Crypto Breaking

Editor’s note: Baidu and Uber have announced the next phase of their global partnership, bringing Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing service onto the Uber platform in Dubai, in collaboration with the city’s Roads and Transport Authority. The service is expected to launch in the coming month across select areas of Jumeirah, with expansion planned as operational data is gathered and regulatory approvals progress. The move supports Dubai’s target to make autonomous trips account for 25 percent of all journeys by 2030 and marks another concrete step in integrating large-scale autonomous mobility into an existing, widely used ride-hailing network.

Key points

Apollo Go fully autonomous vehicles will be bookable directly through the Uber app in Dubai.

The initial rollout will cover select locations in the Jumeirah area, with phased expansion.

Riders can be matched via UberX, Uber Comfort, or a dedicated “Autonomous” option.

Fleet operations will be managed locally by third-party operator New Horizon.

The deployment aligns with Dubai’s goal of 25 percent autonomous trips by 2030.

Why this matters

This launch places Dubai among a small group of cities testing autonomous ride-hailing at meaningful scale within a mainstream mobility platform. For the region, it signals growing regulatory confidence in driverless technology and reinforces the UAE’s position as a testbed for advanced AI-driven infrastructure. For builders and operators, the integration with Uber lowers barriers to consumer adoption, while providing real-world data on safety, usage, and scalability in dense urban environments.

What to watch next

The timing and performance of the initial launch in Jumeirah.

Regulatory approvals enabling expansion to additional districts in Dubai.

Operational learnings from fleet management and rider adoption.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

DUBAI, UAE – February 10, 2026 – Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888) and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER), in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), today announced the next phase of their global partnership, bringing the Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing service to the Uber platform in Dubai.

Expected to launch in the coming month, the fully autonomous vehicles will be available via the Uber app across select locations within the Jumeirah area, and the deployment will expand based on operational learnings and regulatory approvals across the city.

This collaboration also aligns directly with Dubai’s ambitious goal of having 25% of all transportation trips be autonomous by 2030.

For trips within the service area, passengers will have the opportunity to be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle when booking an Uber Comfort or UberX, or by selecting the “Autonomous” option in the Uber app. Fleet management will be handled by third-party operator New Horizon.

“Bringing Apollo Go to Dubai via the Uber platform marks a pivotal step in our mission to provide safe, efficient, and accessible autonomous mobility worldwide,” said Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group. “As a key deliverable of the strategic partnership between Apollo Go and Uber announced last July, this deployment officially brings our autonomous ride-hailing service to Dubai, utilizing Uber’s vast network to turn our shared vision into reality.”

“We’re excited to partner with Baidu as we continue to grow our autonomous footprint across Dubai. Just as we helped millions of people try out EVs for the first time, we will expand consumer access to autonomous technology in major cities around the world,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber. “With more than 20 AV partners already completing millions of autonomous trips annually, Uber is the global platform where the autonomous vehicle industry can launch at scale.”

This announcement comes on the heels of another market expansion last December, when the parties announced plans to bring the autonomous ride-hailing service to London, a right-hand drive market, as well as the inauguration of Apollo Go Park in Dubai in January, its first overseas operations and management hub.

As a leading autonomous ride-hailing service provider globally, Apollo Go has logged more than 240 million autonomous kilometers, of which over 140 million kilometers were completed in fully driverless mode. With a global footprint across 22 cities, Apollo Go’s weekly ride count has recently surpassed 250,000, and the service has completed more than 17 million cumulative rides as of October 31, 2025.

About Baidu

Founded in 2000, Baidu’s mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong internet foundation, trading on the NASDAQ under “BIDU” and HKEX under “9888.” One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 68 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Media Contacts

Baidu

intlcomm@baidu.com

Uber

press@uber.com

This article was originally published as Baidu and Uber Launch Apollo Go Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Dubai on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Key Insights

China asked major banks to lower US Treasury exposure to reduce market risk and diversify reserves.

Rising gold reserves show preference for hard assets while dollar dependence slowly declines.

Crypto markets may face short-term volatility but could gain attention as an alternative asset.

Chinese regulators have instructed several private lenders to reduce their exposure to US government bonds. Officials cited risk management concerns, noting that heavy concentration in one asset class increases vulnerability to market swings. The guidance targets bank portfolios rather than the country’s official foreign exchange reserves.

CHINA IS QUIETLY PULLING BACK FROM U.S. TREASURIES

China just told its big banks to limit and cut their holdings of U.S. Treasuries.

It now only holds $683B in U.S. govt bonds, its LOWEST in years, down from $1.3T in 2013.

For years, Chinese banks piled into Treasuries as… pic.twitter.com/5jomCprBAm

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 9, 2026

Shift Toward Alternative Reserve Assets

At the same time, China has expanded its gold holdings. According to the official statistics, the reserves are currently over 2,300 tonnes. The same pattern was experienced by central banks around the world who bought over 860 tonnes of gold in 2025. This trend shows a wider attempt to hedge the currency risk and secure reserves.

Gold does not have a direct connection with the monetary policy of a particular country. Consequently, it is considered by the policymakers as a stabilizing asset in the event of financial uncertainty. The decrease in Treasuries and the increase in gold simultaneously illustrate a slow repositioning of reserves, and not the sudden abandonment of dollar markets.

Implications for Crypto Markets

The liquidity in the global market can be affected by any alterations in the Treasury demand. Increased production tends to constrain finances and appetites towards risk assets. In this scenario, there is the possibility of price pressure on cryptocurrencies in the short term because of the reluctant behavior of investors.

However, reduced reliance on traditional reserve assets may also support long-term interest in decentralized assets. Some investors treat Bitcoin as a hedge against monetary instability. Therefore, the shift could create volatility in the near term while strengthening attention toward digital assets over time.

Regulatory Position on Digital Assets

China maintains strict restrictions on cryptocurrency trading and mining activities. Governments are still alerting of possible capital flight and financial risks. Rather, policymakers encourage the digital yuan as an alternative in the financial system that is regulated.

The reserve strategy change does not alter that stance. Even though financial diversification has not ceased, the official policy still supports cryptocurrencies controlled by the state instead of personal ones.

Conclusion

The direction given to banks by China is one of a restrained alteration in reserve exposure. The shift is an indication of apprehension regarding concentrated holdings and not an abrupt departure of US holdings. The situation on the global markets is not very volatile, but investors are closely monitoring liquidity conditions.

For the crypto sector, the impact may emerge gradually. Liquidity shifts can influence risk appetite, while confidence changes may attract interest in alternative stores of value.

This article was originally published as China Limits US Treasuries: Signals Shift in Global Liquidity on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Editor’s note: Strategy Inc. has announced the sixth edition of its Bitcoin for Corporations conference, bringing CFOs, treasurers, and institutional leaders to Las Vegas in late February. The event is positioned around practical execution, focusing on how companies are integrating Bitcoin into balance sheets, capital structures, and risk frameworks as adoption matures. With a growing number of public companies holding Bitcoin and banks and asset managers engaging more directly with digital assets, the conference agenda centers on valuation, credit structures, regulatory clarity, and operational playbooks for corporate Bitcoin strategy.

Key points

The conference will be held February 23–26 in Las Vegas, with core sessions on February 24–25.

It targets CFOs, treasury teams, and capital markets leaders focused on balance sheet execution.

Sessions cover Bitcoin-backed credit, valuation of Bitcoin treasury companies, and risk management.

Major banks, asset managers, and policy experts are scheduled to participate.

The Bitcoin for Corporations executive network will share updates on corporate use cases.

Why this matters

As corporate Bitcoin adoption moves beyond early experimentation, attention is shifting to governance, financing, and long-term capital discipline. Events like this signal how institutional frameworks around Bitcoin are taking shape, from valuation models to regulatory considerations. For markets and builders, the discussions offer insight into how traditional finance players are approaching digital assets. For companies considering or refining a Bitcoin strategy, the focus on execution highlights where institutional standards are forming.

What to watch next

Outcomes from discussions on Bitcoin-backed credit and balance sheet structures.

How analysts and banks frame valuation and risk for Bitcoin treasury companies.

Updates from the Bitcoin for Corporations executive network on adoption trends.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

NASHVILLE, TN — February 9, 2026 — Strategy Inc (Nasdaq: STRF/STRC/STRK/STRD/MSTR; LuxSE: STRE) is hosting financial executives and institutional leaders for its Bitcoin for Corporations conference, held February 23–26 at The Wynn Las Vegas. As corporate Bitcoin adoption enters its sixth year of institutional maturity, this summit serves as the definitive venue for leaders looking to move beyond analysis into high-impact operational execution.

“Bitcoin for Corporations is back for year six in Las Vegas, marking our largest gathering to date. In 2025, the number of public companies worldwide holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets nearly tripled to approximately 200, many of whom will be attending and speaking. Looking ahead to 2026, Digital Capital, Digital Credit, and Digital Money will reshape finance for individuals, institutions, corporations, and banks. We look forward to hosting everyone.” – Strategy CEO, Phong Le

Why Institutional Leaders are Attending

The 2026 Bitcoin for Corporations conference (February 24–25) is curated specifically for CFOs, treasurers, and capital markets leaders, focusing on capital efficiency, risk management, and the evolution of the corporate balance sheet:

Bitcoin Keynote: Michael J. Saylor, Founder & Executive Chairman of Strategy

Issuer Perspective of Investing in Digital Credit: A roundtable featuring executives from Metaplanet, Strategy, and Strive on how digital credit is being structured within institutional balance sheets.

Valuing Bitcoin Treasury Companies: Analysts from Benchmark, BTIG, and TD lead an Equity Analysts Roundtable to discuss Bitcoin’s impact on valuation models and institutional investor perception.

Digital Assets at Scale: How Citi, Morgan Stanley, and TD are building the next financial rails.

Bank Perspective: Sessions featuring leaders from Moelis & Company, Morgan Stanley, and TD on how banks are engaging with Bitcoin, Bitcoin-backed credit, and their perspective on index inclusion.

New Market Structures using STRC & Bitcoin-Linked Products: Featuring APYX, Buck, Hope, FalconX/21Shares, and Saturn

Yield & Risk Management: Institutional methods for managing risk and enhancing yield through Bitcoin markets, featuring leaders from Bitwise, Strive, and Two Prime.

Regulatory & Legal Clarity: A deep dive into the 2026 policy environment for institutional mandates, featuring experts from the Bitcoin Policy Institute, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Perkins Coie.

The Gateway to the Executive Network

Highlighting the event’s practical focus, George Mekhail will provide an update on the Bitcoin For Corporations executive network, highlighting member activity, corporate use cases, and adoption momentum heading into 2026. “Strategy World 2026 is where the corporate Bitcoin playbook moves from theory to execution. The Bitcoin for Corporations track at Strategy World is the premier gathering of leaders who are playing a role in advancing institutional bitcoin adoption and BFC is thrilled to be a part of the event again this year.” Mekhail said.

The network offers ongoing education and hosts four global symposiums per year, ensuring that organizations pursuing a Bitcoin balance sheet strategy have the peer-to-peer support and resources they need to succeed year-round.

Secure your place at the center of institutional Bitcoin innovation: https://www.strategysoftware.com/world26

About Strategy

Strategy Inc (Nasdaq: STRF/STRC/STRK/STRD/MSTR; LuxSE: STRE) is the world’s first and largest Bitcoin Treasury Company. We pursue financial innovation strategies designed to generate value from our bitcoin holdings, including developing and issuing novel fixed-income instruments that provide investors varying degrees of economic exposure to bitcoin. In addition, we are an industry leader in AI-powered enterprise analytics software, advancing our vision of Intelligence Everywhere. We believe our combination of active bitcoin-focused capital management and a scaled operating software business positions us for long-term value creation across both digital asset and enterprise analytics markets.

Strategy, MicroStrategy, and Intelligence Everywhere are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Strategy Inc in the United States and certain other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

About Bitcoin For Corporations

Bitcoin For Corporations (BFC) is the executive network for corporate Bitcoin strategy, serving public and pre-IPO companies seeking to adopt Bitcoin as a strategic balance-sheet asset. BFC helps leadership teams move from conviction to execution by providing institutional-grade education, proven frameworks, investor-facing positioning, and access to a global network of experienced operators, service providers, and capital allocators. By aligning treasury strategy, governance, communications, and capital markets insight, BFC equips companies to integrate Bitcoin with clarity, confidence, and long-term capital discipline. Visit BitcoinForCorporations.com for more information.

