According to analysts, the $60,000 level is not only a psychological threshold but also a critical breaking point that could trigger widespread liquidations. According to data from the crypto derivatives exchange Deribit, there are $1.24 billion in open positions in put options that gain value if Bitcoin falls below $60,000. This indicates a strong hedging and speculative expectation accumulation below that level. Put options give the investor the right to sell at a predetermined price by a specific date. If the Bitcoin price falls below $60,000, those selling these options may sell in the spot or futures market to offset their risk. This could increase downward pressure and create a chain reaction. Just below the $60,000 level, around $58,000, lies the 200-week moving average. Technical analysts see this average as a critical long-term support. According to Maxime Seiler, CEO of digital asset trading firm STS Digital, many Bitcoin-backed loan agreements stipulate that the collateral will be automatically sold if the price falls to these ranges. Such forced sales could accelerate the unwinding of leveraged positions, further pushing the price down. IG Australia analyst Tony Sycamore also describes the $60,000–$58,000 range as a “critical zone.” According to Sycamore, a sustained break from this zone could pave the way for the price to fall to the upper band of $40,000. Global bank Standard Chartered has lowered its Bitcoin price forecast for the end of 2026 by two-thirds compared to its projection two months ago, bringing it down to $100,000. Bank analysts suggest the price could fall to $50,000 before stabilizing. Augustine Fan, partner at Hong Kong-based crypto options platform SignalPlus, notes that the majority of investors he spoke to are in a “bearish” position in the short term. This situation also suggests that a significant amount of negative sentiment may already be priced into the market. However, due to the largely offshore and fragmented leverage structure in the crypto market, it is difficult to define a precise liquidation threshold. Nevertheless, market participants are watching the $60,000 level as a potential breakout line. $BTC $ETH $XRP
Binance CEO CZ: I no longer run Binance, but as a former CEO, I know that every transaction is processed through multiple third-party AML agents. Regarding the Fortune report, he said, "...I was paid to spread fear and suspicion."
Published the data on inflation in the United States: here is the initial reaction of Bitcoin and Ethereum!
The US inflation data, slightly below expectations, triggered short-term price movements in the cryptocurrency market.
The data from the US Consumer Price Index (CPI), closely monitored by the markets, has been released. According to the data, the annual inflation rate stood at 2.4%. Market expectations were at 2.5%, down from the previous 2.7%. The core CPI data was at 2.5%, in line with expectations, but below the previous 2.6%. The limited downside surprise in the core data initially created some relief in the markets.
Bitcoin (BTC), which was around $66,900 before the data was published, quickly rose to $67,800 after the announcement. However, selling pressure at this level caused a price drop, which at the time of writing this article stands at around $67,300. Ethereum (ETH) also saw its price rise from $1,968 to $1,980 after the data was published, but subsequently faced selling pressure.
FED decision coming soon
Another focal point for the markets is the FED's decision on interest rates, which will be announced on March 18, 2026. The current interest rate is at 3.75%. Although lower-than-expected inflation is interpreted as greater flexibility for the FED in the short term, there is still more than a month until the decision.
Analysts note that the decline in overall inflation is positive, but core data remains at elevated levels. Therefore, volatility in the cryptocurrency market is expected to remain high due to uncertainties on both the inflation and interest rate fronts.
The Rise of @fogo: Building the Future of High-Performance Web3
Watching the evolution of @Fogo Official has been genuinely exciting because it highlights what the next phase of blockchain innovation should look like: fast, efficient, and built for real users instead of hype alone. $FOGO represents more than a token — it signals a shift toward performance-driven infrastructure where developers can actually build scalable applications without sacrificing decentralization. What stands out most is the growing community energy around #fogo, where builders, traders, and supporters are aligned around long-term progress rather than short-term trends. Strong ecosystems are never created overnight; they grow through consistent development, transparent communication, and active participation. That’s why projects like @Fogo Official feel different — the focus is clearly on sustainability, usability, and continuous improvement. As Web3 matures, projects that prioritize speed, reliability, and community collaboration will define the future, and $FOGO is positioning itself right at the center of that transformation. #fogo #Binance #Crypto #Web3 $FOGO
Exploring the future of on-chain innovation with @Fogo Official feels like watching speed and scalability finally meet real usability. $FOGO isn’t just another token — it represents a growing ecosystem focused on performance, builders, and community momentum. Excited to see how #fogo keeps pushing Web3 forward 🚀
Binance is listing two more altcoins that it previously added as risky and currently under pressure!
