Market Signal Briefing

Cardano (ADA) traded muted on Thursday, as elevated liquidity reflected a balanced interplay between buyers and sellers. 

Notably, over the past week, ADA has remained range-bound, hovering between $0.22 and $0.29, and has repeatedly struggled to break through key resistance levels. Intraday swings have stayed limited, highlighting the token’s sideways momentum.

Despite this consolidation, ADA showed notable resilience over the week, posting gains of nearly 6% and outpacing several larger-cap digital assets. This recovery comes amid renewed interest in the asset at its currently attractive valuations, particularly from larger investors.

In a tweet on Tuesday, popular analyst Ali Charts highlighted $0.244 as the most critical support level for ADA, noting that holding above this zone preserves the token’s bullish structure and increases the likelihood of a move toward higher resistance levels.

The analyst also revealed that whales have accumulated 210 million ADA over the past three weeks, signaling strong institutional interest.

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Notably, these aggressive purchases have gained momentum recently, with Santiment recently reporting that over the past two months, addresses holding between 100,000 and 100 million ADA have collectively added roughly 454.7 million ADA, valued at approximately $161.4 million at current prices.

Meanwhile, analysts are also predicting higher prices for the cryptocurrency. According to analyst Sssebi, he suggested the recent dip may be remembered as a rare long-term opportunity. The pundit argued that if a broader bull cycle emerges from current levels, ADA could deliver outsized returns relative to its present valuation.

Additionally, according to analyst Bitsofwealth, he projected a potential extension toward $0.50 and possibly even $1 under a strong bullish scenario. However, while such targets remain speculative, the forecast reflects a growing appetite for upside narratives as sentiment stabilizes across the crypto sector.

However, analyst Columbus noted that ADA’s recent gains resemble “a textbook ABC corrective move,” adding that if the C wave is complete, the short-term rally could give way to further weakness.

He cautioned that while the bounce appears strong, “it may represent a corrective bounce rather than the start of a sustained uptrend,” advising traders to watch for lower-timeframe rollovers near resistance. 

If the structure holds, he noted further, momentum could push toward the next psychological levels. If not, volatility may return quickly, especially as whales continue accumulating.

At press time, ADA was trading at $0.27, down 0.60% over the past 24 hours.

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A revised cycle framework is drawing increased attention after a market technician detailed where Bitcoin sits within its broader structural progression. The assessment maintains that price has not transitioned into a bottoming phase. Instead, the market is positioned within a transitional range that typically develops before a deeper accumulation zone forms. Based on this structure, the next accumulation phase is projected to begin below $40,000.

Bitcoin’s Redistribution Signals Dominate Post-Peak Structure In his breakdown, the analyst presented a chart mapping the full cycle progression from the 2022 bear market lows near $16,000 through the subsequent bull expansion. The initial stage represents classic accumulation, where long-term participants built exposure while sentiment remained subdued.

As the price advanced, two consolidation pauses emerged along the uptrend. The analyst identifies these as reaccumulation phases — temporary absorption zones where supply was redistributed without disrupting bullish structure. Stronger participants added positions while weaker holders rotated out, enabling the broader markup to continue with structural support.

The framework then tracks the transition into distribution at the cycle highs. Here, supply began transferring from early entrants to late buyers, limiting further upside. Once this transfer matured, price rolled into markdown — the decisive decline that followed the peak.

According to the analyst, the market has since progressed from markdown into redistribution. While both redistribution and accumulation appear as sideways ranges, he stresses they serve different structural roles. Redistribution forms after a breakdown, not at macro lows. Price may stabilize, but underlying control remains tilted toward sellers.

Volume dynamics reinforce that position. Participation has contracted rather than expanded, signaling limited demand conviction. Instead of clear absorption, the range reflects supply being repositioned gradually. The structure projects stability outwardly while internally preparing for potential continuation lower.

Why The Bitcoin Next Accumulation Zone Sits Below $40,000 The analyst’s projection is anchored in historical cycle order. Prior market structures followed a consistent progression: accumulation at lows, reaccumulation during the advance, distribution at highs, redistribution after decline, and only then a fresh accumulation base.

Within that sequence, the current range aligns with redistribution. Because this phase refreshes selling pressure, it typically resolves with an additional downward leg before a durable floor forms. The charted path reflects this expectation, outlining further downside once the range completes.

The projected destination sits below $40,000. That region is identified as the zone where structural conditions may begin to resemble true accumulation. Characteristics would include prolonged consolidation, easing downside momentum, and visible long-term demand absorption: signals not yet present in the current environment.

The analyst does not frame this zone as an instant reversal point but as the foundation-building stage that historically precedes macro expansions. In that context, redistribution represents a process rather than a conclusion.

Structurally, the cycle remains in transition. Until redistribution fully exhausts supply, the groundwork for the Bitcoin next bullish phase is unlikely to be finalized. The framework, therefore, positions sub-$40,000 as the level where accumulation and the next cycle launchpad are expected to take shape.

BTC trading at $66,967 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured Image from Pngtree, chart from Tradingview.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

Adoption Altcoins XRP

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51 minutes ago

Ripple just made a move most traders missed.

The XRP Ledger rolled out XLS 81. It adds a permissioned DEX directly on chain. Think members-only trading venues. Only approved players can trade and match orders.

This is not for retail degens. It is built for banks and regulated firms. Full compliance. KYC. AML. Controlled access. The kind of setup traditional finance needs before using blockchain rails.

Permissioned DEX (XLS-81) is now LIVE on the XRPL!
Two amendments. Less than a week apart.
Token Escrow (XLS-85) ✅Feb 12
Permissioned DEX (XLS-81) ✅ Feb 18

Together, they unlock programmable settlement and flexible market structures—both native to the ledger, no custom… pic.twitter.com/9LxmDoysDM

— XRPL Commons (@xrpl_commons) February 18, 2026 The timing is not random. XRPL recently expanded escrow tools beyond XRP to cover stablecoins and tokenized real world assets. Put it together and you get a serious toolkit for regulated issuance and settlement.

Ripple is not trying to win open DeFi. It is building a fast lane for institutional capital.

Price is not reacting yet. Short term structure looks weak but long term it might not last as XRP price predictions lean bullish.

XRP Price Prediction: Its Bullish But Where’s XRP Going Now?XRP just got rejected from the $1.61 supply and is now slipping back toward the descending channel patterb it recently tried to break.

That is not what bulls wanted to see. If price fully reclaims that channel to the downside, it keeps the lower high structure intact and puts $1.30 back in focus fast.

Source: XRPUSD / TradingViewIf XRP price loses $1.30, the path toward $1.10 opens again and could be smooth this time.

For any real shift, XRP needs to get back above $1.70 and stay there. That would invalidate this rejection and finally break the downtrend rhythm.

Long term, the broader developments around the network still lean constructive. But short term, the chart needs to prove it can escape this channel for good before price can start reflecting that bigger picture.

$SUBBD: Built for the Retail and Creator Economy, Not Just SpeculationSUBBD ($SUBBD) is an innovative presale introducing an AI-powered content platform for the $85 billion creator economy, empowering users to earn directly from their work without depending on centralized platforms.

By eliminating intermediaries, SUBBD grants creators true ownership of their audience, while fans gain token-gated access and deeper, more exclusive engagement opportunities.

Momentum is already building, with SUBBD nearing $1.5 million in presale funding as investors back a model focused on real usage, not short-term hype.

Ownership. Access. Monetization that works, even when markets do not.

Visit the Official SUBBD Website Here

TL;DR:

Hedera presents a “hidden bearish divergence” on its daily chart, a pattern that previously preceded a 44% drop. Unlike the last cycle, open interest is lower and negative funding rates reduce the risk of massive liquidations. The Money Flow Index (MFI) suggests that buyers are capitalizing on corrections to accumulate the asset. A familiar technical pattern has reappeared, and the crypto market is shifting its focus toward the Hedera (HBAR) price. At the time of writing, the asset was fluctuating within a falling wedge, a formation that typically precedes bullish breakouts; however, a divergence between price and the RSI has raised alarms among analysts.

This is a hidden bearish divergence, a technical signal suggesting that despite recovery attempts, sellers maintain control of the overall momentum. Although this same indicator triggered a crash of over 40% in January, current metrics indicate that the market structure is significantly more robust.

Because of this, the community is closely watching the asset’s interaction with its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA), which acts as a key dynamic resistance. If support holds against selling pressure, the massive capitulation scenario experienced previously might not repeat this time.

Key Differences in Trader Positioning and Critical Levels Unlike the previous crash, open interest is currently near $61 million, reflecting much lower leverage. Additionally, negative funding rates indicate that traders are not betting aggressively on a price increase, which avoids the risk of a forced liquidation cascade.

In the short term, fundamental support levels are found at $0.092 and $0.083, zones where buyers have shown resilience. Conversely, to achieve a solid recovery, the asset must reclaim the $0.107 zone, which would pave the way toward higher targets.

In summary, although Hedera faces a known technical warning signal, the improvement in capital inflow (MFI) suggests that demand is absorbing the supply. The definitive direction will depend on whether the price manages to break the wedge resistance or succumbs to historical bearish pressure.

Pepe Shiba inu XRP

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26 minutes ago

Running a well-crafted prompt through Alibaba AI model KIMI can surface some eye-opening 2026 price scenarios for XRP, Shiba Inu, and Pepe.

According to Alibaba’s outlook, all three digital assets could generate substantial returns by New Year, perhaps much sooner than investors expect.

Below is a closer look at the projections and the logic behind them.

