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Ray Dalio issues stark warning on the global order
Gold vs Bitcoin: Which one is a better store of value? (2:59)
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio says the post–World War II global order has officially broken down.
In a recent post on X, the Bridgewater Associates founder argued that both internal and external disorder are accelerating simultaneously. He described the world entering a “law of the jungle” phase in which power determines outcomes instead of rules.
According to Dalio, major powers are now trapped in a persistent “prisoner’s dilemma,” forced to escalate across trade, technology, capital markets, and even military tensions.
The danger, he warned, is that these dynamics make what he calls “stupid wars” frighteningly easy to trigger.
Related: Billionaire Ray Dalio warns banks are losing confidence in fiat
World is experiencing a new form of warfare
Dalio said leaders at the recent Munich Security Conference openly acknowledged that the post-1945 framework is no longer functioning. In its place, he sees a return to a power rivalry driven less by international law and more by relative strength.
In this environment, tactics such as sanctions, asset freezes, capital market restrictions, and embargoes become central tools of statecraft.
These measures are maybe short of open warfare, but they are economic weapons that expose how dependent traditional savings and payment systems are on political discretion.
Dalio argues that when the most powerful countries can freeze assets or restrict access to financial infrastructure, the global system begins to resemble a fragmented landscape rather than a cooperative order.
Popular on TheStreet Roundtable:
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Internal stress fuels external conflict
External tensions rarely develop in isolation. Dalio’s framework emphasizes how geopolitical strain often collides with domestic economic stress.
When growth slows and wealth gaps widen, governments tend to respond with higher taxes and large increases in money creation, rather than explicit defaults. Historically, that approach devalues existing claims and weakens purchasing power.
Dalio cited the example of the World Wars, when money and credit were not commonly accepted between non-allied countries. This was because of a "justifiable wariness" about a currency's value.
At that time, precious metals like gold, silver, or, in some cases, barter, were "the coin of the realm."
While highlighting the pains of protecting one's wealth during times of war, he advised,
"As for investing, sell out of all debt and buy gold because wars are financed by borrowing and printing money, which devalues debt and money, and because there is a justifiable reluctance to accept credit."
Ray Dalio (Source: Getty Images)
Crypto investors renew the neutral money case
While Dalio openly vouches for gold in such times of crisis, for crypto advocates, his warning reinforces a familiar thesis.
As governments rely more heavily on sanctions, asset freezes, and money creation, investors may increasingly look to assets like gold that can operate outside state control.
Bitcoin (BTC) maximalists vouch for it as the next best candidate. It is often framed as apolitical and borderless, which does not rely on a centralized intermediary like a government or a central bank.
As concerns over dollar debasement intensified last October, Google searches for “Bitcoin” and “dollar debasement” surged to record levels.
At the same time, financial advisors and institutions are increasingly embracing digital assets.
However, in recent years, Bitcoin has also shown volatility to macroeconomic factors like Federal Reserve's rate decisions, geopolitical tensions, and even elections.
At press time, Bitcoin was trading at $67,685.37, still reeling from the ripples of the massive liquidation on Oct. 10.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment or financial decisions.
Related: Ray Dalio: If Bitcoin Is Successful, Government Will ‘Kill It’
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio says the post–World War II global order has officially broken down.
In a recent post on X, the Bridgewater Associates founder argued that both internal and external disorder are accelerating simultaneously. He described the world entering a “law of the jungle” phase in which power determines outcomes instead of rules.
According to Dalio, major powers are now trapped in a persistent “prisoner’s dilemma,” forced to escalate across trade, technology, capital markets, and even military tensions.
The danger, he warned, is that these dynamics make what he calls “stupid wars” frighteningly easy to trigger.
Related: Billionaire Ray Dalio warns banks are losing confidence in fiat
World is experiencing a new form of warfare
Dalio said leaders at the recent Munich Security Conference openly acknowledged that the post-1945 framework is no longer functioning. In its place, he sees a return to a power rivalry driven less by international law and more by relative strength.
In this environment, tactics such as sanctions, asset freezes, capital market restrictions, and embargoes become central tools of statecraft.
These measures are maybe short of open warfare, but they are economic weapons that expose how dependent traditional savings and payment systems are on political discretion.
Dalio argues that when the most powerful countries can freeze assets or restrict access to financial infrastructure, the global system begins to resemble a fragmented landscape rather than a cooperative order.
Popular on TheStreet Roundtable:
Select Americans receive $1,200 in monthly payments as rents soar
Another company makes a U.S. comeback
Gold, silver, S&P 500, crypto crash again amid extreme fear
Internal stress fuels external conflict
External tensions rarely develop in isolation. Dalio’s framework emphasizes how geopolitical strain often collides with domestic economic stress.
When growth slows and wealth gaps widen, governments tend to respond with higher taxes and large increases in money creation, rather than explicit defaults. Historically, that approach devalues existing claims and weakens purchasing power.
Dalio cited the example of the World Wars, when money and credit were not commonly accepted between non-allied countries. This was because of a "justifiable wariness" about a currency's value.
At that time, precious metals like gold, silver, or, in some cases, barter, were "the coin of the realm."
While highlighting the pains of protecting one's wealth during times of war, he advised,
"As for investing, sell out of all debt and buy gold because wars are financed by borrowing and printing money, which devalues debt and money, and because there is a justifiable reluctance to accept credit."
Ray Dalio (Source: Getty Images)
Crypto investors renew the neutral money case
While Dalio openly vouches for gold in such times of crisis, for crypto advocates, his warning reinforces a familiar thesis.
As governments rely more heavily on sanctions, asset freezes, and money creation, investors may increasingly look to assets like gold that can operate outside state control.
Bitcoin (BTC) maximalists vouch for it as the next best candidate. It is often framed as apolitical and borderless, which does not rely on a centralized intermediary like a government or a central bank.
As concerns over dollar debasement intensified last October, Google searches for “Bitcoin” and “dollar debasement” surged to record levels.
At the same time, financial advisors and institutions are increasingly embracing digital assets.
However, in recent years, Bitcoin has also shown volatility to macroeconomic factors like Federal Reserve's rate decisions, geopolitical tensions, and even elections.
At press time, Bitcoin was trading at $67,685.37, still reeling from the ripples of the massive liquidation on Oct. 10.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment or financial decisions.
Related: Ray Dalio: If Bitcoin Is Successful, Government Will ‘Kill It’
Two Abu Dhabi Funds Held $1.04B In BlackRock Bitcoin ETF At Year-End Despite Price Decline
Two Abu Dhabi government investment entities held a combined $1.04 billion in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin (BTC) Trust as of December 31, according to 13F filings disclosed Tuesday.
The sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company and government investment arm Al Warda Investments collectively owned 20.92 million IBIT shares at year-end 2025.
Mubadala reported 12,702,323 shares valued at $631 million, while Al Warda held 8,218,712 shares worth $408 million.
The filings provide a snapshot of institutional Bitcoin exposure through regulated U.S. exchange-traded products.
Mubadala Increases Position Despite Market Decline
Mubadala's year-end holdings represented a 46% increase from its third-quarter position of 8.7 million shares.
The sovereign fund maintained holdings above 8 million shares throughout much of 2025, steadily adding to its position as bitcoin prices fluctuated.
Al Warda increased its stake by approximately 3% during the fourth quarter, up from 7.96 million shares at September 30. The investment arm had previously tripled its position during the third quarter, growing from 2.4 million shares in mid-2025 to nearly 8 million by September.
Both entities operate within Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth structure, with Al Warda managed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council under the broader Mubadala group.
Read also: CFTC Files Federal Court Brief Claiming Sole Authority Over Prediction Markets Amid State Pushback
Market Context and ETF Performance
BlackRock's IBIT holds approximately $58 billion in assets under management, making it the largest spot bitcoin ETF by AUM. The fund's value has declined alongside bitcoin's price, which fell from October 2025 peaks above $120,000 to current levels near $68,000.
The Abu Dhabi allocations follow a broader pattern of institutional adoption of regulated bitcoin investment products.
Harvard University's endowment holds 5.35 million IBIT shares worth $265.8 million, while Texas acquired $5 million in IBIT shares for its state Bitcoin reserve in November 2025.
Quarterly 13F filings disclose long equity positions held by institutional investment managers with at least $100 million in assets but do not capture short positions or many derivatives, providing only partial visibility into overall portfolio strategy.
Read next: EToro Stock Surges 19% on Record Annual Profit as Equities Offset Crypto Volume Slump
The sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company and government investment arm Al Warda Investments collectively owned 20.92 million IBIT shares at year-end 2025.
Mubadala reported 12,702,323 shares valued at $631 million, while Al Warda held 8,218,712 shares worth $408 million.
The filings provide a snapshot of institutional Bitcoin exposure through regulated U.S. exchange-traded products.
Mubadala Increases Position Despite Market Decline
Mubadala's year-end holdings represented a 46% increase from its third-quarter position of 8.7 million shares.
The sovereign fund maintained holdings above 8 million shares throughout much of 2025, steadily adding to its position as bitcoin prices fluctuated.
Al Warda increased its stake by approximately 3% during the fourth quarter, up from 7.96 million shares at September 30. The investment arm had previously tripled its position during the third quarter, growing from 2.4 million shares in mid-2025 to nearly 8 million by September.
Both entities operate within Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth structure, with Al Warda managed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council under the broader Mubadala group.
Read also: CFTC Files Federal Court Brief Claiming Sole Authority Over Prediction Markets Amid State Pushback
Market Context and ETF Performance
BlackRock's IBIT holds approximately $58 billion in assets under management, making it the largest spot bitcoin ETF by AUM. The fund's value has declined alongside bitcoin's price, which fell from October 2025 peaks above $120,000 to current levels near $68,000.
The Abu Dhabi allocations follow a broader pattern of institutional adoption of regulated bitcoin investment products.
Harvard University's endowment holds 5.35 million IBIT shares worth $265.8 million, while Texas acquired $5 million in IBIT shares for its state Bitcoin reserve in November 2025.
Quarterly 13F filings disclose long equity positions held by institutional investment managers with at least $100 million in assets but do not capture short positions or many derivatives, providing only partial visibility into overall portfolio strategy.
Read next: EToro Stock Surges 19% on Record Annual Profit as Equities Offset Crypto Volume Slump
Germany’s Bundesbank Chief Backs Euro Stablecoins as Europe Pursues Payment Sovereignty
TLDR:
Bundesbank President Nagel endorsed euro stablecoins as low-cost tools for cross-border payments across Europe.
The digital euro will become the first pan-European retail payment solution built on solely European infrastructure.
A wholesale CBDC is in development to enable programmable central bank money payments for financial institutions.
Nagel warned Europe can no longer rely on transatlantic cooperation and rules-based order as it once did.
Germany’s Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel has publicly endorsed euro-denominated stablecoins as a viable tool for cross-border payments.
Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany on February 16, 2026, in Frankfurt, Nagel outlined a broader vision for European financial sovereignty.
His remarks covered payment system independence, regulatory reform, and capital market integration. The endorsement marks a notable shift in tone from a senior European central banker on private digital assets.
Nagel Makes the Case for Euro-Denominated Stablecoins
Euro stablecoins, according to Nagel, can facilitate cross-border payments for individuals and firms at lower cost. This positions them as practical instruments rather than speculative assets.
The focus is specifically on euro-denominated instruments that reinforce European monetary control. By framing stablecoins within a sovereignty narrative, Nagel separates them from broader crypto market concerns.
The endorsement did not come in isolation. Nagel stated that the Eurosystem is actively working toward a retail central bank digital currency.
He described it as “the first pan-European retail digital payment solution, based solely on European infrastructures.” Euro stablecoins, in his view, serve a complementary role alongside this public infrastructure.
Work on a wholesale CBDC is also advancing in parallel. Nagel noted that “a wholesale CBDC would allow financial institutions to make programmable payments in central bank money.”
Together, the retail CBDC, wholesale CBDC, and euro stablecoins form a layered European digital payments ecosystem. Each instrument serves a distinct purpose within that framework.
The core argument is that Europe must reduce its dependence on foreign-controlled payment networks. Currently, major digital payment solutions used across the EU rely heavily on US-based providers.
Euro stablecoins offer a market-driven complement to public infrastructure in closing that gap. Nagel’s endorsement lends institutional credibility to that path forward.
Broader European Reforms Back the Digital Payments Push
The stablecoin endorsement fits within a wider agenda to strengthen the international role of the euro. Nagel outlined three reform priorities: regulatory simplification, the Savings and Investments Union, and euro payment sovereignty.
He described this as “an ambitious programme” that he regards as “essential to successfully overcoming the current challenges.” Each priority connects to the others in building a more resilient European economy.
Regulatory complexity remains a known obstacle to growth and investment across Europe. Nagel referenced reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi calling for streamlined EU rules.
He stressed that “it is not their mere existence that causes problems” but rather “their extraordinary complexity and rigidity.” An ECB High-Level Task Force on simplifying financial regulation is active, with Nagel serving as a member.
Capital market fragmentation across member states continues to limit private investment. Nagel pointed out that “a high degree of economic fragmentation still remains” despite over 30 years of the single market.
The Savings and Investments Union was presented as the key mechanism to address this gap. High European savings, he argued, “could be better channelled into fostering innovation, productivity and competitiveness.”
Transatlantic trade remains substantial, with the EU and US together representing 44% of global GDP. However, Europe is clearly preparing for a world where that partnership carries more uncertainty.
Nagel was direct in saying, “we cannot rely on transatlantic cooperation and the rules-based international order to the same extent as before.”
His support for euro stablecoins reflects that broader repositioning of European financial policy toward greater independence.
The post Germany’s Bundesbank Chief Backs Euro Stablecoins as Europe Pursues Payment Sovereignty appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bundesbank President Nagel endorsed euro stablecoins as low-cost tools for cross-border payments across Europe.
The digital euro will become the first pan-European retail payment solution built on solely European infrastructure.
A wholesale CBDC is in development to enable programmable central bank money payments for financial institutions.
Nagel warned Europe can no longer rely on transatlantic cooperation and rules-based order as it once did.
Germany’s Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel has publicly endorsed euro-denominated stablecoins as a viable tool for cross-border payments.
Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany on February 16, 2026, in Frankfurt, Nagel outlined a broader vision for European financial sovereignty.
His remarks covered payment system independence, regulatory reform, and capital market integration. The endorsement marks a notable shift in tone from a senior European central banker on private digital assets.
Nagel Makes the Case for Euro-Denominated Stablecoins
Euro stablecoins, according to Nagel, can facilitate cross-border payments for individuals and firms at lower cost. This positions them as practical instruments rather than speculative assets.
The focus is specifically on euro-denominated instruments that reinforce European monetary control. By framing stablecoins within a sovereignty narrative, Nagel separates them from broader crypto market concerns.
The endorsement did not come in isolation. Nagel stated that the Eurosystem is actively working toward a retail central bank digital currency.
He described it as “the first pan-European retail digital payment solution, based solely on European infrastructures.” Euro stablecoins, in his view, serve a complementary role alongside this public infrastructure.
Work on a wholesale CBDC is also advancing in parallel. Nagel noted that “a wholesale CBDC would allow financial institutions to make programmable payments in central bank money.”
Together, the retail CBDC, wholesale CBDC, and euro stablecoins form a layered European digital payments ecosystem. Each instrument serves a distinct purpose within that framework.
The core argument is that Europe must reduce its dependence on foreign-controlled payment networks. Currently, major digital payment solutions used across the EU rely heavily on US-based providers.
Euro stablecoins offer a market-driven complement to public infrastructure in closing that gap. Nagel’s endorsement lends institutional credibility to that path forward.
Broader European Reforms Back the Digital Payments Push
The stablecoin endorsement fits within a wider agenda to strengthen the international role of the euro. Nagel outlined three reform priorities: regulatory simplification, the Savings and Investments Union, and euro payment sovereignty.
He described this as “an ambitious programme” that he regards as “essential to successfully overcoming the current challenges.” Each priority connects to the others in building a more resilient European economy.
Regulatory complexity remains a known obstacle to growth and investment across Europe. Nagel referenced reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi calling for streamlined EU rules.
He stressed that “it is not their mere existence that causes problems” but rather “their extraordinary complexity and rigidity.” An ECB High-Level Task Force on simplifying financial regulation is active, with Nagel serving as a member.
Capital market fragmentation across member states continues to limit private investment. Nagel pointed out that “a high degree of economic fragmentation still remains” despite over 30 years of the single market.
The Savings and Investments Union was presented as the key mechanism to address this gap. High European savings, he argued, “could be better channelled into fostering innovation, productivity and competitiveness.”
Transatlantic trade remains substantial, with the EU and US together representing 44% of global GDP. However, Europe is clearly preparing for a world where that partnership carries more uncertainty.
Nagel was direct in saying, “we cannot rely on transatlantic cooperation and the rules-based international order to the same extent as before.”
His support for euro stablecoins reflects that broader repositioning of European financial policy toward greater independence.