This article was originally published as Strategy (MSTR) Showcases Premier Summit for Institutional Bitcoin Adoption on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Binance expanded its emergency reserves again, adding 4,225 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) to its SAFU wallet, a move valued at roughly $300 million as the world’s largest crypto exchange doubles down on a Bitcoin-backed protection fund amid ongoing market pressure. The fresh purchase lifts SAFU’s Bitcoin holdings to more than $720 million at current prices, underscoring Binance’s willingness to bolster liquidity safeguards for users during a period of heightened volatility. The company had previously signaled a shift of up to $1 billion into Bitcoin and stated that the conversion would be completed within 30 days of its Jan. 30 announcement, with a rebalance back to the full $1 billion target if market swings pull the fund’s value below about $800 million.

The ongoing deployment into Bitcoin signals growing conviction in BTC as a cornerstone reserve asset for user protections, even as it binds the SAFU fund more closely to crypto price swings. Binance has emphasized that SAFU is designed to defend users in distressing conditions, yet the fund’s rising Bitcoin exposure also exposes it to downside risk if the market moves against it. The latest development was disclosed as part of Arkham’s on-chain data, which tracks wallet activity and asset inflows into SAFU’s treasury, including the 4,225 BTC addition noted above. The forward-looking goal remains to complete the BTC conversion within the 30-day window established by the January announcement.

Investors are watching Bitcoin’s price action closely. In recent sessions, the leading cryptocurrency slipped to $59,930, a level not seen since October 2024, according to TradingView data. That retreat comes amid broader market weakness and a risk-off mood among traders, who have been weighing whether a sustained rebound is in prospect or whether the correction still has legs. One market observer noted that sentiment around digital assets remains fragile, with traders clinging to historical cycles rather than relying on immediate catalysts.

Alongside the Bitcoin dynamics, industry intelligence providers have shown a tilt among the so-called smart money. Reports from Nansen indicate that traders managing significant liquidity positions tilted toward short exposure on Bitcoin and other top assets, accumulating a net short position of roughly $109 million across leading tokens. The same data set showed a notable contrast with Avalanche (CRYPTO: AVAX), which attracted a modest long bias, totaling about $7.38 million in cumulative long positions. Such positioning hints at a cautious, defensive posture among sophisticated traders even as some traders anticipate selective rebounds in select ecosystems.

Binance’s SAFU strategy traces back to its broader risk-management framework, which the exchange has repeatedly described as essential for maintaining user trust during drawdown periods. By continuing to accumulate BTC for SAFU, Binance is signaling a preference for Bitcoin-based reserves as a stabilizing buffer rather than relying solely on fiat or more traditional risk-hedge instruments. The approach aligns with the exchange’s updated risk posture as it navigates a market environment characterized by liquidity constraints, thin volume in certain segments, and a murkier regulatory backdrop that can influence how exchanges manage user protections and capital reserves.

Fragile sentiment weighs on markets

Binance’s ongoing SAFU conversion occurs against a backdrop of a broader crypto market correction, with Bitcoin’s price hovering near the $60,000 mark and sentiment described as fragile by industry observers. A chief concern cited by market participants is the lack of clear, near-term catalysts to sustain upside momentum, which can restrain upside moves and extend pullbacks. While the BTC reserve expansion may bolster confidence in risk controls, it also exposes SAFU to volatility—heightening the need for disciplined rebalancing rules if the market sours further.

Market participants eye how the SAFU fund’s size interacts with Bitcoin’s price trajectory and overall market liquidity. The balance between resilience for user protections and exposure to adverse moves will be a critical test for Binance’s risk framework in the months ahead, especially as macro conditions and on-chain activity continue to evolve.

Why it matters

The SAFU fund serves as a protective backstop intended to shield users during periods of stress. By increasing BTC holdings within SAFU, Binance demonstrates a commitment to anchoring a significant portion of its reserve assets in the most liquid, widely traded crypto asset. This approach can bolster perceived safety for users who rely on exchange-backed protections, particularly during episodes of market turbulence when liquidity and counterparty risk can become salient.

However, the strategy also concentrates a portion of SAFU’s value in Bitcoin’s price moves, potentially amplifying drawdowns if BTC undergoes further volatility. The decision to target a full $1 billion allocation within a 30-day window signals confidence in BTC’s long-run role as a reserve asset, but it requires ongoing discipline to manage risk when prices swing sharply. The narrative around SAFU’s expansion dovetails with broader industry discussions about the adequacy of exchange reserves, the role of on-chain data in verifying asset holdings, and how market participants assess the sufficiency of guarantees provided by centralized platforms.

From a market-structure perspective, the episode showcases the evolving playbook of major exchanges as they navigate a landscape of rising regulatory scrutiny, competing risk frameworks, and the fragility of short-term price trends. The interaction between on-chain activity, reserve management and investor sentiment highlights the complexity of safeguarding users while maintaining resilience in an environment characterized by rapid الأخبار changes in funding, liquidity, and risk appetite. While not a guarantee of future stability, the SAFU expansion represents a notable operational decision that could influence how other platforms think about crisis protection and capital adequacy in crypto markets.

What to watch next

Follow-up on SAFU’s BTC accumulation and the official timeline for completing the conversion within the 30-day window.

BTC price action around the $60,000 level and any shifts in risk sentiment as new data and catalysts emerge.

Updates from on-chain trackers (e.g., Arkham, Nansen) confirming reserve balances and smart-money positioning.

Any additional disclosures from Binance regarding rebalancing triggers if SAFU value moves toward or away from the $1 billion target.

Sources & verification

Binance X post confirming continued BTC acquisitions for SAFU and the 30-day conversion target.

Arkham on-chain data corroborating the 4,225 BTC transfer to SAFU.

Binance’s Jan. 30 announcement about shifting up to $1 billion into Bitcoin and the $800 million floor.

BTC price data around $59,930 from TradingView.

Hina Sattar Joshi’s assessment of market sentiment and fragility, cited in market commentary.

Nansen data showing smart-money positioning, including BTC net short exposure and AVAX long exposure.

Binance expands SAFU Bitcoin reserves as market pressure persists

Binance added 4,225 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) to its Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) on Monday, increasing the safety net intended to protect client funds during downturns. The acquisition, valued at about $300 million in today’s prices, pushes SAFU’s Bitcoin reserve above the $720 million threshold, according to chain-analytics firm Arkham. The move forms part of a broader plan Binance outlined on Jan. 30 to convert up to $1 billion of user-protection assets into Bitcoin, with a 30-day target window for completing the conversion and a rebalancing clause if the fund dips below $800 million. The timing aligns with a period of renewed emphasis on reserve quality and risk-bearing capacity within the crypto exchange ecosystem.

As the market prices for Bitcoin experience volatility, Binance’s SAFU strategy illustrates a deliberate tilt toward BTC as a cornerstone reserve asset. While the fund’s BTC holdings are intended to provide a cushion for users in case of adverse conditions, the size of the reserves introduces a direct sensitivity to Bitcoin’s price movements. The Arkham data point that tracks SAFU’s evolution shows the latest inflow of 4,225 BTC, underscoring ongoing investor confidence in Bitcoin as a stabilizing component of the exchange’s emergency framework. Binance has reinforced that the conversion to BTC would be completed within 30 days of the original announcement, with a restoration path to the full $1 billion target should market volatility erode SAFU’s value below $800 million.

The immediate market response reflected in Bitcoin’s price action has been cautious. BTC retraced to around $59,930, a level not observed since October 2024, as traders reassess risk and evaluate whether macro catalysts will unlock further upside. This price backdrop has contributed to a broader sense of fragility in market sentiment, with commentators noting that traders are anchored to historical patterns rather than current catalysts. The lack of a clear near-term driver has left many investors skittish, leading to a broader risk-off stance that can weigh on asset prices and, by extension, on reserve-tracking metrics like SAFU.

Beyond BTC’s price trajectory, the activity within smart-money communities reflects a cautious tilt. Data from Nansen indicate that leveraged short positions have grown in aggregate, with traders maintaining a net short stance on Bitcoin totaling about $109 million across major assets, while Avalanche (CRYPTO: AVAX) drew a comparatively modest long exposure of $7.38 million. This divergence demonstrates that, even as some sophisticated traders seek downside protection in the current environment, others are selectively positioning for potential recoveries in particular ecosystems or tokens. The juxtaposition underscores the complexity of market dynamics in a period when reserve-building by major exchanges sits alongside a potential reallocation of capital in response to evolving risk sentiment.

At the core of Binance’s decision is a commitment to user protection that acknowledges both the benefits and risks of BTC-centered reserves. Bitcoin’s status as the most liquid cryptocurrency makes it an attractive anchor for safeguarding user funds; however, the greater the exposure to BTC price swings, the more carefully reserve managers must calibrate rebalancing rules and liquidity buffers. The SAFU program’s evolution—particularly the plan to converge toward the $1 billion target within a tight 30-day window—will be watched closely by regulators, investors, and competitors as a case study in reserve strategy and risk governance in a swiftly evolving market.

This article was originally published as Binance Adds $300M in Bitcoin to SAFU as Market Volatility Grows on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Solana’s SOL (SOL) (CRYPTO: SOL) has fallen 38% in the past month, dropping to a two-year low near $67 on Friday as bearish momentum intensifies for the seventh-largest crypto by market value. Since peaking near $295 in January 2025, SOL has steadily trended lower, trimming gains from a storied run and triggering a wave of technical analyses that warn of further downside. The decline comes amid a broader risk-off backdrop for crypto assets, prompting traders to scrutinize chart patterns, on-chain signals, and potential support zones as the market contends with macro uncertainty and shifting liquidity dynamics.

Key takeaways

Solana’s head-and-shoulders pattern points to a price target around $50 or lower, with some estimates even suggesting mid-$40s depending on the measured move.

The breakdown appears to be anchored by a neckline around $120 on a Jan. 30 breakout in the two-day timeframe, implying a further drop toward a $57 target — roughly a 32% decline from current levels.

Solana’s on-chain metrics, notably the MVRV extreme deviation bands, currently sit near $75, a level historically associated with potential bottoming before a rebound.

Analysts are split: some see a path to as low as $30 on longer horizons, while others anticipate a near-term floor around the $75 area before any significant recovery.

The backdrop includes a prior cycle high around $295 in January 2025, underscoring the magnitude of the pullback and the risk-off sentiment affecting Solana and similar networks.

Tickers mentioned: $SOL

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Negative. SOL has slumped about 38% in 30 days, hitting a two-year low near $67 and signaling sustained selling pressure.

Market context: The move sits within a broader risk-off environment for crypto markets, with technical breakdowns and pattern-driven targets shaping expectations as liquidity conditions remain uncertain and traders reassess the near-term demand for smart-contract platforms like Solana.

Why it matters

The Solana narrative has long hinged on both on-chain activity and the durability of its ecosystem amid macro fluctuations. As SOL slides from multi-hundred-dollar highs to the current vicinity, market participants are watching whether the token can sustain activity and funding flows that underpin network usage. The emergence of a prominent head-and-shoulders pattern across multiple timeframes increases the probability that downside momentum persists, particularly if the price breaks key support levels and fails to reclaim near-term momentum.

On-chain and market data add nuance to the story. The MVRV bands — a measure of how far the current price deviates from where holders last moved their coins — currently point to a potential bottom around the $75 area. Historically, SOL has dipped toward and even below the lower bands before turning, as observed in prior cycles around March 2022 and December 2020. However, the 2022 FTX episode demonstrated that sentiment and price can diverge sharply, with the price briefly tumbling well below typical bottom bands before a prolonged recovery path materialized. This history suggests that the next move could hinge on how liquidity and risk appetite evolve in the weeks ahead.

For SOL, the chart patterns suggest a didactic lesson in risk management: even as a long-term narrative remains intact for some developers, the near-term price action could remain fragile until a credible reversal signal appears. The price action, combined with on-chain signals, reinforces the potential for a multi-week or multi-month consolidation phase, during which price discovery may be tempered by macro volatility and evolving investor sentiment toward Layer-1 ecosystems.

What to watch next

Watch for interactions with the $75 MVRV-band level, which historically has served as a reference point for potential reversals in SOL’s price.

Monitor the H&S-based targets around $57 and the possibility of further downside toward the $50–$45 range if the pattern remains intact and selling pressure persists.

Observe whether SOL can establish a footing above the $120 neckline on a sustained basis, or whether the price continues toward the next support levels identified by market analysts.

Stay attentive to evolving risk sentiment in crypto markets and any regulatory or macro developments that could influence flows to and from Solana’s ecosystem.