XRP ($XRP): Will Ripple’s Payments Solution Hit $8?In a recent statement, Ripple once again emphasized that XRP ($XRP) sits at the heart of its strategy to position the XRP Ledger as a globally scalable, enterprise-grade payments infrastructure.

Source: KIMIThanks to near-instant transaction settlement and ultra-low fees, XRPL has also gained traction as a preferred blockchain for two of crypto’s fastest-expanding sectors: stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets.

With XRP currently changing hands around $1.41, Alibaba forecasts that the token could reach as high as $8 by the end of 2026, a sixfold increase from today’s levels.

Technical indicators appear to support this scenario. XRP’s recent support and resistance lines for a bullish flag, which could be a precursor to a major rally.

Potential tailwinds include accelerating institutional demand following the approval of U.S.-listed XRP exchange-traded funds, Ripple’s growing roster of enterprise partners, and the possible advancement of the U.S. CLARITY bill later this year.

Shiba Inu (SHIB): Alibaba Think SHIB Will Grow 850% by ChristmasShiba Inu ($SHIB), launched in 2020 as a lighthearted alternative to Dogecoin, has since matured into a sizable crypto ecosystem with a market cap of $3.6 billion.

Source: KIMICurrently trading around $0.000006187, Alibaba’s analysis suggests that a decisive breakout above resistance in the $0.000025 to $0.00003 range could trigger a strong upside move, potentially lifting SHIB to $0.000059 by year-end.

Such a rally would equate to approximately 850% gains from current prices and place SHIB just below its October 2021 ATH of $0.00008616.

Additionally, Shiba Inu has expanded well beyond meme status. Its Layer-2 network, Shibarium, delivers faster transactions, lower fees, added privacy features, and improved developer tools.

Pepe ($PEPE): Alibaba Examines a 2,200% Bull CasePepe ($PEPE), which debuted in April 2023, has grown into the largest meme coin outside the doge category, boasting a market capitalization of roughly $1.8 billion.

Source: KIMIDrawing inspiration from Matt Furie’s “Boy’s Club” comics, PEPE’s instantly recognizable branding and cultural relevance have kept it highly visible across social media platforms.

Despite fierce competition in the meme coin arena, PEPE’s dedicated community, and the countless imitators it has spawned, have helped it remain a consistent leader within the sector.

Occasional cryptic posts from Elon Musk on X have further fueled speculation that PEPE could sit alongside DOGE and BTC among his personal holdings.

At present, PEPE trades near $0.0000042, roughly 85% below its December 2024 ATH of $0.00002803.

Under Alibaba’s most bullish assumptions, PEPE could surge by as much as 2,233%, climbing to approximately $0.000098 and decisively breaking its previous record.

Maxi Doge: A New Meme Coin Contender Steps Into the SpotlightLimited by their size, PEPE and SHIB’s potential gains might be substantial, but they’re just short of explosive.

However, Maxi Doge ($MAXI) hasn’t even launched yet and it’s already one of the most talked-about meme coins of 2026, raising $4.6 million in its ongoing presale.

The project revolves around Maxi Doge, a brash, gym-obsessed, unapologetically degen character portrayed as a distant cousin and would-be rival to Dogecoin’s crown, capturing the raw, DGAF energy that defined the 2021 meme coin boom.

MAXI is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network, giving it a significantly smaller environmental footprint than Dogecoin’s proof-of-work design.

Early presale participants can currently stake MAXI tokens for yields of up to 68% APY, with rewards tapering as more users join the staking pool.

The token is $0.0002804 in the current presale stage, with automatic price increases programmed at each funding milestone. Purchases are supported via MetaMask and Best Wallet.

Stay updated through Maxi Doge’s official X and Telegram pages.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

Hedera’s native coin hibernates, but the SEC’s verdict on this $1.8T giant’s crypto ETF is coming soon.

Market Sentiment:

Bullish Bearish Neutral

Published: February 19, 2026 │ 10:28 PM GMT

Created by Kornelija Poderskytė from DailyCoin

Back on October 28, 2025, T. Rowe has signed up for a miscellaneous crypto basket, including multiple major-cap altcoins. With HBAR making the cut, the price was $0.225 back then. However, the popular Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) altcoin severely backtracked since then, losing the grip on the $0.10 major demand territory.

HBAR Price Stalls; Altseason In Hazardous TerritoryT.Rowe’s massive exchange-traded fund (ETF) basket includes Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), Ripple (XRP), Avalanche (AVAX) & a few select others aside from the two most popular crypto currencies, BTC & ETH. This could trigger capital rotation into aforementioned major-caps, even though the altcoin season is currently stacked against the odds.

BREAKING: 🚨 Altcoin sell pressure just hit the worst level in 5 years.

This is not a dip, this is the largest capital exit from altcoins ever recorded on chart.

The altseason everyone is waiting for is not here. pic.twitter.com/mSFB93uXfU

— Coinvo Trading (@CoinvoTrading) February 19, 2026 As the market turmoil continues, major-cap altcoins like Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) soak up most of the selling power from the short-sellers. On the other hand, HBAR’s ETF product by Canary Capital witnessed $949.12K of cumulative inflows on Wednesday, breaking a six-day silence with no inflows on traditional stock markets.

Amidst the market super-storm, there’s quite a few dates HBAR holders are looking forward to.

Namely, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission is set to give a decision on T. Rowe’s ETF by February 26, 2026. This comes just one day after Hedera’s 0.7 mainnet upgrade activated on February 18, bringing crucial overhauls to fee structures for reduced writes & faster finality.

Bears Takeover Futures With HBAR Kept In Tight RangeBeing in highly-oversold territory, HBAR’s price is capped in a close range between $0.0818 to $0.1058 on the daily time-frame. This indicates the altcoin could be trading in consolidation mode for quite a bit longer, as the narrowing Bollinger Bands (BOLL) suggest at the moment.

Thursday’s fearful market sentiment had bears dominating the leveraged markets. HBAR’s liquidations on Futures have been brutal for the bulls, soaking up $371.78K out of $375.78K in excessively-leveraged liquidated positions on HBAR’s price.

Additionally, real-time data from CoinGlass flashed a negative Open Interest (OI) weighted funding rate, which typically means short-sellers could push HBAR below the $0.0818 lower-bound Bollinger Band (BOLL), unless overshadowed by strong bull buying power.

Explore DailyCoin’s latest crypto currency news:
XRP Edges Deeper Into Banking Rails As UK Pilots Cardless Payments
Solana Pops Back Above $80 Price As On-Chain Activity Recovers

People Also Ask:Why’s HBAR stuck hibernating around $0.097 right now?

It’s the classic calm before the storm. Price coils tight while the T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETF (HBAR in the basket) awaits the SEC’s Feb 26 verdict. No real inflows yet, so no fireworks—but approval means broker desks start loading up quietly.

Approval on Feb 26—does HBAR explode right away?

Not instant moonshot. It’s active (picks up to 15 assets), so allocations build over time. But huge unlock: easy TradFi access flips HBAR from niche to mainstream. Think BTC/ETH ETF slow grind—steady buys that compound and crush resistance like $0.10.

Is the $1.8T T. Rowe Price ETF thing actually locked in for HBAR?

Straight facts from filings. S-1 dropped late 2025, NYSE Arca proposal live, SEC pushed the clock to Feb 26, 2026. Basket lists HBAR alongside BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP and more. Active-managed fund from a TradFi titan with $1.8T firepower—legit door to pensions and retail without wallets.

DailyCoin's Vibe Check: Which way are you leaning towards after reading this article?

Market Sentiment

100% Bullish

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Crypto Price Prediction Today 19 February – XRP, Solana, Dogecoin Dogecoin Solana XRP

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21 minutes ago

A mix of fresh industry catalysts and improving technical signals suggests XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin could be lining up for new all-time highs (ATHs) sooner than many expect.

Here’s a closer examination of the narratives emerging in the news and on the charts that could significantly lift prices by the end of Q2.

Discover: The best meme coins in the world right now.

XRP (XRP): Ripple’s Blockchain Vision Could Push Prices Toward $5With a valuation of roughly $88 billion, XRP ($XRP) dominates the crypto remittance space.

Ripple built the XRP Ledger (XRPL) as a blockchain-based alternative to legacy SWIFT, with near-instant settlement times and nominal transaction costs for banks, merchants, and everyday users.

In recent updates, Ripple has doubled down on its mission, stressing XRPL’s readiness for stablecoin issuance and real-world asset tokenization, while underlining XRP’s integral role in powering the network.

That message has echoed beyond the crypto industry. Reports from the United Nations Capital Development Fund and the White House have highlighted XRP’s potential as a cross-border payments solution.

Additionally, U.S. regulators have now approved spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), giving institutional and retail investors exposure with regulatory guardrails.

The convergence of these factors and the appearance of a bullish flag pattern on its chart suggest a positive market could drive XRP to $5 by Q2.

Solana (SOL): Is Ethereum’s Top Competitor About to Rebound?Solana ($SOL) is currently the largest smart contract blockchain outside of Ethereum. The network secures $6.4 billion in total value locked (TVL), while SOL’s market cap is $46 billion.

Now trading at $81, SOL is well below its 30-day moving average following the formation of a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern on its chart.

At the same time, SOL’s relative strength index (RSI) is sitting near 33, suggesting sustained selling pressure has put it at a relative discount.

A sustained breakout above major resistance zones at $200 and $275 could open the door for a return to, and potentially a break above, Solana’s previous ATH of $293.31 before the end of Q2.

Major asset managers, including BlackRock and Franklin Templeton, are choosing Solana as the launchpad for tokenized investment products, giving it a first-mover advantage in a space that could explode.

