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Bitcoin recovered to above $69,000 briefly after dropping to $65,000, driven by cooler US CPI data at 2.4%.

Major altcoins led the rebound, with Solana up 9.5%, Aster surging 10%, and Ethereum gaining 6.5% in the last 24 hours.

The global crypto market cap rose 3.4%, reflecting renewed investor sentiment amid economic indicators.

Bitcoin staged a notable recovery on February 13, 2026, briefly reclaiming the $69,000 level after softer-than-expected US CPI data sparked optimism across risk assets. The leading cryptocurrency climbed from a weekly low of around $65,000 to $69,190 before settling near $68,500, marking a 4.6% increase over the past 24 hours. This move comes amid a broader market rebound, with the total crypto market capitalization rising 3.4% to $2.43 trillion.

Altcoins outperformed Bitcoin in the rally, with several major tokens posting gains of 5% or more. Solana (SOL) led with a 9.5% surge to $84.63, while Ethereum (ETH) rose 6.5% to $2,047.94. Other standouts included Aster, up nearly 10%, Hyperliquid gaining 8.9%, and Hedera advancing over 5%. These rebounds partially reversed recent losses tied to tech sector weakness and broader risk-off sentiment (CoinMarketCap).

The catalyst appeared to be the US CPI print of 2.4%, lower than anticipated, which eased concerns over persistent inflation and potential Federal Reserve rate adjustments. Analysts view this as a potential turning point, though caution remains. “Bitcoin’s bounce to $69K could be a short-squeeze trap or the start of a bullish turn,” noted market observers, highlighting fragile order books and positioning (AInvest).

Stablecoins like USDT maintained parity, offering stability during the volatility. Privacy coins such as Monero (XMR) also saw interest, up modestly amid the rebound. Liquidations eased, with forced sales moderating, suggesting the worst of the sell-off may be over.

While the recovery injects hope, balanced analysis points to risks, including household debt pressures and Fed decisions. “Bitcoin’s journey to $100,000 may hinge on timely Federal Reserve interventions,” said one analyst. For related coverage on market recoveries, see https://cryptopress.site/crypto/bitcoin-recovery-after-cpi-data.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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The Rollercoaster of Crypto Markets

Imagine holding a digital asset that skyrockets from pennies to thousands of dollars, only to watch it plummet overnight, wiping out fortunes in the blink of an eye. This isn’t a hypothetical thriller—it’s the real story of cryptocurrency markets. From Bitcoin’s humble beginnings in 2009 to its volatile peaks and troughs, the crypto world has endured multiple “ends of the world” scenarios, each followed by remarkable resurgences. As we stand in early 2026, with Bitcoin hovering around $66,000 after a sharp correction from its late-2025 high of over $126,000, questions linger: What causes these crashes? How does the market bounce back? And what stories—or narratives—might ignite the next bull run?

This article explores the major crashes in crypto history, dissecting their triggers, mechanics, and recoveries. We’ll draw on historical data, real-world examples, and forward-looking analysis to provide timeless insights for beginners and intermediate investors alike. Think of crypto markets like a heartbeat: irregular, sometimes faltering, but persistently pumping forward. By understanding these cycles, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the volatility without falling prey to hype or panic.

As shown in the chart below, Bitcoin’s price history is a testament to resilience amid chaos.

Bitcoin Price Crash Scenarios: Could It Drop to $40,000–$60,000 Again? | Pocolocco on Binance Square The Anatomy of a Crypto Crash: Core Explanations

Cryptocurrency crashes aren’t random; they’re often the result of overleveraged speculation meeting real-world shocks. Unlike traditional stocks, crypto operates 24/7 in a largely unregulated space, amplifying both gains and losses. Let’s break down the mechanics step-by-step.

Historical Origins of Volatility

Crypto’s volatility stems from its youth. Bitcoin, the market’s bellwether, was created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto as a response to the 2008 financial crisis—a decentralized alternative to fiat currencies controlled by banks. Early adopters were tech enthusiasts and libertarians, but as prices rose, speculators flooded in, creating bubbles prone to bursting.

A crash typically follows a “boom-bust” cycle:

Accumulation Phase: Smart money (early investors) buys in quietly.

Bull Run: Media hype draws retail investors; prices surge.

Peak Euphoria: Overleveraged positions (e.g., via futures or margin trading) push prices to unsustainable highs.

Trigger Event: A hack, regulatory announcement, or macroeconomic shift sparks selling.

Cascade Effect: Liquidations force more sales, creating a downward spiral.

Capitulation: Panic selling hits rock bottom, shaking out weak hands.

This pattern mirrors traditional market psychology, as illustrated in the infographic below.

cryptocurrencyfacts.com & Wall Street Cheat Sheet – Market Cycles in Cryptocurrency Major Crashes: A Chronological Breakdown

Here are the most significant crypto crashes, with key data summarized in the table below for easy comparison.

Crash Event Date Range Peak Price (BTC) Bottom Price (BTC) % Drop Primary Cause Recovery Time to New ATH 2011 Mt. Gox Hack June 2011 $32 $0.01 -99% Exchange hack stealing millions in BTC ~2 years (to 2013 peak) 2013 Bubble Burst April 2013 $260 $54 -79% Speculative bubble and exchange overload ~8 months (to late 2013) 2014 Mt. Gox Bankruptcy Feb 2014 $1,127 $360 -68% Exchange insolvency after hacks ~3 years (to 2017) 2017-2018 Crypto Winter Dec 2017-Dec 2018 $19,665 $3,200 -84% ICO bust, regulatory crackdowns, hacks ~3 years (to 2021) 2020 COVID Crash March 2020 $8,000 $4,000 -50% Global pandemic market panic ~8 months (to late 2020) 2021-2022 Bear Market Nov 2021-Jun 2022 $69,044 $19,047 -72% Inflation hikes, China ban, overleverage ~3 years (to 2025 highs) 2022 Terra/FTX Collapse May-Nov 2022 $48,000 (post-2021) $15,500 -68% (from May peak) Algorithmic stablecoin failure and exchange fraud Integrated into broader 2022 bear 2025 Tariff Crash Oct 2025 $126,000 $105,000 -17% (intraday) Geopolitical tensions, tariffs, $19B liquidations Ongoing as of Feb 2026

Data sourced from historical analyses.