The post Germany’s Bundesbank Chief Backs Euro Stablecoins as Europe Pursues Payment Sovereignty appeared first on Blockonomi.
Dragonfly Capital Raises $650M Fourth Fund to Lead Crypto’s Shift Toward Financial Infrastructure
TLDR:
Dragonfly Capital closed its fourth fund at $650M, competing directly with Andreessen Horowitz and Paradigm.
The firm led Ethena’s $6M seed round in 2023; the stablecoin now holds a $6.3B market capitalization.
Dragonfly’s strategy targets stablecoins, onchain finance, and tokenized assets over native crypto protocols.
Partner Haseeb Qureshi says speaking openly in a hype-driven space has been the firm’s greatest superpower.
Dragonfly Capital has officially closed its fourth fund at $650 million. The crypto-focused venture firm made the announcement even as the broader blockchain investment sector faces serious headwinds.
The firm continues to focus on financial infrastructure, including stablecoins, onchain finance, and tokenized real-world assets.
This latest raise cements Dragonfly’s place among the top crypto venture firms globally competing with Andreessen Horowitz and Paradigm.
Dragonfly Bets on Finance as Crypto’s Next Frontier
The firm’s strategy has shifted noticeably toward Wall Street-style financial products built on blockchain rails. General partner Rob Hadick, who joined in April 2022 from hedge fund GoldenTree, has been central to that repositioning.
He arrived just as the Terra Luna collapse rocked the market and stayed through the FTX implosion shortly after. Recalling that turbulent period, Hadick said, “I was scared about what was happening to the industry, but I was excited about the opportunity we had, because we still had $500 million to deploy.”
One early product of that vision was Ethena, a synthetic dollar project that most investors rejected following the Terra Luna fallout. Dragonfly led Ethena’s $6 million seed round during the bear market of 2023.
Ethena founder Guy Young recalled that most investors told him, “It’s actually offensive that you’re even saying this after what just happened.”
Dragonfly, however, took a different view. Young credited the firm’s ability to “look at it from first principles” as the reason they moved forward.
Today, Ethena’s flagship stablecoin carries a market cap of roughly $6.3 billion. Franklin Templeton and Fidelity’s venture arm joined a subsequent $100 million round, further validating Dragonfly’s early conviction.
The bet stands as one of the clearest examples of the firm’s contrarian approach during a difficult market period.
A broader shift is now visible across the entire crypto venture space. Partner Tom Schmidt noted that fewer funds are chasing native protocol tokens and more are backing assets tied to real-world instruments.
“This is the biggest meta shift I can feel in my entire time in the industry,” Schmidt said. Hadick added, “A lot of crypto funds are now saying they’re fintech funds, which is what I think we do better than anybody.”
Leadership and Long-Term Vision Drive the Firm Forward
Dragonfly’s current leadership includes four partners with distinct, complementary roles. Haseeb Qureshi serves as the firm’s most visible voice, known for his Chopping Block podcast and direct commentary on Crypto Twitter.
He once nearly secured Polymarket’s seed round in 2020 but passed on matching a competing term sheet. Reflecting on it, Qureshi said plainly, “It was obviously a massive miss on our part, but we had the right idea.” The firm eventually invested at the Series B stage.
The firm has also navigated serious internal and external turbulence. A Department of Justice inquiry surfaced in 2025, tied to Dragonfly’s investment in privacy protocol Tornado Cash.
Prosecutors briefly suggested Schmidt could face criminal charges before the DOJ reversed course. Qureshi maintained that “the investment was never ideological,” and the episode ultimately became a point of credibility within the broader crypto community.
Dragonfly restructured significantly after co-founder Alex Pack departed around 2020. Pack himself acknowledged that he and Feng were “very different culturally,” adding that he spent “a few months helping to hire and train my replacements” before the two parted ways.
The firm also relocated its Asia operations from Beijing to Singapore amid China’s sweeping crypto crackdown, though Schmidt confirmed it still maintains a meaningful regional presence.
With $650 million now secured, Dragonfly enters the next cycle as one of the sector’s most established players. “It’s bizarre to see us now become one of the incumbents,” Qureshi said.
He added that the firm’s willingness to speak directly has been a key differentiator: “In a space that is just completely flooded with bullshit and with fakers and self-promoters, I think that has actually been a superpower.”
The firm is now positioned to shape how blockchain technology continues merging with mainstream financial systems.
The post Dragonfly Capital Raises $650M Fourth Fund to Lead Crypto’s Shift Toward Financial Infrastructure appeared first on Blockonomi.
Dragonfly Capital closed its fourth fund at $650M, competing directly with Andreessen Horowitz and Paradigm.
The firm led Ethena’s $6M seed round in 2023; the stablecoin now holds a $6.3B market capitalization.
Dragonfly’s strategy targets stablecoins, onchain finance, and tokenized assets over native crypto protocols.
Partner Haseeb Qureshi says speaking openly in a hype-driven space has been the firm’s greatest superpower.
Dragonfly Capital has officially closed its fourth fund at $650 million. The crypto-focused venture firm made the announcement even as the broader blockchain investment sector faces serious headwinds.
The firm continues to focus on financial infrastructure, including stablecoins, onchain finance, and tokenized real-world assets.
This latest raise cements Dragonfly’s place among the top crypto venture firms globally competing with Andreessen Horowitz and Paradigm.
Dragonfly Bets on Finance as Crypto’s Next Frontier
The firm’s strategy has shifted noticeably toward Wall Street-style financial products built on blockchain rails. General partner Rob Hadick, who joined in April 2022 from hedge fund GoldenTree, has been central to that repositioning.
He arrived just as the Terra Luna collapse rocked the market and stayed through the FTX implosion shortly after. Recalling that turbulent period, Hadick said, “I was scared about what was happening to the industry, but I was excited about the opportunity we had, because we still had $500 million to deploy.”
One early product of that vision was Ethena, a synthetic dollar project that most investors rejected following the Terra Luna fallout. Dragonfly led Ethena’s $6 million seed round during the bear market of 2023.
Ethena founder Guy Young recalled that most investors told him, “It’s actually offensive that you’re even saying this after what just happened.”
Dragonfly, however, took a different view. Young credited the firm’s ability to “look at it from first principles” as the reason they moved forward.
Today, Ethena’s flagship stablecoin carries a market cap of roughly $6.3 billion. Franklin Templeton and Fidelity’s venture arm joined a subsequent $100 million round, further validating Dragonfly’s early conviction.
The bet stands as one of the clearest examples of the firm’s contrarian approach during a difficult market period.
A broader shift is now visible across the entire crypto venture space. Partner Tom Schmidt noted that fewer funds are chasing native protocol tokens and more are backing assets tied to real-world instruments.
“This is the biggest meta shift I can feel in my entire time in the industry,” Schmidt said. Hadick added, “A lot of crypto funds are now saying they’re fintech funds, which is what I think we do better than anybody.”
Leadership and Long-Term Vision Drive the Firm Forward
Dragonfly’s current leadership includes four partners with distinct, complementary roles. Haseeb Qureshi serves as the firm’s most visible voice, known for his Chopping Block podcast and direct commentary on Crypto Twitter.
He once nearly secured Polymarket’s seed round in 2020 but passed on matching a competing term sheet. Reflecting on it, Qureshi said plainly, “It was obviously a massive miss on our part, but we had the right idea.” The firm eventually invested at the Series B stage.
The firm has also navigated serious internal and external turbulence. A Department of Justice inquiry surfaced in 2025, tied to Dragonfly’s investment in privacy protocol Tornado Cash.
Prosecutors briefly suggested Schmidt could face criminal charges before the DOJ reversed course. Qureshi maintained that “the investment was never ideological,” and the episode ultimately became a point of credibility within the broader crypto community.
Dragonfly restructured significantly after co-founder Alex Pack departed around 2020. Pack himself acknowledged that he and Feng were “very different culturally,” adding that he spent “a few months helping to hire and train my replacements” before the two parted ways.
The firm also relocated its Asia operations from Beijing to Singapore amid China’s sweeping crypto crackdown, though Schmidt confirmed it still maintains a meaningful regional presence.
With $650 million now secured, Dragonfly enters the next cycle as one of the sector’s most established players. “It’s bizarre to see us now become one of the incumbents,” Qureshi said.
He added that the firm’s willingness to speak directly has been a key differentiator: “In a space that is just completely flooded with bullshit and with fakers and self-promoters, I think that has actually been a superpower.”
The firm is now positioned to shape how blockchain technology continues merging with mainstream financial systems.
The post Dragonfly Capital Raises $650M Fourth Fund to Lead Crypto’s Shift Toward Financial Infrastructure appeared first on Blockonomi.
美联储戴利：美联储须深入研究人工智能影响，方能做出正确利率决策
ME News 消息，2 月 18 日（UTC+8），旧金山联储总裁戴利周二表示，美联储须深入分析数据，以判断人工智能是否正在推动生产率增长，从而使经济在不引发通胀、也无需美联储收紧政策给经济“踩刹车”的情况下实现更快增长。特朗普政府认为这种情况已经发生，部分经济学家指出，对人工智能的投资增长将进一步推动生产率提升，从而创造出类似1990年代计算机与软件普及时期的经济格局——在通胀依然温和的情况下，经济增速却能超越以往。戴利指出：“迄今多数宏观生产率研究发现，人工智能的显著影响证据有限。”这可能是因为各行业企业局部投资带来的改进成效尚需时日显现。她补充道：“也可能是我们尚未达到临界点”，经济层面的全面变革需要更长时间才能显现。（来源：ME）
CoinVoice 最新获悉，据金十报道，美联储古尔斯比表示，若通胀持续下行，未来将有可能进行多次降息。[原文链接]
Charles Schwab quietly boosts stake in MicroStrategy
Inside Michael Saylor's Bitcoin Strategy (4:18)
Institutional interest in MicroStrategy, now known as Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) appears to be intensifying despite Bitcoin crash.
Charles Schwab has reportedly increased its position in Michael Saylor's firm by purchasing an additional 91,859 shares, as per BitcoinTreasuries.NET.
The move brings the banking and brokerage giant’s total holdings to approximately 1.27 million shares, valued at roughly $168 million.
Related: Charles Schwab next in line for bitcoin ETF, analysts predict
Schwab expands exposure as Strategy doubles down
Strategy recently boosted its Bitcoin (BTC) holdings again, adding 2,486 BTC in a $168.4 million purchase. The company now holds 717,131 BTC in total.
It makes Strategy still the largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally.
However, the company’s financial statements show an inherent volatility in that strategy.
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, Strategy reported $5.40 billion in unrealized losses on digital assets, partially offset by a $1.55 billion deferred tax benefit. In the fourth quarter alone, unrealized losses reached $17.44 billion, alongside a $5.01 billion deferred tax benefit.
As of year-end, Strategy carried a deferred tax liability of $2.42 billion.
Meanwhile, MSTR shares have been under pressure. At press time, the stock was down 4.46% at $127.91, falling 18.61% year-to-date and 64.82% over the past six months.
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European bank makes MicroStrategy bet
Charles Schwab is not alone.
Italian banking giant Intesa Sanpaolo disclosed a sizable put option position tied to Strategy shares, valued at approximately $184.6 million.
However, Put options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares at a predetermined price. The structure of Intesa’s position suggests a more nuanced trade, potentially betting on convergence between Strategy’s stock price and the value of its Bitcoin holdings.
The mNAV trade
Strategy has historically traded at a premium to the value of its Bitcoin reserves, a metric commonly measured by multiple of net asset value, or mNAV.
At press time, the company's mNAV stood at 1.19.
This means the company is valued at a 19% premium to the market value of its Bitcoin holdings. In practical terms, investors are paying $1.19 for every $1.00 worth of Bitcoin on Strategy’s balance sheet.
That premium reflects expectations around leverage, future Bitcoin purchases, capital markets strategy, or equity market demand.
If mNAV falls from 1.19 to 1.0, the stock price would decline even if Bitcoin’s price remains unchanged. In that scenario, put options and short positions would benefit, since they profit from a falling stock price.
However, there is a risk for such bearish positions. If Bitcoin rallies strongly, mNAV can expand again. In such cases, the stock often outperforms Bitcoin itself, creating sharp upward moves and even short squeezes.
Related: Michael Saylor finally addresses short-sellers as mNav drops
Institutional interest in MicroStrategy, now known as Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) appears to be intensifying despite Bitcoin crash.
Charles Schwab has reportedly increased its position in Michael Saylor's firm by purchasing an additional 91,859 shares, as per BitcoinTreasuries.NET.
The move brings the banking and brokerage giant’s total holdings to approximately 1.27 million shares, valued at roughly $168 million.
Related: Charles Schwab next in line for bitcoin ETF, analysts predict
Schwab expands exposure as Strategy doubles down
Strategy recently boosted its Bitcoin (BTC) holdings again, adding 2,486 BTC in a $168.4 million purchase. The company now holds 717,131 BTC in total.
It makes Strategy still the largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally.
However, the company’s financial statements show an inherent volatility in that strategy.
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, Strategy reported $5.40 billion in unrealized losses on digital assets, partially offset by a $1.55 billion deferred tax benefit. In the fourth quarter alone, unrealized losses reached $17.44 billion, alongside a $5.01 billion deferred tax benefit.
As of year-end, Strategy carried a deferred tax liability of $2.42 billion.
Meanwhile, MSTR shares have been under pressure. At press time, the stock was down 4.46% at $127.91, falling 18.61% year-to-date and 64.82% over the past six months.
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Charles Schwab is not alone.
Italian banking giant Intesa Sanpaolo disclosed a sizable put option position tied to Strategy shares, valued at approximately $184.6 million.
However, Put options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares at a predetermined price. The structure of Intesa’s position suggests a more nuanced trade, potentially betting on convergence between Strategy’s stock price and the value of its Bitcoin holdings.
The mNAV trade
Strategy has historically traded at a premium to the value of its Bitcoin reserves, a metric commonly measured by multiple of net asset value, or mNAV.
At press time, the company's mNAV stood at 1.19.
This means the company is valued at a 19% premium to the market value of its Bitcoin holdings. In practical terms, investors are paying $1.19 for every $1.00 worth of Bitcoin on Strategy’s balance sheet.
That premium reflects expectations around leverage, future Bitcoin purchases, capital markets strategy, or equity market demand.
If mNAV falls from 1.19 to 1.0, the stock price would decline even if Bitcoin’s price remains unchanged. In that scenario, put options and short positions would benefit, since they profit from a falling stock price.
However, there is a risk for such bearish positions. If Bitcoin rallies strongly, mNAV can expand again. In such cases, the stock often outperforms Bitcoin itself, creating sharp upward moves and even short squeezes.
Related: Michael Saylor finally addresses short-sellers as mNav drops
#ARK Invest projects the tokenization market could hit $11 trillion by 2030 📈
Sovereign debt. Bank deposits. Public equities. Real assets are moving on-chain.
Across the RWA landscape, projects like $PLUME are contributing to this structural shift. The real bottleneck is no longer awareness, it’s compliant, institutional-grade rails that can tokenize, settle, and scale seamlessly.
#ZIGChain was built to address that constraint.
A purpose-built settlement layer.
Regulatory-aligned frameworks.
Live distribution through Zignaly.
#ZIG connects value across that system, linking dApps, capital flows, and users within a single wealth-generation infrastructure layer.
The rails are ready. Capital is already moving.
#RWA
Sovereign debt. Bank deposits. Public equities. Real assets are moving on-chain.
Across the RWA landscape, projects like $PLUME are contributing to this structural shift. The real bottleneck is no longer awareness, it’s compliant, institutional-grade rails that can tokenize, settle, and scale seamlessly.
#ZIGChain was built to address that constraint.
A purpose-built settlement layer.
Regulatory-aligned frameworks.
Live distribution through Zignaly.
#ZIG connects value across that system, linking dApps, capital flows, and users within a single wealth-generation infrastructure layer.
The rails are ready. Capital is already moving.
#RWA
Ripple CEO reveals CLARITY Act deadline
Explained: Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (2:41)
It has been months since the Clarity Act has been stuck in limbo, but Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse thinks the crypto legislation is closer to reality.
As per Garlinghouse, the Act will get signed soon when the banking and crypto industries resolve their differences. In fact, he has even hinted at a deadline for the same.
Related: Coinbase, Ripple urge Senate Committee to preserve 'genius' rewards
Why is Clarity Act getting delayed?
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is a legislation that aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States by clarifying the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
The legislation aims to define which assets are commodities for them to be regulated by the CFTC and which assets are securities to be regulated by the SEC.
While the House of Representatives passed the Clarity Act in July last year, it is still stuck in the Senate chambers.
The reason is the stalemate between the banking and crypto industries over a provision regarding stablecoin rewards in the bill.
Related: Explained: What is a stablecoin?
A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency that tries to keep its value stable by being pegged to a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar.
Stablecoins like Tether's USDT, Circle's USDC, and Ripple's RLUSD are pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar and are treated as "digital dollars" by several payment infrastructure stakeholders.