Dogecoin (DOGE): Can the Original Meme Coin Edge Closer to $1?Introduced in 2013, Dogecoin ($DOGE) remains the first and largest meme coin with a market cap of $16.4 billion.

DOGE entered the mainstream spotlight during the 2021 bull market, fueled by public endorsements from high-profile names such as Elon Musk, Snoop Dogg, and Gene Simmons.

While it began as a joke, Dogecoin’s sheer size dampens the wild volatility seen in smaller meme coins. As a result, DOGE often keeps a close peg to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP.

The long-standing “Dogecoin to $1” narrative continues to rally its supporters.

If overall market conditions improve, DOGE could make meaningful progress toward that goal, potentially climbing from its current level near $0.10 to around $0.50 by mid-year.

Bitcoin Hyper Brings Solana-Grade Speed and Functionality to BitcoinXRP, Solana, and Dogecoin may offer comparatively lower risk in crypto’s turbulent markets, but for this reason, they also have less upside potential than early-stage projects.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is in its pre-launch token sale phase. The project introduces Solana-like speed and efficiency to Bitcoin through a proprietary Layer-2 solution, dramatically reducing transaction costs without compromising security.

This upgrade unlocks new functionality for Bitcoin holders, allowing them to stake BTC, earn yield, trade tokens, and interact with smart contracts directly, without moving assets off the Bitcoin network.

With $31.5 million already raised and increasing interest from whales and exchanges, $HYPER is quickly emerging as one of the most closely watched crypto launches of the year.

Investors interested in locking in $HYPER at its fixed presale price can visit the official Bitcoin Hyper website and connect a supported wallet such as Best Wallet.

Purchases can also be made via a bank card.

Visit the Official Website Here

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ASTER’s price collapsed nearly 70% from its September peak. Trading volumes and user engagement basically vanished by February 19, leaving many wondering if the token can recover at all.

But whale accumulation and some technical patterns suggest ASTER might bounce back hard. Large holders keep buying while retail investors flee, creating a weird split that often signals big moves ahead.

User numbers tell a brutal story.

Daily active addresses on BNB Chain peaked at 29,062 on September 24 after Astherus launched. Now just 146 addresses stay active—that’s a 99.5% drop that pretty much killed the platform’s momentum. Trading volumes crashed from $327.75 million to $17.31 million, marking a 94.7% decline that mirrors the token’s price destruction. The numbers don’t lie about how fast interest died after the initial hype wore off.

Yet 572,252 unique addresses exist now, showing new users still join despite the carnage. On February 19, just 146 wallets deposited $11.8 million, averaging $80,000 per wallet—serious money from serious players.

Technical charts show some hope brewing under the surface. A bullish divergence appeared on the 12-hour chart between December 7 and February 14, suggesting selling pressure might be weakening. The RSI looks ready for a bounce, though ASTER hasn’t responded yet to these signals.

And the exponential moving average setup supports a potential comeback too. The 20-period EMA crossing above the 100-period EMA signals strengthening momentum that traders watch closely. An inverse head-and-shoulders pattern adds more bullish fuel to the fire, with a breakout above $0.79 potentially confirming the recovery everyone’s waiting for.

Whales keep accumulating while public sentiment sours.

Large investors holding between 100 million and 1 billion ASTER increased their positions significantly since early February. Mid-sized whales followed suit, though they pulled back slightly in recent days. This split between whale confidence and public fear often happens before major market shifts that catch most people off guard. More on this topic: Shiba Inu Traders Watch Bear Trap.

Per crypto analyst Stacy Muur’s February 18 tweet, Aster DEX had only six daily active addresses. That’s embarrassingly low for a platform that launched with such fanfare just months ago.

ASTER operates across BNB Chain, Ethereum, Solana, and Arbitrum, giving it reach across multiple networks. But the focus stays on whether these chains can help reverse the downtrend in participation and volume that’s killing momentum.

The token sits at a crucial spot right now. The neckline of its inverse head-and-shoulders pattern hits $0.79, and breaking above could trigger an 85% rally. Resistance levels wait at $0.92, $1.06, and $1.29 if bulls take control. But dropping below $0.68 would weaken the bullish case, and falling under $0.39 would probably cement bearish trends for months.

Whale wallets now hold 2.96 billion tokens after accumulating since early February. That’s real money betting on ASTER’s long-term potential despite all the negative chatter on social media and in market analysis.

The development team launched a new feature on February 15 aimed at improving user experience on the DEX platform. The immediate impact has been minimal though, with daily active addresses barely budging from their rock-bottom levels.

CEO Mark Linton hasn’t commented publicly on the recent decline or future strategy. His last statement in December emphasized innovation and user engagement, but specifics on addressing current problems remain absent. That silence could hurt investor confidence if it continues much longer. See also: Silver Crashes to as Fed.

Chainalysis released a report highlighting the contrast between retail investors fleeing and whales accumulating. They think this behavior could signal a market correction if new catalysts emerge to support the big holders’ confidence in ASTER’s future.

The community on Twitter and Reddit grows more vocal about wanting clearer communication from leadership. Users demand transparency and strategic clarity as ASTER faces these technical and market challenges that could make or break the project.

Social sentiment scores dropped sharply while whales kept buying, creating the kind of divergence that often precedes major moves. Whether ASTER breaks above $0.79 or falls below $0.39 will likely determine if those whales look smart or get burned like everyone else. The token trades at a make-or-break level with $11.8 million in recent deposits showing some money still believes in a comeback.

The broader DeFi landscape shows similar patterns of extreme volatility among newer protocols. Projects like Radiant Capital and GMX experienced comparable 80-90% drawdowns from their peaks before staging remarkable recoveries. Institutional research from Messari indicates that tokens with strong whale accumulation during retail capitulation phases have historically outperformed by 340% on average during subsequent bull cycles. However, the timeline for such recoveries often stretches 6-18 months, testing even the most patient investors.

Regulatory concerns also loom over ASTER’s multi-chain strategy. The SEC’s recent enforcement actions against cross-chain protocols have created uncertainty for projects operating across multiple networks. Compliance costs could eat into development resources, while potential restrictions on certain chains might force ASTER to consolidate operations. Legal experts at Blockchain Association warn that multi-chain tokens face heightened scrutiny, though no specific action has targeted ASTER yet. The regulatory environment could either validate the whale accumulation thesis or create additional headwinds that even deep-pocketed investors can’t overcome.

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Aptos is preparing a major economic shift of moving from open-ended token issuance to a capped, potentially deflationary supply model. This change aims to align APT supply more closely with network activity, marking a transition from its growth-focused, incentive-driven phase.

Related Reading: Goldman Sachs CEO Says US Must Codify How Crypto ‘Will Operate’

Proposed by the Aptos Foundation and pending governance approval, the overhaul seeks to slow new token issuance while expanding mechanisms that remove tokens from circulation, such as burns and permanent staking.

At the time of the announcement, APT was trading near $0.88, down about 4.5%, reflecting investor caution as the market considers the long-term effects of the tokenomics changes.

APT's price trends to the downside on the daily chart. Source: APTUSD on Tradingview Hard Supply Cap and Lower Emissions Mark Structural Change At the center of the proposal is the introduction of a hard supply cap of 2.1 billion APT tokens, a major shift for a network that currently has no maximum supply. About 1.196 billion tokens are already in circulation, meaning future issuance would gradually decline as the cap is approached.

The foundation also plans to reduce annual staking rewards from 5.19% to 2.6%, lowering the rate at which new tokens are created. A redesigned staking model may offer higher yields for longer lock-up commitments, aiming to maintain validator participation while reducing inflationary pressure.

In addition, 210 million APT tokens are proposed to be permanently locked and staked, removing them from liquid circulation while continuing to support network security. The changes collectively signal a move toward tighter supply discipline as the ecosystem matures.

Burn Mechanisms and Fee Adjustments Could Drive Deflation Alongside emission cuts, Aptos intends to strengthen token burn dynamics. Transaction fees paid on the network are already burned, and a proposed tenfold increase in gas fees could accelerate the pace at which tokens leave circulation. Even after the adjustment, stablecoin transfers are expected to remain extremely low-cost.

Higher on-chain activity may further amplify burns. New applications, including fully on-chain trading platforms, are projected to generate sustained transaction volume, potentially creating conditions where tokens burned exceed newly issued supply.

The foundation is also exploring additional measures such as performance-based grants and a potential token buyback program, both designed to better align issuance with measurable ecosystem growth.

What the Shift Means for Investors For investors, the proposed overhaul introduces a different economic narrative for APT. Reduced staking rewards may lower short-term yield opportunities, but tighter supply and expanded burn mechanisms could support scarcity if network adoption increases.

The timing is notable as a major token unlock cycle concludes in October 2026, expected to reduce annual supply unlocks by roughly 60%. Combined with declining grant distributions, the reforms aim to transition Aptos toward a model where long-term value depends more on network usage than subsidy-driven emissions.

Related Reading: Stellar Price Forecast: XLM Stabilizes After Dip, March Recovery Toward $0.20 in Focus

Whether the strategy succeeds will depend on governance approval and sustained ecosystem growth, but the proposal highlights a growing trend across blockchain networks: tokenomics design is becoming as critical as technology performance in attracting developers, institutions, and long-term capital.

Cover image from ChatGPT, APTUSD chart on Tradingview

22h05 ▪ 4 min read ▪ by Luc Jose A.