2011: The First Blood – Mt. Gox Hack

Bitcoin’s inaugural crash was brutal. After reaching $32 (a massive gain from $0.30 earlier that year), the Mt. Gox exchange—handling 70% of trades—was hacked. Thieves manipulated prices to $0.01, causing a 99% drop. Recovery came as the community rebuilt trust, with Bitcoin climbing back via grassroots adoption.

2013-2014: Bubble and Bankruptcy

A speculative frenzy drove BTC to $1,200, but China’s ban on fiat-to-crypto exchanges and Mt. Gox’s collapse (losing 850,000 BTC) triggered cascading failures. Analogy: Like a house of cards built on unverified trust, it crumbled under scrutiny. Recovery involved new exchanges like Binance emerging, fostering a more robust ecosystem.

2017-2018: The ICO Bust

The ICO (Initial Coin Offering) boom inflated the market to $800B total cap. When projects failed to deliver and regulators cracked down (e.g., SEC rulings), prices tanked 80%. Case study: Bitconnect, a Ponzi scheme, collapsed from $509 to $8. Recovery: Ethereum’s DeFi summer in 2020, where decentralized apps proved real utility.

2020-2022: Pandemic and Protocol Failures

The COVID crash synced with global markets, halving BTC in days. Then, 2022’s Terra-Luna depeg (UST stablecoin failing) and FTX fraud (Sam Bankman-Fried’s empire imploding) erased trillions. Societal impact: Billions in retail losses eroded trust, but institutional entry (e.g., MicroStrategy’s BTC buys) aided rebound.

2025: The Tariff Turmoil

Geopolitical tariffs and low liquidity led to $19B in liquidations—the largest ever. BTC dipped 14% intraday. As of February 2026, the market remains sideways, with BTC at ~$66K and fear indices at extreme lows.

Applications and Real-World Examples: Recoveries in Action

Each crash has birthed innovations. Post-2014, hardware wallets like Ledger enhanced security. After 2018, DeFi protocols (e.g., Uniswap) decentralized trading, reducing single-point failures. Case study: Post-FTX, exchanges like Coinbase implemented proof-of-reserves, boosting transparency.

Pros of recoveries:

Innovation surges (e.g., Layer 2 scaling post-congestion).

Weaker projects exit, strengthening survivors.

Cons:

Retail investors often sell at bottoms, missing rebounds.

Regulatory overreactions can stifle growth.

Economic impact: Crashes correlate with broader downturns but decouple in recoveries, as seen in Bitcoin’s 2020-2021 surge amid stimulus.

Challenges and Risks: Why Crashes Persist

Risks include overleverage (e.g., 10x margins amplifying losses), regulatory uncertainty (e.g., potential US bans), and external shocks (e.g., energy crises affecting mining). Solutions: Diversification, dollar-cost averaging, and understanding on-chain metrics like MVRV ratio to spot overvaluation.

Societal implications: Crashes exacerbate inequality, as institutions buy dips while retail panics. Yet, they democratize finance by weeding out scams.

Future Outlook: Narratives to Revive the 2026 Bull Market

As crypto shifts from speculation to utility, several narratives could spark revival. These aren’t predictions but educated analyses based on trends.

AI x Crypto: AI agents using blockchain for payments and data. Example: Render Network tokenizing GPU compute.

Real-World Assets (RWA) Tokenization: Bringing stocks, real estate on-chain for liquidity. BlackRock’s involvement signals trillions in potential.

Privacy and Zero-Knowledge Tech: With regulations tightening, tools like Zcash or Zama’s FHE enable private DeFi.

Prediction Markets and DeFi for Normies: Platforms like Polymarket going mainstream for event betting; user-friendly apps lowering barriers.

Institutional Normalization: ETFs, corporate treasuries (e.g., more firms following MicroStrategy), and regulatory clarity (e.g., 2026 market structure bills).

These could drive inflows, especially if Fed rate cuts boost liquidity.

x.com – https://x.com/Eli5defi – An overview of crypto narratives Conclusion: Embracing the Cycle

Crypto’s history is a saga of crashes forging stronger foundations. From 2011’s penny drop to 2025’s liquidation storm, each downturn has preceded innovation and new highs. In 2026, narratives like AI integration and RWAs could herald the next chapter, but remember: Markets reward patience, not speculation.

Subscribe to Cryptopress.site for more insights on blockchain fundamentals. Explore related articles on DeFi basics or Bitcoin halving impacts. What’s your take on the next bull trigger? Share in the comments.

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What is Merkl?

Merkl is a specialized decentralized platform developed by Angle Labs designed to revolutionize how incentives are distributed in the DeFi ecosystem. Unlike traditional yield farming where rewards are often distributed indiscriminately, Merkl uses an off-chain engine to calculate precise rewards for Liquidity Providers (LPs) based on their specific contributions (such as providing concentrated liquidity within active price ranges).

It acts as a management layer that connects protocols (who want to bootstrap liquidity) with users (who want to earn rewards). By utilizing Merkl, protocols can offer highly efficient “campaigns” that reward users for holding specific assets or providing liquidity on DEXs like Uniswap V3, PancakeSwap, or Maverick.

Factsheet: Merkl Yield Overview

Feature Details Name Merkl (by Angle Labs) Current Top Yield Up to 81% Max APR (Altura Campaign) Sector DeFi / Liquidity Incentive Management Chains Supported Ethereum, Arbitrum, Polygon, Optimism, Base, BSC, Avalanche, and more Native Token N/A (Distributes partner tokens like ALTU, ANGLE, etc.)

Deep Dive: The Altura Pre-TGE Opportunity

The current standout opportunity on Merkl involves the Altura (ALTU) pre-TGE (Token Generation Event) campaign. This initiative allows users to deposit stablecoins—specifically USDT—into the Altura Vault to earn incentives in ALTU tokens.

