Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential summary of the most important developments in crypto for the upcoming day.
Grab a coffee and put the charts aside as something unusual seems to be happening in the crypto markets. Price swings, institutional whispers, and uneasy macro signals are merging into a story that traders are just beginning to fully understand in real time.
Today's crypto news: Rumors of institutional '10 AM dumps' collide with bearish macro warnings
Bitcoin's recent price movements are interpreted through two competing lenses:
Growing macroeconomic caution according to a recently published report in US Crypto News.
Increasing speculation surrounding institutional trading behavior.
On one hand, some analysts argue that the broader financial conditions are becoming less favorable for risk assets. On the other hand, others question whether major market players are actively shaping short-term volatility.
The result is a market narrative increasingly driven by distrust and uncertainty about how modern crypto markets operate, not just by charts and liquidity.
Macro signals suggest that risk assets are under pressure
Macro strategist Mike McGlone recently warned that Bitcoin's price behavior may reflect larger structural risks across financial markets.
McGlone claimed that pioneer cryptocurrencies have reverted to a long-term average near $66,000, while historically accumulating closer to $28,000.
“This chart suggests why one should NOT buy Bitcoin or most risky assets,” wrote McGlone, adding that data highlights the market's strong dependence on continued strength in the Nasdaq-100.
He also suggested that falling crypto prices could be “a leading edge of a reverse wealth effect.” This means that falling asset prices could precede a tightening of liquidity and a decrease in investors' risk appetite.
Such conditions have historically weighed on speculative assets, including cryptocurrencies and growth stocks.
Rumors of coordinated selling gain traction
Meanwhile, a separate narrative has circulated widely within crypto trading circles. Analysts and market commentators at Milk Road have discussed persistent rumors that some institutional trading desks may trigger heavy sell-offs shortly after the U.S. stock market opens.
According to these claims, large sell orders hitting Bitcoin and related ETFs around 10 AM Eastern Time could trigger panic, liquidate leveraged positions, and expose thin liquidity pockets.
Traders claim that the same firms could then accumulate positions at lower prices.
Although these allegations remain unconfirmed rumors, similar patterns have been observed repeatedly since late 2025, raising increased scrutiny from market observers.
ETF accumulation raises questions
Speculation has intensified following revelations showing that Jane Street has become one of the largest buyers of BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). Figures often cited by analysts suggest that the firm amassed over 20 million IBIT shares by the end of 2025.
If this is any guidance, Jane Street is already a significant institutional holder of Bitcoin exposure.
The discussion has sparked debate over whether institutional flows are primarily supportive of Bitcoin's long-term future or if short-term trading strategies could amplify volatility.
Still, persistent speculation about coordinated trading tactics could undermine the confidence of retail traders. This is especially true in a market where leverage, thin liquidity, and automated liquidations can accelerate price swings.
Today's chart
Here’s a summary of more U.S. crypto news to follow today:
Analysts claim $5 billion in XRP sell flow on Upbit: What it means for the price
Hyperliquid hires a well-known crypto lawyer as CEO in a $28 million U.S. political venture.
Strategy's latest Bitcoin purchase drops by an average of $25 — Why MSTR stock could fall further.
The base loses $1.4 billion in TVL amid widening gaps over vision, culture, and execution
Bitcoin Cash sets multiple records in February amid extreme market fear
AI takes over markets and social media: Why are crypto-AI tokens missing the surge?
$870 million in Solana deliveries unlocks — ‘does it signal’ the expiry price?
Peter Thiel breaks ties with ETHZilla as treasury companies face increasing pressure
Overview of crypto stocks before the market
Company Close as of February 17 Overview before the market Strategy (MSTR) $128.67 $129.11 (+0.34%) Coinbase (COIN) $166.02 $166.80 (+0.47%) Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) $21.30 $21.26 (-0.19%) MARA Holdings (MARA) $7.51 $7.50 (-0.13%) Riot Platforms (RIOT) $14.65 $15.29 (+4.37%) Core Scientific (CORZ) $17.23 $17.20 (-0.17%)
Open race in the market for crypto stocks: Google Finance