise.Market-moving headlines and context delivered every morning in one tight read.

5-minute digest 100k+ readers

Free. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.

You’re subscribed. Welcome aboard.

Deribit’s week 8 report also referenced volatility compression around the 50% area, which matters for scenario framing, a lower vol regime tightens the expected move bands, and tight bands make level interactions more meaningful, each shelf becomes a referendum with sharper consequences for positioning.

Earlier in the month, Kaiko highlighted stablecoin dominance around 10.3% of total crypto market cap, and about $22 billion of net flows into stablecoins over roughly three weeks.

That pool works like cash on the sidelines, it can rotate back into risk, and it can also sit as a sign of caution, a market parking capital while it waits for macro to stop shaking the gears.

This is where the ETF wrapper and the stablecoin pool meet, a sustained ETF inflow streak can represent that rotation, and a fade in flows can represent continued parking.

Tuesday offered a first bid through the wrapper, the coming sessions decide whether that bid grows into a habit.

Bitcoin has fallen from $70,524 to $64,074 over the last three weeks, with an annualized realized volatility estimate around 37%. Pair that with Deribit’s discussion of implied volatility compressing around 50%, and the week ahead looks like a bounded test of shelves rather than a free-fall narrative.

Bitcoin defends key support as bulls attempt to confirm a local bottomUsing a standard volatility model based on how Bitcoin typically trades, with BTC around $65,300, the 7-day expected move (one standard deviation) runs from roughly $60,900 to $69,900. On a 30-day view, that range widens to about $56,500 to $75,300.

Those projected bands align with the liquidity ladder: $61,726 to $61,099 forms the first key decision shelf within the near-term expected move, while $56,048 marks the next rung lower, where price could find acceptance if momentum shifts and sellers regain control.

The market now carries three clean paths, each one ties incentives to observable receipts.

Repair path: ETF inflows persist, price holds above $65,000, and the tape earns a conversation with $66,894 and $67,995, a slow rebuild powered by wrapper creations and patient spot bids.Fade path: Flows revert toward the red streak, skew stays deeply negative, and rallies to meet the $65,000 to $67,000 supply, which pulls price back toward the $61,000 hinge.Macro shock path: Tariff uncertainty stays active, spreads widen, liquidity thins, and the market speeds through shelves toward the next acceptance zone near $56,048.The recovery over the last 24 hours was mechanical: flows finally printed green, hedges priced the downside with urgency, and macro kept pressure on the pipes.

Price reclaimed breathing room toward $65,000, and the market now has a simple job, it has to prove the wrapper can keep absorbing inventory while tariffs keep risk appetite on a shorter leash.

In a channel map, that job stays clear: hold the $61,000 shelf and build acceptance above $65,000.

With that level reclaimed, the repair staircase is back in play, and the market shows its hand at each rung, bids either step in with patience to press the advance, or thin out and force another test of lower support.

Mentioned in this articlePosted in

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

With exchange inflows increasing significantly, and approximately 549 billion SHIB heading toward exchanges, Shiba Inu is once again confronted with a challenging technical and on-chain environment. This development, when coupled with the existing market structure, raises significant concerns about the asset's ability to sustain stability in the near future, and whether further downside pressure is imminent.

Shiba Inu cannot escapeSHIB is still stuck in a larger downward trend when looking at price action. With moving averages sloping downward and serving as dynamic resistance, the chart displays several lower highs and lows that are persistent. Buyers are still hesitant, as evidenced by the lack of strong continuation in even recent attempts to bounce. The price made a brief attempt to rise but soon stalled close to local resistance, indicating that sellers are still in charge of momentum.

SHIB/USDT Chart by TradingViewThe picture presented by the on-chain side is equally cautious. Increasing inflows and exchange reserves usually mean that holders are moving tokens to exchanges, which is frequently a prelude to selling activity. The scale currently visible indicates a greater willingness among market participants to liquidate positions rather than accumulate, even though inflows alone do not ensure a sell-off. At a moment when demand already appears precarious, this tips the market balance in favor of supply.

HOT Stories

No one to buy fresh fresh capitalContext is the most important consideration for investors. Aggressive buying may occasionally absorb large inflows during a robust uptrend. This is not the case. In contrast to earlier rally phases, SHIB is already trading below important trend lines, and liquidity seems to be limited. This implies that the price can be affected disproportionately by even mild selling pressure.

What can be anticipated in the future? Until there is unmistakable proof that demand is returning, the most likely scenario is ongoing volatility with a bearish bias. Traders will probably be watching to see if SHIB can establish a base and hold recent local support levels. The likelihood of another leg down rises sharply if exchange inflows keep increasing, while the price finds it difficult to recover from moving averages.

However, abrupt reversals, motivated by sentiment rather than fundamentals, are a hallmark of meme assets. But the risk profile stays high until inflows level off and the technical structure gets better. SHIB will require a powerful catalyst to change the market's current narrative, which is that supply is expanding more quickly than confidence.