Incentive Structure: The campaign is designed to reward early supporters of the Altura ecosystem before the token is fully live on the open market.

Efficiency: Because Merkl tracks positions accurately, it ensures that the 81% Max APR is directed toward those following the vault parameters strictly.

Risk Profile: As a “Pre-TGE” opportunity, the primary risks involve the smart contract integrity of the vault and the future market valuation of the ALTU token once it becomes tradable.

Yield steps:

To start earning the 81% APR on the Altura campaign, follow these technical steps:

Wallet Preparation: Ensure you have USDT on the supported network (check the Merkl dashboard for the specific chain deployment for Altura).

Access the Platform: Navigate to the Merkl App and connect your Web3 wallet (MetaMask, Rabby, or WalletConnect).

Locate the Campaign: Search for “Altura” or “ALTU” in the active campaigns list. Look for the Altura Pre-TGE vault.

Deposit Assets: Approve the USDT transaction and deposit your tokens into the designated Altura Vault.

Monitor Performance: Merkl updates reward distributions periodically. You can track your accumulated ALTU rewards directly on the Merkl “My Rewards” dashboard.

Claiming: Once the rewards are calculated and available (subject to campaign terms), click “Claim” to transfer the accumulated tokens to your personal wallet.

Why Merkl is Trending in DeFi

Merkl is gaining significant traction among yield farmers because it eliminates the “gas war” of claiming rewards daily. Its merkle-tree based distribution allows for:

Lower Fees: Users can aggregate rewards from multiple pools and claim them in a single transaction.

Precision: Rewards are calculated based on actual “useful” liquidity, preventing wash-trading or mercenary capital from diluting the pool for genuine users.

Flexibility: It supports a vast array of chains, making it a one-stop shop for multi-chain yield strategies.

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Bitcoin fell below $66,000 on February 13, extending losses from recent highs amid tech sector weakness and AI-related concerns.

Analysts from Standard Chartered and JPMorgan have revised forecasts, warning of possible further downside but maintaining optimism for 2026 recovery.

Crypto sentiment remains low, with ties to broader risk-off moves in stocks and precious metals.

Bitcoin’s price continued its downward trajectory on February 13, 2026, slipping below $66,000 as broader market pressures weighed on the cryptocurrency. The decline follows a volatile period where BTC erased most of its recent gains above $70,000, now trading around $65,800 amid fears in the AI and tech sectors. This marks a nearly 50% drop from its all-time high of over $126,000 reached late last year, intensifying capitulation among investors.

The latest slide appears linked to a risk-off sentiment in global markets, with Bitcoin mirroring plunges in tech stocks and precious metals. Analysts point to AI-related uncertainties as a key driver, exacerbating the sell-off across risk assets. For instance, Standard Chartered has slashed its 2026 Bitcoin price target to $100,000 from $150,000, citing potential further pain down to $50,000 before a rebound. “Bitcoin could slide to hit $50,000 before recovering,” noted Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered.

Bitcoin Support at $77K JPMorgan analysts estimate Bitcoin's production cost support level has dropped to $77,000 but remain positive on crypto markets for 2026.

— Cryptopress (@CryptoPress_ok) February 13, 2026

Meanwhile, JPMorgan analysts have identified a potential support level near $77,000 based on revised mining cost estimates, down from $90,000. Despite the near-term bearishness, the firm remains positive on crypto’s outlook for the remainder of 2026, expecting a turnaround later in the year.

On X, accounts like @blocknewsdotcom highlighted the crash, stating: “BITCOIN $BTC JUST CRASHED BELOW $66,000 FOR THE 4TH TIME THIS MONTH,” with a post garnering significant engagement.

BITCOIN $BTC JUST CRASHED BELOW $66,000 FOR THE 4TH TIME THIS MONTHPRICE FAILED TO RECLAIM THE $72,000 RANGE AND IS NOW IN A FREE FALL 46% CHANCE PRICE DUMPS BELOW $60,000 IN FEBRUARYHOLD THE LINE pic.twitter.com/d32CZ6YpNr

— BlockNews (@blocknewsdotcom) February 12, 2026

Other cryptocurrencies have also been affected, with Ethereum following suit in the downturn. Stablecoins like DAI, known for its stability in the volatile crypto world, have held steady, providing a hedge for traders. Privacy-focused coins such as Zcash (ZEC), a key player in decentralized finance, may attract interest amid heightened market uncertainty. Market data shows over $2.3 billion in Bitcoin losses, described by some as the biggest crash since 2021.

While the immediate outlook remains cautious, balanced views suggest risks are outweighed by long-term potential. Quotes from stakeholders emphasize resilience: “Bitcoin has fallen below $67,000, recording its third daily bearish candle,” said Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro Group. For more on similar price movements, see related coverage at https://cryptopress.site/crypto/bitcoin-drops-below-70000-as-liquidations-trigger-full-capitulation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Aster (ASTER) and Hyperliquid (HYPE) lead decentralized exchange gains with surges up to 10% following a spike in trading volume.

Hedera (HBAR) rebounds 6% as Wyoming begins live testing of its state-backed stablecoin, FRNT, on the network.

Bitcoin (BTC) remains steady near $68,000, showing a 1% gain while long-term “digital gold” narratives face scrutiny.

The cryptocurrency market witnessed a notable divergence on Thursday as several prominent altcoins decoupled from Bitcoin’s range-bound price action. While the largest digital asset struggled to break past immediate resistance, decentralized exchange (DEX) tokens and infrastructure-focused projects captured significant capital inflows, signaling a rotation toward high-beta assets and protocol-specific catalysts.

Perpetual DEX Aster (ASTER) outperformed the broader market, jumping 10% to reach approximately $0.66. The rally coincided with a sharp increase in platform activity, with Aster’s DEX processing over $3 billion in 24-hour volume. Traders are increasingly focused on the project’s transition to its own Layer 1 blockchain, slated for late March, which promises privacy-centric derivatives trading. However, analysts remain cautious ahead of a scheduled token unlock on Feb. 17, which could introduce fresh sell-side pressure.

