Market Signal Briefing

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE: BBWI) between June 4, 2024 and November 19, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 16, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Bath & Body Works securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Bath & Body Works class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50622 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 16, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, and that defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Bath & Body Works' strategy of pursuing "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" was not growing the customer base and/or delivering the level of growth in net sales touted; (2) as Bath & Body Works' strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" faltered, it relied on brand collaborations "to carry quarters" and obfuscate otherwise weak underlying financial results; (3) as a result, Bath & Body Works was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Bath & Body Works' business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Body & Body Works class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50622 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283990

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND) between February 27, 2025 and November 11, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 24, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Beyond Meat securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Beyond Meat class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=16090 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 24, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the book value of certain of Beyond Meat's long-lived assets exceeded their fair value, making it highly likely that Beyond Meat would be required to record a material, non-cash impairment charge; (2) the foregoing was likely to impair Beyond Meat's ability to timely file its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (3) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Beyond Meat class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=16090 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283992

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

Contact Us

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

© Zapp2Photo / Shutterstock.com

Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) dropped 9.15% this week, closing at $16.09 on Friday. The quantum computing pioneer is navigating three distinct storylines that explain both the volatility and the skepticism seen in the company’s share price recently.

Performance: A Brutal Start to 2026 Rigetti is down 27.36% year-to-date and 37.44% over the past month. The stock peaked at $58.15 in mid-October but has since given back most of those gains. For context, the one-year return still sits at 31.35%, but momentum has clearly reversed. The company trades at a 660x price-to-sales ratio with $7.49 million in trailing twelve-month revenue and a $4.95 billion market cap.

It’s well known that quantum computing is largely a pre-revenue space. Even under fairly optimistic modeling from Wall Street, Riggetti will remain profitless into 2029 and see revenue at $197 million. That would still leave the company trading for more than 25X its 2029 sales today.

However, these numbers show how much the quantum space is at the whims of investor sentiment. With few business results across the next five years, quantum stocks trade more on optimism of what the space could be in the next 5 to 10 years. That sentiment can swing wildly.

Storyline 1: TD Cowen Cuts the Hype On February 12, TD Cowen analyst Krish Sankar downgraded Rigetti to Hold, citing increased costs in the quantum computing field and heightened competition that make the current valuation overly optimistic. The analyst specifically flagged 2027 revenue estimates as unrealistic. This matters because Wall Street had been treating quantum stocks like lottery tickets. Sankar’s note was a reality check: “The quantum industry faces a challenging and expensive path to success.” The consensus price target sits at $38.85, implying upside, but that downgrade shifted sentiment fast.

Across Wall Street, estimates place 2027 sales at $45.39 million. We’ll see if there are any downward revisions to that number in the coming weeks after Sankar’s downgrade.

Storyline 2: Roadmap Delays Signal Execution Risk Rigetti postponed the launch of its Cepheus-1-108Q quantum computer in early February, a development that raised questions about technical execution. The company reported $1.90 million in Q3 revenue, missing estimates of $2.21 million, and posted a $200.97 million net loss (losses excluding exceptional items came in at -$10.65 million). Revenue also declined 18.1% year-over-year.

CEO Subodh Kulkarni emphasized progress, saying “we remain on track to deliver our 100+ qubit chiplet-based quantum system with an anticipated 99.5% median two-qubit gate fidelity by the end of 2025.” But the roadmap delay undercuts that confidence. One analysis noted “Rigetti’s ability to convert technical milestones into commercial adoption and stronger unit economics in 2026 to 2027 will be crucial for rebuilding investor confidence.”

Storyline 3: IonQ Widens the Competitive Gap IonQ (NYSE:IONQ | IONQ Price Prediction) announced a significant acquisition to bring quantum hardware manufacturing in-house, putting pressure on Rigetti’s market position. IonQ reported $39.87 million in Q3 revenue, 20 times Rigetti’s quarterly figure, and holds $3.5 billion in pro-forma cash after a $2 billion equity offering. IonQ also achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate performance, a technical milestone.

Prediction markets reflect this gap: the probability of the US government taking an equity stake in Rigetti by year-end 2026 sits at just 8.05%, compared to 50% for IonQ and 27% for D-Wave.

Rigetti still has $558.9 million in cash and government contracts like the $5.8 million AFRL award, but the competitive landscape is tightening. Sentiment continued shifting in the wrong direction, but it’s clear what Rigetti needs to do to change its narrative: hit on technical milestones and gain commercial adoption across the next 18 months.

February 1 4 , 2026, Lode Gold Resources Inc (TSX.V: LOD | LODFF: OTCQB) (the “Company” or “Lode Gold”) has provided an update on the previously announced conditional approval from the Canadian Securities Exchange for the listing of the company's subsidiary 1475039 B.C. Ltd. (Gold Orogen) on the CSE by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) concurrent with the reverse takeover of CSE-listed Great Republic Mining. The assets of Gold Orogen are described below in the About Gold Orogen (1475039 B.C. Ltd.) section. The concurrent closings of the arrangement and RTO are anticipated on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, previously Feb 11, see news release here ) with the receipt of CSE final approval expected imminently thereafter. Registered shareholders of Lode Gold will be entitled to receive a distribution of 0.5739 share of Gold Orogen for each common share of Lode Gold held as of the day before the effective date of February 18 th , 2026.

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER | UBER Price Prediction) stock slid 6.41% this week, closing at $69.98 on Friday. That’s sharper than the 1.29% decline in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF, extending a brutal start to 2026. Year to date, Uber is down 14.36% while the broader market sits flat.

Let’s dive into three storylines that shaped the week.

The Earnings Miss That Started It All The sell-off began on February 4, when Uber reported Q4 2025 earnings that shocked investors. The company posted adjusted EPS of $0.71, missing the $0.7788 consensus.

This broke a seven-quarter streak of beats and marked the worst surprise since Q1 2024. Revenue of $14.37 billion came in light, though the company delivered 20% year-over-year growth.

Arete Research lowered its price target from $125 to $120, and Citigroup trimmed its target as well. The consensus now sits at $105.26, implying 50% upside from current levels but down from prior expectations.

Here’s the bottom line: 30 days ago, Wall Street expected Uber to deliver $4.15 in adjusted EPS in 2026. That number is now $3.30. That’s the key reason why shares have fallen so much this year. Expectations for Uber’s profitability this year have dropped dramatically. 

The Legal Verdict That Rattled Investors On February 13, a federal jury in Arizona ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million to a woman sexually assaulted by a driver. This was the first bellwether trial in multidistrict litigation concerning driver assaults. While Uber called it a partial victory, the specific jury findings are expected to significantly benefit plaintiffs’ leverage in thousands of remaining cases.

Reddit sentiment turned sharply bearish early in the week, with the post “Uber found liable in sex assault case” gaining 315 upvotes and 41 comments by Sunday, February 8. Sentiment scores dropped to the 28-38 range. The case raises questions about liability exposure for gig-economy platforms using contractor models.

The Autonomous Vehicle Expansion That Offers Hope Amid the negativity, Uber advanced its autonomous vehicle strategy. On February 12-13, the company launched a robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi with WeRide, covering roughly 70% of the city’s core areas. The fleet has quadrupled in size since December 2024, and the partnership commits to deploying at least 1,200 robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh by 2027. Passengers order through the Uber app, though safety operators remain in vehicles.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi framed this as central to the company’s future: “We enter 2026 with a rapidly growing topline, significant cash flow, and a clear path to becoming the largest facilitator of AV trips in the world.” The autonomous push could eventually improve margins if Uber can reduce driver costs, but it requires massive upfront investment. That tension between current profitability and future positioning explains why the stock trades at 15x trailing earnings despite growth that would typically command a premium.

The week encapsulates Uber’s challenge: balancing near-term execution against long-term transformation while managing legacy risks. The stock now trades 30% below its 52-week high as investors weigh the autonomous strategy against earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 that continue to decline.

New Jersey Resources delivers regulated gas distribution and renewable energy services to over half a million customers in the Northeast.

Bragg Financial Advisors, Inc reported a purchase of 205,627 shares of New Jersey Resources (NJR +0.91%) in its February 13, 2026, SEC filing, an estimated $9.50 million trade based on quarterly average pricing.

What happenedAccording to an SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, Bragg Financial Advisors increased its holding in New Jersey Resources by 205,627 shares during the fourth quarter. The estimated value of shares purchased was $9.50 million, calculated using the average closing price for the quarter. The quarter-end value of the position increased by $8.39 million, reflecting both purchase activity and share price movements.