A draft of the Clarity Act contains a provision that prohibits crypto platforms from offering rewards to users holding stablecoins so that these platforms can't support what would be de facto unregulated bank deposits.
The banking industry fears their users would withdraw their deposits and convert them into USD-pegged stablecoins as the reward crypto exchanges offer are higher than the interest paid by banks.
Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s global head of digital assets research has warned warned that if the stablecoin market grows to $2 trillion, banks in developed economies could see around $500 billion in deposits get drained by the end of 2028.
But the crypto industry argues the banking industry is acting in an anti-competitive manner and doesn't want to let go of stablecoin rewards. Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN), the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., even withdrew support from the Senate's draft bill last month.
“We’d rather have no bill than a bad bill,” said Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong then.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently criticized what he described as “recalcitrant actors” resisting compromise. He earlier said that if deposits get drained from banks, these institutions would find it difficult to lend capital to community enterprises such as small businesses, agriculture, real estate, etc.
“We will continue to work to make sure there is no deposit volatility associated with this,” he assured the banking community.
As per Bessent, the legislation can get "across the line this year." President Donald Trump has also said the bill is close to passing.
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Ripple CEO hints deadline for Clarity Act
The White House has tried to bring both the banking and crypto industries to the negotiation table, with Ripple being a major player involved in negotiations.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse
Getty Images
On Feb. 17, CEO Brad Garlinghouse urged the crypto industry to accept the bill and not let perfection come in the way of progress even if there are certain aspects to it that the industry doesn't appreciate.
"I think it's so clear that clarity is better than chaos," he said.
While the Clarity Act is not perfect, but then, nobody has ever seen a perfect piece of legislation, Garlinghouse argued.
He cited the example of Ripple's long legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over alleged securities violations which kept on going for years but gave clarity that "XRP is not a security. That's clarity."
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remains optimistic about the Clarity Act, giving it an 👀 80% chance of being signed by the end of April. 🏛️
While XRP has its legal clarity, the rest of the industry is still waiting. Progress over perfection is the goal. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/7DqQezE3U2
— 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸XRP (@BankXRP) February 16, 2026
But the crypto industry doesn't have clarity, so Ripple is a strong advocate of pushing the Clarity Act forward even if it doesn't like certain aspects, he added.
There is an 80% chance of the Clarity Act getting signed by the end of April, he predicted.
Related: 172-year-old bank cuts XRP price target after December upgrade
It has been months since the Clarity Act has been stuck in limbo, but Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse thinks the crypto legislation is closer to reality.
As per Garlinghouse, the Act will get signed soon when the banking and crypto industries resolve their differences. In fact, he has even hinted at a deadline for the same.
Related: Coinbase, Ripple urge Senate Committee to preserve 'genius' rewards
Why is Clarity Act getting delayed?
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is a legislation that aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States by clarifying the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
The legislation aims to define which assets are commodities for them to be regulated by the CFTC and which assets are securities to be regulated by the SEC.
While the House of Representatives passed the Clarity Act in July last year, it is still stuck in the Senate chambers.
The reason is the stalemate between the banking and crypto industries over a provision regarding stablecoin rewards in the bill.
Related: Explained: What is a stablecoin?
A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency that tries to keep its value stable by being pegged to a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar.
Stablecoins like Tether's USDT, Circle's USDC, and Ripple's RLUSD are pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar and are treated as "digital dollars" by several payment infrastructure stakeholders.
A draft of the Clarity Act contains a provision that prohibits crypto platforms from offering rewards to users holding stablecoins so that these platforms can't support what would be de facto unregulated bank deposits.
The banking industry fears their users would withdraw their deposits and convert them into USD-pegged stablecoins as the reward crypto exchanges offer are higher than the interest paid by banks.
Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s global head of digital assets research has warned warned that if the stablecoin market grows to $2 trillion, banks in developed economies could see around $500 billion in deposits get drained by the end of 2028.
But the crypto industry argues the banking industry is acting in an anti-competitive manner and doesn't want to let go of stablecoin rewards. Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN), the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., even withdrew support from the Senate's draft bill last month.
“We’d rather have no bill than a bad bill,” said Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong then.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently criticized what he described as “recalcitrant actors” resisting compromise. He earlier said that if deposits get drained from banks, these institutions would find it difficult to lend capital to community enterprises such as small businesses, agriculture, real estate, etc.
“We will continue to work to make sure there is no deposit volatility associated with this,” he assured the banking community.
As per Bessent, the legislation can get "across the line this year." President Donald Trump has also said the bill is close to passing.
More News:
Congress delay on crypto legislation triggers $1 billion outflow
Treasury Secretary Bessent warns Coinbase is blocking major legislation
Crypto market bill nears Senate markup after Trump's nod
Ripple CEO hints deadline for Clarity Act
The White House has tried to bring both the banking and crypto industries to the negotiation table, with Ripple being a major player involved in negotiations.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse
Getty Images
On Feb. 17, CEO Brad Garlinghouse urged the crypto industry to accept the bill and not let perfection come in the way of progress even if there are certain aspects to it that the industry doesn't appreciate.
"I think it's so clear that clarity is better than chaos," he said.
While the Clarity Act is not perfect, but then, nobody has ever seen a perfect piece of legislation, Garlinghouse argued.
He cited the example of Ripple's long legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over alleged securities violations which kept on going for years but gave clarity that "XRP is not a security. That's clarity."
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remains optimistic about the Clarity Act, giving it an 👀 80% chance of being signed by the end of April. 🏛️
While XRP has its legal clarity, the rest of the industry is still waiting. Progress over perfection is the goal. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/7DqQezE3U2
— 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸XRP (@BankXRP) February 16, 2026
But the crypto industry doesn't have clarity, so Ripple is a strong advocate of pushing the Clarity Act forward even if it doesn't like certain aspects, he added.
There is an 80% chance of the Clarity Act getting signed by the end of April, he predicted.
Related: 172-year-old bank cuts XRP price target after December upgrade
Stripe's Bridge Gains Conditional Approval for National Trust Bank Status
Stripe's stablecoin division, Bridge, has secured conditional approval from a U.S. regulator to operate as a national trust bank. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting that this development marks another step for companies seeking to provide banking services linked to digital assets. The approval is part of a broader trend where firms are increasingly integrating digital asset services into traditional banking frameworks. This move reflects the growing acceptance and regulatory adaptation to the evolving financial landscape, where digital currencies play a significant role. Stripe's Bridge aims to leverage this approval to expand its offerings and enhance its position in the digital finance sector.
Investor Dan Tapiero says AI agents won't wire money through JPMorgan
Dan Tapiero says fracturing of fracturing capital behind crypto crash (4:47)
Bitcoin’s (BTC) sharp pullback from $125,000 to near $60,000 has rattled investors who expected a routine correction, not a 50% drawdown.
Speaking with The Wolf of All Streets and TheStreet Roundtable host Scott Melker, 50T Holdings founder Dan Tapiero said the decline was deeper than anticipated but not thesis-breaking.
“We thought we were going to get a 20%-30% correction from $125,000 down to $100,000 or $90,000. That seemed okay,” Tapiero said. “This pullback has been a little more than I would have anticipated.”
Bitcoin has been hovering around $65,000 right now, with Tapiero suggesting the $50,000-$60,000 price range represents significant long-term value.
Tapiero reiterated a long-held view that $100,000 would act as a major resistance point.
“When we were at $20,000, $30,000, $40,000, I said we’re going to hit $100,000 and then it’s just going to stop,” he said.
Tapiero described it as a natural pause where early investors would be sitting on massive profits. Instead, Bitcoin surged to $125,000 before reversing sharply.
Related: Macro Guru Dan Tapiero says ‘all value is migrating on-chain’
Fracturing of speculative capital
According to Tapiero, the downturn reflects a broader “fracturing” of investible or speculative capital across markets.
“All of the venture tokens are down 90% plus,” he noted, highlighting widespread losses in early-stage crypto projects.
At the same time, Bitcoin itself has matured into what he describes as a fully institutional asset class. Spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have drawn substantial inflows, and several companies now hold Bitcoin or Ether (ETH) on their balance sheets through various structures like debt.
Tapiero estimated that 5%-10% of total supply in major digital assets is now held in institutional formats, marking a dramatic shift from just a few years ago.
“It’s success. It’s what we all wanted,” he said.
However, speculative capital has rotated into other areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, precious metals and other emerging sectors. Tapiero, who also has exposure to gold through his company GBI, said that capital migration is visible across markets.
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Tapiero flags 'crappy' crypto projects
Tapiero also criticized the proliferation of low-quality crypto projects.
“We seem to shoot ourselves in the foot in the space with all of these crappy projects,” he argued that an oversupply of tokens has diluted investor focus and capital.
Yet while many speculative tokens struggle, Tapiero pointed to rapid growth in on-chain infrastructure and real-world adoption.
He cited decentralized crypto trading platforms such as Hyperliquid generating significant trading volume, as well as the rise of prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi. Meanwhile, stablecoins processed $33 trillion in volume last year.
Tapiero sees this as only the beginning, noting that most current stablecoins are dollar-denominated, with non-dollar stablecoins yet to meaningfully scale.
'Blockchain is the money of AI'
Looking ahead, Tapiero framed blockchain technology as foundational to the coming wave of artificial intelligence (AI). “Blockchain is the money of AI,” he said.
As AI agents transact with one another, he argued, they will require programmable money rather than traditional banking rails.
“When they send value to each other, they’re not going to be wiring money through JPMorgan,” Tapiero said. “They’re going to be using programmable money, smart contracts embedded on blockchain.”
In his view, that dynamic cements crypto’s long-term utility regardless of near-term price volatility.
Bitcoin’s (BTC) sharp pullback from $125,000 to near $60,000 has rattled investors who expected a routine correction, not a 50% drawdown.
Speaking with The Wolf of All Streets and TheStreet Roundtable host Scott Melker, 50T Holdings founder Dan Tapiero said the decline was deeper than anticipated but not thesis-breaking.
“We thought we were going to get a 20%-30% correction from $125,000 down to $100,000 or $90,000. That seemed okay,” Tapiero said. “This pullback has been a little more than I would have anticipated.”
Bitcoin has been hovering around $65,000 right now, with Tapiero suggesting the $50,000-$60,000 price range represents significant long-term value.
Tapiero reiterated a long-held view that $100,000 would act as a major resistance point.
“When we were at $20,000, $30,000, $40,000, I said we’re going to hit $100,000 and then it’s just going to stop,” he said.
Tapiero described it as a natural pause where early investors would be sitting on massive profits. Instead, Bitcoin surged to $125,000 before reversing sharply.
Related: Macro Guru Dan Tapiero says ‘all value is migrating on-chain’
Fracturing of speculative capital
According to Tapiero, the downturn reflects a broader “fracturing” of investible or speculative capital across markets.
“All of the venture tokens are down 90% plus,” he noted, highlighting widespread losses in early-stage crypto projects.
At the same time, Bitcoin itself has matured into what he describes as a fully institutional asset class. Spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have drawn substantial inflows, and several companies now hold Bitcoin or Ether (ETH) on their balance sheets through various structures like debt.
Tapiero estimated that 5%-10% of total supply in major digital assets is now held in institutional formats, marking a dramatic shift from just a few years ago.
“It’s success. It’s what we all wanted,” he said.
However, speculative capital has rotated into other areas, including artificial intelligence, robotics, precious metals and other emerging sectors. Tapiero, who also has exposure to gold through his company GBI, said that capital migration is visible across markets.
Popular on TheStreet Roundtable:
Ripple CEO reveals CLARITY Act deadline
Charles Schwab quietly boosts stake in MicroStrategy
Popular crypto exchange joins growing list of Trump Accounts sponsors
Tapiero flags 'crappy' crypto projects
Tapiero also criticized the proliferation of low-quality crypto projects.
“We seem to shoot ourselves in the foot in the space with all of these crappy projects,” he argued that an oversupply of tokens has diluted investor focus and capital.
Yet while many speculative tokens struggle, Tapiero pointed to rapid growth in on-chain infrastructure and real-world adoption.
He cited decentralized crypto trading platforms such as Hyperliquid generating significant trading volume, as well as the rise of prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi. Meanwhile, stablecoins processed $33 trillion in volume last year.
Tapiero sees this as only the beginning, noting that most current stablecoins are dollar-denominated, with non-dollar stablecoins yet to meaningfully scale.
'Blockchain is the money of AI'
Looking ahead, Tapiero framed blockchain technology as foundational to the coming wave of artificial intelligence (AI). “Blockchain is the money of AI,” he said.
As AI agents transact with one another, he argued, they will require programmable money rather than traditional banking rails.
“When they send value to each other, they’re not going to be wiring money through JPMorgan,” Tapiero said. “They’re going to be using programmable money, smart contracts embedded on blockchain.”
In his view, that dynamic cements crypto’s long-term utility regardless of near-term price volatility.
Top Investors Think Gold Can Hit $6,200
A Bank of America survey shows fund managers expect gold to peak at $6,200. Here's what the biggest banks are predicting and why.
Nasdaq-listed company becomes first to offer gold dividends
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino says CBDCs could turn money into a surveillance tool (3:11)
Tether, the crypto company well-known for its stablecoins, announced on Feb. 17 that Elemental Royalty Corporation (Nasdaq: ELE), a publicly traded gold royalty company, will offer select shareholders the option to receive their dividend in the form of Tether Gold (XAUT) tokens.
This is the first-ever instance of a public gold company offering shareholders the option to receive dividends in tokenized gold, Tether said.
Related: Top gold holder doubles down on precious metal
What is XAUT?
Tether's XAUT is a digital asset backed by physical gold, which combines the long-term stability of gold with the efficiency, accessibility, and transferability of blockchain technology.
It is available as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain and as a TRC20 token on the TRON blockchain.
The allocated gold is identifiable with a unique serial number, purity, and weight and is redeemable in the form of physical gold.
One XAUT is backed by one fine troy ounce of physical gold. It meets the Good Delivery standard of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).
XAUT accounted for approximately 60% of the total gold-backed stablecoin supply, Tether earlier said.
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Elemental Royalty shareholders can receive dividends in Tether's XAUT
Elemental Royalty Corporation said it anticipates that qualifying registered shareholders will be able to elect to receive their dividend in the form of Tether's XAUT tokens, of par value to the dividend price.
With dividends in XAUT, Elemental Royalty shareholders gain direct gold exposure instead of cash equivalents, aligning dividend distributions more closely with the underlying asset.
Elemental Royalty CEO David M. Cole said,
“The decision to offer investors a dividend in kind, in the form of Tether Gold, further differentiates Elemental as a forward-thinking, growth-oriented investment.”
Elemental Royalty executive chairman Juan Sartori said,
“We believe the initiation of this dividend policy is a world first for a royalty company.”
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said,
“Gold has always been one of the most trusted stores of value in the world, yet integrating it directly into modern financial distribution models has been difficult... Using XAUT for shareholder dividends changes that dynamic completely.”
As per CoinGecko, XAUT was trading at $4,870.27 at press time. With a market cap of $2.5 billion, it is the largest tokenized gold coin.
Related: 64-year-old Wall Street firm flags unusual gold accumulation
Tether, the crypto company well-known for its stablecoins, announced on Feb. 17 that Elemental Royalty Corporation (Nasdaq: ELE), a publicly traded gold royalty company, will offer select shareholders the option to receive their dividend in the form of Tether Gold (XAUT) tokens.
This is the first-ever instance of a public gold company offering shareholders the option to receive dividends in tokenized gold, Tether said.
Related: Top gold holder doubles down on precious metal
What is XAUT?
Tether's XAUT is a digital asset backed by physical gold, which combines the long-term stability of gold with the efficiency, accessibility, and transferability of blockchain technology.
It is available as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain and as a TRC20 token on the TRON blockchain.
The allocated gold is identifiable with a unique serial number, purity, and weight and is redeemable in the form of physical gold.
One XAUT is backed by one fine troy ounce of physical gold. It meets the Good Delivery standard of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).
XAUT accounted for approximately 60% of the total gold-backed stablecoin supply, Tether earlier said.
More News:
Gold giant becomes major buyer of U.S. debt
S&P downgrades Tether to lowest rating
Former White House advisor reveals 2026 plan to buy massive U.S. debt
Elemental Royalty shareholders can receive dividends in Tether's XAUT
Elemental Royalty Corporation said it anticipates that qualifying registered shareholders will be able to elect to receive their dividend in the form of Tether's XAUT tokens, of par value to the dividend price.
With dividends in XAUT, Elemental Royalty shareholders gain direct gold exposure instead of cash equivalents, aligning dividend distributions more closely with the underlying asset.
Elemental Royalty CEO David M. Cole said,
“The decision to offer investors a dividend in kind, in the form of Tether Gold, further differentiates Elemental as a forward-thinking, growth-oriented investment.”
Elemental Royalty executive chairman Juan Sartori said,
“We believe the initiation of this dividend policy is a world first for a royalty company.”