Hyperliquid (HYPE), another leader in the decentralized derivatives space, gained 7% in the same period. The token has benefited from a significant reduction in its monthly unlock schedule and the recent launch of its HIP-3 upgrade, which expanded its reach into non-crypto markets such as commodities. This growth has propelled HYPE into the ranks of the top 15 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, currently holding an $8 billion valuation.

Hedera (HBAR) also joined the upward trend, rising 6% following news that the Wyoming Stable Token Commission has begun live testing of FRNT, a state-backed stablecoin, on the Hedera network. While HBAR has faced a 19% decline over the past month due to slumping on-chain revenue, the network continues to lead in Real-World Asset (RWA) developer activity. “The institutional-grade performance and regulatory alignment of Hedera make it a primary candidate for government-issued digital dollars,” noted observers regarding the Wyoming pilot.

In the AI sector, the PIPPIN agent project climbed into the Top 100 after its value more than tripled over the last week. Despite the price surge to $0.54, on-chain analysts have raised red flags regarding insider control. Reports indicate a cluster of approximately 50 wallets holds nearly half of the total supply, leading to warnings of a potential “bull trap” fueled by liquidity-engineered short squeezes rather than organic community growth.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin maintains a standard performance for what many describe as a “grinding” market. After sliding below $66,000 on Wednesday, the benchmark asset recovered to $67,883 by mid-morning. Market sentiment remains mixed as recent Grayscale research suggests BTC is currently trading more like a high-risk growth asset or software stock than the traditional “digital gold” safe-haven, particularly as it remains down roughly 30% from its 2025 peaks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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BlackRock has integrated its USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) with the UniswapX protocol, enabling on-chain trading for institutional investors.The initiative, launched in collaboration with Securitize, utilizes a request-for-quote (RFQ) system to provide liquidity through whitelisted market makers.BlackRock confirmed a strategic investment in the Uniswap ecosystem, reportedly including the acquisition of UNI governance tokens.BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has officially expanded its presence in decentralized finance (DeFi) by making its tokenized BUIDL fund tradable on the Uniswap protocol. Announced on Feb. 11, the integration allows whitelisted institutional investors to exchange BUIDL shares—backed by U.S. Treasuries—against USDC using UniswapX, a specialized liquidity aggregation layer designed to prevent slippage and MEV (maximal extractable value) exploits.The move represents a significant technical bridge between traditional capital markets and public blockchain infrastructure. By leveraging Securitize Markets as the regulated interface, the fund maintains KYC/AML compliance while granting holders 24/7 access to secondary market liquidity. Trading is facilitated through an automated RFQ framework where professional market makers, including Wintermute, Flowdesk, and Tokka Labs, compete to provide the most competitive on-chain pricing.”Enabling BUIDL on UniswapX with BlackRock and Securitize supercharges our mission by creating efficient markets, better liquidity, and faster settlement,” said Hayden Adams, CEO of Uniswap Labs. The integration is expected to reduce the settlement friction typically associated with private money market funds, which often rely on manual, centralized processes.Beyond the technical listing, BlackRock has deepened its ties to the protocol through a strategic investment in the Uniswap ecosystem. While the exact financial terms were not disclosed, reports indicate that the asset manager has acquired a portion of UNI governance tokens, marking its first direct exposure to a DeFi protocol’s native asset. The news sent the UNI token price surging more than 25% shortly after the announcement, though it later retraced following a broader market dip.The BUIDL fund, which currently manages over $2.4 billion in net assets, has become a cornerstone of the Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization trend. By moving onto Uniswap, BlackRock is signaling a shift from closed, permissioned environments to hybrid models that utilize permissionless protocols for execution. According to Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock’s Global Head of Digital Assets, the integration is a “major leap forward” in the interoperability of tokenized yield funds with stablecoins.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Binance completes final tranche of 4,545 BTC, wrapping up $1B SAFU conversion.

SAFU fund now holds 15,000 BTC valued at approximately $1.005 billion.

Exchange commits to rebalancing if value falls below $800 million.

Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, has successfully finalized the conversion of its $1 billion Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) reserves into Bitcoin. The process concluded with the purchase of 4,545 BTC, valued at around $304 million, bringing the total holdings to 15,000 BTC.

The SAFU fund was established in 2018 to safeguard user assets in extreme scenarios, such as hacks or operational failures. Binance announced the conversion plan on January 31, 2026, opting to shift from stablecoins to Bitcoin over a 30-day period to enhance long-term value. The purchases were executed in five tranches during a market dip, resulting in an average cost of about $70,000 per BTC.

On-chain analytics from Arkham Intelligence confirmed the transactions, showing steady accumulation despite Bitcoin’s price declining by $10,000 during the period. This strategic move positions the SAFU fund among the top 10 Bitcoin treasuries, surpassing holdings by exchanges like Coinbase.

“Binance has successfully completed the final tranche purchase of 4,545 BTC, finalizing the $1 billion transition of SAFU stablecoin reserves into Bitcoin. This enhances our commitment to user protection,” stated Binance in an official X post. The exchange emphasized that Bitcoin (https://cryptopress.site/) serves as a robust reserve asset.

#Binance SAFU Fund Asset Conversion – Final UpdateBinance has successfully completed the final tranche purchase of 4,545 BTC, finalizing the $1 billion transition of SAFU stablecoin reserves into Bitcoin.This transition was completed within 30 days of the initial… pic.twitter.com/NJbNPS1b0I

— Binance (@binance) February 12, 2026

While the conversion introduces potential for appreciation, it also exposes the fund to Bitcoin’s volatility. Analysts highlight the realized loss from buying during a downturn but note the long-term benefits if Bitcoin rebounds. “This could set a precedent for other platforms,” said industry observers. For context, stable alternatives like DAI offer less risk but minimal growth.