What else to knowFollowing the buy, NJR represents 1.12% of Bragg’s reportable 13F AUM.Top five fund holdings after the filing:NASDAQ: AAPL: $81.81 million (2.66% of AUM)NASDAQ: MSFT: $80.23 million (2.61% of AUM)NASDAQ: GOOGL: $73.00 million (2.38% of AUM)NYSEMKT: VBR: $62.54 million (2.04% of AUM)NYSE: RLI: $49.95 million (1.63% of AUM)As of February 12, 2026, shares of NJR were priced at $53.74, up 22.1% over the past year and outperforming the S&P 500 by 9.15 percentage points.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$2.2 billionNet income (TTM)$326.8 millionDividend yield3.4%Price (as of market close February 12, 2026)$53.74Company snapshotNew Jersey Resources Corporation provides regulated natural gas distribution, commercial and residential solar projects, wholesale energy management, and natural gas storage and transportation services.The company operates a diversified model with revenue from regulated utility operations, renewable energy investments, and unregulated energy services.It serves hundreds of thousands of residential and commercial customers primarily in New Jersey, with additional reach in the northeastern United States.New Jersey Resources Corporation is a diversified energy services holding company with a significant presence in regulated gas distribution and clean energy ventures.

What this transaction means for investorsNew Jersey Resources has been doing well, so it’s not surprising a fund would be leaning in. The firm opened fiscal 2026 with $122.5 million in net income and $118.2 million in net financial earnings. Management raised full-year net financial earnings per share guidance to a range of $3.28 to $3.43, marking the sixth consecutive year of higher guidance. The core utility business, New Jersey Natural Gas, delivered $83.8 million in quarterly earnings, up from $66.9 million a year earlier thanks to a full quarter impact of base rate increases and stronger gross margin.

Energy Services also stepped up, with earnings more than doubling year over year as natural gas price volatility supported margins. Meanwhile, the company continues investing heavily, deploying $163.6 million in capital this quarter and outlining a $4.8 billion to $5.2 billion plan through 2030.

At 1.1% of assets, this position sits below mega cap anchors like Apple, Microsoft and Alphabet but adds a steady, regulated cash flow profile to a growth-heavy portfolio. Shares are up 22% over the past year and yield about 3.5%. For long-term investors, the appeal lies in visible earnings growth, diversified segments and disciplined capital deployment. The real test will be sustaining the firm’s 7% to 9% earnings growth target.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

This e-commerce leader trades at an incredible value right now.

Growth stocks can present excellent opportunities to build a portfolio over a long investment horizon. But after three-plus years of the stock market climbing higher, propelled primarily by growth stocks, many of the top companies appear overpriced. While growth stock investors are usually less concerned with price than with growth potential, valuation still matters.

But for those willing to dig into individual companies, there are still many great growth stocks trading at fair or even better valuations. One stock, in particular, looks like a no-brainer opportunity, and you can buy shares for less than $50 right now. Here's why investors should take a closer look at Chewy (CHWY 0.25%).

Image source: Getty Images.

Add this stock to your cart If you have a pet, you probably know about Chewy. It's the leading e-commerce provider for pet supplies. What makes Chewy such an attractive business is its customer loyalty.

It sports a net sales retention rate greater than 100%. That means all the customers it signs up in one year end up spending more the next year and even more the year after that. The company's oldest cohorts, who started buying from Chewy in the early 2010s, now spend over $1,000 per year with the pet supply retailer.

That growth is supported by its Autoship program, which accounted for 84% of its sales in the third quarter of 2025. With such a large percentage of sales coming from the recurring shipment program, Chewy can predict sales, manage inventory, and reduce shipping expenses, leading to higher operating margins over time. It produced a 5.4% adjusted EBITDA margin over the trailing 12 months, and management's targeting a 10% margin over the long run.

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Chewy's recent push into pet healthcare, insurance, and advertising should support margin expansion. All three tie in well with its core retail operations, with the opportunity to ship prescription medications alongside toys and treats every month, leading to higher-margin sales without a significant increase in operating expenses for the retail business. The integration should further strengthen customer loyalty, improving its net revenue retention rates.

Chewy continues to bring in new customers while increasing the spending of its older customers across its growing portfolio of services, anchored by its online retail operations. That should produce solid revenue growth in the high single digits. But with consistent improvements in its operating margin, its earnings are set to grow much faster. Analysts expect 23% earnings-per-share growth this year.

At under $25 per share, the stock trades for just 19 times 2026 earnings expectations, making it an extremely attractive growth stock. Readers with $50 to get started investing should certainly consider picking up a couple of shares.

UGI delivers propane, natural gas, and electricity to over a million customers through its integrated energy infrastructure network.

Bragg Financial Advisors disclosed a buy of 207,861 shares of UGI (UGI +1.36%) in its February 13, 2026, SEC filing, an estimated $7.36 million trade based on quarterly average pricing.

What happenedAccording to a SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, Bragg Financial Advisors, Inc increased its stake in UGI (UGI +1.36%) by 207,861 shares last quarter. The estimated transaction value, based on the mean unadjusted close price over the quarter, was $7.36 million. The fund’s quarter-end exposure to UGI rose to 1,316,362 shares, with the position’s value up $12.40 million from the prior filing.

What else to knowTop holdings after the filing:NASDAQ: AAPL: $81.81 million (2.66% of AUM)NASDAQ: MSFT: $80.23 million (2.61% of AUM)NASDAQ: GOOGL: $73.00 million (2.38% of AUM)NYSEMKT: VBR: $62.54 million (2.04% of AUM)NYSE: RLI: $49.95 million (1.63% of AUM)As of February 12, 2026, shares of UGI were priced at $38.26, up about 23% over the past year and outperforming the S&P 500 by 10.64 percentage points.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$7.34 billionNet Income (TTM)$600.00 millionDividend Yield3.86%Price (as of market close 2/12/26)$38.26Company snapshotUGI Corporation distributes propane, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), natural gas, liquid fuels, and electricity; provides storage, logistics, and related services.The company operates through AmeriGas Propane, UGI International, Midstream & Marketing, and UGI Utilities segments, generating revenue primarily from energy distribution and infrastructure services.It serves residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and wholesale customers in the United States and internationally, with a significant customer base in Pennsylvania.UGI Corporation is a diversified energy distributor with a broad portfolio spanning propane, natural gas, and electricity. The company leverages an integrated infrastructure network to deliver energy products and services to customers across multiple markets. Its scale and multi-segment approach provide resilience and access to stable, regulated revenue streams.

What this transaction means for investorsA diversified utility adding exposure to a portfolio heavy with mega cap tech changes the risk profile in subtle but important ways. UGI opened fiscal 2026 with $2.08 billion in quarterly revenue and 5% growth in total reportable segment EBIT to $441 million. Adjusted diluted EPS came in at $1.26. The Utilities segment delivered 12% operating income growth, helped by base rate increases in Pennsylvania and 16% growth in core market volumes during colder weather. Meanwhile, UGI International expanded operating income 20% despite lower LPG volumes, supported by disciplined margin management.

Management is also reshaping the portfolio. Agreements to divest LPG businesses in several European countries are expected to generate roughly $215 million in cash, while Moody’s upgraded AmeriGas’ outlook to positive. Rate case filings requesting $99 million and $27 million in distribution increases underscore a focus on regulated earnings growth.

At just over 1% of assets, this position sits well below Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet, but it adds income stability and infrastructure exposure. And with shares up about 23% over the past year, along with a roughly 4% dividend, it makes sense why a fund would choose to double down on the holding.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Investors should be looking for ways to gain exposure to this powerful technological trend.

It's hard to fathom the amount of money that's being spent on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. This has become a major contributor to the economy. And it seems the vast majority of businesses on Earth want to leverage these new tools to grow revenue and cut costs.

Investors need to be mindful of what's taking place, figuring out where to allocate capital. Continue reading to find out what AI stock might be the best to own for the next 10 years to take advantage of this growth.

Image source: Getty Images.

Meet the comprehensive AI investment opportunity Investors who want exposure to the entire AI stack should look no further than Alphabet (GOOGL 1.08%) (GOOG 1.10%). The internet pioneer is involved in seemingly every area of the AI industry.

DeepMind is Alphabet's AI research lab. The business is developing its own chips, known as Tensor Processing Units. There's Google Cloud, which just posted 48% year-over-year revenue growth and a stellar 30% operating margin in Q4 thanks to robust demand for AI products and services.

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Alphabet also has numerous consumer-facing apps that are being enhanced by AI. Its native Gemini app had 750 million monthly active users last quarter. And the company's ad customers, which contribute 72% of its entire revenue base, are better able to target their audiences with AI-powered capabilities.