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said,
“Gold has always been one of the most trusted stores of value in the world, yet integrating it directly into modern financial distribution models has been difficult... Using XAUT for shareholder dividends changes that dynamic completely.”
As per CoinGecko, XAUT was trading at $4,870.27 at press time. With a market cap of $2.5 billion, it is the largest tokenized gold coin.
Related: 64-year-old Wall Street firm flags unusual gold accumulation
Global stablecoin adoption accelerates as BVNK report shows shift to everyday payments
A new BVNK report shows how stablecoin adoption is rapidly evolving from a niche crypto experiment into an everyday payments tool used across global markets.
Stablecoins move from trading tool to everyday money
According to BVNK’s Stablecoin Utility Report, released on February 17, 2026, stablecoins are increasingly used for practical financial needs rather than speculative trading. The study, conducted by YouGov for BVNK in partnership with Coinbase and Artemis, surveyed more than 4,600 early adopters and crypto-natives in 15 countries.
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar, designed to offer price stability and enable fast, secure transactions. Moreover, the report focused on respondents who currently hold crypto, held it in the last 12 months, or intend to acquire it in the coming year. This provides a detailed snapshot of how active users are integrating digital dollars into daily life.
The data shows that these users no longer view stablecoins as a niche remittance or trading tool. Instead, they deploy them for real-world money movement, prioritizing speed, cost, and security. That said, the shift is not uniform, with notable differences between emerging and high-income markets.
Stablecoins increasingly used for salaries and income
One of the most striking findings is how people are getting paid in stablecoins. 39% of surveyed respondents said they receive payments in stablecoins, either from family and friends or in a professional context. Among this group, such payments account for around 35% of their annual earnings.
Three-quarters of those paid in stablecoins said it improved their ability to do business internationally. In addition, 76% of marketplace sellers reported better sales volumes when using digital dollars. According to the report, these users also enjoy an average fee saving of 40% compared with traditional remittance channels, underlining strong stablecoin remittance savings incentives.
Everyday spending and merchant acceptance trends
Stablecoins are also functioning as everyday money. 27% of holders now use them for routine purchases, from goods to services. They keep an average balance of $200 in their wallets, treating these assets as spendable currency instead of long-term savings. Moreover, this behavioral shift signals that digital dollars are beginning to compete directly with local fiat in some markets.
More than half (52%) of crypto holders reported buying something specifically because a merchant accepted stablecoins. That share rises to 60% in emerging markets, highlighting how stablecoin merchant acceptance can directly influence consumer behavior. However, the report also indicates that current acceptance does not fully match user demand.
The demand-supply gap is clear: 42% of respondents said they want to spend crypto and stablecoins on major or lifestyle purchases, while only 28% actually do so today. This suggests that consumer interest is running ahead of merchant and platform integration, especially outside crypto-native businesses.
Why users prefer paying with stablecoins
The top reasons people choose stablecoins are practical rather than ideological. 30% cited lower fees as their main motivation, while 28% pointed to security and 27% to global access. Moreover, these operational benefits mirror the pain points of legacy payment rails, particularly for cross-border transactions and small businesses.
Crucially, users want better integration with existing financial services. 77% of consumers surveyed said they would open a stablecoin wallet if their personal bank or fintech app offered one. Almost three-quarters (71%) are interested in a linked debit card to spend their holdings frictionlessly. This underscores growing expectations around stablecoin banking integration within traditional financial platforms.
These attitudes suggest that future growth in stablecoin usage may depend as much on banks and fintechs as on crypto-native wallets. However, that requires interoperable infrastructure, clear compliance frameworks, and user-friendly interfaces that hide blockchain complexity.
Regional patterns in stablecoin use
The report highlights clear regional differences in how stablecoins are used. The trend towards everyday payments has been led by South America, Asia, and Africa, where conventional money transfers can be slow, expensive, or tightly restricted. Across these emerging markets, 60% of crypto-native respondents hold stablecoins, rising to a remarkable 79% in Africa.
In many of these economies, moving money abroad is difficult, and local currencies can be highly volatile. As a result, stablecoins have become an important tool for stability and financial inclusion. Moreover, they offer a parallel rail for savings, trade, and remittances that bypasses fragile banking systems and capital controls.
Yet the report also shows that high-income countries are catching up. In the US, the UK, and across Europe, awareness of stablecoins as a way to modernize payments and accelerate global transfers is growing quickly. 45% of crypto users in these economies now hold stablecoins, and their average balances are substantially higher, at around $1,000 compared with $85 in emerging markets.
Regulation and the path to mainstream adoption
The authors note that regulatory frameworks in major jurisdictions are evolving rapidly to support greater use of digital dollars in everyday commerce. As rules take shape across the US, UK, and Europe, policymakers are increasingly treating these assets as a potential upgrade to payment infrastructure rather than only a speculative instrument. This regulatory momentum is a key driver of broader stablecoin market mainstream adoption.
One paragraph of the report explicitly frames this shift as a structural change in stablecoin adoption, not just a temporary spike in usage. That said, significant questions remain around consumer protection, reserve transparency, and interoperability between issuers. Clearer standards could further unlock institutional engagement and payment-industry integration.
Industry perspectives on a tipping point
Commenting on the findings, Chris Harmse, co-founder of BVNK, contrasted headline market statistics with everyday experience in cities like London and New York. He noted that while macro numbers point to hundreds of billions in market capitalization and trillions in annual transaction volume, many consumers still rarely see a ‘pay with stablecoins’ button at checkout.
“That’s what we’ve set out to answer with this report,” Harmse said. “Stablecoins are being used in the real world because they solve real-world problems. People are already getting paid and spending stablecoins, especially where traditional payments are slow, expensive, or unreliable. They’re using them like everyday money, and asking for greater integration into their existing financial tools so they can continue to benefit from this revolution in money movement.”
John Turner, Group Product Manager for stablecoins at Coinbase, emphasized the role of necessity in emerging markets. “In many emerging economies, people have adopted stablecoins out of necessity,” he said. “What’s changing now is that people in developed markets are starting to feel the same frustrations with money movement. They want payments that are instant, global, and low-cost.” Moreover, Turner argued that as regulation develops, stablecoins will be seen less as a niche crypto product and more as a practical enhancement to established systems.
Anthony Yim, Co-Founder & CEO at crypto research firm Artemis, described a “significant behavioral shift” in usage patterns. He pointed out that stablecoin supply has grown 500% over the past five years, alongside multiple legislative initiatives in numerous countries. According to Yim, crypto-natives and early adopters are already fully onboard, using these assets to pay and be paid, which is now driving mainstream global uptake.
Methodology and ecosystem context
The Stablecoin Utility Report is based on an online survey of 4,658 adults aged 18 and over, conducted by YouGov between September and October 2025. All respondents either currently hold cryptocurrency (including stablecoins), held it within the last 12 months, or intend to acquire it in the next 12 months. The sample was drawn from YouGov’s panel of preferred suppliers.
BVNK positions itself as a stablecoin-powered financial stack for enterprises, enabling clients to build financial products, unlock new markets, and move money in seconds across more than 130 countries. The company says it processes billions annually and is trusted by partners including Worldpay, Deel, and Flywire. The report is available for download at BVNK.com/Utility.
Artemis describes itself as a leading analytics platform for blockchain data, used by industry names such as Visa, Grayscale, Pantera, VanEck, and Circle. Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) continues its mission to expand economic freedom globally by providing a trusted platform for trading, staking, safekeeping, spending, and global transfers of crypto assets. Moreover, Coinbase supports builders focused on onchain innovation and advocates for responsible regulation worldwide.
Overall, the BVNK study suggests that stablecoins are transitioning from a specialist crypto tool to a core component of digital finance, with growing usage in salaries, remittances, and everyday spending across both emerging and developed markets.
Stablecoins move from trading tool to everyday money
According to BVNK’s Stablecoin Utility Report, released on February 17, 2026, stablecoins are increasingly used for practical financial needs rather than speculative trading. The study, conducted by YouGov for BVNK in partnership with Coinbase and Artemis, surveyed more than 4,600 early adopters and crypto-natives in 15 countries.
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar, designed to offer price stability and enable fast, secure transactions. Moreover, the report focused on respondents who currently hold crypto, held it in the last 12 months, or intend to acquire it in the coming year. This provides a detailed snapshot of how active users are integrating digital dollars into daily life.
The data shows that these users no longer view stablecoins as a niche remittance or trading tool. Instead, they deploy them for real-world money movement, prioritizing speed, cost, and security. That said, the shift is not uniform, with notable differences between emerging and high-income markets.
Stablecoins increasingly used for salaries and income
One of the most striking findings is how people are getting paid in stablecoins. 39% of surveyed respondents said they receive payments in stablecoins, either from family and friends or in a professional context. Among this group, such payments account for around 35% of their annual earnings.
Three-quarters of those paid in stablecoins said it improved their ability to do business internationally. In addition, 76% of marketplace sellers reported better sales volumes when using digital dollars. According to the report, these users also enjoy an average fee saving of 40% compared with traditional remittance channels, underlining strong stablecoin remittance savings incentives.
Everyday spending and merchant acceptance trends
Stablecoins are also functioning as everyday money. 27% of holders now use them for routine purchases, from goods to services. They keep an average balance of $200 in their wallets, treating these assets as spendable currency instead of long-term savings. Moreover, this behavioral shift signals that digital dollars are beginning to compete directly with local fiat in some markets.
More than half (52%) of crypto holders reported buying something specifically because a merchant accepted stablecoins. That share rises to 60% in emerging markets, highlighting how stablecoin merchant acceptance can directly influence consumer behavior. However, the report also indicates that current acceptance does not fully match user demand.
The demand-supply gap is clear: 42% of respondents said they want to spend crypto and stablecoins on major or lifestyle purchases, while only 28% actually do so today. This suggests that consumer interest is running ahead of merchant and platform integration, especially outside crypto-native businesses.
Why users prefer paying with stablecoins
The top reasons people choose stablecoins are practical rather than ideological. 30% cited lower fees as their main motivation, while 28% pointed to security and 27% to global access. Moreover, these operational benefits mirror the pain points of legacy payment rails, particularly for cross-border transactions and small businesses.
Crucially, users want better integration with existing financial services. 77% of consumers surveyed said they would open a stablecoin wallet if their personal bank or fintech app offered one. Almost three-quarters (71%) are interested in a linked debit card to spend their holdings frictionlessly. This underscores growing expectations around stablecoin banking integration within traditional financial platforms.
These attitudes suggest that future growth in stablecoin usage may depend as much on banks and fintechs as on crypto-native wallets. However, that requires interoperable infrastructure, clear compliance frameworks, and user-friendly interfaces that hide blockchain complexity.
Regional patterns in stablecoin use
The report highlights clear regional differences in how stablecoins are used. The trend towards everyday payments has been led by South America, Asia, and Africa, where conventional money transfers can be slow, expensive, or tightly restricted. Across these emerging markets, 60% of crypto-native respondents hold stablecoins, rising to a remarkable 79% in Africa.
In many of these economies, moving money abroad is difficult, and local currencies can be highly volatile. As a result, stablecoins have become an important tool for stability and financial inclusion. Moreover, they offer a parallel rail for savings, trade, and remittances that bypasses fragile banking systems and capital controls.
Yet the report also shows that high-income countries are catching up. In the US, the UK, and across Europe, awareness of stablecoins as a way to modernize payments and accelerate global transfers is growing quickly. 45% of crypto users in these economies now hold stablecoins, and their average balances are substantially higher, at around $1,000 compared with $85 in emerging markets.
Regulation and the path to mainstream adoption
The authors note that regulatory frameworks in major jurisdictions are evolving rapidly to support greater use of digital dollars in everyday commerce. As rules take shape across the US, UK, and Europe, policymakers are increasingly treating these assets as a potential upgrade to payment infrastructure rather than only a speculative instrument. This regulatory momentum is a key driver of broader stablecoin market mainstream adoption.
One paragraph of the report explicitly frames this shift as a structural change in stablecoin adoption, not just a temporary spike in usage. That said, significant questions remain around consumer protection, reserve transparency, and interoperability between issuers. Clearer standards could further unlock institutional engagement and payment-industry integration.
Industry perspectives on a tipping point
Commenting on the findings, Chris Harmse, co-founder of BVNK, contrasted headline market statistics with everyday experience in cities like London and New York. He noted that while macro numbers point to hundreds of billions in market capitalization and trillions in annual transaction volume, many consumers still rarely see a ‘pay with stablecoins’ button at checkout.
“That’s what we’ve set out to answer with this report,” Harmse said. “Stablecoins are being used in the real world because they solve real-world problems. People are already getting paid and spending stablecoins, especially where traditional payments are slow, expensive, or unreliable. They’re using them like everyday money, and asking for greater integration into their existing financial tools so they can continue to benefit from this revolution in money movement.”
John Turner, Group Product Manager for stablecoins at Coinbase, emphasized the role of necessity in emerging markets. “In many emerging economies, people have adopted stablecoins out of necessity,” he said. “What’s changing now is that people in developed markets are starting to feel the same frustrations with money movement. They want payments that are instant, global, and low-cost.” Moreover, Turner argued that as regulation develops, stablecoins will be seen less as a niche crypto product and more as a practical enhancement to established systems.
Anthony Yim, Co-Founder & CEO at crypto research firm Artemis, described a “significant behavioral shift” in usage patterns. He pointed out that stablecoin supply has grown 500% over the past five years, alongside multiple legislative initiatives in numerous countries. According to Yim, crypto-natives and early adopters are already fully onboard, using these assets to pay and be paid, which is now driving mainstream global uptake.
Methodology and ecosystem context
The Stablecoin Utility Report is based on an online survey of 4,658 adults aged 18 and over, conducted by YouGov between September and October 2025. All respondents either currently hold cryptocurrency (including stablecoins), held it within the last 12 months, or intend to acquire it in the next 12 months. The sample was drawn from YouGov’s panel of preferred suppliers.
BVNK positions itself as a stablecoin-powered financial stack for enterprises, enabling clients to build financial products, unlock new markets, and move money in seconds across more than 130 countries. The company says it processes billions annually and is trusted by partners including Worldpay, Deel, and Flywire. The report is available for download at BVNK.com/Utility.
Artemis describes itself as a leading analytics platform for blockchain data, used by industry names such as Visa, Grayscale, Pantera, VanEck, and Circle. Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) continues its mission to expand economic freedom globally by providing a trusted platform for trading, staking, safekeeping, spending, and global transfers of crypto assets. Moreover, Coinbase supports builders focused on onchain innovation and advocates for responsible regulation worldwide.
Overall, the BVNK study suggests that stablecoins are transitioning from a specialist crypto tool to a core component of digital finance, with growing usage in salaries, remittances, and everyday spending across both emerging and developed markets.
#LearnWithFatima family $USDT & USDC Liquidity Alert .Binance now holds $47.5B in USDT & USDC — covering 65% of all centralized exchange stablecoins.
Fast ✅Secure ✅Deep liquidity ✅
This isn’t just a number — it’s the backbone of smooth trading and low slippage.
What It Means:
Traders can move large positions without disrupting markets.Liquidity concentration hints at where DeFi & CEX flows interact.Whale movements here often set the tone for altcoin rotations.
Accumulation phase: Large inflows → altcoins may spike.Outflow phase: Stress or withdrawals → temporary volatility & spreads.Do you think Binance will keep holding the majority of CEX stablecoins, or will other platforms catch up?
$MYX $TRUTH $ORCA #TradeCryptosOnX #CPIWatch #TrumpCanadaTariffsOverturned #BTCVSGOLD
Fast ✅Secure ✅Deep liquidity ✅
This isn’t just a number — it’s the backbone of smooth trading and low slippage.
What It Means:
Traders can move large positions without disrupting markets.Liquidity concentration hints at where DeFi & CEX flows interact.Whale movements here often set the tone for altcoin rotations.
Accumulation phase: Large inflows → altcoins may spike.Outflow phase: Stress or withdrawals → temporary volatility & spreads.Do you think Binance will keep holding the majority of CEX stablecoins, or will other platforms catch up?
$MYX $TRUTH $ORCA #TradeCryptosOnX #CPIWatch #TrumpCanadaTariffsOverturned #BTCVSGOLD
SOLUSDT
Διην.
30X
Βραχυπρ. άνοιγμα
Μη πραγμ. PnL
+220.00%
数据：2025 年 85% 新发代币价值低于发行价，风投影响力减弱
据 The DeFi Edge，2025 年 85% 代币发行价格低于发行价，风投支持项目收益率下降，部分项目亏损严重。2022 年 Q2，加密风投单季度募资近 170 亿美元，新设基金超过 80 支。自 2022 年以来，风投投资回报持续下滑，新基金数量降至五年最低，上一季度募资仅为 2022 年 Q2 的 12%。尽管上一季度风投投资额达 85 亿美元，环比增长 84%，但主要为 2022 年资金投入，非新增资本。报告指出，传统“风投入场—代币发行—抛售零售”模式正在衰退。随着风投影响力减弱，未来项目成功关键在于真实用户和实际收入，预计将带来更公平发行与减少内部抛售情况。
Quantoz Payments Secures VISA Principal Status, Boosting Stablecoin Integration
TL;DR:
Quantoz becomes a VISA principal member to issue cards directly to third parties.