Binance, one of the leading cryptocurrencies, is launching a new altcoin with two listings, offering options in both margin and futures trading.
Binance is providing its users with a wide range of trading options for Espresso (ESP) across its various platforms. Users can now use the ESP token for margin trading as of February 12, 2026, at 16:00 UTC. They will also have the opportunity to leverage up to 5x with the ESPUSDT Futures Contract on the Binance Futures platform.
Binance has added ESP to both cross-trading and isolated margin trading. Users can trade in ESP/USDT and ESP/USDC pairs. The exchange emphasized that newly listed assets can have high volatility and advised users to exercise caution and implement strict risk management practices.
Binance Futures' ESPUSDT futures contract transitioned from the pre-market to the standard futures contract on February 12, 2026, at 16:00 UTC. This futures contract offers a maximum leverage of 5x, with a maximum funding rate of +2.00% / -2.00%. Funding fees will be credited to accounts every 4 hours.
Binance stated that it reserves the right to change leverage ratios, initial and maintenance margin requirements, and funding fees depending on market conditions.
Zhao (CZ), in his AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, stated that centralized exchanges (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX) will continue to coexist for many years to come. CZ also noted that the global adoption of cryptocurrencies is much lower than commonly believed, stating: "The true depth is probably below 1%." According to CZ, CEX and DEX are not direct competitors, but serve different user profiles. He emphasized that using DEX requires technical knowledge and a high level of security, adding that protecting one's wallet is still a specialized skill.
Bad news from the United States! Problems have arisen in becoming a bank.
A new debate has erupted regarding the integration of cryptocurrency companies into the banking system. The process of obtaining "national trust bank" status by companies like Ripple (XRP) and Circle has faced opposition from the most powerful lobbying group in the banking sector. The American Bankers Association (ABA), the largest banking group in the United States, has requested an extension in the issuance of new trust bank licenses to cryptocurrency companies in a letter submitted to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on February 12.
Standard Chartered has announced it expects a sharp decline in the cryptocurrency markets in the short term, warning that the price of Bitcoin (BTC) could fall to the $50,000 level.
One of the world's leading banks, Standard Chartered, has revised its near-term expectations for digital asset markets downwards. In a new report shared by Geoffrey Kendrick, head of the bank's digital asset research unit, it was stated that investors can expect a challenging period of "capacity" in the coming months. According to the report, selling pressure in the markets may continue until macroeconomic conditions and possible changes in the leadership of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) become clearer.
Kendrick predicted that the price of Bitcoin (BTC) could fall below $50,000 during this period, while pointing to the $1,400 level for Ethereum (ETH). However, emphasizing that these sharp declines are buying opportunities, the bank updated its year-end targets to $100,000 for Bitcoin (BTC) and $4,000 for Ethereum (ETH). The bank also lowered its price expectations for major altcoin projects such as Solana (SOL), XRP, BNB, and Avalanche (AVAX) in line with market conditions.
ETF Investors and Macroeconomic Pressures
One of the most striking points in the analysis was the current situation of exchange-traded fund (ETF) investors. Many investors reportedly bought at an average price of $90,000 and are now facing unrealized losses. Kendrick stated that ETF holdings have decreased by approximately 100,000 Bitcoin (BTC) since their peak in October 2025, and investors are more inclined to sell than to buy at the bottom.
Despite this, it is noted that the market is not facing a major systemic catastrophe like the FTX or Terra/Luna crashes of 2022. Experts argue that the market has become more resilient with increased institutional participation, and predict that digital assets will enter a strong upward trend again during the recovery process that will last until 2026.
When Will Trump's Candidate Start Cutting Interest Rates?
The Fed has made 25 basis point interest rate cuts in its last meetings. However, while the Fed paused interest rate cuts at its January 2026 meeting, there is no clear view on when rate cuts will begin. At this point, even the possibility of the Fed not cutting interest rates at all is among the predictions, while UBS Global Wealth Management stated that a rate cut by the Fed is still possible, but there is no need to rush. When Will the Fed Cut Interest Rates? According to Walter Bloomberg, UBS analysts predict that the Fed may cut interest rates if inflation retreats despite stronger-than-expected non-farm payroll data in January. According to analysts, the decline in US inflation will allow the Fed to continue on the path of interest rate cuts despite strong employment data. UBS Chief Investment Officer Mark Haefele stated that their base scenario is a 25 basis point cut in both June and September, and that this would "create a positive environment for stocks, bonds, and gold." Analyzing data from the London Stock Exchange (LSEG), UBS stated that markets have reduced their expectations for interest rate cuts this year from 60 basis points to approximately 50 basis points, pricing in the first cut in July instead of June. What Kind of FED Chairman Will Kevin Warsh Be? According to Bloomberg, Krishna Guha, Vice President of Evercore ISI, stated that the nominee for FED chairman, initially put forward by US President Donald Trump, may take a more dovish stance than initially thought. According to Guha, Kevin Warsh may not be the FED chairman the markets expect. Guha believes that Warsh's tough stance on inflation may be exaggerated. Guha suggests that while Warsh's nomination initially raised bond yields and lowered gold prices, his policy stance may lean towards a more dovish monetary policy approach. "Warsh pointed to artificial intelligence and productivity increases as positive supply shocks that could ease the pressure of tight monetary policy. While Warsh supports shrinking the Fed's balance sheet, he believes it is unlikely to embark on an aggressive tightening policy that could shake the markets," he commented. $BTC $GALA $ASTER
Does "winter" silently approach Bitcoin? The increase could be misleading.