With shares trading at a reasonable forward price-to-earnings ratio of 28.8, and many years of strong earnings growth ahead of it, this is the leading AI investment opportunity for the next decade.

Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds sellers of Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) Class A common stock between January 15, 2025 and March 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 18, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you sold Endeavor Class A common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Endeavor class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51048 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 18, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: The lawsuit seeks to recover damages on behalf of investors that were damaged as a result of allegedly false and misleading statements and omissions of material facts in the January 15, 2025 Information Statement (filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to the securities laws) and subsequent amendment issued by defendants, and related filings with the SEC. Among other things, the complaint alleges the Information Statement and other solicitation materials misled investors regarding the true value of Endeavor's shares, failed to adequately disclose the earnings of Endeavor's executives under the terms of the Merger (a take-private merger), and failed to disclose conflicts of interests with Endeavor's special committee and financial advisor.

To join the Endeavor class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51048 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283898

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

Contact Us

These two mining companies offer investors exposure to rising silver prices, but there are some important differences in their business models.

Precious metals have come into focus over the past two years amid a historic surge. Geopolitical tensions and industrial demand are driving prices for precious metals, including silver, significantly higher. In the past year, the iShares Silver Trust, which tracks silver prices, has surged 160%.

Investors are flocking into silver at the same time that there has been a multi-year shortage of the precious metal. Over the past five years, demand has outpaced supply, and this is expected to persist into 2026.

The surge in the metal's prices creates an opportunity for the stocks of silver miners, including First Majestic Silver (AG +6.30%) and Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM +4.84%). If you're looking to gain exposure to silver prices through the mining industry, here's what you need to know about these two vastly different businesses.

Image source: Getty Images.

First Majestic vs. Wheaton Precious Metals First Majestic Silver is a traditional mining company that owns, develops, and operates mines in Mexico and the U.S. The company spans exploratory drilling and environmental permitting, up to the excavation of tons of rock.

Last year, the company acquired Gatos Silver, giving it a 70% interest in the high-grade Los Gatos mine in Mexico. It's considered one of the top pure-play silver miners, with 57% of its revenue from the metal as of the third quarter last year.

The company is a leveraged play on silver prices. That's because it has a fixed cost to run its mines, and increases in silver's price hit its bottom line as profit. And the business is largely unhedged against long-term silver prices. But this leverage can cut both ways. If silver drops or mining costs rise, the profit margin can evaporate quickly.

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Wheaton Precious Metals operates under a different business model. It doesn't own shovels, trucks, or mines; instead, it acts as a financier for the mining industry. It uses a streaming model, and in a streaming agreement, it provides up-front payment to a mining company that needs capital to build or expand a mine.

This model allows Wheaton to share production and operating risks without bearing the direct risks of operating a mine. In return, the company gets the right to purchase a percentage of the precious metals produced by that mine for the life of the project at a predetermined discounted price. For example, in the third quarter, its average cash cost of silver was $6.35 per ounce, providing it with cost predictability and protection against inflationary pressures that miners could face.

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Which mining stock is right for you? The mining stock you invest in depends on what your goal is and what your outlook is. If you invest in First Majestic, you believe the company will do a good job of managing its costs, and you hope for further upside in silver prices. As the metal's price rises, First Majestic's profit margins will grow with it (if mining costs don't rise in step).

Wheaton Precious Metals provides investors with a way to collect mining profits through its diversified portfolio of companies it has funded, and it is a better alternative for more-conservative investors seeking exposure to silver without the operational costs of a mining company.

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

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Constellation Energy Corp (NASDAQ:CEG) surged 10.33% this week, closing at $288.43 on Friday, February 13. The move reversed recent losses, though the stock remains down 18.35% year-to-date. Three storylines drove the week: major data center power deals, bullish analyst calls, and renewed conviction around nuclear energy’s role in powering AI infrastructure.

Performance: Bouncing Back From a Rough Start to 2026 CEG’s 10.33% weekly gain outpaced the broader utilities sector, but it was a very good week across the utilities space in general.

The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLU) gained 7.27% over the same period. Despite the bounce, CEG is nursing losses from a brutal January. The stock peaked at $412.23 over the past year before sliding to current levels.

The one-month picture: CEG is down 12.7% from $330.38 on January 14. This week’s rally provides relief but not full recovery. The stock trades at a 32x trailing P/E with a $100 billion market cap.

Storyline 1: Data Center Power Deals Accelerate On February 9, Constellation announced a 380 MW power agreement with CyrusOne for a new Texas data center, with an exclusive option for an additional 380 MW. This brings Constellation’s total commitment to CyrusOne in Texas above 1,100 MW. The deal leverages Constellation’s “Powered Land Capabilities” model, bundling power generation, grid connectivity, and site infrastructure for data center operators.

The same day, Constellation secured a 20-year agreement with the Tennessee Titans to power the new Nissan Stadium with an on-site energy plant targeting 20% efficiency improvements. While less headline-grabbing, it extends Constellation’s footprint in Nashville, where it’s managed the Metro Nashville District Energy System since 2003.

These deals demonstrate Constellation’s ability to lock in long-term revenue streams tied to infrastructure buildout behind AI and cloud computing. Data centers need reliable, always-on power, and Constellation’s nuclear fleet is uniquely positioned to deliver it.

Storyline 2: Analysts See a Buying Opportunity The week brought a chorus of bullish analyst calls. Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC)’s Shahriar Pourreza lowered his price target from $478 to $460 but maintained an Overweight rating, calling CEG the “Best IPP Idea” based on asset opportunities and data center momentum. Barclays (NYSE:BCS) initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $356 target. UBS (NYSE:UBS) reiterated its Buy rating with a $420 target, while TD Cowen set a $440 target tied to the Calpine acquisition.

Zacks Investment Research flagged CEG’s +3.13% Earnings ESP, suggesting the company will likely beat expectations when it reports. The consensus: the recent pullback is a buying opportunity, not a red flag.

Storyline 3: Nuclear Energy’s AI Moment The broader narrative driving Constellation’s resurgence is recognition that AI infrastructure requires massive, reliable power. Uranium spot prices exceeded $100 per pound in January 2026, reflecting tightening supply and surging demand. The Tennessee Valley Authority reversed plans to retire coal plants, citing “accelerated increase in electricity demand from data centers and population growth.”

Constellation’s nuclear fleet is the cornerstone of its competitive advantage. The company produced 46,477 GWhs of nuclear energy in Q3 2025, up from 45,510 GWhs a year earlier. As CEO Joe Dominguez said on the last earnings call, “Momentum continues to build around reliable, clean nuclear energy as a cornerstone of America’s energy strategy.” That momentum is translating into deals, and this week’s stock move suggests more upside could be ahead.

, /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) between January 17, 2025 and November 13, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 3, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased Plug Power securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Plug Power class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=1011 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 3, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants had materially overstated the likelihood that funds attributed to the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan would ultimately become available to Plug Power, and/or that Plug Power would ultimately construct the hydrogen production facilities necessary to receive those funds; (2) as such, Plug Power was likely to pivot toward more modest projects with less commercial upside; and (3) as a result, Plug Power's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Plug Power class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=1011 https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50622 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:
      Laurence Rosen, Esq.
      Phillip Kim, Esq.
      The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
      275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
      New York, NY 10016
      Tel: (212) 686-1060
      Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
      Fax: (212) 202-3827
      [email protected]
      www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

Rivian (RIVN +26.64%) remains one of my favorite EV stocks. This year alone should prove very exciting for the company. In fact, some major milestones could be reached within a matter of weeks. Longer term, there's a good chance that Rivian gives rival Tesla a run for its money in some categories like self-driving technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Where will Rivian be three years from now? Investors should be monitoring two primary storylines.

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1. Rivian will compete at scale with Tesla in 2026 What made Tesla the $1.3 trillion giant it is today? There were many pivotal milestones over the decades, but the release of the Model 3 and Model Y -- Tesla's first affordable vehicles priced under $50,000 -- tops my list.

Nearly 70% of Americans want their next vehicle purchase to be under $50,000. Getting a true EV to market under this price point is very challenging. Only a handful of manufacturers have been able to accomplish this due to the sheer scale required.

When Tesla released its affordable models, growth exploded. Today, those two vehicles account for more than 90% of its vehicle sales.

Thus far, Rivian hasn't been able to compete directly with Tesla in the lucrative category of "mass market" vehicles -- that is, vehicles priced for mass consumption. That should all change early this year when its R2 model begins shipping. Priced under $50,000, the R2 will be the first of three new vehicles Rivian intends to launch in 2026 and 2027. All will be priced under the critical $50,000 threshold.