The alliance will allow fintechs to integrate payments with regulated stablecoins such as EURQ and USDQ.
The service will focus on the European market, complying with MiCAR security standards.
This Tuesday, it was announced that Quantoz Payments secured VISA principal member status, representing a firm step toward mass adoption in the digital asset sector. This partnership marks a significant achievement for the Dutch firm, which can now act as a BIN sponsor.
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with @Visa to become a direct Visa principal member.
Through this partnership we will:
Facilitate the issuance of virtual Visa debit cards
Act as a BIN sponsor for fintechs and platforms
Enable customers to spend… pic.twitter.com/Rfp9auTVv2
— Quantoz (@Quantoz) February 17, 2026
Thanks to this new status, the platform can issue physical and virtual debit cards on behalf of other fintech companies. Consequently, any platform can now add the option for users to spend stablecoin and cryptocurrency balances as part of their services.
The infrastructure developed by Quantoz seeks to eliminate the technical and regulatory barriers currently faced by financial startups. Through integration into VISA’s global network, regulated digital money finally becomes usable for everyday purchases.
Expansion of Stablecoin Payments Under MiCAR Regulation
This collaboration will primarily focus on the European Union market, a niche with high demand for tokenized dollars and euros. The company currently holds an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license granted by the Dutch Central Bank.
Furthermore, Quantoz already manages assets such as EURQ and USDQ, which strictly comply with the MiCAR regulatory framework. This ensures that all funds are backed by liquid assets and fiat money, guaranteeing maximum protection for the end consumer.
Arnoud Star Busmann, CEO of the company, explained that this collaboration allows connecting non-tangible money with one of the most widely accepted payment networks in the world. For its part, VISA reinforces its position as an innovation facilitator in the digital asset ecosystem.
In summary, this advancement positions Quantoz as one of the strongest bridges between traditional finance and the crypto environment. With white-label solutions, the future of hybrid payments seems increasingly close to global normalization.
Quantoz becomes a VISA principal member to issue cards directly to third parties.
The alliance will allow fintechs to integrate payments with regulated stablecoins such as EURQ and USDQ.
The service will focus on the European market, complying with MiCAR security standards.
This Tuesday, it was announced that Quantoz Payments secured VISA principal member status, representing a firm step toward mass adoption in the digital asset sector. This partnership marks a significant achievement for the Dutch firm, which can now act as a BIN sponsor.
We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with @Visa to become a direct Visa principal member.
Through this partnership we will:
Facilitate the issuance of virtual Visa debit cards
Act as a BIN sponsor for fintechs and platforms
Enable customers to spend… pic.twitter.com/Rfp9auTVv2
— Quantoz (@Quantoz) February 17, 2026
Thanks to this new status, the platform can issue physical and virtual debit cards on behalf of other fintech companies. Consequently, any platform can now add the option for users to spend stablecoin and cryptocurrency balances as part of their services.
The infrastructure developed by Quantoz seeks to eliminate the technical and regulatory barriers currently faced by financial startups. Through integration into VISA’s global network, regulated digital money finally becomes usable for everyday purchases.
Expansion of Stablecoin Payments Under MiCAR Regulation
This collaboration will primarily focus on the European Union market, a niche with high demand for tokenized dollars and euros. The company currently holds an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license granted by the Dutch Central Bank.
Furthermore, Quantoz already manages assets such as EURQ and USDQ, which strictly comply with the MiCAR regulatory framework. This ensures that all funds are backed by liquid assets and fiat money, guaranteeing maximum protection for the end consumer.
Arnoud Star Busmann, CEO of the company, explained that this collaboration allows connecting non-tangible money with one of the most widely accepted payment networks in the world. For its part, VISA reinforces its position as an innovation facilitator in the digital asset ecosystem.
In summary, this advancement positions Quantoz as one of the strongest bridges between traditional finance and the crypto environment. With white-label solutions, the future of hybrid payments seems increasingly close to global normalization.
The Dollar Is at Its Most Shorted Level Since 2012. Why Isn't Bitcoin Rallying?
The U.S. dollar is at its most bearish level since 2012, yet Bitcoin is down 21% in 2026. Here's why the historic BTC-dollar relationship has flipped.
Total RWA Value on Ethereum Surpasses USD 1.7 Billion, Up 315% Year-on-Year
The total value of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) issued on the Ethereum blockchain has exceeded USD 1.7 billion, as major institutions such as BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase continue to migrate traditional funds onto blockchain infrastructure.
This figure represents an increase of nearly 315% compared to approximately USD 410 million recorded one year earlier, further reinforcing Ethereum’s position as the leading blockchain for tokenized finance.
At present, Ethereum accounts for roughly 34% of the total RWA value across all blockchain networks. Meanwhile, the total market capitalization of stablecoins on the Ethereum mainnet has risen above USD 175 billion, underscoring the network’s role as a primary settlement layer for USD-denominated tokenized assets.
$ETH
The total value of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) issued on the Ethereum blockchain has exceeded USD 1.7 billion, as major institutions such as BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase continue to migrate traditional funds onto blockchain infrastructure.
This figure represents an increase of nearly 315% compared to approximately USD 410 million recorded one year earlier, further reinforcing Ethereum’s position as the leading blockchain for tokenized finance.
At present, Ethereum accounts for roughly 34% of the total RWA value across all blockchain networks. Meanwhile, the total market capitalization of stablecoins on the Ethereum mainnet has risen above USD 175 billion, underscoring the network’s role as a primary settlement layer for USD-denominated tokenized assets.
$ETH
Zero Bad Debt
Bad debt is the biggest systemic risk in #defi lending.
It happens when a position is not liquidated in time and the collateral can no longer cover the loan.
Entire protocols have struggled because of it.
To protect themselves, many platforms offer conservative terms with lower LTVs and harsher penalties.
Jupiter Lend, powered by $JUP , takes a different approach.
With one of the most efficient liquidation engines in the industry, we can offer higher LTVs and lower liquidation penalties while reducing
protocol risk ⚡
Even during major market stress events, Lend accrued zero bad debt.
Since launch, that number remains the same.
$0.
That is what capital efficiency with safety looks like.
Bad debt is the biggest systemic risk in #defi lending.
It happens when a position is not liquidated in time and the collateral can no longer cover the loan.
Entire protocols have struggled because of it.
To protect themselves, many platforms offer conservative terms with lower LTVs and harsher penalties.
Jupiter Lend, powered by $JUP , takes a different approach.
With one of the most efficient liquidation engines in the industry, we can offer higher LTVs and lower liquidation penalties while reducing
protocol risk ⚡
Even during major market stress events, Lend accrued zero bad debt.
Since launch, that number remains the same.
$0.
That is what capital efficiency with safety looks like.
Rich Dad Poor Dad author says crashing markets do not scare him
Robert Kiyosaki’s long game from 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' to Bitcoin (3:28)
Markets have turned increasingly unstable in early 2026.
Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim the $70,000 level. At the same time, precious metals have pulled back sharply from recent highs.
Gold hit a record above $5,500 in late January 2026 before sliding back below $5,000 in February. Silver also surged past $120 in late January before dropping into the mid-$70K range during February’s sell-off.
On Feb. 16, financial commentary outlet The Kobeissi Letter flagged rising volatility beneath the surface of the stock market. It said the gap between two-week volatility in individual stocks and the Nasdaq 100 had climbed to 20.7 points, the highest level since 2020.
Spread of Nasdaq-100 (NDX) single-stock volatility vs index volatility.
The measure has doubled over the past month and now sits three times above its four-year average, showing that even if major indexes look calm, many individual stocks are experiencing extreme moves.
In response to current market conditions, Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki says he is not afraid of a crash.
Related: Gold and silver crash puts crypto back in focus
Market crash as buying opportunity
In a Feb. 17 post, Kiyosaki reiterated his long-held warning that a historic market crash was coming, saying the “giant crash is now imminent.”
Kiyosaki’s broader strategy centers on accumulating hard assets during periods of panic. He said he holds gold, silver, Ethereum and Bitcoin, and plans to increase his exposure if prices continue to fall, positioning himself as a buyer when others are selling.
“Market crashes are priceless assets going on sale,” he wrote, adding, “Let this crash make you richer.”
Popular on TheStreet Roundtable:
Hedge fund manager predicts Bitcoin to $50M
Another company makes a U.S. comeback
Gold, silver, S&P 500, crypto crash again amid extreme fear
Robert Kiyosaki is betting on scarcity
A core pillar of Kiyosaki’s bullish stance on Bitcoin is its fixed supply. The Bitcoin protocol caps total issuance at 21 million coins, a hard limit embedded in its code.
"I am so bullish on Bitcoin I am buying more and more as Bitcoin’s price goes down. Why? There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin and there are nearly 21 million Bitcoin already in circulation."
According to blockchain data from Blockchair, Bitcoin’s circulating supply currently stands at 19,990,871 BTC, meaning just over 1 million coins remain before the 21 million cap is reached. New coins are released at a decreasing rate through a process known as bitcoin mining, with periodic “halving” events cutting issuance in half roughly every four years.
Kiyosaki points to this built-in scarcity as a key reason he continues to accumulate during downturns.
With supply capped and demand fluctuating based on market cycles, he argues that panic-driven sell-offs present long-term buyers with discounted entry points into a finite asset.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $68,204.18, down 0.94% on the day, while Ethereum stood at $1,993.53, lower by 0.22% over the same period, according to data by CoinGecko.
Related: Markets slide on U.S.-Iran escalation
Markets have turned increasingly unstable in early 2026.
Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim the $70,000 level. At the same time, precious metals have pulled back sharply from recent highs.
Gold hit a record above $5,500 in late January 2026 before sliding back below $5,000 in February. Silver also surged past $120 in late January before dropping into the mid-$70K range during February’s sell-off.
On Feb. 16, financial commentary outlet The Kobeissi Letter flagged rising volatility beneath the surface of the stock market. It said the gap between two-week volatility in individual stocks and the Nasdaq 100 had climbed to 20.7 points, the highest level since 2020.
Spread of Nasdaq-100 (NDX) single-stock volatility vs index volatility.
The measure has doubled over the past month and now sits three times above its four-year average, showing that even if major indexes look calm, many individual stocks are experiencing extreme moves.
In response to current market conditions, Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki says he is not afraid of a crash.
Related: Gold and silver crash puts crypto back in focus
Market crash as buying opportunity
In a Feb. 17 post, Kiyosaki reiterated his long-held warning that a historic market crash was coming, saying the “giant crash is now imminent.”
Kiyosaki’s broader strategy centers on accumulating hard assets during periods of panic. He said he holds gold, silver, Ethereum and Bitcoin, and plans to increase his exposure if prices continue to fall, positioning himself as a buyer when others are selling.
“Market crashes are priceless assets going on sale,” he wrote, adding, “Let this crash make you richer.”
Popular on TheStreet Roundtable:
Hedge fund manager predicts Bitcoin to $50M
Another company makes a U.S. comeback
Gold, silver, S&P 500, crypto crash again amid extreme fear
Robert Kiyosaki is betting on scarcity
A core pillar of Kiyosaki’s bullish stance on Bitcoin is its fixed supply. The Bitcoin protocol caps total issuance at 21 million coins, a hard limit embedded in its code.
"I am so bullish on Bitcoin I am buying more and more as Bitcoin’s price goes down. Why? There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin and there are nearly 21 million Bitcoin already in circulation."
According to blockchain data from Blockchair, Bitcoin’s circulating supply currently stands at 19,990,871 BTC, meaning just over 1 million coins remain before the 21 million cap is reached. New coins are released at a decreasing rate through a process known as bitcoin mining, with periodic “halving” events cutting issuance in half roughly every four years.
Kiyosaki points to this built-in scarcity as a key reason he continues to accumulate during downturns.
With supply capped and demand fluctuating based on market cycles, he argues that panic-driven sell-offs present long-term buyers with discounted entry points into a finite asset.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $68,204.18, down 0.94% on the day, while Ethereum stood at $1,993.53, lower by 0.22% over the same period, according to data by CoinGecko.
Related: Markets slide on U.S.-Iran escalation
'It's Awful': Ripple CTO Emeritus Comments on Logan Paul's $16 Million Pokémo...
Logan Paul’s $16.49 million sale of the PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card at Goldin in February 2026 set a public auction record, but the transaction has triggered legal threats from fractional investors. Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartzcriticized the deal’s structure, arguing that it concentrated upside with the sponsor while distributing downside risk to retail participants.
Why David Schwartz called deal "awful"
The whole controversy started with Liquid Marketplace, a collectibles platform that Paul cofounded. It lets users buy fractional interests in high-value assets. Investors are now saying that, after the reported $16.5 million sale, they are not getting a fair share of the profits.
The dispute is all about a clause that apparently let Paul buy back shares at their original price before selling them on again.
Supporters of the structure say that the terms of the contract were made clear and that the buyback provision defines the economic limits of participation. Critics counter that this can create imbalance, especially when the valuation goes up a lot after fractionalization.
card
David Schwartz, known for his work onXRP Ledger blockchain architecture andRipple CTO Emeritus, spoke out about it on X. He called the structure "awful" and said there was a mismatch in what the different parties were motivated by.
According to Schwartz, the arrangement shifted the risk of price decline to fractional holders while reserving the benefit of appreciation for the main owner. He did not go into legal conclusions but framed the issue as one of economic design and fairness.
I agree it's awful. He shifted the risk of a drop to others and took all the benefit of a gain to himself.
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) February 16, 2026
Reports online say that a class action lawsuit might be coming against Paul and his associate, Mike Majlak. The plaintiffs are expected to argue that retail investors were misled about the practical impact of the buyback clause.
Why David Schwartz called deal "awful"
The whole controversy started with Liquid Marketplace, a collectibles platform that Paul cofounded. It lets users buy fractional interests in high-value assets. Investors are now saying that, after the reported $16.5 million sale, they are not getting a fair share of the profits.
The dispute is all about a clause that apparently let Paul buy back shares at their original price before selling them on again.
Supporters of the structure say that the terms of the contract were made clear and that the buyback provision defines the economic limits of participation. Critics counter that this can create imbalance, especially when the valuation goes up a lot after fractionalization.
card
David Schwartz, known for his work onXRP Ledger blockchain architecture andRipple CTO Emeritus, spoke out about it on X. He called the structure "awful" and said there was a mismatch in what the different parties were motivated by.
According to Schwartz, the arrangement shifted the risk of price decline to fractional holders while reserving the benefit of appreciation for the main owner. He did not go into legal conclusions but framed the issue as one of economic design and fairness.
I agree it's awful. He shifted the risk of a drop to others and took all the benefit of a gain to himself.
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) February 16, 2026
Reports online say that a class action lawsuit might be coming against Paul and his associate, Mike Majlak. The plaintiffs are expected to argue that retail investors were misled about the practical impact of the buyback clause.
ME News 消息，2 月 17 日（UTC+8）， 根据福布斯富豪榜的最新数据，特斯拉 CEO 埃隆·马斯克的个人资产已逼近 8500 亿美元。而根据预测平台 Kalshi 的预测，他今年将有 78%的可能性会成为全球首位万亿富翁。 Watcher.Guru 在 X 平台发文表示，马斯克称其拥有的现金不到 8.5 亿美元，仅占其净资产的 0.1%（来源：ME）
Shiba Inu Rolls Out Recovery Mechanism for Users Affected on Shibarium
Shiba Inu launched a recovery mechanism for users affected on Shibarium. The system, called SOU —Shib Owes You—, consists of an on-chain NFT that verifiably records what the Shiba Inu ecosystem owes each user, including payouts, donations, and occasional rewards.
Each SOU reflects an amount associated with the user, which decreases as payments are made or community donations are received. The infrastructure ensures that the records are permanent on the Ethereum blockchain, impossible to modify or erase.
The mechanism was introduced by developer Kaal Dhairya at the end of 2025, as part of Shiba Inu’s commitment to ensure that every activity related to the network addresses affected users.
All processes for minting, payouts, donations, and transfers were audited by Hexens. The review covered asset recovery logic, payment flows, NFT mechanics, access controls, and fund security. The community responded positively to the launch, highlighting the work of the team behind the SOU, including ambassador Shytoshi Kusama.
Source:: https://x.com/Shibtoken/status/2023475936092381374
Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News are based on verified public and official sources. Their purpose is to provide fast, factual updates about relevant events in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.
This information does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendation. Readers are encouraged to verify all details through official project channels before making any related decisions
Each SOU reflects an amount associated with the user, which decreases as payments are made or community donations are received. The infrastructure ensures that the records are permanent on the Ethereum blockchain, impossible to modify or erase.
The mechanism was introduced by developer Kaal Dhairya at the end of 2025, as part of Shiba Inu’s commitment to ensure that every activity related to the network addresses affected users.