Both the FCA and the Bank of England are working in concert to develop a comprehensive set of regulations for stablecoins.

Polkadot (DOT) has surged dramatically in the last 24 hours, climbing 16.9% to $1.44.

This outpaces the broader crypto market, where total capitalisation gained just 4.54% over the same period.

Investors and traders are taking notice, and the reasons behind the rally are both unique and timely.

Why the Polkadot price is surgingThe primary catalyst is speculation around Polkadot’s upcoming network milestone.

The platform is preparing for its first-ever “halving,” a 50% reduction in inflation scheduled for March 14, 2026.

As the halving event nears, social sentiment has been overwhelmingly bullish, with many viewing this as the start of a new “scarcity era” for DOT.

Adding to the hype are rumours of potential Polkadot ETF filings for DOT by institutional firms like Grayscale, and 21Shares, fueling anticipation among investors.

The excitement is amplified by a sector-wide rotation into altcoins.

The Altcoin Season Index has surged over 35 points in the past week, showing that market participants are seeking gains beyond Bitcoin.

Technical analysisPolkadot (DOT) recently broke above its 30-day simple moving average at $1.43, signalling a technical breakout.

The 7-day SMA at $1.30 now serves as solid support, giving the price a strong foundation.

Trading volume has also jumped over 67% in 24 hours, reaching $235.76 million, confirming that buyers are actively participating.

Polkadot price chart | Source: TradingView Looking at the momentum indicators, the RSI stands at around 52 after rebounding from an oversold region that it had entered into at the beginning of February, which means there is still room for the rally to continue before DOT becomes overbought.

These technical signals suggest that the altcoin is shifting from short-term bearishness to bullish momentum.

Polkadot price forecastIn the near term, DOT’s rally reflects a combination of unique speculative factors, strong technical signals, and broad market trends favouring altcoins.

Eyes are now on whether DOT’s price can sustain the rally and maintain above the $1.43 breakout level.

In case of a pullback, $1.35 acts as the immediate short-term support, with $1.25–$1.29 forming a secondary support zone incase $1.35 gives way.

Holding above these support levels is critical, as a drop below $1.25 could trigger a retest of lower levels, according to analysis by the likes of CoinLore.

But if the current bull rally holds, the immediate resistance lies in the $1.60–$1.71 range, which aligns with recent technical breakouts.

Beyond that, historical resistance levels at $1.97, $2.36, and $3.03 are likely targets if the bullish momentum continues.

The upcoming March 14, 2026, network event is expected to be a key catalyst for further moves.

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Circle Internet Group, Inc., issuer of USDC and a direct competitor to Ripple’s RLUSD, in its latest financial report displayed a 77% year-over-year increase in total revenue and reserve income for Q4, 2025.

A quick glance at the numbers provided by Circle underscores a growing financial gap in the regulated stablecoin segment. USDC’s market capitalization is about $74.9 billion, compared with RLUSD near $1.56 billion, and this difference in the circulating supply seems to directly determine reserve balances, interest income and operating capacity.

Key points from Circle's latest Q4, 2025, report:

HOT Stories

Total revenue and reserve income reached $770 million, driven largely by $733 million in reserve income, up 69% from a year earlier.100% expansion in average USDC circulation, even as the reserve yield declined to 3.8%, down 68 basis points.Revenue-less distribution costs surged 136% to $309 million, with margin expanding to 40%.Net income from continuing operations came in at $133 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose 412% to $167 million.All in all, USDC closed 2025 with $75.3 billion in circulation, up 72% year over year, and recorded $11.9 trillion in on-chain transaction volume in Q4, a 247% increase. 

Quantitative gap in stablecoin dominance for Ripple's RLUSDIf we drag Ripple's stablecoin into the comparison, which is ironic considering rumors of Ripple buying Circle, what can be said is that RLUSD operates from a smaller base. With market capitalization around $1.56 billion and daily trading volume near $124 million, its reserve income capacity is lower. 

Top USD Stablecoin Tokens by Market Capitalization, Source: CoinMarketCapStill, Ripple, which remains privately held, does not publish detailed quarterly financial statements, limiting a direct profitability comparison, so Circle's dominance is rather theoretical. 

RLUSD benefits from Ripple’s global payments footprint and exchange integrations, but current data show that the competitive gap is primarily quantitative, driven by circulation size, reserve economics and reported earnings power.

Bitcoin has lost nearly 30% of its value since January. Yet Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is making the case that it remains one of the most powerful tools ordinary people have to fight rising prices. That gap between the pitch and the reality is hard to ignore.

Armstrong laid out his argument in a post on X, and later repeated it at the World Liberty Forum, an event hosted by the family of US President Donald Trump.

The logic is straightforward: inflation quietly destroys the purchasing power of cash. Wealthier people protect themselves by moving money into stocks, real estate, and Bitcoin. People without access to those same options get hit hardest and have no way out.

Inflation is a regressive tax on the poorest people in society, since they only hold cash.