Tesla's mass-market models proved pivotal to its growth story. Rivian's R2 model, as well as its upcoming R3 and R3X models, could prove similarly pivotal over the next three years.

Image source: Rivian.

2. Will AI create a powerful moat for EV companies? If cars and trucks are the hardware of transportation, AI may soon prove to be the enabling software. For decades, EV leaders like Elon Musk have promised fully autonomous, self-driving vehicles. That reality has persistently been on the horizon.

AI, however, could change everything. The acceleration of AI technologies has dramatically improved self-driving technologies over a short period of time. Many experts now believe full autonomy is closer than ever.

If a carmaker wants to sell vehicles in the future, it will have to market both the hardware and its software. Self-driving technologies, driven by advancements in AI, will be key to selling vehicles within the next three years.

Tesla has invested billions into its own AI efforts. In second place, despite its steep capital disadvantage, is Rivian. The company has made several key AI announcements in recent months, putting its own AI platform at the center of its growth strategy.

There's still a lot to learn about its efforts, but Rivian appears to be betting its capital on the right growth drivers. As AI and autonomy grow in importance over the coming years, expect Rivian to keep pace with Tesla better than nearly any other EV stock.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Varonis Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRNS) between February 4, 2025 and October 28, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 9, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Varonis common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Varonis class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50337 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 9, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and or failed to disclose that: (1) Varonis would not be able to maintain ARR projections while converting both its federal and non-federal existing on-prem customers to the software-as-a-service ("SaaS") alternative offering; (2) Varonis was not equipped to convince existing users of the benefits of converting to the SaaS offering or otherwise maintain these customers on its platform, resulting in significantly reduced ARR growth potential in the near-term; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Varonis' business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Varonis class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50337 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283996

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

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Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood argues that Bitcoin is not only a hedge against inflation, but also a hedge against rapid deflation caused by technological acceleration.

Cathie Wood spoke with Anthony Pompliano at Bitcoin Investor Week to discuss a myriad of different economic topics. The focal point of their conversation, however, was centered around what she believes is a massive incoming economic disruption that will be caused by technological advancements. Wood believes that traditional financial systems are woefully underprepared for what she called a “productivity shock” that will be brought about by advancements in AI and other technology.

These technological breakthroughs will boost output and, in turn, slash costs for businesses, leading to lower prices for consumers. While this may sound good, Wood stated that this productivity shock will create deflationary chaos, as rapid price drops will upend traditional business models. Her solution to this problem is none other than Bitcoin (BTC). Wood believes it is a hedge against inflation and deflation due to its decentralized nature and fixed supply. This, among other variables, allows it to be shielded from the fragility of traditional financial structures.

Why rapid deflation driven by AI productivity gains is bad for the economy In this current era of inflation and price increases, the idea of deflation may sound like a good thing at first. After all, the idea of lower prices in today’s world, where things only seem to be getting progressively more expensive, sounds very beneficial to the average consumer. However, when deflation occurs at a rapid rate, which Wood suggests will happen due to productivity gains from artificial intelligence, it creates a problem for a debt-heavy economy like the United States.

The issue is that debt is fixed in nominal dollars. This means that, however much money one owes on their credit card balance, mortgage, or other loans, it does not adjust for inflation or deflation. This also applies to business and government (i.e., U.S. national debt), since both exist in the same U.S. financial system.

When deflation occurs, asset prices fall, salary amounts typically decrease, and business and government revenue decline. This makes it much harder for businesses, governments, and individuals to pay back their debt. For this reason, rapid, unforeseen productivity-driven deflation from AI advancements can destabilize the economy, especially in current circumstances where debt and leverage are high. Various factors like spending cutbacks, layoffs, and defaults can ensue as a result of rapid deflation, leading to economic chaos.

Bitcoin as the solution to a rapid deflationary environment Wood argues that Bitcoin is uniquely positioned for this AI-driven deflationary crisis she forecasts. For starters, Bitcoin is decentralized, meaning it is a non-sovereign asset that exists outside of traditional financial systems. It also has a scarce, capped supply. This means that, unlike fiat currencies, it can’t be printed infinitely. The issue with printing more money to solve deflationary conditions is that it’s essentially putting a bandaid on the issue. It can relieve tensions temporarily, but it is not a sustainable solution as it creates additional issues like central bank dependency, along with policy and credit risks.

Bitcoin, on the other hand, is not controlled by any central entity. This means it is hypothetically protected from economic policy changes in response to deflationary chaos. It also has a mathematically capped supply, which cannot be infinitely expanded to manage short-term currency instability at the cost of long-term stability. The real point that Wood is trying to make is not that Bitcoin should be used by the government, central banks, or corporations to directly fight deflation. Instead, she believes it can be used as a hedge against it to protect capital from the economic instability that will arise from rapid deflationary conditions AI productivity gains may cause.

TLDR: Table of Contents

TLDR:Bitcoin Ranks as Rounding Error in $100 Trillion Asset HierarchySmall Allocation Shifts Generate Outsized Bitcoin Price ImpactsInstitutional Infrastructure Enables Cross-Asset Capital Flows Bitcoin’s $1.4 trillion market cap represents just 4% of gold’s $35 trillion global valuation share  Cryptocurrency comprises 0.4% of bond markets and 1.2% of equities in proportional asset analysis  Top 100 institutions control 1.13 million BTC while daily mining produces only 450 new coins total  One percent reallocation from gold holdings would generate $350 billion in new Bitcoin demand flow Bitcoin’s position within the $100 trillion global financial system reveals stark proportional disparities compared to traditional asset classes.

The cryptocurrency’s $1.4 trillion market capitalization represents 0.4% of worldwide bond markets and 1.2% of global equities as of February 2026.

Crypto analyst Crypto Patel published detailed comparative analysis examining Bitcoin against every major asset category.

The study maps Bitcoin’s current footprint across bonds, stocks, real estate, commodities, and gold holdings. Mathematical projections demonstrate how minor capital shifts from legacy assets could reshape Bitcoin’s valuation significantly.

Bitcoin Ranks as Rounding Error in $100 Trillion Asset Hierarchy The global asset landscape totals over $100 trillion when combining all major investment categories. Bond markets alone exceed $130 trillion in aggregate value worldwide.

Global equity markets represent approximately $115 trillion in total capitalization. Real estate holdings comprise roughly $380 trillion across residential and commercial properties.

Against this backdrop, Bitcoin’s $1.4 trillion footprint appears mathematically insignificant in proportional terms.

Gold maintains a $35 trillion market capitalization, creating a 25-fold size advantage over Bitcoin. The precious metal’s dominance in store-of-value allocation reflects centuries of institutional acceptance.

Bitcoin currently captures just 4% of gold’s total market share. This comparison highlights the vast distance between digital and physical reserve assets.

Traditional investors continue allocating overwhelmingly toward established safe-haven holdings rather than emerging alternatives.

Crypto Patel’s analysis positions Bitcoin as the smallest component among major global asset classes. The cryptocurrency represents 0.37% of the $380 trillion real estate market.

Corporate and government bonds dwarf Bitcoin by factors exceeding 90 times current valuation. Even within the narrower commodities category, Bitcoin trails far behind aggregate precious metals holdings.

The proportional analysis reveals Bitcoin occupies marginal space in global wealth distribution patterns.

Small Allocation Shifts Generate Outsized Bitcoin Price Impacts Mathematical modeling demonstrates how percentage-based reallocations dramatically affect Bitcoin prices due to current small market cap.

A 1% shift from gold holdings into Bitcoin would generate approximately $350 billion in new demand. This capital influx would push Bitcoin’s market cap toward $1.75 trillion at current supply levels.

The price per coin would rise substantially given the fixed 21 million maximum supply. Simple proportional calculations reveal asymmetric upside potential from modest allocation changes.

Scenario analysis projects Bitcoin prices under various global asset reallocation assumptions. Capturing 10% of gold’s market share would establish a $5.4 trillion Bitcoin market cap.

This translates to approximately $257,000 per coin based on current circulating supply. A 25% share of gold markets would push valuations toward $10.15 trillion total.

The corresponding per-coin price would approach $483,000 under this allocation model. These projections assume linear market cap relationships without considering supply constraints.

Bond and equity market reallocations produce even more dramatic mathematical outcomes given their larger base sizes. Just 2% of global bond markets flowing into Bitcoin equals $2.6 trillion in new demand.

This exceeds Bitcoin’s entire current market capitalization by 85%. The supply-constrained nature of Bitcoin amplifies price impacts from institutional reallocation decisions. Traditional assets lack comparable scarcity mechanisms that magnify demand pressure effects.