Sources & verification

Solana price action and the current price trajectory, including the 38% drop over 30 days and a low near $67 (Friday) as reported in technical summaries.

Bitcoinsensus’ X post noting a potential downside target as low as $50 per SOL.

Nextiscrypto’s two-week chart assessment calling for a possible move toward $45.

Shitpoastin’s analysis of a long-term monthly head-and-shoulders pattern suggesting a target near $30.

Glassnode data on Solana’s MVRV extreme deviation bands, currently around $75, used to frame potential bottoming activity.

This article was originally published as Solana Slides to $67 as Bearish Pattern Signals More Downside on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) steadied as Wall Street opened on Monday, marking a calmer exit from an earlier burst of volatility while gold extended its march toward February highs. Traders surveyed a landscape where risk-on catalysts were scarce and liquidity appeared to coalesce around key price levels. In this environment, analysts highlighted a potential range-bound dynamic for BTC, with buyers and sellers evaluating the same technical anchors that have governed recent moves. The broader macro backdrop—dovish whispers on inflation and a wary risk appetite—helped anchor prices as investors awaited clearer directional cues.

Key takeaways

Bitcoin is expected to bounce within a defined range, with Fibonacci levels shaping the near-term support and resistance boundaries after a spell of pronounced volatility.

The Coinbase Premium Index briefly flipped to positive territory for the first time in four weeks, suggesting a narrowing price gap between Coinbase’s BTC/USD and Binance’s BTC/USDT pairs.

On-chain data point toward defensive market behavior, as mean exchange outflows spike and large holders continue accumulating coins off exchanges.

Analysts describe a broad risk-off stance across spot, derivatives, ETFs, and on-chain indicators, reinforcing a cautious mood despite occasional shifting signals.

Whale activity is being watched closely, with CryptoQuant noting aggressive accumulation patterns on Binance during a period of price testing near the upper range.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Neutral

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold

Market context: The current phase sits within a broader environment of liquidity questions, cautious positioning, and mixed signals from on-chain data, as traders weigh potential catalysts and macro developments that could reaccelerate price discovery.

Why it matters

The near-term trajectory for Bitcoin remains tethered to a delicate balance between selling pressure and the willingness of large buyers to step in. As BTC hovers near technical levels, traders are parsing whether current price action represents a genuine base formation or a pause before the next leg of directional movement. The combination of subdued volatility on the hourly time frame and rising on-chain activity around key levels suggests that market participants are preparing for a potential breakout—but only if liquidity and demand align at the right junctures.

On the exchange front, the Coinbase Premium Index’s move back into positive territory, albeit briefly, adds texture to the narrative. The metric, which tracks the relative pricing between Coinbase’s BTC/USD and Binance’s BTC/USDT pairs, has historically offered a rough proxy for where demand is strongest across major venues. A short-lived positive reading can signal shifting demand dynamics or a reevaluation of where liquidity will materialize first in a range-bound regime. Yet observers caution that a temporary tilt does not guarantee a sustained updraft, especially when broader risk-off signals persist elsewhere in crypto markets.

From an on-chain perspective, CryptoQuant documented a notable intake of coins away from exchange wallets, a classic hallmark of accumulation by large holders during periods of price consolidation. The narrative—described in the Quicktake piece as “accumulation during capitulation”—frames current activity as a potential precursor to a support base that could anchor prices if demand steadies. In tandem, the two-week moving average of mean exchange outflows reached 13.3 BTC per withdrawal on Feb. 8, a level that underscores the scale at which investors have been moving coins off centralized venues. Taken together, these signals hint at a more nuanced dynamic than simple momentum-driven moves, where hedging and reserve-building among market participants may provide a floor even as sentiment remains cautious.

“The market is currently witnessing a classic ‘accumulation during capitulation’ scenario,” CryptoQuant analysts wrote, noting that while sentiment remains fearful, the surge in mean exchange outflows points to active buying by large players.
“While sentiment is fearful, the sharp rise in the Mean Exchange Outflow confirms that large-scale investors are aggressively buying and withdrawing Bitcoin, signaling potential support formation at these levels.”

Beyond BTC alone, industry watchers pointed to a persistent risk-off tone across the ecosystem. Glassnode’s Market Pulse characterized conditions as defensive across spot, derivatives, ETFs, and on-chain indicators, noting compressed profitability and negative capital flows alongside elevated hedging demand after recent repricing. While some signals hint that selling pressure could be moderating, analysts emphasized that a durable rebound would likely require renewed spot demand capable of lifting prices above recent lows. The overall mood, while not uniformly bearish, remains cautious, with players calibrating risk management and liquidity considerations as macro narratives continue to evolve.

In the background, gold referenced a similar tension in risk appetite, continuing a broader push toward safe-haven assets as investors weigh the trajectory of rates and inflation expectations. The precious metal’s move toward new month-to-date highs provided a contrasting backdrop to crypto markets, highlighting the ongoing interplay between traditional assets and digital markets in a mixed macro environment.

What to watch next

BTC price action around the defined Fibonacci levels: watch for a decisive break above or below current bands to confirm the range-bound thesis or signal a breakout.

Movement in the Coinbase Premium Index: a sustained positive reading or a reversion could provide early hints about shifting exchange demand dynamics.

On-chain accumulation signals: monitor changes in mean exchange outflow and large-holder activity that could indicate loosening or tightening supply pressure.

Glassnode Market Pulse updates: any shift toward risk-on indicators or renewed profit-taking could influence near-term sentiment and liquidity flows.

Sources & verification

TradingView BTCUSD price data on the BITSTAMP feed used to gauge volatility and range formation.

CryptoQuant: Coinbase Premium Index data showing the index behavior around February 2026.

CryptoQuant Quicktake: Bitcoin Aggressive Whale Accumulation on Binance and related discussion of capitulation-era accumulation patterns.

Glassnode: Market Pulse report for February 2026, describing risk-off conditions across spot, derivatives, ETFs, and on-chain metrics.

Public posts on StefanB’s X feed and CW8900’s tweet, illustrating trader sentiment and real-time micro-structure signals in BTC volatility and liquidity.

Bitcoin price action in a quiet range as momentum ebbs

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has settled into a quiet framework after an eventful period, with price momentum cooling as traders await catalysts that could tip the balance toward a new trend. The market’s current complexion leans toward a defined range, with technical observers identifying Fibonacci retracement levels as the principal scaffolding around which near-term price action is likely to rotate. The absence of a clear directional impulse has encouraged participants to posture for a breakout or a sustainable pullback, depending on which side of the spectrum liquidity and demand prefer to emerge.

Analysts on X and other analytics platforms have highlighted a convergence of signals that are consistent with a cautious, range-bound stance. A notable commentary from StefanB underscored the idea that the market might be building liquidity into critical levels, a scenario often observed after episodes of elevated volatility. In practical terms, that means traders are watching price action near well-defined support and resistance horizons, waiting for a decisive move that could establish a new baseline for the next leg of the cycle. As the price slices through these thresholds, a sustained shift in volatility could either validate the range-play hypothesis or usher in a fresh wave of liquidity that drives BTC beyond the current confines.

On-chain data contribute a complementary perspective. The Coinbase Premium Index’s recent move into positive territory, even if temporary, points to a shifting balance of demand across major venues. The metric’s trend, combined with CryptoQuant’s discussion of aggressive whale accumulation on Binance, paints a more nuanced picture than simple speculation about price—one in which large players appear to be consolidating positions in preparation for potential price resilience. The argument for accumulation is reinforced by the reported rise in mean exchange outflows, a signal that investors are methodically removing coins from centralized exchanges to reduce selling pressure and preserve optionality as prices test nearby resistance.

Still, the broader market mood remains cautious. Glassnode’s Market Pulse notes that profitability across spot and derivatives has been compressed and hedging demand remains elevated, underscoring the fragility of any optimistic takeaway. In this environment, even as some indicators hint at underlying support, the absence of robust spot-driven demand means any upside may depend on a convincing uptick in risk appetite or a surprising development in macro data that redefines the risk-reward calculus for crypto assets.

Gold’s ongoing strength adds a macro layer to the discussion. As bullion tests new highs for the month, investors are reminded of the complex interplay between traditional assets and digital markets. The current cross-currents—ranging from inflation expectations to liquidity dynamics—highlight why BTC’s trajectory remains highly context-dependent, with a broad spectrum of catalysts capable of reshaping investor positioning in the short to medium term. The narrative continues to emphasize caution and disciplined risk management, even as people remain vigilant for a breakout that could unlock a fresh phase of price discovery.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin Holds Range as Whales Accumulate and Risk-Off Mood Persists on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Interoperability remains a central challenge for the crypto ecosystem, especially as Bitcoin-native protocols shift asset validation and state management away from traditional on-chain models. In a concrete move, Utexo, a CTDG Dev Hub participant, has introduced RGB support for Tether’s Wallet Development Kit (WDK) via the Utexo SDK. The development aims to bridge two fundamentally different views of asset state: RGB’s off-chain validation and the wallet’s on-chain anchors. By layering RGB functionality into a widely used wallet framework, this integration seeks to streamline developers’ workstreams while preserving the security properties of Bitcoin-based assets.

Key takeaways

The RGB protocol validates asset state off-chain and uses on-chain Bitcoin transactions as anchors, creating a fundamental mismatch with standard wallet SDKs that expect a global on-chain truth for balances.

Utexo’s RGB support for Tether’s Wallet Development Kit adds a dedicated adapter layer, enabling RGB operations to ride on the wallet’s existing transaction workflows without replacing underlying RGB infrastructure.

The new wdk-wallet-rgb module derives RGB keys from BIP-39 seeds and exposes RGB balances through wallet-facing interfaces, allowing backups and restores to be encrypted alongside other wallet data.

Limitations remain: the module does not provide RGB Lightning nodes, network configuration, or application-level UX, underscoring its role as an integration layer rather than a complete RGB solution.

As part of the CTDG Dev Hub ecosystem, Utexo’s work highlights a broader effort to nurture cross-chain tooling and encourage feedback from a global developer community.

Tickers mentioned:

Market context: The effort sits at a time when wallet architects increasingly seek modular adapters to support non-native asset models while preserving familiar user experiences. The push toward off-chain validation paired with on-chain anchors is part of a broader trend to balance security with scalable, cross-chain asset issuance.

Why it matters

The RGB protocol was designed with Bitcoin’s security model in mind, but its approach to asset state is not globally observable on-chain. Rather than publishing a universal on-chain ledger of RGB asset balances, RGB relies on client-side validation and off-chain state propagation. This design choice improves scalability and privacy but places additional burdens on wallet developers: keys, validation data, persistence, and the coordination between Bitcoin transactions and RGB state transitions all occur outside a single, centralized wallet view. The result is a delicate balance between robust security guarantees and the risk of mismatched expectations within wallet ecosystems.

By introducing a dedicated adapter layer within the Wallet Development Kit, Utexo addresses the core friction points without rearchitecting RGB’s entire infrastructure. The wdk-wallet-rgb module acts as a bridge, translating RGB wallet operations into abstractions compatible with WDK’s multi-chain philosophy. In practice, this means RGB issuance and transfers can be exercised through standard wallet transaction flows, rather than requiring bespoke coordination logic external to the wallet. For developers, this translates into a more cohesive development path: assets created via RGB can be managed, backed up, and recovered in encrypted form alongside other wallet data, using familiar key management and seed architectures.

Crucially, the module is explicit about its scope. It does not replace RGB infrastructure or automate deployment concerns, nor does it attempt to provide an RGB Lightning node, network configuration, or end-user UX flows. Instead, it preserves RGB’s off-chain validation model while integrating issuance and transfers into existing wallet lifecycles. This approach reflects a pragmatic evolution in wallet infrastructure: as more Bitcoin-native protocols move validation and state off-chain, wallet ecosystems will increasingly adopt integration layers that preserve security guarantees while simplifying development and user experience.

The collaboration positions RGB within a broader ecosystem where wallet tooling is increasingly modular and chain-agnostic. Utexo’s participation in the CTDG Dev Hub—a hub designed to connect developers and users across blockchains—highlights how a collaborative, globally distributed developer base can accelerate practical solutions. By linking RGB state management to the familiar WDK environment, the integration opens potential pathways for broader RGB adoption across wallets that rely on BIP-39 seed-based key management and standardized transaction workflows.

The module’s limitations

The integration layer is not a panacea. It intentionally leaves several RGB-critical components outside its scope, including:

RGB Lightning node functionality remains unsupported.