All processes for minting, payouts, donations, and transfers were audited by Hexens. The review covered asset recovery logic, payment flows, NFT mechanics, access controls, and fund security. The community responded positively to the launch, highlighting the work of the team behind the SOU, including ambassador Shytoshi Kusama.
Source:: https://x.com/Shibtoken/status/2023475936092381374
Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News are based on verified public and official sources. Their purpose is to provide fast, factual updates about relevant events in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.
This information does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendation. Readers are encouraged to verify all details through official project channels before making any related decisions
TAO Tests Critical $170–$190 Support Zone, Analyst Forecasts Risks
TAO is testing the crucial demand zone between $170 and $190.
Analyst Cyril-DeFi suggests reclaiming $200 would be the first sign of strength.
Failure to hold support could lead to a continuation of the downtrend.
TAO is at a critical crossroads, testing a crucial demand zone between $170 and $190. After a 3.46% decline, analysts are closely watching if this support holds. Failure to maintain this level could lead to further declines, while a rebound might set the stage for a potential recovery.
TAO Faces Crucial Test at Demand Zone Amid Downtrend
TAO is in a corrective phase, currently trading at $184.4 after a 3.46% decline. The cryptocurrency is navigating a persistent downtrend, marked by lower highs. Now, TAO is testing a key demand zone between $170 and $190, an area where price often stabilizes before potential recovery.
TAO is deep in its corrective phase.
Clear downtrend with consistent lower highs.
Now testing key demand around $170–$190.
This is where strong assets begin to base.
Reclaim $200 → first signal of strength.
Fail → continuation of the broader downtrend.
Still in repair… pic.twitter.com/AOxB54llzp
— Cyril-DeFi (@cyrilXBT) February 16, 2026
Cyril-DeFi, a prominent market analyst, noted that this demand zone is critical for TAO’s future movement. He explained, “This is where strong assets begin to base,” implying that a successful bounce from this level could mark the beginning of a reversal. However, failure to hold this support could lead to further declines, continuing the broader downtrend.
Key Level: Reclaiming $200 for Renewed Strength
Market analysts suggest that reclaiming the $200 mark would be the first sign of renewed strength for TAO. However, if TAO fails to hold the current support between $170 and $190, it could lead to further declines, continuing the broader downtrend. The trading volume at 72.23K is modest, indicating that TAO is still in a corrective phase and needs increased buyer interest to reverse the trend.
TAO’s price action at this critical support level could determine whether the asset continues to struggle or starts building for a recovery. Traders are advised to watch for any signs of upward momentum from this level before making significant decisions. A failure to hold this support zone may result in a continuation of the bearish trend.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.
<p>The post TAO Tests Critical $170–$190 Support Zone, Analyst Forecasts Risks first appeared on Coin Crypto Newz.</p>
Analyst Cyril-DeFi suggests reclaiming $200 would be the first sign of strength.
Failure to hold support could lead to a continuation of the downtrend.
TAO is at a critical crossroads, testing a crucial demand zone between $170 and $190. After a 3.46% decline, analysts are closely watching if this support holds. Failure to maintain this level could lead to further declines, while a rebound might set the stage for a potential recovery.
TAO Faces Crucial Test at Demand Zone Amid Downtrend
TAO is in a corrective phase, currently trading at $184.4 after a 3.46% decline. The cryptocurrency is navigating a persistent downtrend, marked by lower highs. Now, TAO is testing a key demand zone between $170 and $190, an area where price often stabilizes before potential recovery.
TAO is deep in its corrective phase.
Clear downtrend with consistent lower highs.
Now testing key demand around $170–$190.
This is where strong assets begin to base.
Reclaim $200 → first signal of strength.
Fail → continuation of the broader downtrend.
Still in repair… pic.twitter.com/AOxB54llzp
— Cyril-DeFi (@cyrilXBT) February 16, 2026
Cyril-DeFi, a prominent market analyst, noted that this demand zone is critical for TAO’s future movement. He explained, “This is where strong assets begin to base,” implying that a successful bounce from this level could mark the beginning of a reversal. However, failure to hold this support could lead to further declines, continuing the broader downtrend.
Key Level: Reclaiming $200 for Renewed Strength
Market analysts suggest that reclaiming the $200 mark would be the first sign of renewed strength for TAO. However, if TAO fails to hold the current support between $170 and $190, it could lead to further declines, continuing the broader downtrend. The trading volume at 72.23K is modest, indicating that TAO is still in a corrective phase and needs increased buyer interest to reverse the trend.
TAO’s price action at this critical support level could determine whether the asset continues to struggle or starts building for a recovery. Traders are advised to watch for any signs of upward momentum from this level before making significant decisions. A failure to hold this support zone may result in a continuation of the bearish trend.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.
<p>The post TAO Tests Critical $170–$190 Support Zone, Analyst Forecasts Risks first appeared on Coin Crypto Newz.</p>
Weeks After White House Appearance, Nicki Minaj Joins Trump Family’s Crypto Forum
Nicki Minaj will take the stage at the Trump-linked World Liberty Forum later this week, marking her latest public alignment with the Trump family’s expanding crypto ambitions.
World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the DeFi project backed by Donald Trump’s family, confirmed that the global music icon will attend its flagship summit at Mar-a-Lago on February 18.
From White House Stage to Crypto Power Circle
Her participation comes just weeks after she appeared alongside Donald Trump at a government-linked event in Washington, D.C., where she openly praised the president and described herself as one of his strongest supporters.
Minaj’s invitation to the World Liberty Forum signals a deeper connection between Trump’s political influence and his family’s growing crypto ecosystem.
Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump at the ‘Trump Accounts’ Event Inside The White House
The forum, hosted by WLFI, will take place on February 18 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
It is an invitation-only gathering expected to bring together approximately 300 to 400 executives, investors, policymakers, and technologists.
The event’s speaker roster includes some of the most powerful figures in global finance and crypto. Confirmed attendees include Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, who co-founded World Liberty Financial, will also speak.
Political Support Comes as Trump Expands Crypto Agenda
Minaj’s latest appearance follows her participation in Trump’s January event tied to a government savings initiative, where she publicly endorsed him and dismissed criticism from media and political opponents.
Her remarks marked one of the clearest endorsements Trump has received from a major global pop star. Trump has increasingly relied on high-profile cultural figures to amplify his message, particularly as his administration pushes policies aimed at supporting crypto markets and stablecoin infrastructure.
Recently, the broader pool of Hollywood celebrities has been vocal in opposition to the Trump administration and its policies. It’s evident that the US president is likely trying to bring his celebrity supporters closer to his inner circle across the entire spectrum, including crypto.
Nicki Minaj’s Limited but Notable Crypto History
While Minaj has not launched her own cryptocurrency or NFT collection, she has previously engaged with the crypto ecosystem.
In 2021, she promoted the Happy Hippos NFT project on social media during the peak of the NFT boom, joining a wave of artists experimenting with blockchain-based digital ownership.
However, unlike celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, or Logan Paul, Minaj has not launched a personal token, NFT platform, or crypto startup.
Her involvement has remained largely promotional and cultural rather than operational or technical.
Her appearance at the World Liberty Forum represents her most direct connection yet to institutional crypto infrastructure and policy discussions.
World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the DeFi project backed by Donald Trump’s family, confirmed that the global music icon will attend its flagship summit at Mar-a-Lago on February 18.
From White House Stage to Crypto Power Circle
Her participation comes just weeks after she appeared alongside Donald Trump at a government-linked event in Washington, D.C., where she openly praised the president and described herself as one of his strongest supporters.
Minaj’s invitation to the World Liberty Forum signals a deeper connection between Trump’s political influence and his family’s growing crypto ecosystem.
Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump at the ‘Trump Accounts’ Event Inside The White House
The forum, hosted by WLFI, will take place on February 18 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
It is an invitation-only gathering expected to bring together approximately 300 to 400 executives, investors, policymakers, and technologists.
The event’s speaker roster includes some of the most powerful figures in global finance and crypto. Confirmed attendees include Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, who co-founded World Liberty Financial, will also speak.
Political Support Comes as Trump Expands Crypto Agenda
Minaj’s latest appearance follows her participation in Trump’s January event tied to a government savings initiative, where she publicly endorsed him and dismissed criticism from media and political opponents.
Her remarks marked one of the clearest endorsements Trump has received from a major global pop star. Trump has increasingly relied on high-profile cultural figures to amplify his message, particularly as his administration pushes policies aimed at supporting crypto markets and stablecoin infrastructure.
Recently, the broader pool of Hollywood celebrities has been vocal in opposition to the Trump administration and its policies. It’s evident that the US president is likely trying to bring his celebrity supporters closer to his inner circle across the entire spectrum, including crypto.
Nicki Minaj’s Limited but Notable Crypto History
While Minaj has not launched her own cryptocurrency or NFT collection, she has previously engaged with the crypto ecosystem.
In 2021, she promoted the Happy Hippos NFT project on social media during the peak of the NFT boom, joining a wave of artists experimenting with blockchain-based digital ownership.
However, unlike celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, or Logan Paul, Minaj has not launched a personal token, NFT platform, or crypto startup.
Her involvement has remained largely promotional and cultural rather than operational or technical.
Her appearance at the World Liberty Forum represents her most direct connection yet to institutional crypto infrastructure and policy discussions.
Is Bitcoin a Democracy? Adam Back Clarifies Protocol's Nondemocratic DNA
The reneweddebate around Adam Back and Satoshi Nakamoto has shifted from identity speculation to a more structural question: does Bitcoin function as a democracy? The trigger was a public exchange over the meaning of “one-CPU-one-vote” in the 2008 Bitcoin whitepaper, with critics arguing that the phrase implies majority rule embedded in the protocol’s design.
"One-CPU-One-Vote" controversy
Back rejects this framing directly. For him,Bitcoin (BTC) does not operate as a political voting system but as a technical consensus network. In his explanation, proof of work is not a ballot but a mechanism for resolving competing block histories under Byzantine conditions.
Hashpower determines which valid chain extends, yet validity itself is defined by nodes enforcing protocol rules. Miners cannot redefine those rules unilaterally because blocks that violate consensus are rejected regardless of computational weight.
The distinction becomes operational when examining Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 110, which proposes temporarily tightening "OP_RETURN" limits to restrict nonfinancial data, such as Ordinals inscriptions.
never mind what the paper says, bitcoin is clearly not a democracy for nakamoto consensus changes. and proof of work which is what that quote is about, is a one hash one "vote" system, as a tie-breaker for byzantine agreement to solve the BGP problem with anonymous participants.
— Adam Back (@adam3us) February 17, 2026
The proposal relies on a User-Activated Soft Fork, meaning node operators would adopt new validation rules without requiring explicit miner-majority signaling. That mechanism tests the core claim: inBitcoin, enforcement power rests with validating nodes rather than with a simple majority of hashpower.
card
Back previously has criticized BIP-110 despite past support for limiting blockchain bloat, arguing that contentious rule changes activated without broad alignment risk network fragmentation and undermine Bitcoin’s stability as a monetary system. Current support levels among publicly visible nodes remain limited.
As it stands, if democracy implies majority rule overriding minority preferences, Bitcoin does not fit that description. Instead, it operates as a rules-enforced protocol, where consensus emerges from validation and economic coordination, not from ballots.
"One-CPU-One-Vote" controversy
Back rejects this framing directly. For him,Bitcoin (BTC) does not operate as a political voting system but as a technical consensus network. In his explanation, proof of work is not a ballot but a mechanism for resolving competing block histories under Byzantine conditions.
Hashpower determines which valid chain extends, yet validity itself is defined by nodes enforcing protocol rules. Miners cannot redefine those rules unilaterally because blocks that violate consensus are rejected regardless of computational weight.
The distinction becomes operational when examining Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 110, which proposes temporarily tightening "OP_RETURN" limits to restrict nonfinancial data, such as Ordinals inscriptions.
never mind what the paper says, bitcoin is clearly not a democracy for nakamoto consensus changes. and proof of work which is what that quote is about, is a one hash one "vote" system, as a tie-breaker for byzantine agreement to solve the BGP problem with anonymous participants.
— Adam Back (@adam3us) February 17, 2026
The proposal relies on a User-Activated Soft Fork, meaning node operators would adopt new validation rules without requiring explicit miner-majority signaling. That mechanism tests the core claim: inBitcoin, enforcement power rests with validating nodes rather than with a simple majority of hashpower.
card
Back previously has criticized BIP-110 despite past support for limiting blockchain bloat, arguing that contentious rule changes activated without broad alignment risk network fragmentation and undermine Bitcoin’s stability as a monetary system. Current support levels among publicly visible nodes remain limited.
As it stands, if democracy implies majority rule overriding minority preferences, Bitcoin does not fit that description. Instead, it operates as a rules-enforced protocol, where consensus emerges from validation and economic coordination, not from ballots.
Top Analyst Reveals What Comes Next for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP
The post Top Analyst Reveals What Comes Next for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
A leading market analyst says the crypto market may be heading into a short-term rebound, but investors should still prepare for a potentially volatile period ahead. According to the latest technical outlook by Gareth Soloway, cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP could see a temporary recovery rally before the market decides its longer-term direction.
Bitcoin May See a Short-Term Relief Rally
The analyst explained that Bitcoin recently formed a classic bearish structure after falling sharply from its previous highs, followed by a consolidation phase and another drop. However, recent price action is now showing signs of a bullish consolidation pattern, which typically appears when buyers begin accumulating during periods of fear.
Because of this setup, Bitcoin could attempt a near-term rebound toward the $80,000–$85,000 zone, where strong resistance is expected. If the market manages to break above that area, the next upside levels could extend toward the $90,000–$95,000 range, though such a move would require stronger market momentum.
The analyst said that Bitcoin continues to move closely with the technology stock sector, which is currently undergoing a deleveraging phase.
Ethereum Likely to Follow the Market Direction
Ethereum and most large-cap altcoins typically follow Bitcoin’s trend cycles. This means Ethereum could also participate in a short-term recovery rally if Bitcoin stabilizes, but its long-term performance will depend largely on whether the broader market establishes a clear bottom.
In the short term, however, Ethereum is also forming a bullish consolidation zone, suggesting the possibility of a relief rally. The analyst sees potential for a move back toward the $2,600 area, which represents the lower boundary of the previous consolidation region.
Historically, crypto markets have experienced large drawdowns during cycle transitions, often followed by extended consolidation before the next major rally begins.
XRP Faces a Key Resistance Test
For XRP, the technical picture remains more uncertain. The asset recently broke below an important support level and then attempted a bounce, only to face rejection near a critical resistance zone around $1.78. According to the analyst, XRP bulls must push the price back above this resistance area to regain upside momentum.
If XRP successfully moves above this level, it could attempt to break the current downward trend line and stabilize. However, failure to reclaim resistance may keep the asset trading under pressure along with the broader altcoin market.
A leading market analyst says the crypto market may be heading into a short-term rebound, but investors should still prepare for a potentially volatile period ahead. According to the latest technical outlook by Gareth Soloway, cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP could see a temporary recovery rally before the market decides its longer-term direction.
Bitcoin May See a Short-Term Relief Rally
The analyst explained that Bitcoin recently formed a classic bearish structure after falling sharply from its previous highs, followed by a consolidation phase and another drop. However, recent price action is now showing signs of a bullish consolidation pattern, which typically appears when buyers begin accumulating during periods of fear.
Because of this setup, Bitcoin could attempt a near-term rebound toward the $80,000–$85,000 zone, where strong resistance is expected. If the market manages to break above that area, the next upside levels could extend toward the $90,000–$95,000 range, though such a move would require stronger market momentum.
The analyst said that Bitcoin continues to move closely with the technology stock sector, which is currently undergoing a deleveraging phase.
Ethereum Likely to Follow the Market Direction
Ethereum and most large-cap altcoins typically follow Bitcoin’s trend cycles. This means Ethereum could also participate in a short-term recovery rally if Bitcoin stabilizes, but its long-term performance will depend largely on whether the broader market establishes a clear bottom.
In the short term, however, Ethereum is also forming a bullish consolidation zone, suggesting the possibility of a relief rally. The analyst sees potential for a move back toward the $2,600 area, which represents the lower boundary of the previous consolidation region.
Historically, crypto markets have experienced large drawdowns during cycle transitions, often followed by extended consolidation before the next major rally begins.
XRP Faces a Key Resistance Test
For XRP, the technical picture remains more uncertain. The asset recently broke below an important support level and then attempted a bounce, only to face rejection near a critical resistance zone around $1.78. According to the analyst, XRP bulls must push the price back above this resistance area to regain upside momentum.
If XRP successfully moves above this level, it could attempt to break the current downward trend line and stabilize. However, failure to reclaim resistance may keep the asset trading under pressure along with the broader altcoin market.
New Bitcoin whales are trapped underwater, but for how long?
Bitcoin’s (BTC) price continued to consolidate near $68,000 on Tuesday, but sustained weakness below this level may generate additional sell pressure from the newest cohort of large holders.