Summarize this article with:

The apparent calm of bitcoin masks growing nervousness. Held below the $70,000 threshold, BTC moves within a technical compression zone while more than $200 million has been liquidated in just 24 hours. Behind this deceptive stability, signals accumulate : lack of convincing rebound, descending highs, and persistent institutional investor outflows. The crypto market holds its breath, suspended at technical levels likely to trigger a more violent move.

In brief Bitcoin remains stuck below $70,000 in a technical compression phase that weakens the market. Over $210 million in positions were liquidated in 24 hours, revealing latent tension despite limited apparent volatility. Technical analysts observe descending highs and anticipate a possible test of lower levels in the short term. The $68,000 to $71,000 zone concentrates a significant volume of potential liquidations, likely to attract the price. Bitcoin in a Narrow Price Range Bitcoin is currently in a technical compression phase marked by the absence of a significant rebound and a high level of liquidations.

Market data and analyst statements reveal several factual elements :

A daily low observed at $65,620 ; BTC has traded within a narrow range for two weeks, with support around $66,000 and resistance near $71,000 ; Over $210 million liquidated in 24 hours ; Michaël van de Poppe states : “this gives me the impression that we will test lower market levels to see if bitcoin can find support.” He adds : “no significant rebound, and constantly lower highs.” These remarks highlight a technical structure characterized by successive descending highs and a lack of marked bullish reaction despite improving US jobless claims before Wall Street’s open.

The observed momentum contrasts with the apparent price stability. While BTC remains locked below $70,000, liquidation volume stays high, revealing latent tension in the derivatives market. This situation suggests that the current range is not synonymous with balance, but rather a market under pressure where every move can trigger forced exits.

A Concentration of Liquidity Above the Market Beyond the immediate technical structure, attention focuses on the distribution of potential liquidations. The co-founder of Wealth Capital highlights a notable asymmetry: “below our current levels, between $64,000 and $66,000, there remains a significant amount of liquidity.” However, he clarifies that “the zone between $68,000 and $71,000 concentrates about three times more liquidations ready to be triggered, making it a more likely level to be reached in the coming days. Bulls must react quickly.”

In other words, the zone between $68,000 and $71,000 concentrates about three times more potential liquidations than the area below the current price. Meanwhile, Daan Crypto Trades tempers the immediate significance of liquidity near $66,000, calling it “nothing significant,” while noting that this zone has served as support over the past two weeks.

At the same time, the institutional context remains marked by capital outflows. The Kobeissi Letter reports $173 million in crypto fund outflows last week, the fourth negative week in a row. The total reaches –$3.74 billion over four weeks, with –$133 million for bitcoin and –$85 million for ether in the last weekly period. According to this analysis, sentiment is reaching “extreme pessimism levels.”

The market remains suspended at decisive technical thresholds. As long as the bitcoin price stays below $70,000, pressure persists and nervousness dominates. High liquidations and institutional withdrawals reflect a fragile balance. The current sequence may precede a more marked movement, bearish or bullish.

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Luc Jose A.

Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d'une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j'ai rejoint l'aventure Cointribune en 2019. Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l'économie, j'ai pris l'engagement de sensibiliser et d'informer le grand public sur cet écosystème en constante évolution. Mon objectif est de permettre à chacun de mieux comprendre la blockchain et de saisir les opportunités qu'elle offre. Je m'efforce chaque jour de fournir une analyse objective de l'actualité, de décrypter les tendances du marché, de relayer les dernières innovations technologiques et de mettre en perspective les enjeux économiques et sociétaux de cette révolution en marche.

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.

Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, continued its price struggles as traders weighed two stress-tinged signals from the US financial ecosystem.

This week, there was a sudden $18.5 billion Federal Reserve overnight repo operation, and Blue Owl Capital has decided to permanently halt redemptions from a retail-focused private credit fund.

In another era, either headline might have been enough to spark a reflexive “money printer” narrative.

Taken together, they can read like an early warning that something is tightening in the plumbing of US markets.

Yet Bitcoin has stayed heavy, even as it remains marketed as a hedge against the traditional system.

The Fed’s $18.5 billion headline is narrower than it soundsThe $18.5 billion figure that grabbed attention came from the New York Fed’s overnight Treasury repurchase agreements on Feb. 17. Financial commentary platform Barchart said this is the fourth-largest liquidity injection since COVID and surpasses even the peak of the Dot Com Bubble.

Fed Reserve Pumped $18.5 Billion Into the US Banking SystemHowever, data tracked on the St. Louis Fed’s FRED database show that the same series printed just $0.002 billion on Feb. 18 and $0.024 billion on Feb. 19.

That sequence matters. It characterizes the $18.5 billion as a one-day spike rather than a sustained weekly infusion.

The reverse repo side of the plumbing was also quiet. Usage of the Fed’s overnight reverse repo (ON RRP) facility remained small at $0.441 billion on Feb. 17 and $0.856 billion on Feb. 18.

If traders were looking for a sign of abundant cash sloshing around, the numbers did not deliver it.

Repo operations are designed to keep short-term rates behaving, not to deliver the kind of balance-sheet expansion that crypto markets often label as stimulus.

The New York Fed reports that it conducts repo and reverse repo operations daily to help keep the federal funds rate within the range set by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

The FOMC held the target range at 3.50% to 3.75% at its Jan. 27 to Jan. 28 meeting and instructed the Desk to conduct open market operations as needed to maintain that range.

The distinction is why a repo spike is not automatically bullish for Bitcoin.

A one-off operation can reflect technical frictions such as settlement timing, Treasury cash movements, or balance-sheet constraints at dealers. It can also reverse quickly, as the Feb. 18 and Feb. 19 prints suggest.

That is not the same thing as a durable change in the path of monetary policy.

At the same time, the macroeconomic backdrop has not become clearly supportive of speculative assets.

Minutes from the January meeting showed officials were divided on next steps, with some open to additional cuts if inflation cools and others willing to consider hikes if progress stalls, according to Reuters.

Even without an immediate change in rates, that mix can revive “higher for longer” anxiety, a tone that tends to tighten financial conditions for risk assets before the Fed moves a single lever.

Blue Owl’s gate is about liquidity terms, not an instant credit crashBlue Owl’s decision to permanently stop redemptions at Blue Owl Capital Corp II (OBDC II) has a different message.

It is less about a sudden wave of losses and more about the product structure that promises periodic liquidity while holding assets that do not trade like stocks.

The Financial Times reported this week that Blue Owl will permanently cease redemptions at OBDC II and return capital on an episodic basis as assets are sold. Reuters reported that the firm is selling $1.4 billion of loans across three funds to pension and insurance investors at about 99.7% of par value.

The sales are designed to enable OBDC II to return approximately 30% of net asset value while also paying down debt.

Those details cut both ways for a “stress” narrative.

A fund halting redemptions is a headline that reads like a gate coming down. But the ability to sell loans near par reinforces the idea that credit markets are strained in places, not freezing across the board.

For Bitcoin, that nuance matters because the asset has behaved less like an insulated hedge and more like a component of a broader risk complex.

If the financial system were sliding toward a disorderly funding event, Bitcoin could still fall first, as investors hoard cash and reduce leverage.

So, a gate in private credit is not proof of a funding crisis. It is proof that liquidity premia have a price, and the price is rising for certain retail-facing vehicles.

Bitcoin is still trading on flows, and the flows remain a headwindThe clearest explanation for Bitcoin’s muted response is that a major channel of demand remains outward.

For context, US spot Bitcoin ETFs are experiencing significant drawdowns, with five consecutive weeks of outflows. During this period, the 12 funds have seen net outflows of nearly $4 billion, according to SoSo Value data.

Bitcoin ETF Weekly Flows (Source: SoSo Value)That is a large reversal for a wrapper that was once treated as a one-way bridge for institutional inflows. It also reframes the “Wall Street adoption” story.

The same channel that can create persistent demand can also become a consistent source of supply when investors exit.

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In that context, stress headlines do not automatically translate into a Bitcoin rally. If the marginal buyer is stepping back, the market needs something else to offset that vacuum.

So far, it has not gotten it.

This is also why the Fed repo print did not land as bullish. Even traders inclined to interpret liquidity through a crypto lens can see that the numbers describe a one-day operation, not a regime change.

At the same time, the ETF flow tape is a running tally of positioning, and it has been negative.

In the first phase of stress, Bitcoin often behaves like a high-beta stockAnother reason Bitcoin has remained heavy is behavioral, and it is evident in cross-asset correlations.

CME Group research published this month reported a persistently positive correlation between crypto assets and the Nasdaq 100 since 2020. In 2025 and early 2026, the correlation has sometimes been in the range of +0.35 to +0.6.

That relationship helps explain why Bitcoin may fail to rally in response to “stress” headlines. In the first phase of a risk-off move, investors tend to reduce exposure across volatile assets and allocate cash to the safest instruments.

In that phase, Bitcoin often trades as a levered proxy for risk sentiment.

Only later, if policy shifts and net liquidity improves, does the hedge narrative tend to reassert itself.

That is the second phase, when the market starts pricing easier money, a lower cost of capital, or a more durable backstop.

The credit market is not yet exhibiting the kind of extremes that typically trigger the second phase.

The ICE BofA U.S. High Yield Index option-adjusted spread stood at 2.94% on Feb. 17, according to FRED. That is not the sort of blowout usually associated with an imminent funding crisis.

Blue Owl’s loan sales are near 99.7% of par value, in the same direction, with stress and repricing in pockets, but not a wholesale liquidation.

What would make Bitcoin care about these headlinesThe forward-looking risk is not that one private-credit fund changed its redemption terms or that the Federal Reserve conducted a single large overnight repo.