Network configuration and node discovery are not handled by the module.

Application-level UX or payment-flow orchestration is not defined within the adapter.

Backups, recovery, and the user experience associated with client-side validated assets still carry inherent complexity.

These limitations mirror the module’s role as a wallet integration layer rather than a complete RGB solution. The intent is to provide a structured pathway to incorporate RGB assets into the WDK ecosystem without disrupting existing wallet abstractions, acknowledging that further RGB infrastructure and tooling will be required for end-to-end deployment in production environments.

A hub nurturing the blockchain ecosystem

Utexo’s work aligns with the CTDG Dev Hub’s mission to foster collaboration across blockchains. As a Hub participant, Utexo benefits from a global workforce that can generate ideas, test concepts, and offer feedback, while contributing to Bitcoin’s broader ecosystem. This kind of cross-pollination underscores a shift toward more modular, interoperable tooling that can accelerate practical use cases for Bitcoin-native protocols and their associated asset models. The CTDG environment serves as a proving ground for adapters like wdk-wallet-rgb, helping to surface lessons learned and drive subsequent innovations within the Wallet Development Kit and beyond.

What to watch next

Wider adoption of the wdk-wallet-rgb module by additional wallets within the CTDG Dev Hub and beyond, testing cross-chain compatibility.

Subsequent updates to the adapter that broaden support for more RGB-led assets and refine synchronization between on-chain anchors and off-chain state.

Expanded documentation and examples to illustrate best practices for backups, encryption, and recovery of RGB-managed state within wallet ecosystems.

More feedback from the global developer community and potential integration with other wallet SDKs following similar architectural approaches.

Sources & verification

The announcement of RGB support for Tether’s Wallet Development Kit (WDK) through the Utexo SDK, including the adapter concept and its goals.

Descriptions of RGB’s off-chain validation model and how on-chain BTC transactions act as anchors for asset state.

Explanations of the three core mismatch areas: balance tracking, transaction lifecycle, and state persistence/recovery.

Details on the module’s limitations and its scoped role as a wallet integration layer rather than RGB infrastructure.

References to CTDG Dev Hub involvement and Utexo’s role within the ecosystem.

Why it matters: a practical path forward for wallet developers

In practical terms, the integration lowers the barrier for wallet developers seeking to support RGB-issued assets without overhauling their core wallet architecture. By aligning RGB issuance and transfers with existing wallet workflows, developers can leverage familiar key management patterns and encrypted backups, reducing the risk of fragmentation across applications that handle off-chain asset state. For users, this could translate into more consistent experiences when managing Bitcoin-native assets issued via RGB, with asset state validated in client-side proofs rather than assumed from on-chain data alone.

From a market perspective, the move underscores ongoing efforts to harmonize Bitcoin’s security model with modern, multi-chain asset issuance. As more wallets adopt modular adapters and as cross-chain tooling matures, users may encounter a more cohesive experience when interacting with off-chain assets anchored to Bitcoin. However, the success of such efforts depends on continued collaboration among developers, clear documentation, and robust security practices around client-side state management and backup workflows.

What to watch next

Upcoming releases of the wdk-wallet-rgb module with broader asset support and improved UX workflows.

New integrations with other RGB-enabled assets beyond the initial focus on the Tether WDK partnership.

Ongoing feedback cycles within CTDG Dev Hub that influence further refinements to wallet integration patterns.

This article was originally published as Utexo Adds RGB Support to Tether’s Wallet SDK, Bridging Bitcoin Assets on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Israel’s nascent digital-asset sector is pressing for regulatory clarity and a more supportive footing for innovation. At a Tel Aviv gathering in early February, the Israeli Crypto Blockchain & Web 3.0 Companies Forum unveiled a lobbying drive aimed at reshaping the regulatory regime for stablecoins, tokenization, and tax treatment of tokenized assets. The push is anchored by research from KPMG, which the organizers say could add about 120 billion shekels ($38.36 billion) to the economy by 2035 and help create roughly 70,000 jobs. With policymakers signaling that 2026 could be a turning point for the local crypto scene in the wake of a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire, advocates argue a more permissive framework would unlock a wave of investment and innovation while delivering clearer compliance pathways for businesses.

Key takeaways

The Forum’s agenda centers on easing rules around stablecoins and the tokenization of assets, alongside simplifying tax compliance for digital assets.

KPMG’s research, cited by the organizers, projects a potential economic boost of 120 billion shekels by 2035 and the creation of about 70,000 jobs if reforms materialize.

Public engagement on crypto is already solid in Israel, with estimates suggesting more than 25% of the population having crypto dealings in the last five years and over 20% currently holding digital assets.

Banking frictions persist, with local financial institutions reportedly cautious about crypto clients and due diligence processes that can slow even legitimate funding.

A national strategy framework endorsed by lawmakers and government agencies envisions a unified regulator, clear token issuance rules, and closer banking integration as core pillars.

Broader market context shows steady growth in Israel’s crypto economy, influenced by regional dynamics and post-crisis policy shifts in the wider Middle East.

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The push aligns with a broader push in the region toward regulatory clarity for digital assets, as policymakers weigh the balance between innovation and consumer protection. The discussion follows a period of heightened activity in the global crypto space, with regulatory developments and institutional engagement shaping investment flows and product development.

Why it matters

The Israeli Forum’s lobbying effort spotlights a longer arc of policy maturation for digital assets in a country often cited for its deep fintech ecosystem. If the proposed reforms—ranging from tax treatment to token issuance and stablecoin regulation—are enacted, the immediate effect could be a more predictable operating environment for startups and fintechs that already anchor their research and development in Tel Aviv and surrounding hubs. Fireblocks and Starkware, two prominent players in the local crypto ecosystem, figure among the Forum’s sponsors, underscoring the scale of institutional interest in Israel’s ability to convert regulatory clarity into competitive advantage.

Underlying the push is a data-backed argument about public sentiment and ownership. A substantial share of Israelis have engaged with crypto: more than a quarter of the population has interacted with crypto markets in the last five years, and a significant portion remains actively invested in digital assets. Proponents contend that a clearer framework would lower compliance costs, reduce friction with banks, and attract both domestic and international capital. This is not just about niche tech; it is about turning Israel’s fintech strengths into a robust, globally integrated digital assets sector that can attract venture funding and talent while providing tax and regulatory certainty for participants.

On the policy front, the conversation sits within a broader national strategy. In mid-year, Israel’s National Crypto Strategy Committee presented an interim report to the Knesset, outlining a five-pillar framework that envisions a unified regulator, concrete rules for token issuance, and banking integration as central elements. The Government’s stance toward crypto taxation also evolved in August with the Tax Authority introducing a voluntary disclosure procedure intended to offer a path for taxpayers to come forward with previously undisclosed digital-asset income and assets, in exchange for immunity from criminal proceedings. Officials have acknowledged, however, that participation has fallen short of expectations, even as authorities pledged to push the program through to the end of August 2026. The Tax Authority’s leadership has stressed that the banking sector, which remains wary of cryptocurrency, contributes to the broader challenge of converting voluntary disclosures into practical liquidity for participants.

Beyond national borders, the story intersects with global peers pursuing tokenization and DLT pilots. A related body of work highlights how European pilots and U.S. momentum are shaping the international environment for token-based finance and on-chain markets. While Israel charts its own course, the regional and global context provides a backdrop for what the country is attempting to achieve: a stable, scalable environment in which digital assets can grow responsibly while delivering tangible economic benefits.

The broader narrative also reflects a bifurcated reality in which innovation and risk management must advance together. On one hand, the sector seeks predictable tax rules, a clear regulatory sandbox, and simpler compliance regimes. On the other hand, regulators are tasked with safeguarding consumers and preserving financial stability in the face of rapid innovation. The balance Israel pursues will influence not only domestic growth but its standing as a hub for crypto engineering, tokenized financial services, and cross-border collaboration in a global market that has become increasingly sensitive to regulatory signals.

What to watch next

Parliamentary review and potential amendments to the National Crypto Strategy Committee’s interim framework, including expected legislative steps in 2026.

Formalization of token issuance rules and a roadmap for banking integration within Israel’s financial system.

Updates to the Voluntary Disclosure Procedure, including participation metrics and the timeline for broader outreach beyond August 2026.

Regulatory guidance on stablecoins and tokenized assets that clarifies custody, settlement, and consumer protection standards.

Sources & verification

Israeli Forum event materials and statements from Nir Hirshman-Rub, February Tel Aviv gathering.

KPMG research cited by the Forum outlining potential economic impact from regulatory reforms.

Chainalysis report on the Middle East and North Africa crypto adoption and Israel’s crypto economy trajectory.

Startup Nation Central data on Israel’s fintech and digital-asset startups, funding, and employment.

Israel Tax Authority Voluntary Disclosure Procedure page and related coverage in Globes on participation levels.

National Crypto Strategy Committee interim report to the Knesset and related policy discussions.

Post-conflict policy references and industry commentary on the Gaza ceasefire and its regulatory implications.

Israel’s regulatory push could redefine the digital asset landscape

Israel’s digital-asset sector stands at a crossroads where policy design could either accelerate growth or slow down momentum built in a vibrant fintech ecosystem. The Forum’s campaign to ease stablecoin and tokenization rules, coupled with streamlined tax treatment, frames a pragmatic path toward scaling innovation while maintaining appropriate guardrails. The numbers backing the push—120 billion shekels in potential economic impact by 2035 and roughly 70,000 new jobs—are meant to illustrate the scale of opportunity that could accompany a well-calibrated regulatory regime. They rest on a foundation provided by KPMG’s research, which the Forum cites as a basis for a policy package that would reduce ambiguity, lower compliance costs, and attract capital.

However, the journey from advocacy to enacted policy is mediated by a complex web of stakeholders. Banks, prosecutors, and tax authorities all play a role in shaping how crypto businesses operate in practice. The banking sector, in particular, has historically shown caution toward crypto-related clients, with due-diligence processes that can feel prohibitive for emerging firms. Executives note that such frictions, if not addressed through clear regulatory language and robust consumer protections, can impede the flow of funds needed to scale projects and attract international partners. The ongoing dialogue between policymakers and industry participants suggests a willingness to align incentives, but implementation remains contingent on legislative debate and regulatory clarity.

In this context, Israel’s broader strategy—especially the five-pillar framework proposed by the National Crypto Strategy Committee—reads as a blueprint for sustainable growth. A unified regulator, explicit token issuance guidelines, and a plan to integrate banking services with digital-asset activities could reduce fragmentation and build confidence among entrepreneurs and investors alike. Meanwhile, the voluntary disclosure program highlights the government’s intent to formalize a safe channel for asset reporting, even as participation metrics and enforcement timelines indicate that outreach and uptake will be critical in the months ahead. The interplay between domestic policy, corporate innovation, and international perception will shape whether Israel becomes a regional hub for tokenization and crypto engineering or a cautionary tale of regulatory churn.

In the near term, observers will watch for concrete policy moves and parliamentary momentum. The post-2026 regulatory environment will likely hinge on how quickly the nation can translate strategy into risk-managed products and services. The evolving stance on stablecoins, the mechanics of token issuance, and the practical cross-border implications of a unified regulator will all influence investment appetite and the pace of product development. As regional players and global incumbents refine their own regulatory playbooks, Israel’s path could serve as a useful case study in balancing innovation with oversight, and in translating theoretical economic gains into tangible benefits for citizens and businesses alike.

This article was originally published as Israel Pushes for Crypto-Friendly Rules to Boost Growth and Jobs on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin and Ethereum led a broad rally in risk assets as traders priced in cooling inflation and firmer macro signals, but the rebound for Ether came with a caveat: derivatives markets remained largely cautious. The on-chain picture shows a liquidity landscape that is still hunting for clear catalysts, even as Ether clears key price resistances. In short, a positive price move does not yet translate into a confident shift in momentum, with traders continuing to weigh the risk of another leg lower as macro headlines evolve.

Key takeaways

Ethereum maintains dominance in total value locked (TVL), but scrutiny of layer-2 scaling and its subsidy model persists as investors assess long-term efficiency.

Ether’s inflation metric rose to ~0.8% over the last 30 days as on-chain activity cooled, while macro concerns kept derivatives in a cautious, risk-off stance.

ETH 2‑month futures traded at roughly a 3% premium to spot, below the 5% neutral threshold, signaling tepid optimism from Ether traders despite the rally.

Year-to-date, Ether has underperformed the broader crypto market by about 9%, raising questions about where capital is flowing and how much is staying tethered to Ethereum’s core ecosystem.