While the long-term whales remain in profit, short-term whales are sitting on sizeable unrealized losses. One analyst highlighted how this pressure may impact BTC’s price, as other indicators point to a continued downtrend.
Key takeaways:
The short-term Bitcoin whales are sitting on net unrealized losses of 22% at current prices.
The Binance whale inflow ratio climbed to 0.62 from 0.4 in two weeks, signaling a rise in the large-holder deposits.
Long-term whales control 71% of the large-wallet supply and remain in profit above their realised price of $41,626.
New BTC whales face mounting unrealized losses
Market analyst Carmelo Alemán noted that the wallets holding 1,000–10,000 BTC control 4.483 million BTC at the moment. 1.287 million BTC (28.7%) belongs to the short-term holder (STH) whales, while 3.196 million BTC (71.3%) sits with the long-term holder (LTH) whales.
The cost basis gap is significant. STH whales have a realized price of $88,494, carrying an unrealized loss of 22%. LTH whales hold a realized price of $41,626, maintaining a 65% in profit.
Bitcoin realized price of new and old whales. Source: CryptoQuant
Alemán explained that this asymmetry shows the recent whale holders are under pressure while older capital retains a large cushion.
However, realized losses among STH whales have remained limited since Bitcoin’s all-time high of $126,000 in October 2025, reflecting resilience from the holders.
The key structural level remains near $41,626, which is the LTH realized price. As long as BTC holds above it, the data reflects redistribution rather than structural capitulation, the analyst said.
Related: Ray Dalio’s world order warning revives case for Bitcoin as neutral money
BTC whale deposits increase as pressure on long-term holders builds
The Binance whale inflow ratio, measuring the share of the 10 largest BTC deposits relative to total inflows, rose to 0.62 from 0.4 between Feb. 2 and 15. A higher ratio suggests a growing whale-driven sell-side activity.
Whale inflow ratio on Binance. Source: CryptoQuant
Crypto analyst Darkfost said that a part of the flow is linked to the “Hyperunit whale,” believed to be Garrett Jin, who moved close to 10,000 BTC onto Binance.
LTH's spent output profit ratio (SOPR) also dropped to 0.88. SOPR measures whether the coins are being sold at a profit or loss, with a reading below 1 meaning losses are being realized. The monthly average SOPR remains at 1.09, and the annual average stands at 1.87, indicating that long-term profitability is still intact.
Additionally, Alphractal founder Joao Wedson said that the long-term holder net-unrealized profit/loss (NUPL) stands at 0.36, meaning unrealized profits remain positive.
The analyst said that the past cycle bottoms formed only after the metric turned negative, implying Bitcoin may still need another dip to confirm capitulation among the LTH cohorts.
Bitcoin long-term holder NUPL. Source: Joao Wedson/X
Related: Bitcoin weekly RSI echoes mid-2022 bear market as BTC plays liquidity games
While the long-term whales remain in profit, short-term whales are sitting on sizeable unrealized losses. One analyst highlighted how this pressure may impact BTC’s price, as other indicators point to a continued downtrend.
Key takeaways:
The short-term Bitcoin whales are sitting on net unrealized losses of 22% at current prices.
The Binance whale inflow ratio climbed to 0.62 from 0.4 in two weeks, signaling a rise in the large-holder deposits.
Long-term whales control 71% of the large-wallet supply and remain in profit above their realised price of $41,626.
New BTC whales face mounting unrealized losses
Market analyst Carmelo Alemán noted that the wallets holding 1,000–10,000 BTC control 4.483 million BTC at the moment. 1.287 million BTC (28.7%) belongs to the short-term holder (STH) whales, while 3.196 million BTC (71.3%) sits with the long-term holder (LTH) whales.
The cost basis gap is significant. STH whales have a realized price of $88,494, carrying an unrealized loss of 22%. LTH whales hold a realized price of $41,626, maintaining a 65% in profit.
Bitcoin realized price of new and old whales. Source: CryptoQuant
Alemán explained that this asymmetry shows the recent whale holders are under pressure while older capital retains a large cushion.
However, realized losses among STH whales have remained limited since Bitcoin’s all-time high of $126,000 in October 2025, reflecting resilience from the holders.
The key structural level remains near $41,626, which is the LTH realized price. As long as BTC holds above it, the data reflects redistribution rather than structural capitulation, the analyst said.
Related: Ray Dalio’s world order warning revives case for Bitcoin as neutral money
BTC whale deposits increase as pressure on long-term holders builds
The Binance whale inflow ratio, measuring the share of the 10 largest BTC deposits relative to total inflows, rose to 0.62 from 0.4 between Feb. 2 and 15. A higher ratio suggests a growing whale-driven sell-side activity.
Whale inflow ratio on Binance. Source: CryptoQuant
Crypto analyst Darkfost said that a part of the flow is linked to the “Hyperunit whale,” believed to be Garrett Jin, who moved close to 10,000 BTC onto Binance.
LTH's spent output profit ratio (SOPR) also dropped to 0.88. SOPR measures whether the coins are being sold at a profit or loss, with a reading below 1 meaning losses are being realized. The monthly average SOPR remains at 1.09, and the annual average stands at 1.87, indicating that long-term profitability is still intact.
Additionally, Alphractal founder Joao Wedson said that the long-term holder net-unrealized profit/loss (NUPL) stands at 0.36, meaning unrealized profits remain positive.
The analyst said that the past cycle bottoms formed only after the metric turned negative, implying Bitcoin may still need another dip to confirm capitulation among the LTH cohorts.
Bitcoin long-term holder NUPL. Source: Joao Wedson/X
Related: Bitcoin weekly RSI echoes mid-2022 bear market as BTC plays liquidity games
Shiba Inu (SHIB) Recovers 30% But Faces 'Black Friday' Resistance
Shiba Inu (SHIB) has successfully staged a nearly 30% recovery from its February lows, but the asset is now facing a critical technical crossroads as the rebound is currently stalling at the $0.0000068 zone — a level that digital assets market participants have dubbed the "Black Friday" resistance due to its history as a major liquidation trigger back in Oct. 10, 2025.
Why "Black Friday" resistance acts as gatekeeper for SHIB
After a slide down starting in late December, SHIB established a base in the $0.0000052-$0.0000054 range, as visible on theTradingView chart. While the 30% bounce looks impressive on paper, the underlying data suggests caution:
Polarity flip: The $0.0000068 level, which acted as a floor during the October crash, has now solidified as a "ceiling." This confirms a classic support-turned-resistance flip.Momentum metrics: The Daily RSI has climbed out of oversold territory but remains capped in the midrange. This indicates that while the selling exhaustion has ended, bullish conviction has not yet taken over.
card
For SHIB to transition from a "relief rally" to a "trend reversal," it must decisively reclaim the $0.0000068-$0.000007 band.
The bull case: A daily close above $0.000007 would clear the path forShiba Inu toward the next high-liquidity zone at $0.000009, with a secondary target in the $0.000011 supply cluster.The bear case: Failure to breach this "Black Friday" gatekeeper likely leads to a period of distribution. Watch for a retest of the $0.0000058 support, where a break below that would put the February lows back in play.
SHIB has regained its footing, but the "Black Friday" level, set four months ago, remains the ultimate technical arbiter. Until this barrier is broken, the broader market structure remains corrective for Shiba Inu.
Why "Black Friday" resistance acts as gatekeeper for SHIB
After a slide down starting in late December, SHIB established a base in the $0.0000052-$0.0000054 range, as visible on theTradingView chart. While the 30% bounce looks impressive on paper, the underlying data suggests caution:
Polarity flip: The $0.0000068 level, which acted as a floor during the October crash, has now solidified as a "ceiling." This confirms a classic support-turned-resistance flip.Momentum metrics: The Daily RSI has climbed out of oversold territory but remains capped in the midrange. This indicates that while the selling exhaustion has ended, bullish conviction has not yet taken over.
card
For SHIB to transition from a "relief rally" to a "trend reversal," it must decisively reclaim the $0.0000068-$0.000007 band.
The bull case: A daily close above $0.000007 would clear the path forShiba Inu toward the next high-liquidity zone at $0.000009, with a secondary target in the $0.000011 supply cluster.The bear case: Failure to breach this "Black Friday" gatekeeper likely leads to a period of distribution. Watch for a retest of the $0.0000058 support, where a break below that would put the February lows back in play.
SHIB has regained its footing, but the "Black Friday" level, set four months ago, remains the ultimate technical arbiter. Until this barrier is broken, the broader market structure remains corrective for Shiba Inu.
310 Sell Alerts in 6 Hours: Single Wallet Floods XRP Order Book With 310M Tokens
The post 310 Sell Alerts in 6 Hours: Single Wallet Floods XRP Order Book With 310M Tokens appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Heavy order-book activity has been recorded on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) after automated monitoring systems detected 310 sell-side whale alerts within six hours, most of them linked to a single wallet associated with Bitstamp. The activity comes at a time when XRP price action remains weak and locked inside an important consolidation range.
One Wallet Generated Hundreds of Rapid Sell Orders
According to an XRPL validator tracking whale movements, a single wallet repeatedly placed sell orders of roughly 1 million XRP, canceled them, and then replaced them every 15 to 30 seconds. In total, nearly 310 million XRP moved through the order book from that address during the monitoring period.
Analytics systems flagged the activity automatically based on large order-book movements tied to specific wallet addresses. Some flagged wallets were exchange-linked institutional participants, while others had no exchange association or identifiable reputation, suggesting mixed participation across the order flow.
Such repeated placement-and-cancellation activity does not always represent actual selling volume. In many cases, it mainly changes the visual depth of the order book and can influence trader sentiment rather than immediately pushing prices lower.
XRP Price Structure Remains Weak Despite Activity
XRP price action continues to trade within a sensitive technical region where the market has not yet confirmed a clear local bottom. The asset is holding above a major support area near $1.21, but upside momentum has remained limited.
Attempts to move above the $1.56 resistance zone, which aligns with a key Fibonacci retracement level, were rejected, showing that buyers have not yet regained control. In the short term, XRP has been moving sideways between micro-support around $1.40–$1.45 and micro-resistance between $1.49–$1.55, signaling consolidation rather than a confirmed reversal.
Stronger upside confirmation would require a decisive move above $1.55, followed by a break above $1.67, which would indicate improving momentum. Lower support remains in the $1.19–$1.36 region, an area that previously attracted buying interest.
Heavy order-book activity has been recorded on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) after automated monitoring systems detected 310 sell-side whale alerts within six hours, most of them linked to a single wallet associated with Bitstamp. The activity comes at a time when XRP price action remains weak and locked inside an important consolidation range.
One Wallet Generated Hundreds of Rapid Sell Orders
According to an XRPL validator tracking whale movements, a single wallet repeatedly placed sell orders of roughly 1 million XRP, canceled them, and then replaced them every 15 to 30 seconds. In total, nearly 310 million XRP moved through the order book from that address during the monitoring period.
Analytics systems flagged the activity automatically based on large order-book movements tied to specific wallet addresses. Some flagged wallets were exchange-linked institutional participants, while others had no exchange association or identifiable reputation, suggesting mixed participation across the order flow.
Such repeated placement-and-cancellation activity does not always represent actual selling volume. In many cases, it mainly changes the visual depth of the order book and can influence trader sentiment rather than immediately pushing prices lower.
XRP Price Structure Remains Weak Despite Activity
XRP price action continues to trade within a sensitive technical region where the market has not yet confirmed a clear local bottom. The asset is holding above a major support area near $1.21, but upside momentum has remained limited.
Attempts to move above the $1.56 resistance zone, which aligns with a key Fibonacci retracement level, were rejected, showing that buyers have not yet regained control. In the short term, XRP has been moving sideways between micro-support around $1.40–$1.45 and micro-resistance between $1.49–$1.55, signaling consolidation rather than a confirmed reversal.
Stronger upside confirmation would require a decisive move above $1.55, followed by a break above $1.67, which would indicate improving momentum. Lower support remains in the $1.19–$1.36 region, an area that previously attracted buying interest.
Chainlink Price Eyes Recovery with RSI Oversold and Strong Support at $8.33
Key Insights:
Chainlink’s price stabilizes at $8.33, aligning with key Fibonacci support levels, signaling potential for a price reversal.
RSI remains oversold, indicating that bearish pressure is exhausted, raising the likelihood of a relief rally in LINK’s price.
Bullish momentum supports a move toward $10 resistance, marking a crucial level for Chainlink’s price action in the near term.
Chainlink (LINK) has displayed encouraging signs of a possible price rebound as it holds firm at key Fibonacci support levels. The price action indicates that after an extended period of downward pressure, a relief rally could be on the horizon. Currently, Chainlink is stabilizing around $8.33, an important technical level that aligns with the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement. This support has emerged as a critical zone where the digital asset has found solid footing.
A crucial factor supporting this recovery narrative is the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which remains in oversold territory. This condition typically signals that selling pressure may be waning and that the market is primed for a bounce. The sustained downtrend in LINK’s price has led to a highly oversold RSI, signaling that bearish momentum may have run its course. As the RSI begins to recover, it could push the price toward higher levels, favoring a corrective rally rather than continued declines.
Demand Resurgence Sparks Bullish Momentum
As prices stabilize and show signs of upward movement, a notable shift is taking place in market sentiment. Recent price action suggests the presence of renewed demand, supporting the bullish outlook. Buyers have started to step in around the $8.33 support, absorbing selling pressure and allowing the asset to find a base. This shift suggests that Chainlink might be positioned for a potential rally towards $10, a significant resistance level. The recovery could gain more strength if the current bullish momentum continues to grow.
Source: TradingView
If the current momentum persists, the $10 resistance level is now in focus. This zone has previously acted as a significant point of rejection, and it remains a crucial test for the asset’s price. A move towards this level would mark a critical test for Chainlink's bullish structure. Should the price succeed in breaking past $10, it would open the door for further upside, possibly signaling a more sustained rally.
Chainlink's Next Steps
For Chainlink to maintain its current upward trajectory, it must hold above the $8.33 support. The confluence of the Fibonacci retracement level and oversold RSI creates a strong case for a short-term price bounce. Should Chainlink manage to hold this support and build on its momentum, a rally toward the $10 resistance is likely. However, a loss of support at $8.33 would put the bullish outlook at risk and reintroduce downside pressure.
The post Chainlink Price Eyes Recovery with RSI Oversold and Strong Support at $8.33 appears on Crypto Front News. Visit our website to read more interesting articles about cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and digital assets.
Chainlink’s price stabilizes at $8.33, aligning with key Fibonacci support levels, signaling potential for a price reversal.
RSI remains oversold, indicating that bearish pressure is exhausted, raising the likelihood of a relief rally in LINK’s price.
Bullish momentum supports a move toward $10 resistance, marking a crucial level for Chainlink’s price action in the near term.
Chainlink (LINK) has displayed encouraging signs of a possible price rebound as it holds firm at key Fibonacci support levels. The price action indicates that after an extended period of downward pressure, a relief rally could be on the horizon. Currently, Chainlink is stabilizing around $8.33, an important technical level that aligns with the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement. This support has emerged as a critical zone where the digital asset has found solid footing.
A crucial factor supporting this recovery narrative is the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which remains in oversold territory. This condition typically signals that selling pressure may be waning and that the market is primed for a bounce. The sustained downtrend in LINK’s price has led to a highly oversold RSI, signaling that bearish momentum may have run its course. As the RSI begins to recover, it could push the price toward higher levels, favoring a corrective rally rather than continued declines.
Demand Resurgence Sparks Bullish Momentum
As prices stabilize and show signs of upward movement, a notable shift is taking place in market sentiment. Recent price action suggests the presence of renewed demand, supporting the bullish outlook. Buyers have started to step in around the $8.33 support, absorbing selling pressure and allowing the asset to find a base. This shift suggests that Chainlink might be positioned for a potential rally towards $10, a significant resistance level. The recovery could gain more strength if the current bullish momentum continues to grow.
Source: TradingView
If the current momentum persists, the $10 resistance level is now in focus. This zone has previously acted as a significant point of rejection, and it remains a crucial test for the asset’s price. A move towards this level would mark a critical test for Chainlink's bullish structure. Should the price succeed in breaking past $10, it would open the door for further upside, possibly signaling a more sustained rally.
Chainlink's Next Steps
For Chainlink to maintain its current upward trajectory, it must hold above the $8.33 support. The confluence of the Fibonacci retracement level and oversold RSI creates a strong case for a short-term price bounce. Should Chainlink manage to hold this support and build on its momentum, a rally toward the $10 resistance is likely. However, a loss of support at $8.33 would put the bullish outlook at risk and reintroduce downside pressure.
The post Chainlink Price Eyes Recovery with RSI Oversold and Strong Support at $8.33 appears on Crypto Front News. Visit our website to read more interesting articles about cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and digital assets.
Raydium’s Volume Surges Strongly, Testing RAY’s Breakout Strength — Here’s Why
TLDR:
The RAY token rose over 11% in 24 hours, reaching $0.69 following an explosion in market participation.