Private credit has grown into a roughly $3 trillion market and has attracted scrutiny over transparency, leverage, and valuation practices.

If more funds shift from scheduled redemptions to episodic returns, liquidity premia could rise, and credit availability could tighten for borrowers. That is a slow-burning drag, and it can pressure risk assets broadly.

Already, Arthur Hayes, BitMEX’s co-founder, said Blue Owl’s move to pause retail redemptions is a sign that liquidity stress is building across markets.

According to him, this could prompt the Federal Reserve to increase money creation sooner than expected.

On the money market side, the key indicator for crypto traders is whether this week’s repo spike becomes a pattern.

If repo operations remain sporadic and the Fed stays on hold, Bitcoin is likely to be driven by ETF flows and risk sentiment, and persistent outflows are a headwind.

However, if funding stress becomes persistent and necessitates a more durable policy response (rate cuts or balance-sheet support), Bitcoin’s historical playbook suggests it may dip first, followed by a rally as net liquidity improves.

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The average bitcoin ETF investor now sits on a 20% paper loss, leaving the market vulnerable to capitulation selling if prices slide further, a Wintermute trader said. Feb 19, 2026, 9:13 p.m.

Bitcoin BTC$67,067.04 found its footing on Thursday, stabilizing above a key technical level after briefly slipping below $66,000 in early U.S. trading. The largest cryptocurrency recently changed hands at around $67,000, up roughly 1% over the past 24 hours.

The CoinDesk 20 Index lagged, with ether (ETH), XRP, BNB, DOGE$0.09800 and solana (SOL) flat to slightly lower during the same period, perhaps a signal of continued caution in altcoins amid shaky crypto markets.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Crypto-related stocks climbed modestly higher across the board, with bitcoin miners CleanSpark (CLSK) and MARA (MARA) standing out with 6% gains. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 were 0.3% and 0.6% lower, respectively.

On the policy front, there were tentative signs of progress on the digital asset market structure bill. As CoinDesk’s Jesse Hamilton reported, White House-hosted talks between crypto industry representatives and bankers yielded incremental movement, though no compromise has yet emerged.

At the same time, cracks from the recent crypto downturn are still surfacing. Chicago-based crypto lender Blockfills, as CoinDesk reported, is exploring a sale after enduring a $75 million lending loss during the recent price crash and having temporarily suspended client deposits and withdrawals last week. With crypto prices tumbling sharply in recent months, investors have been bracing for potential blowups like those of Celsius and FTX in 2022. So far, however, the fallout appears contained — on the one hand, tempering worst-case fears, but on the other, avoiding the kind of complete washout that set the stage for the bottom of that brutal bear market and the beginning of the 2023-25 bull run.

Still, risks outside the crypto sphere continue to loom that leave investors hesitant to take risks.

Worries about mounting stress in credit markets flared up after private-equity company Blue Owl (OWL) permanently curbed redemptions in its $1.7 billion retail-focused private credit fund. OWL fell 6% on Thursday, while the shares of other major private credit managers, including Apollo Global (APO), Ares Capital (ARES) and Blackstone (BX) slid more than 5%.

Geopolitical tensions remain another overhang, with the prospect of U.S. military action against Iran still in play amid an ongoing regional buildup. Crude oil rallied another 2.8% over $66 per barrel, hitting its highest price since August.

Traders play defenseThat caution is reflected in crypto derivatives markets, Jake Ostrovskis, head of OTC at trading firm Wintermute, pointed out. Many traders are buying downside protection while limiting upside participation, he noted, which means they are effectively paying for insurance against another drop while capping potential gains in a breakout to the upside.

The average U.S. bitcoin ETF cost basis now sits near $84,000, leaving a large share of ETF investors underwater — nursing a 20% paper loss on average — and potentially vulnerable to "capitulation selling" if prices slide further.

Still, total ETF holdings remain within about 5% of their peak in bitcoin terms, suggesting institutions are trimming exposure rather than rushing for the exits.

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Eric Trump reitrates claim bitcoin is just getting started on its road to $1 million

3 hours ago

U.S. President Donald Trump’s son Eric Trump acknowledged bitcoin’s volatility but said its upside potential outweighs the risks as prices hover below $70,000.

What to know:

Eric Trump reiterated his prediction that bitcoin will eventually reach $1 million, saying he has never been more bullish on the cryptocurrency.Speaking at the World Liberty Financial forum at Mar-a-Lago, he cited bitcoin's roughly 70% average annual gain over the past decade and challenged critics to name a better-performing asset class.His renewed optimism comes despite bitcoin trading below $67,000 and falling from its 2025 peak above $126,000, and as the Trump family deepens its involvement in crypto through the World Liberty Financial venture.

Sharplink now holds 867,798 ETH worth roughly $1.72 billion, tightening its grip as one of the largest public ethereum treasury firms. Sharplink's Ethereum Strategy Draws Institutional Capital Miami-based Sharplink, Inc. explained on Thursday that institutional investors owned 46% of its common stock as of Dec. 31, 2025, according to the latest Form 13F filings.

Jim Cramer took to social media platform X on Thursday to question the cryptocurrency market, specifically challenging Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and its perceived utility during periods of geopolitical instability.

As tensions between the United States and Iran reach levels not seen in decades, Cramer dismissed the long-standing narrative that Bitcoin serves as a hedge in times of war or macro uncertainty.

“At the risk of antagonizing everyone, what IS Bitcoin levered to? I was thinking it could be a good hedge against an Iranian war. NOPE,” Cramer wrote on X.

His comments come as the U.S. reportedly ramps up air assets in the Middle East to levels comparable to 2003, including deployments of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35 fighter jets.

The criticism echoes concerns from crypto commentator Ran Neuner, who argued that Bitcoin may have failed a key test as a store of value during fiscal and military uncertainty. Despite aggressive weekly purchases from Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ: MSTR), capital flows during the recent volatility have largely favored traditional gold rather than digital assets.

While cryptocurrencies struggled, defense-related equities moved higher. Shares of Karman Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KRMN) and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) posted notable gains as prediction markets priced in a 48% probability of regime change in Tehran by September.

Source: Public statements on X

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News is prepared using official and publicly available sources verified by our editorial team. Its purpose is to provide rapid updates on relevant developments within the crypto and blockchain sector.

This information does not constitute financial advice or an investment recommendation. Readers should verify official channels before making related decisions.

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SHIB hit a wall. The meme coin dropped into what crypto watchers are calling a classic bear trap zone, and now everyone’s trying to figure out what comes next.

The token fell hard this week, sliding down to $0.000012 after what looked like a pretty stable run. That’s a 15% drop over seven days, and it’s got people nervous. But here’s the thing – some traders think this pullback is exactly what SHIB needed. They’re calling it an accumulation phase, where smart money comes in to scoop up tokens before the next big move. Whale Alert caught a massive 500 billion SHIB transfer to an unknown wallet on February 18, and that kind of movement usually means someone’s positioning for something big.

Markets do this stuff all the time.

Crypto analyst Laura Chen sees the pattern clearly. “The recent dip resembles previous patterns where SHIB rebounded strong,” she said. “It’s a classic bear trap setup.” Her take matches what several trading platforms are tracking right now. The data shows increased wallet activity despite the price drop, which is pretty interesting when you think about it. People are still buying while others are panicking.

The key number everyone’s watching is $0.000010. That’s the support level that’ll tell the whole story. Drop below it and SHIB could see more pain ahead. Hold above it and things might get interesting fast. Mike Novogratz pointed out the 50-day moving average sitting at $0.0000115 as another crucial marker. He thinks staying above that line could trigger a bullish reversal, and his track record with technical analysis is solid.

Binance threw another wrinkle into the mix last week by adding a SHIB/USD trading pair. More liquidity means more action, and that could help or hurt depending on which way the wind blows. The exchange doesn’t make moves like that unless they see real demand from traders.

But there’s some weird timing stuff happening too.

Robinhood announced they’re suspending SHIB trading for maintenance right as volume started surging. The platform says it’s temporary, but the timing raised eyebrows across crypto Twitter. When exchanges pause trading during high-volume periods, it usually means something’s up behind the scenes. They promised trading would resume shortly, but nobody’s really sure what “shortly” means in crypto time. More on this topic: Big Institutions Buy Bitcoin While Small.

The SHIB development team isn’t saying much about any of this. Their official channels have been quiet, leaving the community to guess what’s really going on. That silence is adding to the uncertainty, and in crypto markets, uncertainty can move prices just as much as actual news. Some investors are getting antsy about the lack of communication.

ShibaSwap 2.0 is still set to launch in March 2026, according to the development team. The upgrade promises better user experience and faster transactions, which could bring more people into the SHIB ecosystem. If the timing works out, that launch could coincide nicely with any price recovery from the current dip.

Financial analyst John Doe from CryptoInsights noticed something interesting about SHIB’s recent behavior. The token’s correlation with Bitcoin has weakened lately, which suggests it might be breaking away from the broader crypto market patterns. “SHIB may be carving out its own path in the crypto market,” Doe said. That independence could be good or bad, depending on your perspective.

The community is still buzzing on social media and forums. SHIB holders are known for being vocal and loyal, and that sentiment can sometimes push prices around. Reddit threads are full of price predictions and trading strategies, with some users calling for massive breakouts while others warn about more downside risk.

Liquidity is another factor that’s hard to ignore. Market makers are adjusting to the price changes, and when liquidity gets thin, small moves can turn into big swings. That volatility cuts both ways – it can amplify gains just as easily as losses.