Institutional Infrastructure Enables Cross-Asset Capital Flows Bitcoin exchange-traded funds launched in January 2024 created regulated pathways for traditional capital allocation. Wealth management platforms now offer Bitcoin alongside conventional bond and equity products.

Major wirehouses including Bank of America and Wells Fargo distribute Bitcoin ETFs to advisory clients. This infrastructure removes previous barriers preventing institutional cross-asset reallocation. Financial advisors increasingly recommend 1% to 5% Bitcoin allocations within diversified portfolios.

Regulatory developments could unlock retirement account allocations currently restricted from Bitcoin exposure. Defined-contribution plans hold trillions in assets presently allocated entirely to traditional investments.

Potential rule changes would permit 401(k) administrators to include Bitcoin as an investment option. Even 1% reallocation from these plans would generate $87 billion in new Bitcoin demand. This represents four times the total spot ETF inflows since product launches.

Sovereign adoption patterns suggest governments may begin treating Bitcoin as a reserve asset category. The United States government maintains 328,372 BTC as a strategic holding.

This positions Bitcoin alongside gold and foreign currency reserves in official asset classifications. Other nations face game-theory incentives to establish similar positions.

Cross-border capital flows into Bitcoin could accelerate if sovereign wealth funds initiate allocation programs.

3 mins mins

What changed and why: Stańczak steps down; Aue becomes co-executive directorOn Feb. 13, 2026, Tomasz Stańczak said he will step down as co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation, with Bastian Aue taking over the role, as reported by The Block (https://www.theblock.co/post/389875/tomasz-stanczak-to-step-down-as-ethereum-foundation-co-executive-director-bastian-aue-to-take-interim-role?utmsource=openai).According to an Ethereum Foundation blog post, Stańczak framed the move as a baton pass after advancing goals such as a clearer roadmap, stronger institutional engagement, faster decision-making, compensation policies, and budget transparency (https://blog.ethereum.org/en/2026/02/13/tomasz-update?utmsource=openai). He wrote that he will refocus on hands-on protocol development, AI-integrated governance (“agentic systems”), and direct work with founders and local communities.

Why the Ethereum Foundation leadership transition matters nowThe timing points to continuity rather than disruption. The handover keeps executive leadership aligned with priorities that have recently emphasized operational clarity and external engagement, while allowing Stańczak to concentrate on technical innovation.After outlining the context, it is notable that Aya Miyaguchi, the Foundation’s president, publicly backed Aue’s readiness and organizational depth. “There is no one more ready to take on this role than Bastian,” said Miyaguchi, who also highlighted his capacity for steady leadership.

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Near-term, the change appears designed to preserve momentum on roadmap clarity and internal governance processes. Aue’s selection signals an emphasis on continuity in execution and measured institutional outreach, while avoiding abrupt shifts in priorities.Vitalik Buterin praised Stańczak’s tenure for adding efficiency and a more outward-looking posture, and he welcomed Aue to the role. These comments suggest expectations for stability while Stańczak returns to building.At the time of this writing, Ethereum (ETH) trades near $2,083.74 with very high implied volatility (18.64%) and a bearish sentiment read; RSI-14 is about 35 and recent green days are 12/30, based on data from Yahoo Scout.

What to watch next: continuity signals and areas to monitorGovernance processes and institutional outreach to monitorInvestors and developers can watch for continued budget transparency, clear decision-making pathways, and consistent engagement with external stakeholders. crypto/ethereum-foundation-gets-new-leadership-as-co-executive-director-tomasz/?utm_source=openai” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>As reported by Sherwood (https://sherwood.news/crypto/ethereum-foundation-gets-new-leadership-as-co-executive-director-tomasz/?utm_source=openai), community observers have emphasized the Foundation’s more outward-facing orientation under Stańczak.

Stańczak’s next focus: protocol development and agentic systemsStańczak has outlined plans to return to protocol engineering, explore AI-integrated governance designs described as agentic systems, and deepen on-the-ground work with founders and local communities. These are iterative, execution-driven focus areas he previously highlighted.

FAQ about Ethereum Foundation leadership transitionWho is Bastian Aue and what is his background within the Ethereum Foundation?An internal Ethereum Foundation leader known for deep organizational knowledge and alignment with core values, viewed by senior figures as capable of providing steady leadership.

How will this leadership change affect Ethereum’s roadmap and governance priorities?Expect continuity. Existing initiatives on roadmap clarity, governance processes, and institutional engagement are described as already in motion, with minimal immediate shifts anticipated.

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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Gold back over $5,000 is a market tell: fear is back. Tether just paid $150 million for the last mile. By taking ~12% of Gold.com and integrating XAU₮, Tether is buying distribution, so a USDT holder can reach for gold without leaving the crypto payment loop

Gold is trading above $5,000 an ounce again, and the mood that comes with that price level is back with it. When people start getting gold fever, they are paying for a certain feeling: safety, portability, and a hedge against the kind of macro mess that makes every other asset feel risky, according to Reuters.

Crypto, meanwhile, has been relearning an old lesson. The market can spend months persuading itself that risk is a lifestyle choice, then one ugly week compresses the whole debate into a few hours of forced selling.

That's when hedges matter. That's also when it becomes interesting that some of the hedging is happening on-chain, not outside it.

Tether’s $150 million investment in Gold.com is a clear example of how that works in practice. The company said it bought about 12% of Gold.com and plans to integrate its gold-backed token, XAU₮, into Gold.com’s platform, according to Tether.

Tether will acquire 3.371 million common shares at $44.50 per share. Gold.com plans to invest $20 million into XAU₮, according to Gold.com.

While this has been extensively reported as a corporate stake sale, much of the coverage misses what makes it matter for the rest of crypto.

A lot of tokenization projects can mint a token. Far fewer can put it in front of a person at the exact moment that person wants a hedge, with a checkout button that doesn't require a degree in wallet UI.

Tether buys the storefrontThe crypto market loves to talk about rails. What most people mean is simpler: a path from intent to action that doesn't break.

In risk-on weeks, the path is easy. Tap buy, watch candles, pretend you did fundamental work.

In risk-off weeks, the path gets crowded, emotional, and uncharacteristically practical. People ask basic questions like, “Where can I park value right now without closing my crypto accounts and waiting on banks?”

Tether’s USDT is already one answer, because it is already the default cash position for crypto. That's also why Tether can think about XAU₮ as more than a niche product.

USDT is the settlement layer. XAU₮ is the hedge wrapper. Gold.com is the storefront.

That last piece is what the deal purchases.

Gold.com is a retail precious-metals marketplace that already speaks the language of bullion buyers, including delivery, bars, coins, and the other tedious but vital details that make physical gold feel real to people.

Tether frames the partnership as a way to expand global distribution for tokenized and physical gold, according to Tether. Gold.com’s release makes the same point, while making clear that XAU₮ is part of the plan, according to Gold.com.

Put those together, and you get a plausible last-mile product. A user holds USDT, wants gold exposure, and can buy tokenized gold or physical bullion without leaving the crypto-native payment loop.

Now, instead of attracting people to DeFi, Tether only has to show up in the places people already go when they want gold.

The timing also tells you what Tether thinks the customer is asking for. Tokenized gold has a market cap close to $6 billion and has expanded fourfold since the end of 2024.

Demand has tracked gold’s rally, but the market has also carried warnings about custody, legal ownership, redemption rights, and regulatory oversight, according to Reuters. That mix is the whole story in miniature.

People want the hedge. They also want to know what they actually own.

Tether’s gold push is a well-thought-out capital allocation decision. The company bought about 27 metric tons of gold in the fourth quarter of 2025, and that gold is part of the reserves mix backing its products, according to Reuters.

Tether’s CEO has also talked about allocating 10% to 15% of Tether’s investment portfolio to physical gold, according to Reuters.

A company as influential and profitable as Tether doesn't talk like that or do any of those things if it sees gold as a seasonal accessory. It talks like that if it wants gold to sit next to Treasuries and cash equivalents as a core reserve asset.

It also talks like that if it wants a gold token to sit next to USDT as a core user asset.

There's also a human angle that is easy to miss if you only look at the product names.

In stressed markets, most users do not want exposure as much as they want something that makes them feel they have escaped the chaos, even if they never touch a bar of metal.

Tokenized gold has the potential to be that something. It's already selling a story that crypto understands: scarcity with an issuer-backed promise, tradable at any hour, transferable like any other token.

That narrative can pull in users who would never open a futures account. It can also keep them inside crypto during the weeks when they might otherwise leave entirely.