Although the price of Bitcoin remains at high levels, the internal market dynamics suggest that a new "winter" phase may have begun.
The recent decline in the cryptocurrency market is still seen by many investors as a healthy correction. The vivid memory of the sharp collapse in 2022, in particular, makes investors psychologically hesitant about the idea of "entering winter again." Additionally, spot Bitcoin ETFs, increasing institutional participation, and infrastructure development reinforce the perception that the current cycle is different from the past.
However, historically, "winter" periods are not exclusively defined by price declines. The true determining factors are the balance between supply and demand, capital flows, and a collapse in market psychology. In this regard, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index stands at 14, in the "Extreme Fear" zone. The strong deterioration in sentiment, despite the price remaining high, is similar to the pattern observed before past winter cycles.
High price, weakening internal momentum
Capital flows also support this picture. While inflows of around $10 billion in 2024 have increased market capitalization, the decline in total market capitalization in 2025, despite inflows exceeding $300 billion, indicates that structural selling pressure persists. This suggests that the impact of capital inflows is offset by distribution.
On-chain earnings data also provide similar signals. The decline in realized earnings despite the high price reveals that internal momentum is weakening. Such divergences have historically been observed in the final stages of the cycle or at the beginning of winter.
The European Union is considering a new ban on the Russian channel dedicated to cryptocurrencies: 27 countries would be needed!
The European Union has proposed a blanket ban on all cryptocurrency transactions to prevent Russia from evading sanctions through cryptocurrencies.
According to a document obtained by the Financial Times, the European Union (EU) is evaluating the possibility of banning any interaction with service providers and cryptocurrency platforms linked to Russia. The proposal concerns not only companies directly based in Russia but also structures derived from previously sanctioned platforms described as "copies".
The plan also aims to ban transactions involving the digital ruble. EU officials believe that Moscow considers cryptocurrency an alternative channel for conducting commercial and financial activities used in the war in Ukraine.
New move after Garantex
The proposed measures aim to prevent the emergence of platforms similar to Garantex, the Russian cryptocurrency exchange sanctioned by the EU and the United States last year. According to data from blockchain analysis company TRM Labs, Garantex and Nobitex, based in Iran, accounted for over 85% of funds directed toward sanctioned addresses in 2024.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has also added Garantex back to its sanctions list. According to the agency, a significant portion of the funds transferred on the platform came from other cryptocurrency exchanges linked to criminal activities.
The new sanctions package requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states to take effect. According to the Financial Times, three countries are cautiously facing this total ban. If the decision were approved, it would mean breaking all ties with Russia for cryptocurrency companies based in Europe.
Bitcoin sounds the alarm: "These prices will last for the next 150 days"
With the increase in volatility, experts have come together to assert that Bitcoin represents a historic accumulation opportunity. According to analysts, technical indicators and institutional movements suggest that a "decision moment" is approaching for investors. Notable figures in the cryptocurrency world, Scott Melker, Andrew Parish, and Tillman Holloway, have examined the current price movements of Bitcoin and the future of the market in their recent broadcast. The most surprising statement highlighted in the broadcast is that Bitcoin has only 150-250 days left to remain at these levels.
Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), founder of FTX, a key figure in one of the largest scandals in the criminal justice world, has filed a request for a new trial at the Federal Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). The question has been recorded as a "pro se" request, that is, submitted by the defendant on their own behalf. The petition has been submitted by Barbara H. Fried, Professor Emerita at Stanford University Law School. The document states that Bankman-Fried is requesting a new trial under Article 33 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. A legal memorandum in support and a statement from Daniel Chapsky have also been attached to the request.