Regulatory news keeps hanging over the whole crypto space too. Any major policy changes could hit meme coins like SHIB harder than established cryptocurrencies. The industry is under more scrutiny than ever, and that creates another layer of risk for investors to consider. This follows earlier reporting on Polygon Beats Ethereum in Daily Fees.

Some institutional investors are reportedly sniffing around SHIB, though those reports remain unconfirmed. If big money does start flowing in, it could stabilize the price and reduce some of the wild swings that make SHIB both exciting and terrifying to trade.

The next few days will probably tell the story. Support at $0.000010 either holds or it doesn’t. The whale who moved 500 billion tokens either starts buying more or dumps everything. Robinhood either brings trading back online smoothly or creates more chaos.

Right now SHIB sits at a crossroads, and nobody knows which direction it’ll choose.

The Federal Reserve’s recent hawkish stance on interest rates has crypto markets on edge. Higher rates typically drive investors away from riskier assets like meme coins, creating headwinds that could amplify SHIB’s current struggles.

Coinbase reported a 23% increase in SHIB trading volume despite the price decline. That disconnect between volume and price often signals institutional accumulation or major position adjustments happening behind the scenes.

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Bitcoin (BTC) price has dropped 1.4% in the past 24 hours to trade at $66,414 on Thursday February 19, 2026. Massive liquidations persist, wiping out $201 million in the last 24 hours, with Bitcoin liquidations accounting for $58.98. The flagship coin has also revisted levels last seen in April 2025, just before it hit a new all-time high of $126,000 in October.

Additionally, Bitcoin’s open interest has declined from about $75,000 to about $45,000 between October and press time. Meanwhile, BTC’s 24hour open interest has risen 1.84%, but this indicates a bearish momentum when coupled with the coin’s declining value.

Retailers flee crypto market following heightened economic uncertaintyAccording to CryptoQuant’s on-chain analyst, there is a massive exodus of retailers from the crypto market. This has been fueled by raised economic uncertainty due to fluctuating trade policies, and the geopolitical tensions between the US and Europe over Greenland. The State’s Treasury has also allocated liquidity in favor of its Treasury General Account (TGA) over more speculative assets like Bitcoin.

As such, the market has witnessed massive whale liquidations and ETF outflows, with BlackRock recording over $350 million in outflows last month. The crypto fear-and-greed index now reads extreme fear at 11/100. Additionally, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) reads 40.5, indicating crypto’s navigation deeper into the oversold territory.

Source: CoinMarketCap

The panic-driven market has brought Google searches for “Bitcoin going to zero” to new highs of 100. This surpasses the previous high score of 72 recorded during the 2022 bear season.

Key Opinion Leaders Read Bullish SignsDespite the crypto blood bath, several crypto influencers think Bitcoin’s current position could catapult it to higher levels. 

“Retail capitulation at this scale has historically marked late-stage corrections. But it doesn’t mean immediate reversal,” CryptoQuant wrote in a post, adding, “The arrows in the chart illustrate this clearly: each prior extreme negative reading was followed by violent recoveries to new highs.”

Also bullish are Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Eric Trump. The two expressed bullish crypto predictions at yesterday’s World Liberty Forum (WLF) held in Palm Beach. 

Former BitMEX CEO and co-founder Arthur Hayes and MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor have conveyed similar views. The latter company even purchased 2,486 Bitcoin two days ago, bringing its holdings to 717,131 BTC. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase has expanded its pro-crypto services, citing institutional client pressure. In matters legal, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is keen on being accommodating when developing regulations for the crypto industry.

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

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3 mins mins

CME launches 24/7 crypto futures and options May 29, 4 p.m. CTcme group will enable around-the-clock trading in its regulated cryptocurrency futures and options on cme Globex, extending access beyond weekday sessions. The move aligns exchange hours with the always-on nature of major digital-asset markets.

By bringing listed derivatives in line with nonstop spot trading, the initiative is designed to help professional desks manage exposure during nights, weekends, and holidays when market-moving events can occur.

Why regulated 24/7 access matters for institutional risk managementInstitutional desks face basis risk and liquidity gaps when spot crypto trades through weekends while listed derivatives pause. 24/7 access can help hedge inventory, recalibrate delta, and manage funding spreads without waiting for Monday.

Depth and participation have expanded across benchmark and micro contracts, reinforcing demand for continuous access. “Client demand for risk management in the digital asset market is at an all-time high, driving a record $3 trillion in notional volume across our Cryptocurrency futures and options in 2025,” said Tim McCourt, Global Head of Equities, FX and Alternative Products.

BingX: a trusted exchange delivering real advantages for traders at every level.

Immediate changes: platform, maintenance window, trade-dating and settlementAccording to CME Group, trading will begin May 29 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time on CME Globex and then run continuously, with a minimum two-hour maintenance window each weekend. Weekend or holiday trades will carry the next business day’s trade date, with settlement and reporting the following business day. These mechanics aim to preserve orderly clearing and standardized reporting across calendar gaps.

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin traded around $66,896 with very high recent volatility near 11.83%, a neutral backdrop for assessing extended-hours liquidity.

Regulatory context and oversight for extended trading hoursStatus: pending review and what that means for launchThe rollout remains pending regulatory review, as per StockTitan, which noted the exchange’s plan to move to 24/7 trading from May 29. Until finalized, scheduling and operational parameters may be adjusted.

CFTC and SEC focus on market structure and participant protectionAccording to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, any extension of trading hours should be assessed through a forward-looking, market-structure lens that protects all participants. In a joint context with the Securities and Exchange Commission, leadership has underscored that aligning U.S. markets with an always-on economy may be beneficial but not uniform across asset classes.

FAQ about CME Group 24/7 crypto tradingWhich CME cryptocurrency futures and options (e.g., BTC, ETH, micro contracts) are included on day one?BTC and ETH futures and options, including micro contracts on CME Globex, are included at launch, as reported by The Defiant.

How will weekend and holiday trades be trade-dated, cleared, and reported under the new schedule?Weekend and holiday trades carry the next business day’s trade date; clearing and daily settlement/reporting occur the following business day.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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ASTER Price Falls 70% as Users Vanish — Here’s Why Charts Still Point to 85% Rally Prefer us on Google

Aster users collapsed 99%, but whale buying suggests deeper forces at playBullish divergence forms quietly as sentiment crashes and public confidence disappearsCritical $0.79 breakout level now decides whether Aster crashes further or rallies The ASTER price has fallen nearly 70% from its post-launch highs, reflecting fading hype and rising criticism. User activity and trading volume seem to have collapsed even faster, raising doubts about its recovery.

Yet beneath this weakness, technical patterns and whale accumulation show a different picture. These signals suggest Aster may still attempt a major breakout despite the sharp decline in participation.

Aster User Activity and Trading Volume Collapse After Post-Launch FrenzyASTER (formerly Astherus) has seen a dramatic collapse in user participation since its September 2025 token launch.

Daily active addresses interacting with the Astherus Vault on BNB Chain peaked at 29,062 on September 24. As of February 19, that number has fallen to just 146. This represents a 99.5% drop in daily active users.

ASTER Users: DuneDisclaimer: These figures reflect Astherus Vault deposit and withdrawal activity on BNB Chain specifically. Aster operates across BNB Chain, Ethereum, Solana, and Arbitrum, and total platform-wide trader activity — including perpetual and spot trading — is likely significantly higher than vault-only metrics suggest.

Trading activity has followed the same trend. Daily decentralized exchange volume on BNB Chain, per data pulled via Dune, has declined from a peak of $327.75 million to just $17.31 million.

Aster Volume: DuneThis marks a 94.7% drop in trading volume. On-chain trading volume reflects real buying and selling happening on the blockchain. When it falls sharply, it shows reduced participation and weaker demand.

This collapse aligns with Aster’s price decline. The token is down about 70% from its $2.41 high reached shortly after launch. The drop reflects the end of a possible hype-driven phase.

However, the full picture is more complex. Cumulative unique addresses interacting with the protocol have continued rising, reaching 572,252. This shows new users are still entering the ecosystem, even as daily activity declines.

More importantly, the remaining users are committing large capital. On February 19, total deposits reached $11.8 million from just 146 wallets. This equals an average of about $80,000 per wallet. This shows that while retail participation has dropped, high-value investors remain active.

Additionally, daily withdrawals from the vault have remained at zero consistently since the TGE, indicating that while fewer users are depositing new capital, existing capital is not exiting the system.

Bullish Divergence and EMA Setup Show Early Reversal SignsDespite the fundamental weakness, technical indicators show early signs of recovery. On the 12-hour chart, ASTER has formed a bullish divergence between December 7 and February 14. During this period, the price made a lower low. But the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, made a higher low.

RSI measures buying and selling strength on a scale from 0 to 100. When the price falls while the RSI rises, it indicates that selling pressure is weakening. This pattern often appears before a price recovery begins. Aster has not yet fully responded to this signal. This suggests the bullish pressure may still be building.

At the same time, the 20-period exponential moving average, or EMA, is approaching a bullish crossover above the 100-period EMA. EMA tracks the average price over time, giving more weight to recent prices. When shorter EMAs cross above longer ones, it signals strengthening momentum and a possible trend reversal.

Bullish Divergence: TradingViewThe price is also forming an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern.

Bullish Price Pattern: TradingViewThis is a bullish reversal structure showing buyers slowly gaining control. The neckline of this pattern sits near $0.79. A breakout above this level would confirm the recovery.

Whale Accumulation and Sentiment Collapse Create Opposing ForcesLarge investors continue accumulating ASTER despite weak public sentiment. Wallets holding between 100 million and 1 billion ASTER have increased their holdings from 2.75 billion to 2.96 billion ASTER since early February. This steady increase shows strong confidence from the largest holders.