Trading volume reached $60.5 million, marking a decisive shift from months of bearish trend.
Technical indicators such as the RSI show a recovery from oversold territory, suggesting a strengthening momentum.
The Solana ecosystem recently witnessed a volatile movement as Raydium trading volume surges strongly. This sudden increase, exceeding 200%, caused the price of RAY to break a descending resistance line that had been in place for several months.
After reclaiming the $0.65 zone, the asset is now in an expansion phase that forces market participants to reassess their positions. However, analysts warn that volume alone does not guarantee continuity without real buying conviction.
While there is optimism, the market remains attentive to whether this rally is the beginning of a lasting reversal or simply a short-term liquidity sweep. Therefore, consolidation above current levels will be decisive in the coming days.
Technical analysis and liquidation risks amid rising leverage
Open Interest (OI) grew by 17.81%, reaching $5.14 million, indicating the entry of new leveraged positions. While this can amplify gains in a bullish scenario, it also raises the risk of liquidations in the event of a sharp pullback.
On the other hand, net flow toward exchanges showed positive signs, with deposits of approximately $572,000 into centralized platforms. This behavior typically precedes profit-taking, which introduces a distribution risk that could stall the current advance.
In summary, Raydium shows an early structural improvement, but it must overcome the horizontal resistance at $0.857 to confirm its strength. Meanwhile, the sustainability of the movement will depend on aggressive demand returning to counter the growing selling pressure.
The RAY token rose over 11% in 24 hours, reaching $0.69 following an explosion in market participation.
Trading volume reached $60.5 million, marking a decisive shift from months of bearish trend.
Technical indicators such as the RSI show a recovery from oversold territory, suggesting a strengthening momentum.
The Solana ecosystem recently witnessed a volatile movement as Raydium trading volume surges strongly. This sudden increase, exceeding 200%, caused the price of RAY to break a descending resistance line that had been in place for several months.
After reclaiming the $0.65 zone, the asset is now in an expansion phase that forces market participants to reassess their positions. However, analysts warn that volume alone does not guarantee continuity without real buying conviction.
While there is optimism, the market remains attentive to whether this rally is the beginning of a lasting reversal or simply a short-term liquidity sweep. Therefore, consolidation above current levels will be decisive in the coming days.
Technical analysis and liquidation risks amid rising leverage
Open Interest (OI) grew by 17.81%, reaching $5.14 million, indicating the entry of new leveraged positions. While this can amplify gains in a bullish scenario, it also raises the risk of liquidations in the event of a sharp pullback.
On the other hand, net flow toward exchanges showed positive signs, with deposits of approximately $572,000 into centralized platforms. This behavior typically precedes profit-taking, which introduces a distribution risk that could stall the current advance.
In summary, Raydium shows an early structural improvement, but it must overcome the horizontal resistance at $0.857 to confirm its strength. Meanwhile, the sustainability of the movement will depend on aggressive demand returning to counter the growing selling pressure.
AAVE Drops 86% From ATH; Can This Key Support Zone Trigger a $1,000 Rally?
TLDR:
AAVE is trading around $124, sitting above a major support zone between $90 and $110 on the weekly chart.
A multi-year ascending trendline active since 2021 converges with the 0.618 Fibonacci level at current prices.
Price is compressing between descending resistance and rising support, signaling a potential breakout is approaching.
Upside targets range from $190 to $1,000, representing a 10x return from the base of the accumulation zone.
AAVE is currently sitting at a critical support zone following an 86% decline from its all-time high. The DeFi token is trading around $124, holding above a major weekly trendline that has remained intact since 2021.
Analysts are now watching whether this level can sustain buying pressure and trigger a larger recovery. Crypto analyst CryptoPatel has outlined a detailed technical case suggesting a potential 10x move from the current accumulation range.
Price Holds Above Key Support as Accumulation Signs Emerge
AAVE is trading above a high-timeframe support zone between $90 and $110. This range has attracted considerable attention from technical analysts tracking the asset’s long-term structure.
The zone aligns with a multi-year ascending trendline, adding weight to its relevance as a demand area.
CryptoPatel flagged the setup on social media, stating that price is showing a “liquidity sweep and reaction from a multi-year ascending trendline that has held since 2021.”
$AAVE -86% CRASH CREATED A ONCE-IN-A-CYCLE OPPORTUNITY | $1,000 TARGET STILL IN PLAY?#AAVE Is Trading Around $124 Above Major Weekly Strong TL Support at $90 Which is HTF Accumulation Zone.
Structure Is Showing Clear Liquidity Sweep + Reaction From Multi-Year Ascending… pic.twitter.com/jtnIwdRbvU
— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) February 16, 2026
That trendline converges with the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level, forming a strong area of technical confluence. Together, these factors point to a historically significant support region for the asset.
Beyond the trendline, price action is compressing between a descending resistance level and rising support. This type of compression pattern often builds tension before a directional move. Traders are watching closely to see which side resolves first.
10x Targets in Focus as Breakout Conditions Take Shape
The $74 level stands as the line in the sand for bulls. A weekly close below that price would cancel the bullish scenario outlined in the analysis. As long as AAVE holds above that threshold, the setup remains technically intact.
CryptoPatel mapped out a series of upside targets starting at $190, followed by $345, then $579, and eventually $1,000 or more.
These levels represent roughly a 10x return calculated from the base of the accumulation zone near $90. Each target corresponds to a technical resistance level identified on higher timeframes.
The analyst described the current range as trading between the 0.618 and 0.786 Fibonacci support levels, calling it a “generational accumulation range before massive expansion.”
This Fibonacci band is commonly associated with deep retracements that precede strong recoveries in trending assets.
Whether AAVE confirms this pattern depends on price holding current support and broader market momentum supporting a DeFi recovery.
The post AAVE Drops 86% From ATH; Can This Key Support Zone Trigger a $1,000 Rally? appeared first on Blockonomi.
AAVE is trading around $124, sitting above a major support zone between $90 and $110 on the weekly chart.
A multi-year ascending trendline active since 2021 converges with the 0.618 Fibonacci level at current prices.
Price is compressing between descending resistance and rising support, signaling a potential breakout is approaching.
Upside targets range from $190 to $1,000, representing a 10x return from the base of the accumulation zone.
AAVE is currently sitting at a critical support zone following an 86% decline from its all-time high. The DeFi token is trading around $124, holding above a major weekly trendline that has remained intact since 2021.
Analysts are now watching whether this level can sustain buying pressure and trigger a larger recovery. Crypto analyst CryptoPatel has outlined a detailed technical case suggesting a potential 10x move from the current accumulation range.
Price Holds Above Key Support as Accumulation Signs Emerge
AAVE is trading above a high-timeframe support zone between $90 and $110. This range has attracted considerable attention from technical analysts tracking the asset’s long-term structure.
The zone aligns with a multi-year ascending trendline, adding weight to its relevance as a demand area.
CryptoPatel flagged the setup on social media, stating that price is showing a “liquidity sweep and reaction from a multi-year ascending trendline that has held since 2021.”
$AAVE -86% CRASH CREATED A ONCE-IN-A-CYCLE OPPORTUNITY | $1,000 TARGET STILL IN PLAY?#AAVE Is Trading Around $124 Above Major Weekly Strong TL Support at $90 Which is HTF Accumulation Zone.
Structure Is Showing Clear Liquidity Sweep + Reaction From Multi-Year Ascending… pic.twitter.com/jtnIwdRbvU
— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) February 16, 2026
That trendline converges with the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level, forming a strong area of technical confluence. Together, these factors point to a historically significant support region for the asset.
Beyond the trendline, price action is compressing between a descending resistance level and rising support. This type of compression pattern often builds tension before a directional move. Traders are watching closely to see which side resolves first.
10x Targets in Focus as Breakout Conditions Take Shape
The $74 level stands as the line in the sand for bulls. A weekly close below that price would cancel the bullish scenario outlined in the analysis. As long as AAVE holds above that threshold, the setup remains technically intact.
CryptoPatel mapped out a series of upside targets starting at $190, followed by $345, then $579, and eventually $1,000 or more.
These levels represent roughly a 10x return calculated from the base of the accumulation zone near $90. Each target corresponds to a technical resistance level identified on higher timeframes.
The analyst described the current range as trading between the 0.618 and 0.786 Fibonacci support levels, calling it a “generational accumulation range before massive expansion.”
This Fibonacci band is commonly associated with deep retracements that precede strong recoveries in trending assets.
Whether AAVE confirms this pattern depends on price holding current support and broader market momentum supporting a DeFi recovery.
The post AAVE Drops 86% From ATH; Can This Key Support Zone Trigger a $1,000 Rally? appeared first on Blockonomi.
Ethereum Price Analysis: ETH Price Is At Risk of $1,800 Test After Derivatives Wipe-Out
The post Ethereum Price Analysis: ETH Price is at Risk of $1,800 Test After Derivatives Wipe-Out appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Ethereum price is entering a critical phase after losing a major weekly support level near $2,360, triggering a wave of liquidations across derivatives markets and raising the probability of a deeper correction.
ETH is now trading near $1,977 following a high-volume breakdown that confirms a lower-high structure on the weekly chart. At the same time, open interest across exchanges has collapsed by nearly 50%, active addresses have declined since early February, and exchange reserves have begun ticking higher after months of steady outflows.
The combination suggests this is more than a routine pullback. Momentum has shifted, participation is cooling, and short-term risk remains skewed to the downside unless bulls quickly reclaim lost levels.
Open Interest Collapse Signals Aggressive Long Liquidations
One of the clearest signals behind the move is the sharp decline in open interest. Ethereum open interest has fallen from approximately $23 billion to $11.3 billion, marking a near 50% wipeout. This indicates large-scale long liquidations and forced deleveraging across exchanges and a derivatives-driven flush rather than a steady spot distribution.
When open interest collapses this quickly, it typically reflects liquidation cascades rather than gradual positioning changes. However, this also introduces nuance. Such resets often occur near local bottoms because excessive leverage gets cleared. For downside continuation to accelerate, open interest would likely need to rebuild on the short side or spot selling would need to intensify.
Active Addresses Decline as Market Participation Cools
On-chain activity is also softening. Ethereum active addresses peaked earlier in February before trending lower after February 7. Activity has dropped toward the 520K range, with only a minor uptick recorded on February 16. Declining active addresses suggest reduced speculative participation, lower transaction intensity and cooling engagement following the price breakdown
While this does not signal structural network weakness, it aligns with weakening short-term momentum. Participation typically expands during sustained bullish phases. Its contraction during a breakdown reinforces the cautious outlook.
Exchange Reserves Tick Higher After Months of Outflows
For months, Ethereum exchange reserves had been trending lower, a constructive long-term signal suggesting accumulation and reduced immediate sell pressure.
That trend has now begun to shift. Recent data shows a slight increase in exchange balances, implying that ETH may be flowing back to trading platforms.
Rising exchange reserves can indicate increased liquidity available for selling, defensive positioning by holders, and preparation for distribution during volatility. Although the broader multi-month trend still leans bullish, the short-term reversal strengthens the bearish case, especially when paired with falling participation and a confirmed technical breakdown.
Ethereum Confirms Weekly Breakdown Below $2,360
From a technical standpoint, Ethereum has invalidated its prior consolidation structure. The $2,300–$2,360 region had acted as a key support zone. The recent breakdown occurred with expanding volume, confirming seller dominance rather than a low-liquidity dip.
ETH now faces immediate support at:
$1,820–$1,850 – next weekly demand zone
$1,530 – major macro structural support
Weekly RSI has dropped toward the low-30 region, approaching oversold territory. However, there is no confirmed bullish divergence, and the price remains below broken support. Until Ethereum reclaims $2,150–$2,200, trend control stays with sellers. On the other hand, the weekly CMF has dropped to -0.12, hinting towards a significant outflow of capital. However, the token continues to defend the rising trendline, which is also the neckline of the head-and-shoulders pattern, keeping the bullish prospects alive.
Will the ETH Price Drop Below $1800?
The bearish narrative may only weaken when the Ethereum (ETH) price reclaims the $2150-$2200 resistance zone. On the other hand, the open interest stabilises, and exchange reserves resume their broader downtrend. Without these signals, the current setup favours continued caution. Besides, with momentum pointing lower and participation cooling, the $1,820 support zone becomes the next decisive test.
The coming sessions will determine whether Ethereum stabilises after the derivatives flush or extends its correction toward deeper macro support.
Ethereum price is entering a critical phase after losing a major weekly support level near $2,360, triggering a wave of liquidations across derivatives markets and raising the probability of a deeper correction.
ETH is now trading near $1,977 following a high-volume breakdown that confirms a lower-high structure on the weekly chart. At the same time, open interest across exchanges has collapsed by nearly 50%, active addresses have declined since early February, and exchange reserves have begun ticking higher after months of steady outflows.
The combination suggests this is more than a routine pullback. Momentum has shifted, participation is cooling, and short-term risk remains skewed to the downside unless bulls quickly reclaim lost levels.
Open Interest Collapse Signals Aggressive Long Liquidations
One of the clearest signals behind the move is the sharp decline in open interest. Ethereum open interest has fallen from approximately $23 billion to $11.3 billion, marking a near 50% wipeout. This indicates large-scale long liquidations and forced deleveraging across exchanges and a derivatives-driven flush rather than a steady spot distribution.
When open interest collapses this quickly, it typically reflects liquidation cascades rather than gradual positioning changes. However, this also introduces nuance. Such resets often occur near local bottoms because excessive leverage gets cleared. For downside continuation to accelerate, open interest would likely need to rebuild on the short side or spot selling would need to intensify.
Active Addresses Decline as Market Participation Cools
On-chain activity is also softening. Ethereum active addresses peaked earlier in February before trending lower after February 7. Activity has dropped toward the 520K range, with only a minor uptick recorded on February 16. Declining active addresses suggest reduced speculative participation, lower transaction intensity and cooling engagement following the price breakdown
While this does not signal structural network weakness, it aligns with weakening short-term momentum. Participation typically expands during sustained bullish phases. Its contraction during a breakdown reinforces the cautious outlook.
Exchange Reserves Tick Higher After Months of Outflows
For months, Ethereum exchange reserves had been trending lower, a constructive long-term signal suggesting accumulation and reduced immediate sell pressure.
That trend has now begun to shift. Recent data shows a slight increase in exchange balances, implying that ETH may be flowing back to trading platforms.
Rising exchange reserves can indicate increased liquidity available for selling, defensive positioning by holders, and preparation for distribution during volatility. Although the broader multi-month trend still leans bullish, the short-term reversal strengthens the bearish case, especially when paired with falling participation and a confirmed technical breakdown.
Ethereum Confirms Weekly Breakdown Below $2,360
From a technical standpoint, Ethereum has invalidated its prior consolidation structure. The $2,300–$2,360 region had acted as a key support zone. The recent breakdown occurred with expanding volume, confirming seller dominance rather than a low-liquidity dip.
ETH now faces immediate support at:
$1,820–$1,850 – next weekly demand zone
$1,530 – major macro structural support
Weekly RSI has dropped toward the low-30 region, approaching oversold territory. However, there is no confirmed bullish divergence, and the price remains below broken support. Until Ethereum reclaims $2,150–$2,200, trend control stays with sellers. On the other hand, the weekly CMF has dropped to -0.12, hinting towards a significant outflow of capital. However, the token continues to defend the rising trendline, which is also the neckline of the head-and-shoulders pattern, keeping the bullish prospects alive.
Will the ETH Price Drop Below $1800?
The bearish narrative may only weaken when the Ethereum (ETH) price reclaims the $2150-$2200 resistance zone. On the other hand, the open interest stabilises, and exchange reserves resume their broader downtrend. Without these signals, the current setup favours continued caution. Besides, with momentum pointing lower and participation cooling, the $1,820 support zone becomes the next decisive test.
The coming sessions will determine whether Ethereum stabilises after the derivatives flush or extends its correction toward deeper macro support.
Wintermute 推出机构级代币化黄金交易，预计市场规模 2026 年达 150 亿美元
CoinVoice 最新获悉，加密做市商 Wintermute 宣布，其 OTC 柜台正式上线面向机构客户的代币化黄金交易服务，支持 Pax Gold（PAXG）与 Tether Gold（XAUT）两大黄金锚定代币，标志着公司正式进军代币化大宗商品市场。Wintermute 表示，将通过算法优化的现货执行服务，为机构投资者提供基于区块链结算的黄金交易敞口。公司 CEO Evgeny Gaevoy 预计，随着机构需求增长，代币化黄金市场规模有望在 2026 年扩大至 150 亿美元，约为当前规模的 2.8 倍。数据显示，2025 年第四季度代币化黄金交易量首次超过五只主要黄金 ETF，总交易量达 1260 亿美元。同期链上黄金市值在三个月内增长超过 80%，从约 29.9 亿美元升至 54 亿美元，反映出市场对 7×24 小时流动性与即时结算的需求正在上升。[原文链接]