Deposits on the Ethereum base layer account for roughly 58% of the entire blockchain industry; including Base, Arbitrum, and Optimism, that figure rises to about 65%. The largest DApp on the Ethereum base layer holds more than $23 billion in TVL, underscoring Ethereum’s ongoing scale advantage over competitors like Solana, where the top DApp’s TVL remains far smaller.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Positive. Ether reclaimed the $2,100 level as the broader market rose, but the bounce remains tentative amid persistent risk-off signals in the derivatives space.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The current price recovery lacks clear, durable conviction from buyers, and any sustained advance will depend on a shift in risk appetite and improved on-chain activity.

Market context: The price move comes within a broader environment of liquidity fluctuations and macro uncertainty, where flows into crypto often track traditional risk indicators and regulatory chatter as much as technical levels.

Why it matters

The Ethereum ecosystem remains the cornerstone of DeFi and NFT activity, with the base layer continuing to attract the majority of on-chain value. Even as the chain holds a commanding TVL lead, the narrative around layer-2 solutions—how they decentralize, secure, and scale applications—has grown more nuanced. Ethereum’s current stance reflects a tension between the heavy usage that has historically fueled its dynamics and the structural questions about how best to sustain growth without compromising security or centralizing risk through bridges or trusted constructs.

Data from ultrasound.money shows Ether’s supply growth accelerating to about 0.8% on an annualized basis over the last month, a sign that the burn dynamics intended to counter inflation are not as punitive as hoped when network demand softens. The built-in burn mechanism relies on base-layer data processing activity; when that activity wanes, the net effect can be a modest supply expansion, tempering the deflationary narrative some bulls have pushed. This dynamic aligns with the observed softness in on-chain activity and the tepid appetite in the derivatives market, where a 3% premium for 2‑month Ether futures sits below the 5% neutral threshold—an indication that traders are not aggressively pricing in rapid upside (Laevitas data: laevitas.ch).

On the fundamental side, the ladder of TVL metrics continues to illustrate Ethereum’s centrality. The Ethereum base layer alone accounts for the majority of blockchain deposits, while including the leading layer-2 ecosystems—Base, Arbitrum, and Optimism—pushes the share to well above two-thirds of industry activity. In contrast, Solana’s leading DApp sits far behind, a reminder that capital has not yet pursued a broad shift away from Ethereum despite competition. This shape of the market matters for developers evaluating where to build and for investors weighing the durability of Ethereum’s moat in a multi-chain era.

The pace of adoption in layer-2 networks is another focal point. Vitalik Buterin has argued that the L2 path to decentralization has proven more challenging than originally envisioned, given reliance on multisig-controlled bridges and security trade-offs. In interviews and analyses, he has signaled a pivot toward base-layer scalability while acknowledging that privacy-focused features and application-specific designs on L2s will continue to influence capital allocation patterns. The inherent tension between scalability and security is central to investors’ risk calculus as they parse long-term returns from layer-1 vs. layer-2 deployments. For context, related discussions emphasize the difference between “real DeFi” and centralized yield constructs, underscoring how policy choices and technology design shape the sustainable value proposition of Ethereum’s ecosystem (Vitalik Buterin commentary: Ethereum scaling pivot).

Another facet of the narrative is the relationship between price performance and liquidity provision. Ether’s price recovery has not yet translated into a broad-based rally in the derivatives market, where risk-off sentiment remains visible in pricing and open interest. While the disappearance of a rapid down-leg is a relief for holders, the absence of robust upside pressure suggests traders remain cautious, watching macro data and regulatory signals for any signs that capital will pivot back toward higher-yield opportunities. In this context, the chart of Ether against the overall crypto capitalization illustrates a persistent lag, with Ether’s performance this year lagging the broader market by roughly 9% as capital rotates among competing use cases and networks (TradingView: ETH/USD vs. total crypto capitalization).

Finally, the market’s attention remains split between long-term fundamental deployments and near-term price movements. The burn mechanism’s trajectory depends on on-chain activity, while the composition of TVL—especially the share captured by L2s—will influence how investors perceive Ethereum’s ability to sustain network effects. The ongoing debate about L2 security, decentralization, and throughput feeds into price dynamics and shapes the risk-reward calculus for traders and developers alike. As developers experiment with privacy-focused features and bespoke, application-specific layer designs, Ethereum’s scale narrative remains central to the crypto economy’s evolution, even as other chains strive to carve out niche advantages.

What to watch next

Monitor Ether’s price action around the $2,200 area and whether buying pressure gains enough momentum to sustain a breakout.

Track Vitalik Buterin’s public comments and any policy shifts from major layer-2 projects regarding decentralization and security architecture.

Observe on-chain activity metrics and the burn rate versus supply growth using ultrasound.money data to gauge deflationary pressure.

Watch DefiLlama for TVL movements between the Ethereum base layer and its Layer-2 ecosystem to assess flow shifts across the ecosystem.

Keep an eye on macro indicators and central bank signals that influence liquidity and risk sentiment, as these ultimately drive derivative pricing and capital allocation.

Sources & verification

ETH price levels and movement relative to the $2,150 threshold and recovery to $2,100+ zones.

2-month Ether futures annualized premium data from Laevitas as a gauge of derivatives sentiment.

ETH supply growth metrics (0.8% annualized over the last 30 days) from ultrasound.money.

TVL breakdowns and main chain vs. Layer-2 deposits from DefiLlama data.

Official commentary by Vitalik Buterin on Layer-2 decentralization and the burn mechanism, including linked analyses.

What the numbers say about the market today

Market breadth has improved modestly as Ether reclaims price levels, yet the path to a sustainable rally remains uncertain. The interplay between layer-2 subsidies, base-layer scalability, and on-chain activity will continue to shape price dynamics and capital flows. Investors are watching for signals that derivatives markets finally align with price action, suggesting a broader willingness to take on risk. Until then, Ether’s leadership in TVL and ongoing L2 development will be essential barometers for the health and direction of the crypto ecosystem.

This article was originally published as Ethereum Rebounds, but Derivatives Signal Caution Despite Price Gains on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin (BTC) (CRYPTO: BTC) handelte am Montag wieder über $71.000, als eine risikoscheue Stimmung über die Kryptomärkte zog und die Stimmungsmessungen auf neue Tiefststände drückte. Während einige Beobachter die Bewegung als Erleichterungsrallye bei starkem Verkauf einordneten, warnten andere, dass schwache Marktbedingungen und bärische Futures-Dynamiken die Preise in naher Zukunft in niedrigere Bereiche treiben könnten. Die sich entfaltende Erzählung dreht sich um einen Kampf zwischen extremer Angst und dem Potenzial für eine Short-Cover-Rallye, vor dem Hintergrund von Derivatedruck und On-Chain-Signalen, die gemischte Signale über den Weg von BTC in den kommenden Wochen senden.

Coinbase’s Base App, pitched as a central piece of Coinbase’s “Everything App” strategy, is winding down its Creator Rewards program and its Farcaster-powered social feed. The move signals a shift away from social incentives toward a trading-first experience that prioritizes tradable assets. The Creator Rewards program, launched in July to foster a more social Base ecosystem, distributed roughly $450,000 to about 17,000 creators over seven months, according to an official Base App X update. That translates to an average payout of around $26 per creator. As the project evolves, the team underlined that the app’s core mission is changing, with trading taking center stage.

Base App’s creator-focused initiative will culminate with final payouts on February 18, and the program will wrap on the preceding Sunday. The decision comes alongside a broader reorientation of Base App’s social features. Founder Jesse Pollak framed the pivot by stressing simplicity and focus: “As we’ve rolled the app out, we’ve realized we need to do less, better. And by focusing on tradable assets, that’s exactly what we can do.” He added, “The app needs to have one primary focus, and that thing is trading.” The message reflects Coinbase’s intent to consolidate Base App as the trading hub for a suite of crypto primitives rather than a multi-faceted social platform.

With the Creator Rewards sunset, Base App’s social feed powered by Farcaster is unlikely to remain a central pillar of the user experience. Pollak acknowledged the talk feed’s misalignment with Base App’s core capabilities and said the team plans to continue supporting the decentralized social network and its developer ecosystem, even as the product emphasis shifts. “…candidly, I think the truth is that the base app was always an imperfect farcaster client,” he noted. “With this change, I expect those users to flow back to the farcaster app (myself included) and inject more energy into the economy there, with a best in class interface.”

Base App is at the center of Coinbase’s future

The refocus aligns with Coinbase’s broader ambition to become an Everything App spanning spot trading, derivatives, stablecoins, tokenization of real-world assets, prediction markets, and more. The company has signaled ongoing exploration of Base’s tokenization potential, though public commentary from CEO Brian Armstrong and Pollak on a Base token has been relatively quiet in recent months. The move also preserves Base App’s Creator Coins program, which enables users to mint ERC-20 tokens linked to their Base profile and the Zora ecosystem, even as the social feed portion is deprioritized. The platform’s December launch, following a longer beta period, established Base App as a self-custody wallet and all-in-one trading companion for a growing trading experience.

The broader strategy, including a renewed emphasis on tradable assets, occurs in a context where retail liquidity and investor appetite for accessible tokenized products remain central to crypto markets. The enterprise behind Base App continues to weave its product narrative around asset ownership, on-chain tokenization, and user-controlled liquidity, rather than social hooks alone. The project’s trajectory has also intersected with conversations about a Base token, a notion that has drawn attention even as the leadership has offered few recent public updates. Meanwhile, Base App’s Creator Coins program remains active, offering a way for users to deploy ERC-20 tokens tied to their Base activity and to participate in broader ecosystems such as Zora.

Beyond its internal pivots, the initiative sits within a wider industry discourse about how social tooling, creator monetization, and trading workflows intersect on-chain. In related coverage, the industry has noted the growing interest in open, interoperable tools for prediction markets and open-source data feeds, underscoring a trend toward more modular, developer-friendly ecosystems.

Base App’s evolution also points to a continued emphasis on practical utility for users who want to manage custody, trading, and tokenization in a single interface. The product’s December launch, together with the sunset of Creator Rewards, reflects a clear prioritization of liquidity and tradable assets over experimental social features, even as the company remains committed to supporting its broader developer network and ecosystem partners.

Related discussions around Base and its ecosystem continue to surface in strategy discussions about decentralized social networks, on-chain governance, and the role of creator-driven tokens in digital economies. The product’s remaining integration points, including its links to broader Coinbase services, will likely shape how users navigate the interface as it moves deeper into the trading-centric phase of its development.

Why it matters

The decision to sunset Creator Rewards and narrow the Base App’s focus to tradable assets marks a significant strategic refinement for Coinbase’s technology roadmap. By concentrating on a trading-first experience, Base App aims to streamline user flows, reduce feature complexity, and enhance liquidity within its ecosystem. The change also signals how Coinbase views social features as a potential risk to a clean, asset-centered user journey, especially in an environment where on-chain trading and asset tokenization are increasingly central to platform differentiation.

For developers and creators, the move redraws incentives. While Creator Rewards offered a tangible earnings stream, the shift reallocates attention and resources toward building robust trading experiences, improved interfaces, and more reliable asset integrations. The ongoing support for Farcaster suggests a recognition that decentralized social ecosystems remain valuable to certain user segments, even if they no longer sit at the core of Base App’s product strategy. In practice, users who valued social signals and creator-driven tokens may migrate toward stand-alone social clients or alternative on-chain ecosystems, while trading-centric features gain momentum on Base App.

From a market perspective, the development underscores how major crypto players balance social experimentation with the economics of liquidity and tradable assets. It also reinforces Coinbase’s narrative around the Everything App, positioning Base App as a strategic hub for on-chain activity, rather than a standalone social portal. The outcome will hinge on how effectively Base App can scale its trading features, attract liquidity, and maintain a coherent user experience as more functions are integrated into the ecosystem. In short, the Pivot foregrounds trading utility as the backbone of a user-centric on-chain toolset, while social experiments take a back seat until or unless they prove to materially enhance liquidity and engagement.

What to watch next

Final Creator Rewards payouts on February 18 — confirm user receipts and overall distribution metrics.

Any updates regarding Base Token discussions and public messaging from Coinbase/Base leadership.

Progress on Farcaster integration strategy and how users engage with decentralized social features outside Base App.

Updates to the Creator Coins program and its interaction with Zora and other on-chain ecosystems.

Shifts in Base App’s feature set and new liquidity- or asset-focused updates as part of the Everything App roadmap.