The decision aligns with broader institutional trends favoring Bitcoin amid regulatory clarity. Related reading on Bitcoin’s market recovery can be found here: https://cryptopress.site/.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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U.S.-listed spot Solana exchange-traded funds (ETFs) broke a two-day outflow streak on Tuesday, securing $8.43 million in net inflows. According to data from SoSoValue, this represents the highest single-day volume for the asset class since January 15, when the funds drew in $8.94 million. The positive momentum suggests that institutional buyers are increasingly viewing recent price dips as an attractive entry point for the layer-1 ecosystem.

The session was heavily dominated by Bitwise’s Solana Staking ETF (BSOL), which captured $7.7 million of the total daily inflows. Fidelity’s Solana Fund (FSOL) followed with a modest $732,040, while other major issuers, including Grayscale, VanEck, and 21Shares, reported flat or negligible movement for the day. This influx of capital brings the total assets under management (AUM) for spot Solana ETFs to approximately $700.21 million, representing roughly 1.49% of Solana’s total market capitalization.

While Solana’s inflows were overshadowed by the $166 million that poured into Bitcoin ETFs and the $13.82 million directed toward Ethereum funds on the same day, the asset notably outpaced XRP ETFs, which saw only $3.26 million in new capital. The renewed interest comes at a critical time for Solana, as the SOL price slipped 3.8% over the same 24-hour period to trade near $81.33, according to data from CoinGecko.

Adding to the institutional narrative, recent regulatory filings revealed that Goldman Sachs has established a significant footprint in the Solana ecosystem. The Wall Street giant disclosed holding over $108 million in Solana ETFs, accounting for nearly 15% of the total net assets in the sector. This move aligns with a broader trend of traditional finance firms seeking exposure to high-throughput blockchains despite short-term market volatility.

Market analysts remain divided on Solana’s near-term trajectory. Analysts at Standard Chartered recently adjusted their 2026 price forecast for SOL, lowering it from $310 to $250, citing macroeconomic headwinds. However, the bank remains bullish on the long-term outlook, projecting a potential rise to $2,000 by 2030. “The institutional demand survives for Solana as investors look toward the next cycle of network adoption,” noted a research brief from the bank’s digital asset division.

Despite the ETF inflows, sentiment on prediction platforms like Myriad suggests retail caution, with users assigning a 65.4% probability that Solana’s next major move will be a further drop toward the $40 level. For now, the successful defense of the $80 support zone remains the primary focus for traders as the market digests the influx of institutional dry powder.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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LayerZero Labs has officially announced Zero, a new Layer-1 blockchain network scheduled for a fall 2026 launch.

The network utilizes a heterogeneous architecture and the Jolt zkVM to decouple transaction execution from verification, aiming for 2 million transactions per second per zone.

Heavyweight institutional partners including Citadel Securities, ARK Invest, and the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) are collaborating on the project.

The ZRO token will serve as the native asset for gas, governance, and cross-zone interoperability.

LayerZero Labs, the team behind the widely used omnichain interoperability protocol, has unveiled its most ambitious project to date: Zero, a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain designed to serve as a decentralized “multi-core world computer.” Announced on Tuesday, the network represents a strategic pivot for the company, moving from a messaging-only service to a full-scale execution environment capable of powering global financial markets.

The network is built to address the fundamental “replication requirement” that constrains traditional blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. By leveraging zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and the Jolt virtual machine, Zero separates the heavy lifting of block production from the lightweight process of verification. This allows the network to scale horizontally through “Atomicity Zones”—permissionless environments that function like concurrent processes on a modern CPU. At launch, Zero will feature three initial zones: a general-purpose EVM-compatible environment, a privacy-focused payments system, and a dedicated trading matching venue.

LayerZero Labs has secured significant institutional support for the initiative. Citadel Securities and ARK Invest have made strategic investments in the ZRO token, while ARK CEO Cathie Wood will join the project’s newly formed advisory board. Other key collaborators include Google Cloud, which is exploring AI-driven micropayments, and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), which plans to investigate Zero for its tokenization and collateral management services.

“Zero’s architecture moves the industry’s roadmap forward by at least a decade,” said Bryan Pellegrino, CEO of LayerZero Labs. “We believe we can actually bring the entire global economy on-chain with this technology.”

The market reacted sharply to the news, with the ZRO token surging over 40% following the announcement. As an interoperability-native chain, Zero will naturally connect to the 165+ blockchains already supported by the LayerZero protocol, aiming to solve the issue of fragmented liquidity that has long plagued the multi-chain ecosystem. While the technical promises of 2 million TPS and near-zero transaction costs are significant, the project now faces the challenge of maintaining decentralization while meeting these unprecedented performance benchmarks during its 2026 rollout.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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The CFTC reissued Staff Letter 26-05 to include national trust banks as eligible issuers of payment stablecoins.

The guidance allows Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) to accept these tokens as margin collateral for customer accounts.

The update aligns with the GENIUS Act of 2025, providing federal clarity for dollar-pegged digital assets.

Industry leaders like Circle and Ripple, which recently secured national trust charters, stand to benefit from the expanded criteria.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has officially cleared the way for national trust banks to issue “payment stablecoins” for use as collateral in regulated crypto markets. In a move that rectifies a previous regulatory oversight, the agency reissued its staff guidance to ensure federally chartered institutions can participate alongside state-regulated entities in the institutional derivatives space.

The updated guidance, released as Staff Letter 26-05, amends a previous December 2025 letter that had inadvertently excluded national trust banks from the definition of permitted issuers. By expanding this scope, the CFTC now permits Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) to accept stablecoins issued by these banks to satisfy margin requirements for non-securities digital assets.

The shift is a direct response to the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which was signed into law in July 2025. The legislation established a comprehensive federal framework for dollar-pegged tokens, requiring them to be backed 1:1 by high-quality liquid assets like short-term Treasuries and cash deposits. The CFTC’s latest move ensures that the “payment stablecoin” designation is applied consistently across both state and federal banking charters.

“National trust banks play an important role in the payment stablecoin ecosystem,” said CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig in a statement. “I am pleased that the CFTC staff is amending its previously issued no-action letter to expand the list of eligible tokenized collateral to include payment stablecoins issued by these institutions. With the enactment of the GENIUS Act, America is the global leader in payment stablecoin innovation.”