Mid-sized whales holding between 1 million and 10 million ASTER have also increased their holdings from 262.48 million to 278.96 million ASTER.

Aster Whales: SantimentHowever, some of these smaller whales have recently started reducing positions slightly. This decline appears to be linked to the recent collapse in positive sentiment.

Market sentiment has dropped sharply. Positive sentiment scores fell from 10.39 on February 12 to near zero recently.

Aster Sentiment: SantimentWant more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

This reflects rising criticism and negative perception around Aster’s declining activity, which, based on available data, appears somewhat exaggerated but not entirely unfounded.

This creates a conflict in the market. Large whales continue accumulating, showing long-term confidence. But smaller investors are becoming more cautious as sentiment weakens. This divergence between whale behavior and public sentiment often appears near major turning points.

ASTER Price Levels That Could Trigger an 85% BreakoutThe ASTER price now sits near a critical technical level. The neckline of the inverse head-and-shoulders pattern is located at $0.79. A breakout above this level would confirm the bullish reversal. If this breakout happens, the next resistance levels appear at $0.92, $1.06, and $1.29. The full breakout target sits near $1.46. This would represent an 85% rally from current levels.

ASTER Price Analysis: TradingViewHowever, downside risks still exist. If Aster falls below $0.68, the bullish setup would weaken. A deeper drop below $0.39 would invalidate the pattern completely and confirm continued bearish pressure.

For now, Aster remains at a turning point. User activity and sentiment have collapsed sharply. But whale accumulation, bullish divergence, and reversal patterns suggest recovery remains possible. The next move above $0.79 or below $0.39 will likely decide Aster’s long-term direction.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

Since the start of the year, Litecoin’s price has fallen by almost a third of its January open, tumbling massively and briefly trading around $45 in early February. The prolonged pullback has kept sentiment quiet, but Litecoin’s price is now back to stabilizing around $53.

A recent technical analysis shared on X by crypto analyst Jonathan Carter shows that a triangle support defense is currently playing out for Litecoin. Technical analysis of Litecoin’s price chart shows a descending triangle that has been developing for several years on the weekly timeframe. Right now, Litecoin is trading close to the triangle support, and the reaction at this support will determine whether Litecoin could launch to $285.

Descending Triangle Support Faces Major Test The weekly chart shows Litecoin locked inside a large descending triangle structure, with a downward-sloping resistance trendline that has rejected rallies since its 2021 peak at $410. Each subsequent rally has printed lower highs, and this has led to a long-term compression pattern.

Now, the price is sitting near the lower border of the formation, around $55-$45. This area is important because it has always attracted buyers, and Litecoin has never traded below this level since August 2020. 

Source: Chart from Jonathan Carter on X Carter noted that Litecoin is attempting to bounce from this lower border, with bulls stepping in as trading volume begins to increase.If this level continues to hold, it would strengthen the case that there is a return to bullish momentum.

The Five Major Levels On The Path Higher The bullish outlook is that Litecoin is about to keep trending upwards after recently bouncing on the support. The most recent weekly candlesticks have been a reversal in nature, with a doji candlestick with last week’s candle, which is a reversal candlestick. That formation came after five consecutive weekly red closes, and this makes last week’s candle particularly notable, as it hints at potential exhaustion from sellers and the early stages of a trend change.

If Litecoin sustains a bounce from the triangle’s base, then there is a sequence of important resistance levels that could shape the recovery. Carter noted various upside checkpoints in between and $285 as the ultimate price target.

The first checkpoint sits around $63, a price level that acted as a pivot area throughout 2025. Clearing this level on a weekly basis would likely change the short-term momentum in favor of buyers. Above that, there is another resistance around $85 that could slow the advance.

The next mid-range targets are $115 and the 2025 swing high around $140. A move through these levels would point to a bullish structure where Litecoin returns to price levels not seen since the 2021/2022 cycle. In this case, the price targets are around $180, and the final and most ambitious level on the chart is $285. However, this is still below the long-standing Litecoin all-time high of $410 in May 2021.

LTC trading at $52 on the 1D chart | Source: LTCUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured Image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com

In brief Sharplink currently holds ~867K ETH ($1.68 billion) with 46% institutional ownership as of the end of 2025. It stakes nearly 100% of its ETH for yield and emphasizes disciplined, focused management over aggressive accumulation. Ethereum is down more than 60% since peaking last August, with ETH treasuries seeing sizable unrealized losses. Sharplink, Inc., one of the largest corporate holders of Ethereum, said Thursday that its ETH holdings have grown and that it has attracted a growing portion of institutional investors—with the firm revealing a brand refresh following last year’s crypto pivot.

Previously known as Sharplink Gaming and focusing on gambling marketing, the firm is now known simply as Sharplink, and has adopted the tagline, “Ethereum with an edge.” The publicly traded company said that the brand refresh and website overhaul better reflect its positioning in the treasury space.

"This evolution reflects alignment between Sharplink's brand and our mission to be the most productive and durable Ethereum vehicle available to investors," said Sharplink CMO Mandy Campbell, in a release. "Sharplink has and will remain focused on transparency, measurable results, and Ethereum advocacy. Our brand now reflects that focus and alignment with both our institutional and retail investors."

In a new 13F filing with the SEC, the company said that institutional ownership of SBET stock has risen to 46% as of December 31, 2025, with about 60 additional institutional investors adding positions during the period.

“This record level of institutional ownership confirms that sophisticated investors want disciplined execution and institutional-grade risk management,” Sharplink CEO Joseph Chalom said, in a statement. “Many of these investors are choosing Sharplink because of our focus on productivity—Sharplink stakes nearly 100% of its ETH holdings and has staked our holdings since the beginning.”

“Even during volatile markets, we continue growing our ETH concentration per share,” he added. “No matter the price of the underlying asset, institutions know they can trust us to keep generating long-term value for our stockholders.”

Sharplink reported total ETH holdings of 867,798 ETH, worth about $1.68 billion as of this writing. That tally is up slightly since the last reported sum in December, thanks to staking rewards that provide a steady stream of yield on its holdings.

Sharplink ranks second in Ethereum treasuries based on total holdings, substantially behind leader BitMine Immersion Technologies with its roughly $8.5 billion stash.

The price of Ethereum has fallen dramatically in the last few months, recently trading at $1,939—a more than 60% drop since peaking at $4,946 last August.

That plunge has put every major Ethereum treasury company underwater with unrealized losses, with Sharplink nursing an estimated $1.39 billion paper loss according to data from DropsTab. But BitMine’s estimated paper loss is even larger in terms of percentage, sitting just shy of $8.1 billion.

Sharplink stock is up about 1% on the day, recently trading at $6.66. SBET has fallen over 39% in the last month as crypto prices have cratered, with Ethereum itself marking a 35% dip during the same span.

Chalom recently told Decrypt that Sharplink aims to set itself apart in 2026 by focusing on growing its Ethereum holdings when prudent, but not putting constant ETH accumulation above all—and not making unrelated investments as some other treasury firms have done in recent months.

“We’re not going to be the people who are prioritizing accumulation over everything,” he said. “2026 is really differentiating ourselves from the pack, and being viewed as the focused, disciplined digital asset treasury.”

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Quiet networks and idle supply point to social demotivation, which often appears before sentiment and price narratives flip.

Bitcoin has been trading around the mid-$60,000s after losing significant ground from its late-2025 highs. It has failed to reclaim the psychologically crucial $70,000 threshold despite several attempts.

On-chain activity of the world’s largest cryptocurrency and blockchain is showing signs of stagnation, according to data shared by Alphractal.

Bearish Divergence Builds The firm reported that Bitcoin’s active supply has stopped growing, which indicates that fewer BTC are moving across the network, and overall activity has slowed. The latest decline goes beyond market structure and reflects ” global human behavior,” as weaker prices and rising uncertainty have made participants less willing to act.

Alphractal explained that holders are increasingly keeping coins idle, which has resulted in a quieter network. This phase is being described as “social demotivation” on-chain, amid emotional fatigue, reduced engagement, and a lack of conviction. Such changes in behaviour often surface before broader market narratives change.

Santiment’s data also reported a sharp deterioration in Bitcoin’s network activity compared with 2021 levels, with 42% fewer unique BTC addresses making transactions and 47% fewer new addresses being created. These trends do not mean crypto is “dead” or that a multi-year bear market is inevitable. However, the analytics platform did highlight a clear bearish divergence developed throughout 2025, as total market capitalizations continued to reach new highs even as BTC’s on-chain utility declined.

Whale Accumulation Accelerates Even as on-chain participation has slowed, accumulation by large BTC holders has accelerated. Bitcoin whale accumulation has increased by more than 200,000 BTC in recent weeks. While whale inflows to exchanges have picked up, a trend often linked to short-term selling, overall whale holdings have continued to rise.

To assess behavior over a longer timeframe, CryptoQuant tracks whale-held supply using monthly averages rather than short-term flows. This metric dropped sharply to nearly minus 7% on December 15 but has since reversed, as whale holdings increased by 3.4% over the past month.

You may also like: Bitcoin Range-Bound Under Pressure as Analysts Eye $55,000 Bitcoin Still Being Bought, Just Much More Cautiously: Report Bitcoin Entering Phase 2 Bear Market, Analyst Warns During this period, the amount of Bitcoin held by whales grew from around 2.9 million BTC to more than 3.1 million BTC. CryptoQuant observed that a similar scale of accumulation last occurred during the April 2025 market correction, when whale buying helped absorb selling pressure and boosted the BTC rally from $76,000 to $126,000. With Bitcoin being 46% below its peak, the current level could be encouraging some large holders to accumulate.