Sources & verification

Base App X post detailing roughly $450,000 distributed to about 17,000 creators over seven months.

Announcement that Creator Rewards will end with final payouts on February 18.

Jesse Pollak’s comments on focusing on trading and the imperfect fit of Farcaster for Base App.

Base App’s December launch and its role as a self-custody wallet within the trading experience.

Creator Coins program page and its ERC-20 token mechanics tied to Base App profiles and Zora.

Base App pivots toward trading-first design

Coinbase’s Base App is pruning its social-oriented features to emphasize tradable assets, a move underscored by public remarks from Base’s leadership and corroborated by the platform’s payout data. By winding down the Creator Rewards program and tightening feature focus, Base App aims to deliver a cleaner, more efficient trading experience that aligns with the broader mission of Coinbase’s Everything App. The decision to sunset social incentives comes alongside ongoing conversations about Base’s strategic direction and the potential paths for tokenization and open-access financial tooling within the Coinbase ecosystem.

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) remains a reference point in these discussions, as Base App seeks to harness its layer-2 capabilities and on-chain liquidity to support a more robust trading flow. The emphasis on tradable assets is intended to create a more compelling value proposition for users who want direct asset ownership, faster settlement, and accessible DeFi-native workflows within a single interface. As Base App navigates these changes, observers will be watching not only for concrete product updates but also for how the ecosystem adapts to maintain creator engagement and developer participation without relying primarily on social reward mechanics.

In the evolving crypto landscape, open-source tooling, tokenized assets, and streamlined custody play increasingly central roles. The Base App pivot illustrates how major platforms are recalibrating to align product-market fit with liquidity pressures and regulatory expectations, while still preserving avenues for creator-led innovation through tokens and decentralized ecosystems. The ongoing dialogue around Base’s roadmap, tokenization ambitions, and the role of social features will shape how users engage with Coinbase’s broader platform — and how new entrants attempt to replicate or improve upon this integrated, trading-focused approach.

This article was originally published as Coinbase’s Base App Drops Creator Rewards to Refocus on Trading on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Chainlink (CRYPTO: LINK) co-founder Sergey Nazarov argues that the current crypto downturn is not a replay of previous bear markets. Speaking on X on Tuesday, Nazarov noted that there have been no FTX-style collapses this time and pointed to a persistent wave of tokenized real-world assets that continues to grow despite price declines. Crypto market capitalization has fallen about 44% from its October all-time high of $4.4 trillion, with roughly $2 trillion leaving the space in just four months. He frames the cycle as a test of the industry’s progress: cycles reveal how far the ecosystem has advanced, and this downturn is exposing both resilience and a real-world asset narrative that could outlast speculative pricing.

Key takeaways

The downturn lacks a single systemic event comparable to FTX-era collapses, suggesting improved risk management across institutions.

Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) are expanding on-chain, signaling a use case beyond mere price speculation.

On-chain perpetuals and asset tokenization offer 24/7 markets, on-chain collateral, and real-time data that could drive institutional adoption.

Chainlink’s credibility as a backbone for on-chain RWAs remains intact even as the broader market experiences weakness.

Analysts and industry observers see a bifurcation between crypto prices and the growth trajectory of on-chain RWAs, potentially reshaping the industry’s value proposition.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH, $LINK

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Negative. A broad sell-off and outflows have pressured prices and market capitalization, even as on-chain RWA activity trends higher.

Market context: The current cycle unfolds amid a shifting risk environment, macro uncertainty, and ongoing debates about liquidity and regulation that influence both crypto assets and tokenized RWAs.

Why it matters

The argument that the bear market is not a monolithic crash but a spectrum of dynamics matters because it reframes what investors should watch. Nazarov emphasizes that the absence of large, systemic failures this cycle points to improved risk controls and more mature market infrastructure. In practical terms, this could translate into steadier liquidity provision, fewer cascading liquidations, and greater confidence in deploying capital through on-chain channels rather than off-ramp exits.

Central to this narrative is the acceleration of RWA tokenization. According to RWA.xyz, tokenized RWAs on-chain have surged by about 300% over the past 12 months, underscoring a use case that can prosper irrespective of crypto price cycles. The implication is clear: real-world assets—ranging from securitized notes to commodity-linked contracts—are becoming meaningful, on-chain stores of value and collateral concepts, not merely speculative bets. This trend could feed into broader institutional demand, as on-chain mechanisms offer transparency, auditability, and cross-border settlement capabilities that traditional markets take days or weeks to deliver.

Yet the market’s performance remains tethered to macro and sector-specific catalysts. LINK, the token associated with pricing data and oracle services, has faced sustained weakness, trading in bear-market territory after peaking earlier in the cycle. The dynamic illustrates a decoupling: while RWAs push forward in practical utility, the crypto market, including major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, can diverge for periods where macro sentiment dominates. In this context, on-chain RWAs could gradually displace some narrative weight away from pure price action toward real-world utility and risk-adjusted capital formation.

Institutional involvement is widely anticipated to hinge on the utility of these on-chain structures. Nazarov argues that the combination of perpetual markets, tokenized assets, and robust on-chain collateral is creating a more resilient foundation for institutions to experiment with crypto-enabled finance. The broader ecosystem benefits from infrastructure upgrades that enable risk management, settlement, and governance in a transparent, programmable environment. The takeaway is not that crypto prices must explode to prove value, but that the underlying systems—the oracles, the data streams, and the contractual primitives—are becoming indispensable to professional finance.

As markets digest these developments, some observers emphasize that the current sell-off is driven by factors outside the crypto sector. Analysts have framed the move as a wider market concern about AI equities, liquidity expectations under a potentially tighter policy regime, and shifts in liquidity leadership. While these external pressures complicate the price narrative, the on-chain RWA ecosystem appears to be advancing on its own trajectory, aligned with broader fintech adoption and cross-chain interoperability goals.

“If these trends continue, I believe what I have been saying for years will happen; on-chain RWAs will surpass cryptocurrency in the total value in our industry, and what our industry is about will fundamentally change.”

Not all bear markets are equal

Industry observers have framed this downturn as potentially less damaging to the core ecosystem than prior cycles. Bernstein analyst Gautam Chhugani described the Bitcoin bear case as historically weak, suggesting that the price action reflects a crisis of confidence rather than a structural breakdown. “The current Bitcoin price action is a mere crisis of confidence. Nothing broke, no skeletons will show up,” the note said. The takeaway is that the macro environment, not just isolated crypto incidents, is weighing on sentiment.

Other voices emphasize a more nuanced picture. For instance, market participants note that macro catalysts—ranging from interest-rate expectations to tech-sector dynamics—have a disproportionate influence on crypto pricing versus on-chain activity. The sell-off has been described as being driven more by non-crypto catalysts than by internal systemic failures within the crypto space, a distinction that could support a faster reacceleration should risk appetite improve and liquidity return.

Market context

Against the backdrop of a 44% drawdown in crypto market cap from the October peak and substantial outflows, the story of RWAs on-chain remains a central pillar of longer-term value propositions in crypto. The dynamic underscores a broader trend toward tokenization and on-chain finance as mainstream infrastructure projects mature. If on-chain RWAs continue to gain traction, the sector could reorient investor attention toward scalable, real-world use cases, rather than relying solely on volatility-driven appetite for purely digital assets.

Why it matters

For builders, the message is clear: investing in robust on-chain infrastructure for RWAs—oracle reliability, settlement speed, and secure collateral mechanisms—could yield enduring demand. For investors, RWAs offer a potential hedge against crypto-price cycles by anchoring value in tangible, off-chain assets. For the market, the continued growth of RWAs may redefine what constitutes “crypto value,” expanding the spectrum of investable instruments and potentially attracting traditional finance players to participate in a more regulated, verifiable on-chain ecosystem.

What to watch next

Updates from RWA.xyz on on-chain RWAs growth metrics and new asset classes tokenized on-chain.

Institutional pilots adopting on-chain perpetuals and RWA-backed collateral frameworks.

Regulatory developments affecting tokenized real-world assets and oracle data provisioning.

Cross-chain integrations that improve liquidity, settling quickly, and governance for RWAs.

Sources & verification

Sergey Nazarov’s X post discussing bear-market dynamics and RWAs growth.

RWA.xyz data showing on-chain RWA value growth (about 300% YoY).

LINK price/index coverage referenced in market commentary.

Bernstein note on Bitcoin bear-case context.

Wemade KRW stablecoin alliance with Chainlink coverage.

RWA momentum and a reshaping crypto market

Chainlink’s foundational role in powering on-chain RWAs remains a consistent thread as the sector charts its next phase. The on-chain RWA narrative is supported by observable growth metrics and a steady flow of products that enable real-world assets to exist, trade, and collateralize on-chain. While price action can swing with global liquidity and risk sentiment, the underlying technology stack—secure oracles, robust data feeds, and programmable contracts—continues to attract the interest of developers, institutions, and asset issuers alike. The broader question is whether on-chain RWAs will eventually carry a larger share of industry value than speculative crypto assets, a shift Nazarov has been vocal about predicting for years.

This article was originally published as Chainlink’s Nazarov: This Crypto Bear Market Is Different as RWAs Grow on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) has slipped into a zone that market watchers associate with capitulation, as on-chain signals flash bearish, yet opt for caution on whether a definitive bottom is in place. The focal point is the MVRV Z-Score, a gauge that compares current market value to the realized value, effectively measuring how much investors are paying relative to the price at which Ether last moved. A reading around -0.42 indicates Ether is trading below its realized value, a sign historically linked to stress but not a sole predictor of a lasting bottom. While some analysts argue this signals a clear capitulation phase, others warn that the current slide may not reach the extremes observed in past bear markets.

The MVRV Z-Score was designed to flag phases of euphoria or capitulation by showing when market value diverges markedly from realized value. In practice, a notably negative score has preceded bottoming behavior in prior cycles, albeit without a guaranteed timetable. Joao Wedson, a crypto Quant analyst and founder of Alphractal, described the current reading as “showing that Ethereum is indeed going through a clear capitulation process.” Yet, he cautioned that today’s data do not match the intensity of the 2018 and 2022 bear-market lows. The record low for the metric sits at -0.76, observed in December 2018, underscoring the scale of the slide that would be needed for a historical parallel.

Ether MVRV Z-Score tanks below zero in capitulation. Source: Alphractal 

The near-term horizon, however, remains contested. Wedson noted that further downside is possible before any sustained recovery takes hold, citing continued market stress and the possibility of liquidity constraints during tax season. “The market is already under stress, but historically, there is still room for further downside before a definitive structural bottom is formed,” he said. Ether’s price action has been volatile, with a sharp decline followed by a tentative rebound, complicating the call on whether the capitulation phase is nearing its end.

The recent price action has been punishing: Ether has fallen about 30% over the past two weeks, sinking to a bear-market low near $1,825 on a Friday before a modest rebound to roughly $2,100 on the following Monday. The moves come amid broader macro fragility and shifting risk sentiment within crypto markets, prompting both caution and opportunism among analysts. Some traders and researchers see this as a rare “buy fear” window, while others warn that risk remains elevated until on-chain dynamics confirm a bottom.

HashKey Group senior researcher Tim Sun told Cointelegraph that historical performance has reinforced the view that Ethereum’s MVRV Z-Score can be a reliable indicator for identifying bottoming zones, particularly when combined with evolving on-chain activity and long-term ecosystem development. “Judging by on-chain activity, protocol evolution, and long-term ecosystem structure, Ethereum’s fundamentals have not seen any substantive deterioration. On the contrary, they continue to improve across several key dimensions,” he said. Still, Sun stressed that current trajectories could change if the primary drivers of decline persist, suggesting that a definitive bottom remains contingent on future liquidity and demand signals.

Meanwhile, other observers offered a more optimistic read. Michaël van de Poppe, founder of MN Fund, argued that the drawdown presents a rare opportunity to consider ETH as an investable bet, noting a substantial gap between the current price and the “fair price” implied by the MVRV ratio. “I think that this is a tremendous opportunity to be looking at ETH,” he tweeted, positing that negative deviations historically precede substantial recoveries when macro and on-chain conditions align. The narrative held that Ether’s network metrics and the broader ecosystem strength underpin a case for accumulation once the weak hands have been flushed out.

Other voices joined the chorus of potential catalysts for a rebound. Andri Fauzan Adziima, Bitrue’s research lead, suggested that persistent negative MVRV zones have historically preceded strong recoveries in subsequent cycles. He contended that ETH’s network fundamentals remained robust and that a long-term accumulation stance could emerge once price risk subsides. “Brutal capitulation now, but historically one of the best ‘buy fear’ windows for ETH,” Adziima said, underscoring the tension between near-term price action and longer-term structural factors.