Once people have wealth, they can afford and get access to inflation-resistant asset classes (stocks, bitcoin, real estate, etc).

Expanding financial access and opportunities globally to…

— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) February 23, 2026

A Fair Point, Pushed Too Far? It is a legitimate observation. Economists have made similar arguments for years — that inflation acts like a hidden tax on those with the least. Armstrong is not wrong about the problem. The prescription, though, is harder to defend.

Bitcoin does not move like a slow, grinding inflation rate. It can drop 20% in a single week. For someone with no financial cushion, that is not protection. That is exposure to a different kind of loss — one that can happen far faster than any inflation rate ever could. The volatility is not a minor detail. It is the central flaw in the argument.

BTCUSD currently trading at $65,518. Chart: TradingView The Law That Could Shift Things The more grounded part of Armstrong’s message involves legislation. The CLARITY Act, currently being debated in Congress, aims to define how digital assets are regulated in the US — which agencies hold authority and under what conditions. US Senator Bernie Moreno said lawmakers are pushing to pass the bill by April.

Armstrong, speaking at the forum, called a balanced version of the bill a potential win for crypto firms, banks, and consumers alike. Talks have focused on stablecoins and whether they can offer competitive yields without running into existing banking rules.

Keeping Pace With China Armstrong also raised the stakes internationally. China is advancing a government-backed digital currency that pays interest. His message to US regulators was direct: fall behind on stablecoin policy, and America loses ground in a competition it should be leading.

It is a real concern — even if his inflation argument leaves something to be desired.

Featured image from Pixabay, chart from TradingView

News

Video

PricesResearchConsensus 2026

Data & Indices

SponsoredXRP jumps 6% as exchange data points to institutional accumulationBreak above $1.37 draws strong spot demand, with ETF inflows and retail buying suggesting positioning shift. Feb 25, 2026, 3:04 p.m.

What to know: XRP rose about 6% to roughly $1.42 as spot buying sharply outpaced selling, with one exchange reporting retail purchase volumes up 212% between Feb. 23 and 24.New XRP exchange-traded funds have accumulated about $1.1 billion in net assets since mid-November, drawing steady inflows even as bitcoin ETFs are down for the year, suggesting a rotation within crypto holdings.Traders are watching whether XRP can hold the $1.40–$1.42 area as support and break above resistance near $1.45, with a drop below $1.37 risking a failed breakout and return to the prior trading range.XRP rallied 6% as bitcoin neared the $67,000 mark in U.S. morning hours Wednesday, with data from one exchange showing spot buyers outpaced sellers by more than 200%.

News BackgroundLong-time XRP supporter and exchange Bitrue told CoinDesk that it observed a sharp surge in XRP spot activity between Feb. 23–24, with retail purchase volumes rising 212% and outpacing sell orders by more than two-to-one. The spike coincides with what some traders describe as a quiet accumulation phase following recent volatility.Institutional positioning also appears constructive. Since launching in mid-November, XRP exchange-traded funds have attracted roughly $1.1 billion in net assets, posting positive weekly inflows with only limited outflow days. That stands in contrast to bitcoin ETFs, which are down on a year-to-date basis, suggesting potential capital rotation within crypto allocations rather than broad-based exit.Spot traders also realized nearly $1.93 billion in losses during mid-February’s drawdown, Bitrue said, a shakeout that historically has preceded stronger recoveries once speculative leverage clears.Price Action SummaryXRP climbed from $1.34 to $1.42, gaining roughly 6%Break above $1.37 triggered a volume surge to 259M, more than double the daily averagePrice consolidated near $1.42 after testing $1.43Technical AnalysisThe decisive move came with the sustained break above $1.37 resistance. Volume expansion confirmed participation beyond thin liquidity conditions, with price forming higher lows throughout the session.Near-term structure remains constructive while XRP holds above $1.40. However, overhead supply near $1.45 remains a key test. Failure to maintain current levels would shift focus back to the $1.37 breakout zone as first support.What traders say is next?Traders are watching whether the $1.40–$1.42 zone can hold as a new base. A push above $1.45 would open room toward $1.50 and potentially $1.57.If momentum fades and XRP slips back below $1.37, the breakout risks turning into a false move, reopening the prior consolidation range.For now, elevated volume combined with spot-heavy buying suggests positioning is improving — but confirmation depends on follow-through above resistance.More For You

Crypto rebounds from oversold levels, altcoin season indicator revisits January high

3 hours ago

Bitcoin rose as much as 3.7% overnight before paring gains, while altcoins outperformed and the altcoin season indicator hit its highest level since January.

What to know:

BTC climbed as much as 3.7% before trimming gains to remain 2.4% higher near $65,600, within its three-week range.SOL and ADA added 4.5%, while VIRTUAL, ETHFI and MORPHO posted advances of more than 10%, helping send the altcoin season metric back to its January high.The Relative Strength Index (RSI) bounced from oversold to neutral, hinting at consolidation. Equities edged higher, and silver’s 4% jump suggests speculative risk appetite.Top Stories

16h05 ▪ 4 min read ▪ by Fenelon L.