The decision is expected to benefit several major crypto firms that have recently moved toward federal oversight. In late 2025, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) approved national trust charters for firms including Circle and Ripple. Previously, only state-regulated issuers like Paxos were widely recognized for these specific collateral functions under CFTC rules.

Under the new rules, these stablecoins must adhere to strict KYC and AML protocols, and issuers are prohibited from rehypothecating reserve assets. For institutional traders, the ability to use bank-issued stablecoins as margin allows for 24/7 liquidity management and significantly reduces the settlement friction associated with traditional wire transfers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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U.S. crypto and banking executives met at the White House on February 10, but failed to reach an agreement on stablecoin yields.

Banks circulated a principles document calling for a total ban on yields, exceeding the bill’s draft text.

Crypto representatives expressed optimism for future progress, while the issue may return to the Senate Banking Committee.

A closed-door White House meeting aimed at resolving a key sticking point in U.S. crypto legislation ended without a breakthrough, as banks pushed for broader restrictions on stablecoin yields than currently outlined in the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.

The session, the second in a series hosted by the White House, involved representatives from major crypto firms including Coinbase, Ripple, Andreessen Horowitz, the Blockchain Association, and the Crypto Council for Innovation. On the banking side, executives from Goldman Sachs, Citi, and JPMorgan Chase participated alongside trade groups like the American Bankers Association and Bank Policy Institute. Patrick Witt, President Trump’s crypto adviser, led the discussions (CoinDesk).

Banks circulated a ‘principles’ document demanding a general prohibition on any form of financial or non-financial consideration to stablecoin holders, including anti-evasion measures and a study on potential deposit impacts. This stance goes beyond the bill’s latest draft, which prohibits yields on passive holdings but allows limited activity-based rewards. Crypto participants arrived ready to compromise, but strongly pushed back, describing the banks’ demands as overly restrictive.

“Productive session at the White House today — compromise is in the air. Clear, bipartisan momentum remains behind sensible crypto market structure legislation,” said Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty. Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal echoed the sentiment, noting “there’s still more work to do”.

The impasse highlights ongoing tensions: banks argue yields could trigger deposit flight, undercutting traditional lending, while crypto advocates warn a ban would stifle innovation in decentralized finance. Stablecoins like USDC and USDT are central to this debate, enabling efficient cross-border payments but raising regulatory concerns (Reuters).

Without resolution, the Clarity Act— which seeks to divide oversight between the SEC and CFTC—remains stalled in the Senate. Sources indicate the matter may revert to the Senate Banking Committee, with further meetings uncertain. Balanced analysis from stakeholders suggests risks to financial stability if yields drive unchecked capital shifts, but also opportunities for U.S. leadership in blockchain if innovation is preserved (Yahoo Finance).

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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On-chain metrics show that wallets holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC have shifted from distribution to gradual accumulation over the last 48 hours.

While long-term whales are “nibbling” back into the market, institutional demand remains mixed, with some hedge funds unwinding positions due to Federal Reserve policy concerns.

Bitcoin continues to trade in a tight range near $69,000, roughly 45% below its October 2025 peak of $126,000.

Bitcoin on-chain activity is flashing a bullish divergence as the largest class of holders, often referred to as “whales,” have resumed buying despite a broader environment of institutional hesitation. Data from multiple analytics platforms indicates that while retail traders and short-term speculators have been shaken out by recent volatility, “smart money” wallets are positioning for a potential market bottom. According to on-chain tracker Lookonchain, two newly created wallets recently withdrew 3,500 BTC, valued at approximately $249 million, from Binance, signaling a move toward cold storage and long-term holding.

This resurgence in whale activity follows a period of intense distribution that occurred throughout early 2026. As Bitcoin corrected from its six-figure highs, many early-cycle investors took profits, leading to a liquidity sweep that pushed the asset toward the $60,000 support level. However, the current accumulation phase among wallets holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC suggests that large-scale holders view the current sub-$70,000 price point as a value zone. Analysts note that these entities are effectively acting as a “last line of defense” against further bearish momentum.

In contrast, the institutional landscape remains fragmented. While corporate treasuries and spot ETF providers continue to facilitate structural demand, some hedge funds have reportedly reduced their exposure. A report from CryptoQuant suggests that institutional demand has undergone a tactical reversal, with some large-scale investors waiting for clearer signals from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate pivots and global liquidity injections. This caution is reflected in the muted ETF flows compared to the record-breaking surges seen in late 2025.

“Whales appear to have ceased distribution and shifted toward gradual accumulation, which suggests the current price decline is likely being driven by a lack of fresh demand rather than panic selling from long-term investors,” explained Samer Hasn, senior market analyst at XS.com.

Market observers at Cointelegraph highlight that the MVRV Z-score—a metric used to assess whether Bitcoin is overvalued or undervalued relative to its “realized” price—has fallen to levels typically associated with market bottoms. Despite this, the lack of aggressive institutional buying has kept the price range-bound between $68,000 and $71,000. For the bullish trend to regain full momentum, market participants are looking for a decisive break above the $74,000 resistance level, which would signal that the current accumulation has successfully absorbed the prevailing sell-side pressure.

As the market navigates this tactical tug-of-war, the behavior of whales remains a critical indicator for the next major move. While the “crypto winter” fears of early February have begun to thaw, the market’s recovery remains dependent on whether institutional rails can match the conviction shown by the network’s largest private holders.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $145 million in net inflows on Monday, marking a second consecutive day of positive momentum. The recovery follows a $371 million dip-buying surge last Friday, which halted a multi-week trend of steady institutional selling.

Bitcoin is currently trading just below $69,000, while the Solana-based AI agent token Pippin (PIPPIN) surged 40% in 24 hours.

U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted $145 million in net inflows on Monday, reinforcing a timely rebound in institutional sentiment. This positive shift builds on dip-buying momentum established last Friday, when investors poured $371 million into BTC ETFs following weeks of persistent outflows. Market analysts suggest that this stabilization in fund flows could indicate a broader recovery for the digital asset sector as macro uncertainty begins to subside.