ETH prices have tanked back to long-term cycle lows. Source: TradingView

Market participants acknowledged that the current pullback may be overshadowed by longer-term catalysts such as network upgrades and continued ecosystem maturation, even as price action remains sensitive to near-term liquidity and macro dynamics. The narrative that “buying fear” can yield outsized returns if followed by demand recovery continues to gain traction among several traders, though it remains balanced by caution regarding April liquidity and potential tax-related squeezes.

One of the best “buy fear” windows for Ether

Despite the caution, several observers argued that the current environment could present one of the more compelling entry points for ETH in recent memory. Van de Poppe’s commentary echoed a view shared by others that a sharp deviation below fair value can precede a robust rebound when demand returns and on-chain indicators resume strengthening. The notion is that ETH’s price could be primed for a longer-term recovery even if the immediate path remains choppy.

As the debate continues, sentiment remains nuanced. Some participants emphasize that negative MVRV conditions have historically aligned with durable recoveries once the weak hands capitulate, while others warn that liquidity constraints around the April tax season could delay any sustained recovery. The balance between on-chain fundamentals and macro stressors will likely shape Ether’s trajectory over the coming weeks and into the next quarter.

For investors watching the tape, the key takeaway is that volatility may persist even as underlying fundamentals show resilience. The combination of a negative MVRV reading and persistent price pressure suggests that any bottoming process will require a convergence of favorable liquidity and sustained demand, rather than a simple technical bounce.

Why it matters

The ongoing discussion around Ether’s valuation and bottoming prospects matters for multiple stakeholders. For traders, MVRV-based indicators provide a framework to interpret on-chain signals amid price volatility, while investors may view the current setup as an opportunity to accumulate at a discount relative to realized value. For developers and ecosystem participants, the narrative about Ethereum’s fundamentals—network activity, upgrade timelines, and long-term growth—matters for capital allocation, governance engagement, and potential product developments that could draw renewed user interest.

From a market-wide perspective, Ethereum’s fate remains a bellwether for risk appetite in crypto markets. A clear bottom in ETH could bolster sentiment across altcoins and contribute to a broader risk-on environment, while a protracted drawdown could reinforce caution and delay recovery for other assets. In either case, the episode underscores the importance of on-chain metrics as a corroborating lens for price action, beyond headlines and short-term moves.

What to watch next

Monitor liquidity conditions around the April tax season for potential downside or relief catalysts.

Track on-chain indicators related to MVRV Z-Score and general network activity to assess whether a structural bottom forms.

Watch for sustained price stabilization above recent lows and any acceleration in demand signals that could precede a rebound.

Observe broader macro factors and crypto market flows that could influence risk sentiment and capital allocation.

Sources & verification

On-chain MVRV Z-Score interpretation and commentary by Joao Wedson of Alphractal (tweet/status referenced in the article).

Cointelegraph reports on Ether’s 30% decline over a two-week period and the subsequent move to around $2,100.

HashKey Group insights from Tim Sun regarding MVRV Z-Score reliability and Ethereum fundamentals.

Industry commentary from Michaël van de Poppe and Bitrue’s Andri Fauzan Adziima on negative MVRV zones and potential buy opportunities.

This article was originally published as Ethereum Enters Capitulation Zone as MVRV Turns Negative: Bottom Near? on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) has slipped into a zone that market watchers associate with capitulation, as on-chain signals flash bearish, yet opt for caution on whether a definitive bottom is in place. The focal point is the MVRV Z-Score, a gauge that compares current market value to the realized value, effectively measuring how much investors are paying relative to the price at which Ether last moved. A reading around -0.42 indicates Ether is trading below its realized value, a sign historically linked to stress but not a sole predictor of a lasting bottom. While some analysts argue this signals a clear capitulation phase, others warn that the current slide may not reach the extremes observed in past bear markets.

The MVRV Z-Score was designed to flag phases of euphoria or capitulation by showing when market value diverges markedly from realized value. In practice, a notably negative score has preceded bottoming behavior in prior cycles, albeit without a guaranteed timetable. Joao Wedson, a crypto Quant analyst and founder of Alphractal, described the current reading as “showing that Ethereum is indeed going through a clear capitulation process.” Yet, he cautioned that today’s data do not match the intensity of the 2018 and 2022 bear-market lows. The record low for the metric sits at -0.76, observed in December 2018, underscoring the scale of the slide that would be needed for a historical parallel.

Ether MVRV Z-Score tanks below zero in capitulation. Source: Alphractal 

The near-term horizon, however, remains contested. Wedson noted that further downside is possible before any sustained recovery takes hold, citing continued market stress and the possibility of liquidity constraints during tax season. “The market is already under stress, but historically, there is still room for further downside before a definitive structural bottom is formed,” he said. Ether’s price action has been volatile, with a sharp decline followed by a tentative rebound, complicating the call on whether the capitulation phase is nearing its end.

The recent price action has been punishing: Ether has fallen about 30% over the past two weeks, sinking to a bear-market low near $1,825 on a Friday before a modest rebound to roughly $2,100 on the following Monday. The moves come amid broader macro fragility and shifting risk sentiment within crypto markets, prompting both caution and opportunism among analysts. Some traders and researchers see this as a rare “buy fear” window, while others warn that risk remains elevated until on-chain dynamics confirm a bottom.

HashKey Group senior researcher Tim Sun told Cointelegraph that historical performance has reinforced the view that Ethereum’s MVRV Z-Score can be a reliable indicator for identifying bottoming zones, particularly when combined with evolving on-chain activity and long-term ecosystem development. “Judging by on-chain activity, protocol evolution, and long-term ecosystem structure, Ethereum’s fundamentals have not seen any substantive deterioration. On the contrary, they continue to improve across several key dimensions,” he said. Still, Sun stressed that current trajectories could change if the primary drivers of decline persist, suggesting that a definitive bottom remains contingent on future liquidity and demand signals.

Meanwhile, other observers offered a more optimistic read. Michaël van de Poppe, founder of MN Fund, argued that the drawdown presents a rare opportunity to consider ETH as an investable bet, noting a substantial gap between the current price and the “fair price” implied by the MVRV ratio. “I think that this is a tremendous opportunity to be looking at ETH,” he tweeted, positing that negative deviations historically precede substantial recoveries when macro and on-chain conditions align. The narrative held that Ether’s network metrics and the broader ecosystem strength underpin a case for accumulation once the weak hands have been flushed out.

Other voices joined the chorus of potential catalysts for a rebound. Andri Fauzan Adziima, Bitrue’s research lead, suggested that persistent negative MVRV zones have historically preceded strong recoveries in subsequent cycles. He contended that ETH’s network fundamentals remained robust and that a long-term accumulation stance could emerge once price risk subsides. “Brutal capitulation now, but historically one of the best ‘buy fear’ windows for ETH,” Adziima said, underscoring the tension between near-term price action and longer-term structural factors.

ETH prices have tanked back to long-term cycle lows. Source: TradingView

Market participants acknowledged that the current pullback may be overshadowed by longer-term catalysts such as network upgrades and continued ecosystem maturation, even as price action remains sensitive to near-term liquidity and macro dynamics. The narrative that “buying fear” can yield outsized returns if followed by demand recovery continues to gain traction among several traders, though it remains balanced by caution regarding April liquidity and potential tax-related squeezes.

One of the best “buy fear” windows for Ether

Despite the caution, several observers argued that the current environment could present one of the more compelling entry points for ETH in recent memory. Van de Poppe’s commentary echoed a view shared by others that a sharp deviation below fair value can precede a robust rebound when demand returns and on-chain indicators resume strengthening. The notion is that ETH’s price could be primed for a longer-term recovery even if the immediate path remains choppy.

As the debate continues, sentiment remains nuanced. Some participants emphasize that negative MVRV conditions have historically aligned with durable recoveries once the weak hands capitulate, while others warn that liquidity constraints around the April tax season could delay any sustained recovery. The balance between on-chain fundamentals and macro stressors will likely shape Ether’s trajectory over the coming weeks and into the next quarter.

For investors watching the tape, the key takeaway is that volatility may persist even as underlying fundamentals show resilience. The combination of a negative MVRV reading and persistent price pressure suggests that any bottoming process will require a convergence of favorable liquidity and sustained demand, rather than a simple technical bounce.

Why it matters

The ongoing discussion around Ether’s valuation and bottoming prospects matters for multiple stakeholders. For traders, MVRV-based indicators provide a framework to interpret on-chain signals amid price volatility, while investors may view the current setup as an opportunity to accumulate at a discount relative to realized value. For developers and ecosystem participants, the narrative about Ethereum’s fundamentals—network activity, upgrade timelines, and long-term growth—matters for capital allocation, governance engagement, and potential product developments that could draw renewed user interest.

From a market-wide perspective, Ethereum’s fate remains a bellwether for risk appetite in crypto markets. A clear bottom in ETH could bolster sentiment across altcoins and contribute to a broader risk-on environment, while a protracted drawdown could reinforce caution and delay recovery for other assets. In either case, the episode underscores the importance of on-chain metrics as a corroborating lens for price action, beyond headlines and short-term moves.

What to watch next

Monitor liquidity conditions around the April tax season for potential downside or relief catalysts.

Track on-chain indicators related to MVRV Z-Score and general network activity to assess whether a structural bottom forms.

Watch for sustained price stabilization above recent lows and any acceleration in demand signals that could precede a rebound.

Observe broader macro factors and crypto market flows that could influence risk sentiment and capital allocation.

Sources & verification

On-chain MVRV Z-Score interpretation and commentary by Joao Wedson of Alphractal (tweet/status referenced in the article).

Cointelegraph reports on Ether’s 30% decline over a two-week period and the subsequent move to around $2,100.

HashKey Group insights from Tim Sun regarding MVRV Z-Score reliability and Ethereum fundamentals.

Industry commentary from Michaël van de Poppe and Bitrue’s Andri Fauzan Adziima on negative MVRV zones and potential buy opportunities.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

This article was originally published as Latest Bitcoin & Ethereum News, Crypto Prices & Indexes on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Chainlink (CRYPTO: LINK) co-founder Sergey Nazarov argues that the current crypto downturn is not a replay of previous bear markets. Speaking on X on Tuesday, Nazarov noted that there have been no FTX-style collapses this time and pointed to a persistent wave of tokenized real-world assets that continues to grow despite price declines. Crypto market capitalization has fallen about 44% from its October all-time high of $4.4 trillion, with roughly $2 trillion leaving the space in just four months. He frames the cycle as a test of the industry’s progress: cycles reveal how far the ecosystem has advanced, and this downturn is exposing both resilience and a real-world asset narrative that could outlast speculative pricing.

Key takeaways

The downturn lacks a single systemic event comparable to FTX-era collapses, suggesting improved risk management across institutions.

Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) are expanding on-chain, signaling a use case beyond mere price speculation.

On-chain perpetuals and asset tokenization offer 24/7 markets, on-chain collateral, and real-time data that could drive institutional adoption.

Chainlink’s credibility as a backbone for on-chain RWAs remains intact even as the broader market experiences weakness.

Analysts and industry observers see a bifurcation between crypto prices and the growth trajectory of on-chain RWAs, potentially reshaping the industry’s value proposition.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH, $LINK

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Negative. A broad sell-off and outflows have pressured prices and market capitalization, even as on-chain RWA activity trends higher.

Market context: The current cycle unfolds amid a shifting risk environment, macro uncertainty, and ongoing debates about liquidity and regulation that influence both crypto assets and tokenized RWAs.

Why it matters

The argument that the bear market is not a monolithic crash but a spectrum of dynamics matters because it reframes what investors should watch. Nazarov emphasizes that the absence of large, systemic failures this cycle points to improved risk controls and more mature market infrastructure. In practical terms, this could translate into steadier liquidity provision, fewer cascading liquidations, and greater confidence in deploying capital through on-chain channels rather than off-ramp exits.

Central to this narrative is the acceleration of RWA tokenization. According to RWA.xyz, tokenized RWAs on-chain have surged by about 300% over the past 12 months, underscoring a use case that can prosper irrespective of crypto price cycles. The implication is clear: real-world assets—ranging from securitized notes to commodity-linked contracts—are becoming meaningful, on-chain stores of value and collateral concepts, not merely speculative bets. This trend could feed into broader institutional demand, as on-chain mechanisms offer transparency, auditability, and cross-border settlement capabilities that traditional markets take days or weeks to deliver.