Summarize this article with:

Bitcoin shows bold strength in adoption. Institutions, banks, states, merchants, everyone is getting into BTC. Yet, its price remains 50% below its all-time high. A troubling dichotomy that raises an essential question: is the market underestimating what is really happening?

In brief River confirms that bitcoin adoption reached a record level in 2025, across all categories. Institutions have accumulated 829,000 BTC this year, including ETFs, funds, and public companies. 60% of major U.S. banks are now developing Bitcoin-related products. The number of U.S. merchants accepting BTC has tripled; Lightning Network payments have jumped 300%. Adoption That Knows No Bear Market In a report published this Tuesday, the American financial services company River presents a surprising observation. Despite a bitcoin price halved since its October peak, adoption has never been stronger. Bitcoin adoption is not in a bear market phase, River says straightforwardly.

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, institutions have accumulated 829,000 BTC through ETFs, sovereign funds, company balance sheets, and governmental purchases. Registered investment advisors have been net buyers of bitcoin for eight consecutive quarters, investing an average of $1.5 billion per quarter in Bitcoin ETFs. 

Moreover, these are not mere speculators: these actors manage the savings of millions of Americans who are discovering bitcoin for the first time via their retirement plans or brokerage accounts.

On the corporate side, the movement has accelerated. Crypto treasury management companies, modeled on Strategy, have multiplied their purchases by 2.5 times in one year. And 60% of major American banks are now working on Bitcoin products, a turning point made possible by the new regulatory framework implemented since Trump’s arrival at the White House.

Wall Street has definitively adopted Bitcoin. Source: River Merchants, States, and Volatility, Bitcoin Enters a New Era Adoption is not limited to Wall Street. The number of American companies accepting bitcoin as a payment method simply tripled in 2025. Globally, the use of BTC as a payment currency increased by 74%. 

Publicly traded companies holding bitcoins. Source: River
On the Lightning Network, transactions soared 300%, reaching more than $1.1 billion in monthly volume.

States are also joining the dance. Five nations acquired bitcoin in 2025: Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia (via their sovereign funds), the Czech Central Bank, Brazil, and Taiwan. 

Overall, River estimates that 23 nation-states now hold BTC, whether through state mining, legal seizures, or direct exposure of their central banks.

Another strong signal: bitcoin volatility is declining. It is now approaching that of gold and the S&P 500, something unthinkable five years ago. 

“As volatility falls, the hurdle for more risk-averse investors declines,” notes River.

Bitcoin behaves more and more like a traditional asset. Its volatility converges towards that of gold and stocks. Source: River This fundamental picture coincides with a silent tightening of supply: bitcoin reserves on exchanges have dropped by 500,000 BTC in one year, and apparent on-chain demand has just turned positive again for the first time in three months.

In sum, the price will eventually reflect reality. BTC adoption today rivals that of the early days of the Internet, according to River. When institutional capital, mass payments, and regulatory maturity converge this way, history shows one element is still missing from the equation: time.

Maximize your Cointribune experience with our "Read to Earn" program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.

Join the program

A

A

Lien copié

Fenelon L.

Passionné par le Bitcoin, j'aime explorer les méandres de la blockchain et des cryptos et je partage mes découvertes avec la communauté. Mon rêve est de vivre dans un monde où la vie privée et la liberté financière sont garanties pour tous, et je crois fermement que Bitcoin est l'outil qui peut rendre cela possible.

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

Consecutive higher lows are putting XRP on track for a near-term rebound.

Brian Njuguna2 min read

25 February 2026, 03:11 PM

Source: ShutterstockXRP Shows Signs of Short-Term Recovery as Buyers Step InMarket analyst Ether Guru highlights early signs of XRP recovery after a sharp sell-off to the $1.33–$1.35 support zone. The token has bounced, forming higher lows on short-term charts, signaling buyer interest and stabilizing sentiment.

Notably, XRP is showing renewed upward momentum after reclaiming the $1.40 zone. If support around $1.33–$1.35 holds, a relief rally could push XRP toward previous resistance levels, as sustained buying near this zone is key for continued gains.

Presently, XRP is trading at $1.42 per CoinCodex data, showing a modest rebound from recent lows. With support holding, technicals suggest an upside target near $1.55, likely drawing short-term traders seeking to ride the bullish momentum.

Source: CoinCodexXRP Rebounds Off Key Support, Eyes Short-Term Rally Toward $1.55The recent sell-off pushed XRP below key support amid broader crypto market corrections. Yet, a clean bounce and higher-low formation indicate renewed buying interest, echoing past patterns where XRP rebounded after sharp declines, sparking short-term rallies. 

WisdomTree notes XRP’s payment innovations, positioning it as a practical solution for institutional adoption.

Therefore, XRP is depicting signs of a potential short-term recovery, bouncing off the $1.33–$1.35 support zone with sustained buying expected to drive a rebound toward $1.55 and beyond.