Gold tokens vs Treasury tokensTokenized gold is only one half of the on-chain risk-off story.

The other half is tokenized Treasuries, which have become the yield-bearing parking lot of the RWA world. As of Feb. 13, the total value of tokenized Treasuries sits around $10.60 billion, with about 65,000 holders and a seven-day APY around 3.16%, according to RWA.xyz.

There's no more wondering when real-world assets will come on-chain, because they already are and are drawing serious attention. Recent data shows a distributed asset value of around $24.72 billion and total asset holders of around 844,000, according to RWA.xyz.

The real question is what kind of risk-off asset becomes the default for different types of users, and under what market conditions.

Treasuries and gold solve different emotional problems. Treasuries are the grown-up hedge that pays you to wait. They give you a number you can point to, and that number is yield. In crypto terms, they help holding cash feel less like surrender because the cash is working.

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Gold is the older hedge, although one that doesn't pay you. Its pitch is that it survives regime changes and currency volatility. When gold is above $5,000 an ounce, you are watching many people pay up for that psychological utility.

A trader who wants to stay nimble might prefer a Treasury token because it behaves like a money-market fund with blockchain settlement. A user worried about monetary credibility might prefer gold because it feels like opting out of fiat.

A large share of the market will want both, depending on whether the fear of inflation or the fear of recession is louder that week.

Tokenized Treasuries already have distribution through crypto platforms that cater to yield seekers and professional money managers.

However, tokenized gold has a more awkward job. It's easy to mint a gold token, but harder to make it feel intuitive for users who have bought physical metal before. A storefront that already sells bullion can translate the product for users and expand the potential audience.

What you own when you buy tokenized goldReporting on the tokenized gold market has put consumer-protection issues in the spotlight. Even as the market expands, it carries unresolved questions about custody, legal ownership, redemption rights, and oversight, especially under stress or insolvency, according to Reuters.

Those aren't abstract academic worries. They are the difference between a hedge and a new kind of counterparty exposure.

If you buy tokenized gold, you are buying two things at once: gold exposure and issuer promises.

You should want clarity on who holds the metal. You should also want clarity on where it sits.

You should want to know whether holdings are independently verified. You should want to understand the redemption path for someone who wants out in metal rather than dollars.

You should also care about jurisdiction, because ownership can mean different things depending on what court ends up interpreting the paperwork.

None of that is unique to tokenized gold. It's the same tension that runs through stablecoins, exchanges, and most other financial wrappers.

But it matters more for a product marketed as a safe haven, because the buyer is choosing it when they do not want surprises.

That's why the Gold.com link can be either a smart bridge to a new market or a sharper liability for Tether, depending on execution.

If Gold.com can offer a clear, user-friendly path between USDT, XAU₮, and physical bullion, the product becomes accessible to a much larger audience. If the offering is vague, limited by geography, or unclear on redemption, the whole thing risks falling apart.

The near-term watch points are straightforward.

First, whether the integration ships in a form that normal users can access, and in which countries. Second, whether XAU₮ supply and usage expand in a way that shows real adoption rather than a press-release bump.

Third, whether the broader regulatory picture for tokenized commodities gets clearer, according to Reuters.

The deeper watch point is more philosophical.

Crypto has spent years arguing that it can rebuild finance. In practice, much of what it has rebuilt is the ability to move risk around quickly.

The next phase is about giving people tools to step away from risk without stepping away from the ecosystem. Tokenized Treasuries do that with yield, and tokenized gold is trying to do it with permanence.

Tether buying a stake in a gold storefront is a bet that, when fear returns, people will want their hedge to live right next to their stablecoins.

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Ethereum's latest draft standard, ERC-8004, is turning artificial intelligence (AI) agents into portable, reputation-backed economic actors across EVM chains — and 21,562 of them are already live.

Bitcoin price, along with MSTR stock, has rebounded by the end of the week, showing high volatility on Valentine’s Day. 

Shares of Strategy (MSTR), formerly MicroStrategy, surged 8.85% Friday, finishing at $133.88 after bouncing around in a range from $125.76 to $135.25. Volume was hefty, with roughly 24.6 million shares traded. 

Bitcoin surged close to 5% late Friday, after January U.S. inflation numbers landed just below forecasts. That’s giving traders some optimism about possible rate cuts ahead. 

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At press time, BTC is traded at $69,701, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

Source: CoinMarketCapStrategy remains ultimate BTC HODLer The company also put out a free writing prospectus on Friday for its “STRC” preferred stock, laying out an 11.25% annualized dividend for February and a monthly cash distribution. 

According to the SEC filing, the preferred is meant to hover close to $100 per share, with monthly tweaks to the dividend rate to keep it there. Investors on record as of Feb. 15 are set to receive their payout on Feb. 28. 

However, the mood remains weak. Bitcoin’s price has dropped almost 50% since its October 6 high, and U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs have bled outflows, with around $12 billion since November 2025. 

When recently asked whether there was a price point at which MicroStrategy would be forced to capitulate and sell its holdings, Saylor rejected the premise entirely. 

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"That's an unfounded concern. The truth is our net leverage ratio is half that of the typical investment-grade company," Saylor said. "We've got 50 years' worth of dividends in Bitcoin. We've got two and a half years' worth of dividends just in cash on our balance sheet. So we're not going to be selling; we're going to be buying Bitcoin. I expect we'll be buying Bitcoin every quarter forever."

Peter Brand issues MSTR warningVeteran trader Peter Brandt has issued a stark warning to Strategy shareholders. The chartist recently took to X to question the resolve of investors in Michael Saylor’s company, which has aggressively leveraged its balance sheet to acquire Bitcoin. 

"When on this journey will investors want to start jumping from the Sayl_boat? $BTC," Brandt wrote. "MS will do just great, but what about his investors?"

The "journey" Brandt refers to is depicted in a terrifying technical chart he shared alongside his warning. Brandt's chart shows that the leading cryptocurrency is currently in the process of breaking down from a corrective "bear flag" channel. 

BTC has now decisively lost the support of the rising channel that characterized the early 2026 consolidation. Notably, the chart includes a projected arrow pointing all the way down to $54,059.60. 

If this target plays out, it would represent a further 28% drop from current levels. For MicroStrategy, a drop to $54,000 would place their holdings billions of dollars underwater.

Argentina has a significant number of daily crypto users, with about 5 million people engaging with it regularly. Devconnect is the largest Ethereum event ever organized in terms of attendance. The decision to create a world fair format for the event was driven by the need to showcase practical a...

Key takeaways Argentina has a significant number of daily crypto users, with about 5 million people engaging with it regularly. Devconnect is the largest Ethereum event ever organized in terms of attendance. The decision to create a world fair format for the event was driven by the need to showcase practical applications of Ethereum. Argentina is an ideal location for showcasing Ethereum due to its high usage of crypto and stable coins. About 50% of the attendees at the event are local. A streamlined process with the immigration office allowed for over a thousand visas to be issued to attendees from around the world. South America is a fertile ground for crypto innovation due to monetary sovereignty and the state of the financial system. In Argentina, about 5 million people use crypto daily, which is 10% of the population. People in Argentina use crypto for payments because it is more convenient than traditional banking. Crypto transactions are common for payments, even if they exist in a legal gray area. The Ethereum Foundation’s focus on tangible interactions aligns with Argentina’s crypto-native culture. The event’s “World’s Fair” format emphasizes practical applications of Ethereum. Guest intro Nathan Sexer leads the DevConnect 2025 and Events team at the Ethereum Foundation. He spearheaded the largest Devconnect ever in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with 20,000 attendees in a “World’s Fair” format featuring tangible districts for DeFi and Privacy. As Devcon Team Lead, he announced Devcon 8 for Mumbai, India in 2026 to unify the region’s developer diaspora.

Argentina’s crypto landscape Argentina has a significant number of daily crypto users, with about 5 million people engaging with it regularly.

— Nathan Sexer

We estimate that about 5,000,000 people using on a daily basis and 20% in the country own crypto.

— Nathan Sexer

Argentina’s crypto adoption is driven by economic factors like inflation and banking inefficiencies. In Argentina, about 5 million people use crypto daily, which is 10% of the population.

— Nathan Sexer

Crypto is used for payments due to convenience over traditional banking methods. They use crypto obviously for several reasons but for payments because it’s convenient.

— Nathan Sexer

The prevalence of crypto transactions exists in a legal gray area. Crypto transactions are common for payments, even if they exist in a legal gray area.

— Nathan Sexer

The significance of Devconnect Devconnect is the largest Ethereum event ever organized in terms of attendance. It is the biggest event EF ever organized in terms of attendance we’ve almost now reached 20,000 attendees.