According to research from CoinShares, the deceleration of outflows is a significant metric for traders. “Outflows decelerating can signal a potential inflection point,” the firm noted, suggesting that the recent sell pressure may have reached exhaustion. Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $68,900 as of 8:58 a.m. EST, up 0.5% in the past 24 hours. The largest cryptocurrency briefly reclaimed the $71,000 level yesterday, moving in tandem with a rally in U.S. equity markets before settling into its current range.

While the market leader showed stability, speculative interest has pivoted toward niche sectors, specifically AI-driven agents on the Solana blockchain. Pippin (PIPPIN), an AI agent play, has dominated trading charts with a 40% price increase over the last day. The token has doubled to 36 cents since last Tuesday, pushing its market capitalization to $360 million and securing its position as a top-120 coin by market value.

Analysts have highlighted the token’s relative strength in a volatile environment. Observers at AMBCrypto noted that Pippin has been one of the few altcoins to exhibit longer-term strength against both Bitcoin and the wider market. However, investors remain cautious regarding its ownership structure, as the asset is predominantly insider-owned, which may pose liquidity risks if sentiment shifts abruptly.

The stabilization of ETF flows provides a crucial backdrop for Bitcoin as it attempts to break through psychological resistance at $70,000. With institutional products now holding roughly 6.4% of the total Bitcoin supply, the transition from mechanical selling to active accumulation remains a key catalyst for price discovery in the coming weeks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service has escalated its inspection of Bithumb into a comprehensive probe following a $43 billion Bitcoin distribution error on February 6.

The incident exposed critical flaws in the exchange’s internal controls, allowing the disbursement of 620,000 BTC despite holding only around 46,000 BTC.

Bithumb recovered 99.7% of the misdistributed assets and plans to compensate affected users at 110% while establishing a $68 million protection fund.

South Korea’s financial watchdog has launched a full-scale investigation into cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb after a major operational error led to the accidental distribution of approximately $43 billion worth of Bitcoin last week.

The mishap occurred on February 6 during a promotional event, where a staff member mistakenly inputted rewards in Bitcoin units instead of Korean won, resulting in 620,000 BTC being credited to hundreds of user accounts (Yonhap News Agency). At the time, Bithumb’s reserves stood at roughly 46,000 BTC, raising questions about the platform’s ledger management and risk controls.

South Korea Probes Bithumb South Korean authorities launched an investigation into Bithumb following a $43 billion trading error incident.

— Cryptopress (@CryptoPress_ok) February 10, 2026

Swift recovery efforts by Bithumb mitigated much of the damage. The exchange froze affected accounts within 35 minutes, recovering 99.7% of the erroneous distributions and 93% of the 1,788 BTC that users managed to sell amid a 15% plunge in the BTC-KRW trading pair. However, about 125 BTC remains unrecovered, prompting Bithumb to pledge 110% compensation for losses and establish a 100 billion won ($68 million) user protection fund.

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) escalated its routine inspection to a formal probe on February 10, focusing on potential violations of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act, which mandates exchanges to hold equivalent assets for user deposits. “We are viewing this issue very seriously and will strictly penalize acts that undermine market order,” an FSS official stated.

Lawmakers have seized on the incident to push for tighter regulations. Opposition lawmaker Na Kyung-won warned that such errors could lead to a “bank run” if exchanges rely solely on internal ledgers without on-chain verification, while the ruling Democratic Party proposed capping individual stakes in exchanges at 15-20% to address governance risks (The Block).

This event underscores broader vulnerabilities in centralized exchanges, particularly in handling promotions and ensuring robust Bitcoin transaction protocols. As South Korea advances its Digital Asset Basic Act, the probe’s findings could shape future oversight, emphasizing the need for enhanced KYC and smart contract-like safeguards to prevent similar fat-finger incidents.

A key stakeholder, FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin, emphasized: “If the ghost coin problem is not properly resolved, how can the virtual asset market be incorporated into the institutional system?”.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Bernstein analysts reiterated a **$150,000 price target** for Bitcoin by 2026 despite a recent 45% market correction.

The firm described the current downturn as the “weakest bear case” in the asset’s history, noting a lack of systemic failures or hidden leverage.

Institutional support remains robust, with only 7% net outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded during the price slide.

Research and brokerage firm Bernstein has doubled down on its bullish outlook for Bitcoin, maintaining a $150,000 price target for the end of 2026. In a note to clients on Monday, analysts led by Gautam Chhugani argued that the current market downturn—which has seen the cryptocurrency drop approximately 45% from its highs—represents a “crisis of confidence” rather than a fundamental breakdown of the network’s value proposition or underlying market structure.

According to the report, the typical catalysts for a prolonged “crypto winter” are notably absent in the current cycle. Bernstein pointed out that unlike previous major crashes, there have been no high-profile institutional blowups, revelations of hidden leverage, or systemic failures within the decentralized finance ecosystem. Instead, the analysts suggested that investor sentiment has been dampened by a broader rotation into AI-linked equities and precious metals like gold, leaving Bitcoin to trade as a liquidity-sensitive risk asset in a persistently tight interest rate environment.

“What we are experiencing is the weakest bitcoin bear case in its history,” the analysts wrote. “Nothing broke, no skeletons will show up. When all stars are aligned, the Bitcoin community manufactures a self-imposed crisis of confidence.”

The firm highlighted that the institutional infrastructure surrounding Bitcoin is significantly more resilient than in years past. Despite the steep price decline, spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced only a relatively modest 7% net outflow, suggesting that long-term institutional holders are opting to hold through the volatility. Furthermore, Bernstein dismissed emerging fears regarding quantum computing risks and the impact of AI competition, stating that Bitcoin’s transparent codebase and growing network of well-capitalized stakeholders position it to adapt alongside other financial systems.