On the other hand, XRP has posted its largest on-chain realized loss since 2022, but on-chain metrics hint at hidden signals that may influence the market outlook. 

ConclusionXRP’s rebound from $1.33–$1.35 shows renewed buyer interest, setting the stage for a potential rally toward $1.55. Sustained gains depend on market sentiment and the token holding key support, making close monitoring crucial.

ENRICH your inbox with our best storiesDon’t miss out and join our newsletter to get the latest,
well-curated news from the crypto world!

Brian Njuguna is a seasoned crypto journalist at Coinpaper, specializing in blockchain innovation, market trends, and regulatory developments. With a background in economics and years of experience covering the digital asset space, Brian delivers sharp, data-driven insights that cut through the hype. His reporting bridges global crypto narratives with emerging market perspectives, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.

Read more about

Latest Cryptocurrencies News TodayXRP (Ripple) NewsXRP Price Prediction

Pseudonymous market expert XRP Queen has boldly forecasted that a $10 XRP price is possible in 2026. To support her bullish outlook, the XRP advocate has highlighted several key reasons, focusing more on utility and institutional rails than price patterns and hype-driven growth. 

Reasons The XRP Price Could Reach $10 In 2026 In an X post this week, XRP Queen boldly forecasted that XRP could rise from its current price below $1.5 to $10 in 2026. She fired back at crypto members who had expressed skepticism about the ambitious target, asserting that those who had laughed at the possibility of a $10 surge would eventually delete their tweets once XRP reaches that milestone. 

Although her bullish predictions of XRP are not supported by technical chart patterns or historical data analysis, XRP Queen outlined several other key reasons she believed the cryptocurrency could reach $10 in 2026. Her argument primarily centers on XRP’s fundamental utility as a payment solution and institutional settlement rail. 

Based on these factors, it’s likely the analyst expects XRP’s price to advance significantly, driven by the scale of adoption, rising demand, and broader recognition the cryptocurrency could achieve as it continues to be used for everyday transactions.

The first point she highlighted was that XRP is already being used in “real payment corridors.” Currently, the cryptocurrency has expanded across multiple global regions and markets, where it facilitates cross-border transactions. One notable example of this traction is in South Korea, where XRP has emerged as the most actively traded cryptocurrency, underscoring its growing adoption and market demand. 

The second reason XRP Queen believes the cryptocurrency could hit $10 in 2026 is the expanding role of the XRP Ledger (XRPL) in tokenizing real-world assets (RWA) and supporting stablecoin issuance. 

Recent reports indicate that even the U.S. Treasury debt has been tokenized on the ledger, reflecting broader institutional interest in on-chain debt issuance. Furthermore, Circle’s USDC, one of the largest regulated stablecoins, has launched natively on XRPL, enabling issuance and use directly on the network. 

This development has direct implications for XRP’s value. Each time a tokenized asset or stablecoin is issued, transferred, or traded on XRPL, XRP is used to pay transaction fees, effectively serving as a bridge currency for liquidity between different assets. Consequently, as more institutions adopt XRPL, demand for XRP could rise, potentially fueling a price appreciation. 

Regulatory Clarity And Institutional Intent Another major point XRP Queen emphasized to support her ambitious $10 price forecast is the regulatory clarity XRP and Ripple have achieved recently. After nearly seven years of litigation with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the case was settled in 2025 with a $125 million fine on Ripple. This legal resolution puts XRP back into the spotlight, transforming sentiment and fueling demand for the cryptocurrency. 

XRP Queen has also stated that “institutions do not build rails for fun,” implying that XRP’s vision is not merely theoretical or speculative, but a long-term effort to establish a global financial infrastructure. The crypto expert also hammered on the market capitalization argument, noting that even at $10, XRP’s valuation would still be below past cycle peaks for other major cryptocurrencies. 

Bulls try to stage another recovery | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com

Bitcoin is trading at $65,419, wedged between fading macro momentum and a short-term squeeze attempt that refuses to quit. The charts are aligned in classic relief-rally fashion — and the technicals are serving tension with a side of volatility. Bitcoin Chart Outlook Bitcoin's daily chart paints the broader structure in unmistakable strokes.

Hong Kong to Link New Digital Bond Platform With Regional Crypto Tokenization Hubs

Tim Hakki

Web 3 Journalist

Tim Hakki

Part of the Team Since

Feb 2024

About Author

A journalist and copywriter with a decade's experience across music, video games, finance and tech.

Has Also Written

Fact Checked by

CryptoNews Editorial Team

Author

CryptoNews Editorial Team

Part of the Team Since

Sep 2018

About Author

The CryptoNews editorial team is composed of seasoned writers specializing in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Their expertise ensures comprehensive, accurate, and insightful content for...

Has Also Written

Last updated: 

31 minutes ago

Hong Kong is integrating its debt market into the blockchain and crypto era, announcing a new digital asset platform in the second half of the year that will support the issuance and settlement of tokenized bonds.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan confirmed Wednesday during his 2026/2027 budget speech that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) CMU OmniClear Holdings will build the infrastructure, with explicit plans to link it with regional tokenization hubs.