Yet the market’s performance remains tethered to macro and sector-specific catalysts. LINK, the token associated with pricing data and oracle services, has faced sustained weakness, trading in bear-market territory after peaking earlier in the cycle. The dynamic illustrates a decoupling: while RWAs push forward in practical utility, the crypto market, including major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, can diverge for periods where macro sentiment dominates. In this context, on-chain RWAs could gradually displace some narrative weight away from pure price action toward real-world utility and risk-adjusted capital formation.

Institutional involvement is widely anticipated to hinge on the utility of these on-chain structures. Nazarov argues that the combination of perpetual markets, tokenized assets, and robust on-chain collateral is creating a more resilient foundation for institutions to experiment with crypto-enabled finance. The broader ecosystem benefits from infrastructure upgrades that enable risk management, settlement, and governance in a transparent, programmable environment. The takeaway is not that crypto prices must explode to prove value, but that the underlying systems—the oracles, the data streams, and the contractual primitives—are becoming indispensable to professional finance.

As markets digest these developments, some observers emphasize that the current sell-off is driven by factors outside the crypto sector. Analysts have framed the move as a wider market concern about AI equities, liquidity expectations under a potentially tighter policy regime, and shifts in liquidity leadership. While these external pressures complicate the price narrative, the on-chain RWA ecosystem appears to be advancing on its own trajectory, aligned with broader fintech adoption and cross-chain interoperability goals.

“If these trends continue, I believe what I have been saying for years will happen; on-chain RWAs will surpass cryptocurrency in the total value in our industry, and what our industry is about will fundamentally change.”

Not all bear markets are equal

Industry observers have framed this downturn as potentially less damaging to the core ecosystem than prior cycles. Bernstein analyst Gautam Chhugani described the Bitcoin bear case as historically weak, suggesting that the price action reflects a crisis of confidence rather than a structural breakdown. “The current Bitcoin price action is a mere crisis of confidence. Nothing broke, no skeletons will show up,” the note said. The takeaway is that the macro environment, not just isolated crypto incidents, is weighing on sentiment.

Other voices emphasize a more nuanced picture. For instance, market participants note that macro catalysts—ranging from interest-rate expectations to tech-sector dynamics—have a disproportionate influence on crypto pricing versus on-chain activity. The sell-off has been described as being driven more by non-crypto catalysts than by internal systemic failures within the crypto space, a distinction that could support a faster reacceleration should risk appetite improve and liquidity return.

Market context

Against the backdrop of a 44% drawdown in crypto market cap from the October peak and substantial outflows, the story of RWAs on-chain remains a central pillar of longer-term value propositions in crypto. The dynamic underscores a broader trend toward tokenization and on-chain finance as mainstream infrastructure projects mature. If on-chain RWAs continue to gain traction, the sector could reorient investor attention toward scalable, real-world use cases, rather than relying solely on volatility-driven appetite for purely digital assets.

Why it matters

For builders, the message is clear: investing in robust on-chain infrastructure for RWAs—oracle reliability, settlement speed, and secure collateral mechanisms—could yield enduring demand. For investors, RWAs offer a potential hedge against crypto-price cycles by anchoring value in tangible, off-chain assets. For the market, the continued growth of RWAs may redefine what constitutes “crypto value,” expanding the spectrum of investable instruments and potentially attracting traditional finance players to participate in a more regulated, verifiable on-chain ecosystem.

What to watch next

Updates from RWA.xyz on on-chain RWAs growth metrics and new asset classes tokenized on-chain.

Institutional pilots adopting on-chain perpetuals and RWA-backed collateral frameworks.

Regulatory developments affecting tokenized real-world assets and oracle data provisioning.

Cross-chain integrations that improve liquidity, settling quickly, and governance for RWAs.

Sources & verification

Sergey Nazarov’s X post discussing bear-market dynamics and RWAs growth.

RWA.xyz data showing on-chain RWA value growth (about 300% YoY).

LINK price/index coverage referenced in market commentary.

Bernstein note on Bitcoin bear-case context.

Wemade KRW stablecoin alliance with Chainlink coverage.

RWA momentum and a reshaping crypto market

Chainlink’s foundational role in powering on-chain RWAs remains a consistent thread as the sector charts its next phase. The on-chain RWA narrative is supported by observable growth metrics and a steady flow of products that enable real-world assets to exist, trade, and collateralize on-chain. While price action can swing with global liquidity and risk sentiment, the underlying technology stack—secure oracles, robust data feeds, and programmable contracts—continues to attract the interest of developers, institutions, and asset issuers alike. The broader question is whether on-chain RWAs will eventually carry a larger share of industry value than speculative crypto assets, a shift Nazarov has been vocal about predicting for years.

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This article was originally published as Bitcoin, Ethereum News & Crypto Price Indexes on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Coinbase’s Base App, pitched as a central piece of Coinbase’s “Everything App” strategy, is winding down its Creator Rewards program and its Farcaster-powered social feed. The move signals a shift away from social incentives toward a trading-first experience that prioritizes tradable assets. The Creator Rewards program, launched in July to foster a more social Base ecosystem, distributed roughly $450,000 to about 17,000 creators over seven months, according to an official Base App X update. That translates to an average payout of around $26 per creator. As the project evolves, the team underlined that the app’s core mission is changing, with trading taking center stage.

Base App’s creator-focused initiative will culminate with final payouts on February 18, and the program will wrap on the preceding Sunday. The decision comes alongside a broader reorientation of Base App’s social features. Founder Jesse Pollak framed the pivot by stressing simplicity and focus: “As we’ve rolled the app out, we’ve realized we need to do less, better. And by focusing on tradable assets, that’s exactly what we can do.” He added, “The app needs to have one primary focus, and that thing is trading.” The message reflects Coinbase’s intent to consolidate Base App as the trading hub for a suite of crypto primitives rather than a multi-faceted social platform.

With the Creator Rewards sunset, Base App’s social feed powered by Farcaster is unlikely to remain a central pillar of the user experience. Pollak acknowledged the talk feed’s misalignment with Base App’s core capabilities and said the team plans to continue supporting the decentralized social network and its developer ecosystem, even as the product emphasis shifts. “…candidly, I think the truth is that the base app was always an imperfect farcaster client,” he noted. “With this change, I expect those users to flow back to the farcaster app (myself included) and inject more energy into the economy there, with a best in class interface.”

Base App is at the center of Coinbase’s future

The refocus aligns with Coinbase’s broader ambition to become an Everything App spanning spot trading, derivatives, stablecoins, tokenization of real-world assets, prediction markets, and more. The company has signaled ongoing exploration of Base’s tokenization potential, though public commentary from CEO Brian Armstrong and Pollak on a Base token has been relatively quiet in recent months. The move also preserves Base App’s Creator Coins program, which enables users to mint ERC-20 tokens linked to their Base profile and the Zora ecosystem, even as the social feed portion is deprioritized. The platform’s December launch, following a longer beta period, established Base App as a self-custody wallet and all-in-one trading companion for a growing trading experience.

The broader strategy, including a renewed emphasis on tradable assets, occurs in a context where retail liquidity and investor appetite for accessible tokenized products remain central to crypto markets. The enterprise behind Base App continues to weave its product narrative around asset ownership, on-chain tokenization, and user-controlled liquidity, rather than social hooks alone. The project’s trajectory has also intersected with conversations about a Base token, a notion that has drawn attention even as the leadership has offered few recent public updates. Meanwhile, Base App’s Creator Coins program remains active, offering a way for users to deploy ERC-20 tokens tied to their Base activity and to participate in broader ecosystems such as Zora.

Beyond its internal pivots, the initiative sits within a wider industry discourse about how social tooling, creator monetization, and trading workflows intersect on-chain. In related coverage, the industry has noted the growing interest in open, interoperable tools for prediction markets and open-source data feeds, underscoring a trend toward more modular, developer-friendly ecosystems.

Base App’s evolution also points to a continued emphasis on practical utility for users who want to manage custody, trading, and tokenization in a single interface. The product’s December launch, together with the sunset of Creator Rewards, reflects a clear prioritization of liquidity and tradable assets over experimental social features, even as the company remains committed to supporting its broader developer network and ecosystem partners.

Related discussions around Base and its ecosystem continue to surface in strategy discussions about decentralized social networks, on-chain governance, and the role of creator-driven tokens in digital economies. The product’s remaining integration points, including its links to broader Coinbase services, will likely shape how users navigate the interface as it moves deeper into the trading-centric phase of its development.

Why it matters

The decision to sunset Creator Rewards and narrow the Base App’s focus to tradable assets marks a significant strategic refinement for Coinbase’s technology roadmap. By concentrating on a trading-first experience, Base App aims to streamline user flows, reduce feature complexity, and enhance liquidity within its ecosystem. The change also signals how Coinbase views social features as a potential risk to a clean, asset-centered user journey, especially in an environment where on-chain trading and asset tokenization are increasingly central to platform differentiation.

For developers and creators, the move redraws incentives. While Creator Rewards offered a tangible earnings stream, the shift reallocates attention and resources toward building robust trading experiences, improved interfaces, and more reliable asset integrations. The ongoing support for Farcaster suggests a recognition that decentralized social ecosystems remain valuable to certain user segments, even if they no longer sit at the core of Base App’s product strategy. In practice, users who valued social signals and creator-driven tokens may migrate toward stand-alone social clients or alternative on-chain ecosystems, while trading-centric features gain momentum on Base App.

From a market perspective, the development underscores how major crypto players balance social experimentation with the economics of liquidity and tradable assets. It also reinforces Coinbase’s narrative around the Everything App, positioning Base App as a strategic hub for on-chain activity, rather than a standalone social portal. The outcome will hinge on how effectively Base App can scale its trading features, attract liquidity, and maintain a coherent user experience as more functions are integrated into the ecosystem. In short, the Pivot foregrounds trading utility as the backbone of a user-centric on-chain toolset, while social experiments take a back seat until or unless they prove to materially enhance liquidity and engagement.

What to watch next

Final Creator Rewards payouts on February 18 — confirm user receipts and overall distribution metrics.

Any updates regarding Base Token discussions and public messaging from Coinbase/Base leadership.

Progress on Farcaster integration strategy and how users engage with decentralized social features outside Base App.

Updates to the Creator Coins program and its interaction with Zora and other on-chain ecosystems.

Shifts in Base App’s feature set and new liquidity- or asset-focused updates as part of the Everything App roadmap.

Sources & verification

Base App X post detailing roughly $450,000 distributed to about 17,000 creators over seven months.

Announcement that Creator Rewards will end with final payouts on February 18.

Jesse Pollak’s comments on focusing on trading and the imperfect fit of Farcaster for Base App.

Base App’s December launch and its role as a self-custody wallet within the trading experience.

Creator Coins program page and its ERC-20 token mechanics tied to Base App profiles and Zora.

Base App pivots toward trading-first design

Coinbase’s Base App is pruning its social-oriented features to emphasize tradable assets, a move underscored by public remarks from Base’s leadership and corroborated by the platform’s payout data. By winding down the Creator Rewards program and tightening feature focus, Base App aims to deliver a cleaner, more efficient trading experience that aligns with the broader mission of Coinbase’s Everything App. The decision to sunset social incentives comes alongside ongoing conversations about Base’s strategic direction and the potential paths for tokenization and open-access financial tooling within the Coinbase ecosystem.

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) remains a reference point in these discussions, as Base App seeks to harness its layer-2 capabilities and on-chain liquidity to support a more robust trading flow. The emphasis on tradable assets is intended to create a more compelling value proposition for users who want direct asset ownership, faster settlement, and accessible DeFi-native workflows within a single interface. As Base App navigates these changes, observers will be watching not only for concrete product updates but also for how the ecosystem adapts to maintain creator engagement and developer participation without relying primarily on social reward mechanics.

In the evolving crypto landscape, open-source tooling, tokenized assets, and streamlined custody play increasingly central roles. The Base App pivot illustrates how major platforms are recalibrating to align product-market fit with liquidity pressures and regulatory expectations, while still preserving avenues for creator-led innovation through tokens and decentralized ecosystems. The ongoing dialogue around Base’s roadmap, tokenization ambitions, and the role of social features will shape how users engage with Coinbase’s broader platform — and how new entrants attempt to replicate or improve upon this integrated, trading-focused approach.

This article was originally published as Bitcoin & Ethereum News, Crypto Prices & Indexes on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

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