— Nathan Sexer

The event’s scale influences future gatherings and the overall Ethereum ecosystem. About 50% of the attendees at the event are local. We have about now 20,000 attendees and about 50% of them are locals.

— Nathan Sexer

The event’s success highlights the importance of local engagement. A streamlined visa process facilitated greater international participation. We’ve been able to set up a streamlined process with the immigration office of Argentina.

— Nathan Sexer

The world’s fair format The decision to create a world fair format was driven by the need to showcase practical applications of Ethereum. We felt that showcasing more apps, more applications of Ethereum was necessary.

— Nathan Sexer

The format responds to past criticisms about the lack of concrete applications. That was the main, if not the only criticism we got out of the event.

— Nathan Sexer

Practical applications are crucial in demonstrating Ethereum’s potential. The format emphasizes tangible interactions within the Ethereum ecosystem. The world’s fair approach aligns with Argentina’s crypto-native culture. The format aims to engage participants with real-world Ethereum applications. Argentina as a hub for Ethereum Argentina is an ideal location for showcasing Ethereum due to its high usage of crypto. There is no better place than Argentina to do that because people use crypto stable coins and Ethereum daily.

— Nathan Sexer

The local context is significant in the adoption and demonstration of blockchain technology. Argentina’s economic situation drives crypto adoption as a payment method. The country’s banking inefficiencies contribute to the use of crypto for payments. The prevalence of crypto transactions reflects its role in the local economy. Argentina’s crypto-native culture supports Ethereum’s practical applications. The event’s location highlights the importance of local crypto engagement. South America’s crypto potential South America is a fertile ground for crypto innovation due to monetary sovereignty. There’s this narrative about South America being a very fertile place for crypto innovation.

— Nathan Sexer

The state of the financial system contributes to the growth of crypto in the region. The socio-economic conditions in South America offer unique opportunities for crypto. The region’s financial challenges drive the adoption of digital assets. Crypto innovation in South America is supported by local economic needs. The narrative of South America as a crypto hub is widely recognized. The region’s potential for crypto growth is tied to its financial landscape. Practical applications of Ethereum The event’s format emphasizes practical applications of Ethereum. We felt that showcasing more apps, more applications of Ethereum was necessary.

— Nathan Sexer

Practical applications address past criticisms of the Ethereum ecosystem. The focus on applications highlights Ethereum’s potential in daily life. The event showcases Ethereum’s real-world use cases and innovations. Practical applications are crucial for demonstrating Ethereum’s value. The format aims to engage participants with hands-on Ethereum experiences. The emphasis on applications aligns with the event’s “World’s Fair” approach. Visa process and international participation A streamlined visa process allowed for over a thousand visas to be issued. We’ve been able to set up a streamlined process with the immigration office.

— Nathan Sexer

The process facilitated greater international participation in the event. The visa achievement underscores the event’s global reach and inclusivity. The streamlined process highlights the logistical success of the event. International attendees contribute to the event’s diverse engagement. The visa process reflects the event’s commitment to a borderless crypto community. The success of the visa process demonstrates effective collaboration with the government. Local engagement and event success About 50% of the event’s attendees are local, highlighting local engagement. We have about now 20,000 attendees and about 50% of them are locals.

— Nathan Sexer

Local involvement is crucial for the event’s success and impact. The event’s location in Argentina supports strong local participation. Local engagement enhances the event’s relevance and community impact. The event’s success is tied to its ability to attract local crypto enthusiasts. The high local turnout reflects Argentina’s crypto-native culture. Local engagement contributes to the event’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. The role of crypto in Argentina’s economy Crypto is used in Argentina for payments due to banking inefficiencies. They use crypto obviously for several reasons but for payments because it’s convenient.

— Nathan Sexer

The prevalence of crypto transactions highlights its role in the local economy. Argentina’s economic situation drives the adoption of digital assets. Crypto provides a convenient alternative to traditional banking methods. The legal gray area of crypto transactions reflects current practices in the industry. The use of crypto for payments is common despite legal uncertainties. Crypto’s role in Argentina’s economy is significant and growing.

Bitcoin has experienced another turbulent week marked by sustained downward pressure, reinforcing the broader bearish sentiment that has dominated the market in recent months. Despite late market relief on Friday, the leading cryptocurrency has struggled to reclaim key resistance levels and presently hovers around the $69,000 price region. Meanwhile, analysts continue to rely on on-chain data to evaluate investor behavior and forecast Bitcoin’s possible trajectory in the coming weeks.

CPI Data Lifts Risk Sentiment And Bitcoin Futures Activity In a recent QuickTake post on CryptoQuant, seasoned analyst Amir Taha draws attention to the Bitcoin market’s reaction to the latest release of the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. The market expert notes that inflation reading came in at 2.4%, surpassing market expectations and driving renewed optimism across risk assets, e.g., Bitcoin.

Following the CPI announcement, derivatives data from Binance shows a sharp increase in Bitcoin market activity. Firstly, there was a notable spike in Net Taker Volume, where a single hourly reading recorded over $265 million. The Net Taker Volume measures aggressive trading behavior in futures markets, and such a high positive value indicates buyers rushed to open long positions, likely in anticipation of a price rebound.

Additionally, the rise in Open Interest (OI) percent change suggests that traders are committing new capital into leveraged positions rather than simply closing existing trades. This surge in leveraged exposure highlights renewed speculative appetite but simultaneously introduces heightened liquidation risk if price momentum reverses.

Source: CryptoQuant Bitcoin Indicators Reveal Short-Term Stress But Long-Term Stability While the derivatives markets reflect growing bullish positioning, on-chain metrics suggest underlying fragility among short-term participants. The Short-Term Holder to Long-Term Holder (STH-LTH) Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) indicator recently declined to 0.72, falling below previous local bottoms recorded in August 2024 and April 2025.

Notably, this level indicates that STH is currently holding average unrealized losses of approximately 44%. Historically, similar declines have coincided with capitulation phases, during which weaker market participants close positions due to emotional or financial pressure.

Source: CryptoQuant Taha shares a further confirmation of this divergence using the STH-LTH Net Position Realized Cap data. Short-term holders have recorded a steep decline, with realized cap value dropping to approximately -$57 billion, indicating substantial realized losses. Conversely, long-term holders maintain a positive realized cap near $35 billion, demonstrating continued resilience and accumulation tendencies despite a major market panic among distressed short-term traders.

Taken together, the post-CPI surge in leveraged long positions alongside mounting losses among short-term holders points toward elevated market instability. As a result, Bitcoin investors should anticipate significant volatility in the near term, as the market continues to await a decisive shift in macroeconomic or on-chain momentum to establish a clear trajectory.

At press time, Bitcoin trades at $68,929, reflecting a 5.06% increase in the past day.

BTC trading at $69,092 on the daily chart | Source: BTCUSDT chart on Tradingview.com Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

Dogecoin has struggled mightily to post durable gains in recent years.

Dogecoin (DOGE +11.65%) might be extremely volatile. But its performance can't be denied. In the past 10 years, the digital asset has skyrocketed more than 34,000% (as of Feb. 10).

But the downfall is notable. As of this writing, this meme token is trading a stomach-churning 87% below its peak from May 2021. Should you buy the dip or avoid Dogecoin altogether?

Image source: Getty Images.

Only buy if you believe one thing Dogecoin is its own blockchain network, which contrasts with a lot of cryptocurrencies that are built on top of Ethereum. This means that it has less functionality.

Consequently, Dogecoin can be viewed as its own payment network. This makes it a direct competitor to Bitcoin, the world's first and most valuable cryptocurrency.

Investors who are interested in buying Dogecoin should probably be bullish on one key development occurring. Investors should only add Dogecoin to their portfolios if they have a firm belief that in the future, its adoption as a store of value and medium of exchange will grow. Again, this puts Dogecoin in a head-to-head battle against Bitcoin, which has a market cap that's about 88 times more valuable.

There's really no reason to believe the dog-themed token can hold a candle to Bitcoin, though. Bitcoin is viewed as a more legitimate financial instrument around the world. And due to its first-mover advantage, liquidity, network effect, and fixed supply, it's in a much better position to succeed in the long run.

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Betting on hype is a losing game If you don't believe that Dogecoin will make progress as a widely accepted store of value or medium of exchange, then it makes no sense to buy this token. It lacks fundamental characteristics, like a large developer network, buy-in from the traditional financial services industry and regulators, and a hard supply cap.

Dogecoin's community of supporters is what keeps it relevant. But even this seems to be fading away, as indicated by the price steadily declining in recent years. There's nothing stopping these people from flocking to the shiny new digital assets that pop up.