The move shifts Hong Kong from pilot programs to permanent market architecture, consolidating liquidity across Asian markets.

By connecting with external platforms, the initiative aims to prevent the “digital island” effect that has plagued early tokenization efforts.

Key Takeaways Platform Launch: CMU OmniClear will develop a central infrastructure to settle tokenized bonds and eventually other digital assets. Regional Connectivity: The system is designed to link with other tokenization platforms across the Asia-Pacific region to boost cross-border liquidity. Stablecoin Integration: New fiat-referenced stablecoin licenses will issue in March to support settlement and exploring commercial use cases. Why Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) Is Shifting From Pilots to Core InfrastructureThe platform represents the HKMA’s transition from experimental “Project Ensemble” sandboxes (which helped asset manager titan Franklin Templeton issue tokenized assets) to a live production environment.

Following the successful issuance of green bonds totaling $10 billion in late 2025 throughout the secondary market, the regulator is now addressing the post-trade friction.

This isn’t just about government debt. The infrastructure is built to scale beyond sovereign issuance. Just as retail platforms like Bitpanda expand access to tokenized metals and commodities, Hong Kong’s new hub aims to capture the institutional side of RWA issuance.

Hong Kong will issue its first stablecoin issuer licenses next month, Finance Secretary Paul Chan said today in his 2026–27 budget. 🇭🇰

Chan’s budget also confirmed that Hong Kong will introduce a bill this year to license digital asset dealers and custodians.

full story ⏬

— Timmy Shen (@timmyhmshen) February 25, 2026 By placing settlement within the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU), Hong Kong provides the legal certainty institutions require.

The system will support settlement for various digital assets, moving beyond the $1.28 billion third batch of tokenized bonds issued last quarter.

Crucially, the government has committed to continuing regular tokenized issuances to prime the liquidity pump.

Institutional Demand and Cross-Border LiquidityThis infrastructure play aligns with surging institutional demand for on-chain yields and settlement efficiency.

Standard Chartered analysts recently highlighted how stablecoins are driving a trillion-dollar demand for tokenized U.S. Treasury bills. By linking regional hubs, Hong Kong attempts to capture similar flows for Asian debt markets.

The efficiency gains are measurable, but the revenue potential for infrastructure providers is the larger story. Bloomberg Intelligence projects that institutional stablecoin revenue could scale significantly as these settlement layers mature.

Secretary Chan noted in his speech that fiat-referenced stablecoin licenses, key to the settlement leg of these trades, will begin rolling out in March, confirming earlier reports by HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue, which said the same thing.

These licenses will initially be limited, focusing on issuers with robust asset backing and anti-money laundering controls.

Yue confirmed that reviews are prioritizing use cases that demonstrate real commercial utility rather than speculative trading and expects only a “very small number” of licenses to be given in March.

Discover: Next Crypto to Explode in 2026

Hong Kong and Crypto are Facing an Interoperability ChallengeThe technological hurdle remains interoperability. While the HKMA plans to link with “regional platforms,” distinct regulatory standards in Singapore and Japan create friction.

However, without unified standards, liquidity remains trapped in domestic silos, reducing the utility of tokenized assets.

Market observers are also watching the implementation of the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, which Hong Kong is advancing alongside the platform build. These tax transparency measures are a prerequisite for institutional capital that requires full compliance.

The Hong Kong government has estimated a budget surplus of HK$2.9 billion after three consecutive years in the red, Financial Secretary Paul Chan has announced in his 2026 budget speech.https://t.co/xrrsHi51SJ

Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) February 25, 2026 If the CMU OmniClear platform successfully integrates with mainland China’s settlement systems and Singapore’s Project Guardian, Hong Kong secures its status as the crypto-financial gateway to Asia.

If it operates in isolation, volume will struggle to match the $10 billion pilot hype. The market will look to the first compliant commercial issuance on the new platform in H2 2026 for confirmation.

Discover: The best pre-launch crypto sales today

Peter Schiff questioned the recent Bitcoin price rally before President Trump’s State of the Union address. He warned that without a clear political catalyst, profit-taking could drive selling pressure following the event. Economist and Bitcoin skeptic Peter Schiff questioned the price increase of Bitcoin mere days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. The price of Bitcoin had risen by over $2,000 in the previous week, reaching close to $66,000 as traders bet on event-driven sentiment. Schiff expressed his opinion on X, pointing out the speculative nature of market positioning before the highly anticipated political speech. He pointed out that some market participants appeared to have factored in the possibility of a mention of Bitcoin in the president’s speech. Schiff suggests that speculation, rather than fundamental demand, may have driven the price increase.

Schiff pointed out that if the speech did not contain a mention of Bitcoin, market participants might quickly scale back their positions. He also stated that even a mention of Bitcoin could cause market participants to take profits on their positions. Once the initial hype dies down, this would subject market participants to trading pressure in the opposite direction.