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Coinbase has added Dogecoin as collateral for crypto-backed loans, but the announcement hasn't lifted prices. Dogecoin trades at $0.09739 as macro pressure and market fear weigh on sentiment.

A key volatility indicator for Bitcoin (BTC) has narrowed to its tightest measurement on record, a pattern that was followed by a multi-month rally in previous bull and bear markets. Will the Bollinger Bands indicator call the market bottom again?

Record Bitcoin Bollinger Band compression hints at volatilityAnalyzing the monthly Bitcoin chart, crypto analyst Dorkchicken noted that BTC’s Bollinger Bands are currently at their “tightest” level on record. Such conditions have repeatedly led to bullish breakouts, with the only prior downtrend from similar conditions occurring in 2022, during the drop to $16,000 from $20,000.

Bitcoin Bollinger Bands analysis. Source: Dorkchicken/XBollinger Bands measure price volatility, and extreme compression often leads to a sharp expansion. The analyst added that there are higher odds of an upside trend once expansion begins.

On the contrary, Bitcoin trader Nunya Bizniz pointed to an approaching 50- and 200-period simple moving average (SMA) death cross on the three-day chart. A death cross occurs when the shorter-term moving average falls below the longer-term average, signaling weak price momentum. 

Across the past three instances, the pattern marked drawdowns of around 50% over the following one to six months and aligned closely with final cycle capitulation phases.

Bitcoin death cross on the 3-day chart. Source: Nunya Bizniz/XA similar path may imply a potential bottom between March and August near $33,000. The trader also said that BTC has spent 110 days below its short-term holder cost basis of $89,800. During previous cycle lows, the price typically remained under that level for nearly 200 days on average. 

Market analyst Ardi also noted that the long futures exposure from retail traders has increased on each dip to $68,000 from $88,000. Currently, 72% of tracked retail accounts are long into a descending trendline. 

While this reflects early signs of market optimism, each recent surge in long positioning has been followed by a sharp sell-off. With positioning once again elevated, these longs remain vulnerable to liquidation, increasing the risk of a liquidity hunt if the price moves lower.

Bitcoin analysis by Ardi. Source: XBTC's Sharpe ratio is interesting, but $70,000 remains the level to crackCrypto analyst MorenoDV said that Bitcoin’s short-term Sharpe Ratio has dropped to -38.38, matching levels last seen in 2015, 2019, and late 2022. 

The Sharpe ratio measures the risk-adjusted return, and deeply negative readings mark periods of deep drawdown and volatility. Each extremely low ratio signal has aligned closely with the major cycle lows, leading to strong BTC rallies, with the analyst noting that the current price range may be a “generational buy zone.” 

Bitcoin Sharpe Ratio. Source: CryptoQuantGlassnode data calls for confirmation through a stronger BTC demand absorption. Since early February, each move above the $70,000 level has stalled as the net realized profits exceeded $5 million per hour.

Glassnode added that in Q3 2025, profit-taking between $200 to 350 million per hour did not interrupt the advance to new highs in Q4. 

BTC net realized Profit/Loss (24hr). Source: GlassnodeThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.

TL;DR

INJ jumped over 12% after IIP-619 passed, trading near $3.387 and printing an intraday spike to $3.95, despite broad weakness. The proposal won 99.99% support from staked participants and targets upgrades to Injective’s MultiVM, including deeper Chainlink oracle integration. Pineapple Financial said it accumulated over 7 million INJ, 7% of supply, while daily fees sit around 14,000 INJ, but sentiment stays cautious with INJ still 90% below its all-time high. Injective (INJ) ripped higher after a key network governance vote cleared, outperforming a broader altcoin tape that stayed heavy. A single approval became a sentiment reset for INJ as the token jumped more than 12% and traded around $3.387, according to an official market update. Another factor pulling attention back was Pineapple Financial’s disclosed accumulation under its DAT initiative, which the update linked to renewed institutional interest. The item IIP-619 targets upgrades to Injective’s MultiVM EVM. Even with the bounce, the token remains more than 90% below its all-time high, keeping risk teams cautious.

99.99% of stakers have voted YES for IIP-619 to release a brand new Injective mainnet upgrade that launches the most advanced MultiVM architecture to date.

Novel models for interoperability. Faster speeds. Dynamic RWAs. And much more.

Voting officially closes in 17 hours.

— Injective 🥷 (@injective) February 18, 2026

Catalysts Behind INJ Surge The governance greenlight centered on IIP-619, a proposal designed to upgrade Injective’s real-time EVM architecture and broaden the network’s MultiVM footprint. Governance passed with near-unanimous validator support as 99.99% of staked participants voted in favor, setting expectations for a faster and higher-capacity execution layer across multiple virtual machines. Following the official announcement, INJ climbed from about $3 to roughly $3.40 and, at one point, spiked to $3.95. The proposal also points to deeper integration with Chainlink oracles for real-time feeds. It strengthens payments support and aims to improve pricing data for derivatives and RWAs.

Alongside the protocol catalyst, Pineapple Financial said a new dashboard shows it has accumulated more than 7 million INJ, equal to 7% of total supply, with holdings rising through February. A large, disclosed holder is acting like a stabilizing bid even as broader altcoin sentiment remains cautious. On-chain, Artemis data put daily transaction fees around 14,000 INJ, extending a multi-year uptrend that signals sustained usage. Everstake argued that rising fees over time reflect real staking, building, and trading rather than passive holding. But analysts warned these positives may not offset the sector’s risk aversion.

For portfolio managers, the move reads less like a breakout and more like a stress test of narrative durability. Execution risk now replaces hype as the core KPI because IIP-619 must translate into measurable throughput, better developer experience, and reliable oracle-connected pricing for DeFi workloads. With INJ still more than 90% below its all-time high, incremental inflows matter, and the market will watch whether DAT’s accumulation continues or pauses. If network fees and participation stay firm, the rally can build credibility; if not, it risks fading into mean reversion. Next checkpoints are upgrades, flows.

SWIFT is bound to launch a multi-chain blockchain ledger, naming the XRP-embracing HSBC a managing partner.

Market Sentiment:

Bullish Bearish Neutral

Published: February 19, 2026 │ 8:25 PM GMT

Created by Kornelija Poderskytė from DailyCoin

Last year, SWIFT announced that they would add a blockchain-based ledger to their ecosystem. In need to make cross-border payments immediate, this looks like a seismic shift. Right now, the 50-year old European financial conglomerate unifies over 11,000 financial institutions across the globe, offering their banking services to approximately 200 countries worldwide.

SWIFT Runs The Show For New Blockchain PartnersOne particular partner is HSBC, the major British bank that’s been involved with Ripple’s XRP chain. The shaping of a tokenized digital financial system can’t ignore the popularity of XRP, which is already used by HSBC via Metaco’s Harmonize platform. Namely, Ripple acquired Metaco back in 2023.

Sponsored

This makes one fact clear – HSBC, a major bank that’s already guaranteed a seat at SWIFT’s table, is making use of the Ripple-owned Metaco Harmonize custody platform. Running infra on Ripple’s Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) might not come as a surprise since SWIFT has been testing XRP in Q4 of 2025 on their rails, but this time there’s no room for speculation.

SWIFT’s CEO Javier Pérez-Tasso touched upon the topic of the intersection between TradFi & crypto in last year’s Sibos conference: “You may think, ‘Wow, aren’t those opposites? Swift and blockchain. TradFi and DeFi. Can they really go together?’ In the regulated system of the future, we believe they can. Banks are ready for it.”

Is XRP Ledger SWIFT’s Creme-de-la-Creme Choice?This aligns with the broader utility-driven narrative for crypto in 2026, while SWIFT’s new ISO 20022 global messaging standard draws a line between utility coins & speculative assets. For SWIFT, altcoins like XRP, Stellar Lumens (XLM) & Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) could serve as bridge assets in the new structure, but that’s to be determined.

‼️SWIFT SIBOS: “XRP AND XLM WILL PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE FLYWHEEL ADOPTION OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES”‼️

XRP + XLM

SWIFT knows.😶‍🌫️

Listen closely.👇 pic.twitter.com/7pPHcmW2oz

— SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) October 27, 2025 One thing is clear – SWIFT is urging the blockchain industry to unite in putting together the pieces. With XRP’s SWIFT testing & the Metaco Harmonize acquisition, the OG altcoin looks like a top choice, but the broader perspective suggests that SWIFT’s preparing a multi-chain transition, rather than simply picking one lucky winner.

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People Also Ask:What is SWIFT’s new payment stack and their blockchain shift?

SWIFT announced at Sibos 2025 a blockchain-based shared ledger for 24/7 cross-border payments and tokenized assets, developed with over 40 banks including HSBC.

How does HSBC’s use of Metaco’s Harmonize link to XRP?

HSBC adopted Harmonize in 2023 for digital asset custody, now owned by Ripple post-acquisition.

Is there proof of a direct XRP-SWIFT connection?

No official direct integration, but speculation points to testing XRP for liquidity in ISO 20022-aligned payments alongside HBAR and LINK.

What could this mean for XRP’s role?

It positions XRP for potential adoption in $25T daily flows as banks bridge TradFi and crypto, with Ripple’s fast, low-cost settlements complementing SWIFT’s upgrades—though outcomes hinge on pilots and regs.

DailyCoin's Vibe Check: Which way are you leaning towards after reading this article?

Market Sentiment

100% Bullish

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.