Of course, that doesn't mean there can't be short periods when the price rapidly rises. But allocating capital to chase this volatility, thinking you can correctly time the market, is an easy way to lose money.

The right way to invest is to buy an asset you'd be willing to own for five or 10 years. Dogecoin doesn't even come close to passing this test. Looking to the future, there's a good chance its price will be lower than it is today.

Bitcoin’s slide toward $60,000 came with the usual noise from exchanges, but the sheer size of the panic was evident somewhere else. Options tied to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) traded about 2.33 million contracts in a single trading day, a record that arrived right as price was at its most unstable.

At the same time, the underlying asset saw a record day as well. On the same day, IBIT itself printed more than 284 million shares of turnover, worth over $10 billion in notional.

While the crash took a toll on exchanges, they weren't the only ones affected by the volatility. A lot of the fear, protection, and tactical positioning ran through a regulated US-listed product and echoed into its options chain, where investors were able to express downside protection, volatility views, and hedges without touching offshore perpetual swaps.

The fact that we saw so much volatility in derivatives matters because it changes where the market leaves clues in real time. For most of Bitcoin’s life, the fastest stress read lived in offshore leverage, especially perps, where liquidations and funding could turn a drawdown into a waterfall.

Perps still matter, but this episode shows another wrapper acting as a pressure gauge. ETF options trade on US exchanges, clear through US infrastructure, and are accessible to deep pools of institutional capital.

The timing helps explain why. Bitcoin hit an intraday low around $60,017.60 on Feb. 6 before rebounding above $70,000, a violent round trip that created perfect conditions for options demand: uncertainty, gap risk, and the need to set a known worst-case outcome.

When price can move thousands of dollars in minutes, investors who already hold exposure want to protect themselves from a worse drawdown tomorrow, and options are the quickest and easiest way to do that

The record options volume caused a lot of market chatter about whether there was a hidden unwind behind the move.

Whether or not there was an unwind, the more useful focus is on what the market actually did. In moments like this, the ETF options chain can show you what kind of participants are active, because different motives leave different fingerprints in the same place.

Why the panic showed up in IBIT optionsTo understand why IBIT options are now such a dominant force in the market, we first need to understand who uses these contracts. The obvious group is directional holders. If you run a Bitcoin allocation through spot, through the ETF itself, or through a portfolio that treats IBIT as the approved wrapper, you can hedge quickly by buying puts.

A put is insurance: it costs a premium up front, and it pays out if price falls below a strike. That's a very effective tool for an investment committee that wants protection without turning its entire Bitcoin strategy upside down.

Then there are volatility traders, specialists who treat the size of the move as the product. In a crash, implied volatility can jump because everyone wants protection at once.

If you can buy options before that jump, or sell them once they're expensive, you can trade the crash without taking a long-term view on Bitcoin’s fundamentals. Those trades often come as spreads rather than single legs.

The more complex they are, the more they belong in regulated venues that can clear and net risk efficiently. Their tell is heavy turnover in spreads as implied volatility reprices.

Finally, there are basis and relative-value players, the group that makes Wall Street crypto feel like an extension of rates and equity index playbooks. Basis trades in Bitcoin often pair one instrument against another, long spot exposure and short futures, or long ETF exposure and short CME futures, capturing a carry that remains steady until volatility spikes and margin requirements jump.

When that sort of book is under stress, the quickest way to reduce risk can be buying protection through options. It can stabilize the downside while you unwind the rest of the structure over hours or days.

This is where the IBIT records start looking like a map of how risk is being warehoused. If the ETF turns over $10 billion in a day during a dump, that can mean capitulation, but it can also mean two-way activity: one participant hits out, another steps in, and dealers intermediate the flow.

Add a record 2.33 million option contracts on top, and you have a strong hint that many participants weren't just selling spot into the hole. They were reshaping exposure, adding hedges, and trading volatility itself in a venue that exists precisely to make those adjustments possible at scale.

There are three clean readings of a record options day like this, and they aren't mutually exclusive.

One reading is plain hedging demand. Price breaks, the ETF is liquid, and puts get bought because portfolios want a defined downside.

The more fear rises, the more that protection gets chased, and the more volume prints. In that version, the record is almost comforting. It shows investors using insurance rather than panic-selling their core allocation.

Another reading is forced repositioning somewhere else, with options used as a bridge. If a leveraged structure is coming apart, you might not be able to unwind it instantly without taking a huge loss.

Buying options can be a temporary stabilizer while you reduce exposures that take longer to exit. That fits the way crashes feel: they're fast, but clean unwinds are slow, so the market improvises with whatever tool is most liquid.

The third reading is speculative volatility demand. When markets are unstable, traders chase convexity, the quality options have where a small premium can turn into a large payoff if the move keeps extending.

That trade can be rational, but it can also be crowded. A crowded convexity chase can amplify the swing, especially when dealers need to hedge their own option exposure by buying or selling the underlying as price moves.

When you only focus on what the market actually did, you see that it routed an enormous amount of crash-era decision-making through IBIT and its listed options chain.

That routing is what makes IBIT options a useful gauge going forward. A perp market can tell you about offshore leverage and liquidation cascades.

An ETF options chain can tell you about institutions, hedging demand, and how dealers are managing risk in a regulated wrapper. In a market where Bitcoin is owned by both retail crypto traders and asset managers who treat it like any other risk allocation, you want both gauges.

Table showing the trading volume for IBIT options from Feb. 4 to Feb. 12, 2026 (Source: Investing.com)The shift: panic is moving onshoreThe story underneath the record is a migration of where volatility gets expressed. Offshore perps still set a lot of the tempo when liquidation cascades hit, but the center of gravity for “allowed” institutional activity keeps expanding in the US listed complex: ETFs, their options, and the related futures and spreads.

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That has practical effects on how crashes play out.

First, it links Bitcoin’s most dramatic days to the mechanics of US market-making. Option dealers hedge.

If a dealer sells puts, the dealer often hedges by selling some underlying exposure as price falls, and then buying it back as price rises, depending on the option’s sensitivity. When options volume is extreme, those hedging flows can become a meaningful part of intraday movement, because risk management has to react.

Second, it ties crypto volatility to portfolio behavior rather than only to exchange leverage. A US-based allocator can treat IBIT as the wrapper and treat IBIT options as the risk dial.

That can create a feedback loop: the allocator’s risk-on or risk-off decision can be expressed in options before it shows up as a clean ETF flow number.

This is why it’s worth keeping flows in a supporting role rather than as the headline. Farside’s daily tally put Feb. 6 net inflows across spot Bitcoin ETFs at $371.1 million, with IBIT at $231.6 million.

Assuming those figures are correct, they sit beside the crash like a paradox: net inflows on a day when price was getting hit. But the paradox fades once you separate direction from protection.

Flows tell us who added exposure, but options tell us who needed insurance. A market can have both currents running at the same time, especially if investors buy exposure and hedge it, or if some participants step in as others pay for protection.

Third, the onshore options complex makes Bitcoin’s risk events easier to observe in real time for anyone who knows where to look. Perp funding and liquidation data is public, but it’s fragmented across venues.

Listed options publish volume and open interest in a standardized format. You can watch put activity, strike clustering, and expiry concentration with tools that look a lot like equity index options analytics.

That’s why the IBIT options record can be treated as an early-warning device for the next risk event. When protection demand surges, it tells you fear is being priced and where it’s being priced.

It also tells you something about who is active. A retail trader can buy options too, but the scale and the timing around an ETF wrapper often point to professional activity, because institutions have mandates that prefer listed products.

There's also a bigger cultural point inside all this. Bitcoin used to be a market where most activity lived outside traditional finance and only later echoed into it.

Now the order is reversed. A crash can begin or accelerate on crypto venues, but the loudest institutional response can show up in a BlackRock product, in US trading hours, through options contracts designed for insurance and volatility expression.

That’s what “Wall Street crypto” means in practice: the wrappers are no longer a side channel. They're a primary arena for risk management.

What to watch next timeWatch whether IBIT options activity stays elevated even as price stabilizes, because persistent demand for protection can suggest investors still feel tail risk. By Feb. 12, IBIT options volume had cooled back to about 565,689 contracts, which keeps Feb. 6 in the category of a true stress print.

Watch whether the next sharp down day coincides with another surge in listed option volume, because repeat behavior is what turns a one-off record into a dependable gauge.

Watch whether the ETF and its options continue to carry the crash-era decision-making load, because the more that happens, the more the US market structure becomes part of every serious Bitcoin risk story.

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