Bitcoin spiked. I wonder if Trump crypto bros managed to slip a Bitcoin reference into the SOTU address. If Bitcoin isn’t mentioned at all, I expect it to sell off. If it is mentioned, it's still likely to sell off as Trump insiders who bought ahead of the speech sell the news.

— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) February 25, 2026 Market Dynamics and Speculative Activity Price action leading up to major events tends to be driven by a combination of speculation and sentiment changes among institutional and retail participants. Some market analysts have pointed to “buy the rumor, sell the news” dynamics, in which prices are driven higher in anticipation of an announcement. However, under this dynamic, actual results could potentially disappoint rally participants, leading to temporary reversals. The observations made by Schiff imply that without a clear catalyst, profit-taking could potentially outpace new investment in Bitcoin.

Investors observing the market today are also observing macroeconomic indicators as well as the market response to the president’s speech. Market participants can adjust their positions based on trading volumes and market volatility in the days that follow the speech. The overall cryptocurrency market has been sensitive to political events and macroeconomic announcements in the past few months. Market price movements are often a result of a combination of speculative market drivers and trend commitment. Market observers also point out that external events can sometimes drive market activity without necessarily affecting adoption rates.

Schiff’s conservative outlook is only one of the many market opinions that are being circulated among traders and analysts at present. As the price of Bitcoin kept fluctuating, some investors kept a close eye on the volumes to see if there was any buying pressure. Others believed that the pre-speech market rally was a short-term market phenomenon. The prices continued to be closely watched as the date of the speech drew near. Market depth provided further information regarding the real-time demand that was being generated during the high price movements.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Bitcoin Depot Requires ID for Every Crypto ATM Transaction

I specialize in Web3 and crypto writing, producing clear, research-driven content on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and market trends.

AAVE price hit an intraday high of $119.35 earlier today before pulling back to $116.60, though it remains in the green with a 2.8% gain over 24 hours.

Despite this short-term rise, market sentiment is cautious as the Aave community prepares to vote for a contentious revenue redirection proposal.

The vote concerns a proposed $51 million funding package for Aave Labs, the team behind the protocol’s core development.

The Aave governance disputeThe Aave decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) faces increasing scrutiny over this proposal.

Critics argue that Aave Labs has already received substantial funding, estimated at over $86 million from various sources, including past grants, ICO proceeds, and swap fees.

The concern is not just the size of the new funding, but the lack of clear accountability metrics for how previous resources were used.

Marc Zeller, founder of the Aave Chan Initiative (ACI), recently published an audit of Aave Labs, highlighting gaps in transparency and financial reporting.

The report questions product outcomes, noting some initiatives did not achieve profitability or were underutilised.

Zeller also raised concerns about governance concentration, pointing to clusters of voting addresses that have historically influenced major decisions.

Earlier, Aave Labs had released its own contributions report outlining its role in building the Aave protocol since 2017.

Aave Labs supporters, however, emphasise the team’s contributions to protocol upgrades, including Aave V1 through V3, and critical features like the Safety Module and flash loans.

They argue that past work justifies continued funding and that the DAO’s long-term stability depends on keeping experienced developers engaged.

The debate reflects a broader issue: how much power and funding should remain centralised within core contributors versus being strictly regulated by the DAO.

Market impactThe governance dispute has had a direct effect on AAVE price momentum.

Even though the token started the day strong, bullish gains were limited as traders weighed the outcome of the upcoming vote.

While the Total Value Locked (TVL) in the protocol remains high at over $26 billion, supporting fundamentals, uncertainty about funding and oversight has tempered investor enthusiasm.

Analysts note that if the vote passes smoothly with clear reporting conditions, confidence in AAVE could improve.

However, any delay, rejection, or further dispute could trigger increased volatility.

AAVE price forecastFor short-term traders, the immediate support level can be found near the $112–$113 range, which corresponds to the lower bound of the 24-hour range.

AAVE price chart | Source: TradingView On the upper side, the immediate resistance is around $119–$120, the recent intraday high, with a secondary target near $127, which represents the upper bound of last week’s trading range.

On a longer-term horizon, bullish scenarios suggest AAVE could recover toward $500–$800 by 2030 if DeFi adoption continues and the protocol maintains strong performance.

Conversely, regulatory pressures or intensified competition could keep the token in a more conservative range of $250–$400.

Beyond the charts, traders should monitor both governance developments and protocol activity, as these factors will likely dictate short- and mid-term price movements.

TLDR: Table of Contents

TLDR:MoneyGram Anchors Founding Federated InfrastructureZero-Knowledge Design Supports Compliance and PrivacyBroader Industry Participation in Federated Operations MoneyGram will operate a founding federated node on Midnight mainnet ahead of launch. Midnight mainnet uses zero-knowledge cryptography to enable confidential smart contracts. The federated model ensures coordinated governance during the Kūkolu roadmap phase. Enterprise operators aim to support stable, compliance-ready blockchain infrastructure. MoneyGram joins Midnight Network as a founding federated node operator, reinforcing the blockchain’s privacy-first architecture ahead of its planned March mainnet launch.

The Midnight Foundation confirmed the development as part of the Kūkolu phase of its roadmap. By integrating an established global payments provider into its launch infrastructure, Midnight mainnet strengthens its operational framework while advancing confidential, compliance-aware blockchain deployment from day one.

MoneyGram Anchors Founding Federated Infrastructure MoneyGram will operate a founding federated node on Midnight mainnet. The company serves customers in more than 200 countries and territories. Its addition embeds real-world payments infrastructure directly into Midnight’s early operational layer.

In an official statement released by the Midnight Foundation, Luke Tuttle, Chief Product and Technology Officer at MoneyGram, explained the company’s position.

He stated that MoneyGram has delivered practical crypto solutions for years. He added that running blockchain nodes aligns naturally with that strategy.

Tuttle further noted that participation allows MoneyGram to help ensure privacy, compliance, and reliability are built into the network from the outset.

His remarks framed the collaboration as an operational step rather than a symbolic partnership. The statement was circulated through Midnight’s communication channels following recent announcements at Consensus Hong Kong.

Zero-Knowledge Design Supports Compliance and Privacy Midnight mainnet is engineered around zero-knowledge cryptography and confidential smart contracts. The architecture enables transaction verification without disclosing sensitive user information. This structure is intended to support regulated industries entering on-chain environments.

Addressing this approach, Omri Ross, Chief Blockchain Officer at eToro, commented on Midnight’s programmable data protection model.

In a statement shared by the foundation, Ross said eToro was encouraged by the network’s selective disclosure capabilities.

He emphasized that granular control over data visibility is foundational for blockchain infrastructure serving global markets.

Ross also stated that confidential smart contracts with built-in verifiability align with eToro’s long-term view of asset tokenization.

His remarks connected privacy-enhancing technology with regulated financial expansion. The comments accompanied confirmation that eToro will serve as a federated node operator.

Broader Industry Participation in Federated Operations Midnight mainnet’s federated model includes operators from payments, fintech, and telecommunications. Pairpoint, backed by Vodafone and Sumitomo Corporation, will also run a node. Pairpoint focuses on enabling autonomous economic activity within connected device ecosystems.

David Palmer, Chief Innovation Officer at Pairpoint, addressed the partnership in a formal statement. He said Midnight’s zero-knowledge architecture is essential for trusted IoT device identity and authentication. Palmer connected privacy infrastructure with scaling across global networks in the emerging IoT AI economy.

Fahmi Syed, President of the Midnight Foundation, commented on the collective participation of MoneyGram, Pairpoint, and eToro.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, he said the presence of a global payments network, a Fortune 500-backed technology venture, and a publicly traded fintech operating nodes signals the direction of blockchain infrastructure. He described the consortium as an early foundation for a broader privacy-focused ecosystem.

Midnight mainnet is preparing for its March launch under explicit coordination rules for federated operators. The foundation stated that additional updates will be published as the rollout approaches.

Developers are expected to begin building privacy-enhancing applications from the network’s initial operational phase.

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency by market cap, reversed a three-day drop at the week's start following macro concerns, rebounding from a low of $1800 on Feb. 24.

According to Ted Pillows, a crypto analyst, Ethereum retested the $1,750-$1,800 support zone as expected. Now, Ethereum is bouncing back, but it still needs more of a push from the bulls. Pillows indicated that until ETH reclaims the $2,000 level, it is still likely that the entire pump could be retraced.

If this is the case, analysts are looking at key supports below $1,800, above which Ethereum currently trades.

HOT Stories

You Might Also Like

At the time of writing, ETH was trading up 5.03% in the last 24 hours to $1917, and down 4.82% weekly.

According to Alicharts, below $1,800, the next major support levels for Ethereum based on the URPD indicator are $1,584, $1,238 and $1,089.

Ethereum fundamentals stay positive According to Santiment, there is a current mild shorting toward Ethereum. And as ETH is continuing to see a bias toward shorting, the cryptocurrency is likely to go on a large run and liquidate many traders as cryptocurrency markets eventually see a reversal.

You Might Also Like

There is no guarantee that markets are going to turn bullish imminently. But the price might see a bounce due to short liquidations boosting prices upward.

According to recent SoSovalue data, Ethereum spot ETFs had a total net inflow of $9.2271 million, and Grayscale ETH saw a net inflow of $11.0795 million.

The Ethereum Foundation has begun staking a portion of its treasury, in line with its treasury policy announced last year.

In line with this goal, the Ethereum Foundation made a 2016 ETH deposit. Approximately 70,000 ETH will be staked with rewards directed back to the EF treasury. This step, according to the Ethereum Foundation, helps to secure the Ethereum network and at the same time fund the Ethereum Foundation’s core operations and activities, including protocol R&D, ecosystem development and community grant funding.