The analysts also touched on corporate adoption, noting that major holders like MicroStrategy have structured their liabilities to withstand prolonged periods of price pressure. Bernstein’s model suggests that a “tokenization supercycle” and the continued integration of stablecoins into mainstream payments will act as structural tailwinds, potentially pushing Bitcoin to a cycle peak of $200,000 by 2027 as global liquidity conditions eventually improve.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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The crypto market this week was marked by sharp volatility, with a major sell-off erasing significant value before a partial recovery. Bitcoin dominance held at 57%, while Ethereum stayed at 10.1%, and ecosystems like Polkadot and XRP showed relative strength.

The week’s dominant story was the crypto market crash, fueled by ETF outflows, macroeconomic pressures, and a broader risk-off sentiment. Bitcoin plummeted below $70,000, triggering over $1 billion in liquidations and pushing the fear and greed index to extreme fear levels at 15. This downturn, linked to tighter U.S. monetary policy expectations and sell-offs in precious metals, wiped out nearly $410 billion from the market cap in days, raising fears of a new crypto winter. Even permabulls expressed uncertainty over the triggers, with some pointing to global uncertainty and reduced institutional enthusiasm post-ETF hype.

Despite the chaos, signs of bottoming emerged as Bitcoin rebounded 11.1% over seven days to $69,037, suggesting opportunistic buying amid oversold conditions. However, sustained recovery depends on stabilizing macro factors, as ongoing volatility could deter retail investors and amplify regulatory scrutiny.

Other news:

Positive

XRP received bullish forecasts, potentially hitting $12.50 by 2028 per Standard Chartered.

Polkadot and XRP Ledger ecosystems led industry gains.

Neutral

Industry leaders discussed crypto’s identity crisis, with figures like Evgeny Gaevoy criticizing a shift to “number-go-up” focus.

Coinbase’s solo Super Bowl ad emphasized economic freedom through a sing-along format.

U.S. Senate passed a crypto market structure bill in markup vote.

Negative

Bithumb’s $40 billion phantom Bitcoin error sparked scrutiny over exchange controls.

Bitfarms exited Bitcoin mining for AI and Ethereum amid tightening miner margins.

Xinbi highlighted as a major illicit crypto hub despite crackdowns.

Sons of Trump officials’ crypto ventures yielded mixed investor results.

Among top coins, Solana led movers with an 18.4% 7-day gain, followed by BNB at 17.8% and XRP at 13.3%, reflecting rebound strength in altcoins. Bitcoin and Ethereum also rose 11.1% and 10.9% respectively over the week, while stablecoins like Tether and USDC remained flat. Given the recent dip to $65,000, Bitcoin presents a potential buying opportunity for long-term holders betting on recovery above $70,000, amid oversold indicators. No standout altcoin buy signals beyond the rebound, but Solana’s momentum could offer entry if it holds above $80.

Bitcoin Price Evolution (Last 7 Days) Bitcoin Price Evolution (Last 7 Days) Date Price (USD) Feb 3, 2026 $78,766.83 Feb 4, 2026 $76,405.83 Feb 5, 2026 $70,770.99 Feb 6, 2026 $64,856.11 Feb 7, 2026 $69,296.96 Feb 8, 2026 $70,520.40 Feb 9, 2026 $69,557.32

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Bitcoin’s mining difficulty fell 11.16% to 125.86 trillion at block height 935,424.

This represents the biggest single negative adjustment since July 2021 following China’s mining crackdown.

The drop follows a roughly 20% decline in network hashrate over the past month, attributed to falling Bitcoin prices and winter storm-related shutdowns.

Bitcoin’s network has undergone its most significant mining difficulty adjustment in over four years, providing temporary relief to miners amid challenging market conditions.

The difficulty, which measures how hard it is to find a new block, dropped 11.16% to 125.86 trillion on February 7, 2026. This marks the largest downward change since China’s sweeping ban on cryptocurrency mining in July 2021, according to data from Mempool.

The adjustment comes after Bitcoin’s hashrate fell approximately 20% from its recent highs, as miners shut down unprofitable rigs due to a sharp price decline—Bitcoin is trading around $69,000, down from October peaks—and disruptions from Winter Storm Fern. Average block times had stretched to over 11 minutes before the reset.

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drops Bitcoin's mining difficulty fell over 11%, the largest since 2021, due to storms and high energy costs forcing miners offline.

— Cryptopress (@CryptoPress_ok) February 9, 2026

“The decrease is historic, the largest since the China ban,” said Harry Sudock, chief business officer at CleanSpark, a major Bitcoin mining company. This sentiment echoes concerns about miner profitability, with hashprice hitting all-time lows around $33 per petahash per second.

While the lower difficulty improves odds for remaining miners to earn rewards, analysts warn it may be short-lived. The next adjustment on February 20 is projected to increase by about 5.6%. Miners continue to face pressures from high energy costs and older equipment becoming uneconomical.

For context, during China’s 2021 crackdown, difficulty dropped as much as 27.9% in one adjustment as hashrate plummeted 50%. Today’s event, while significant, reflects ongoing market volatility rather than regulatory upheaval.

Bitcoin just experienced an 11.16% drop in difficulty – the largest negative adjustment since the July 2021 china mining ban crash, and the 10th largest negative % adjustment of all time. https://t.co/AVUGsv8mlB pic.twitter.com/Fauykg0d3l

— mononaut (@mononautical) February 7, 2026

A key X post from developer Mononaut highlighted this as the 10th largest negative adjustment in Bitcoin’s history: https://x.com/mononautical/status/2020137801191178398.

The event primarily affects Bitcoin (BTC), but could have ripple effects on other cryptocurrencies like Zcash (ZEC) and DAI, details available at https://cryptopress.site/coins/.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Bithumb accidentally distributed approximately 620,000 BTC (worth ~$43 billion) due to a system configuration error during a rewards event.

The glitch credited 2,000 BTC per user instead of the intended 2,000 Korean won ($1.40).

Localized Bitcoin prices on the exchange plunged 17% as recipients immediately attempted to liquidate the unexpected windfall.

The exchange has recovered 99.7% of the assets and pledged to compensate users affected by the resulting price volatility.

Bithumb, South Korea’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, is working to stabilize its operations following a massive internal blunder that saw it accidentally credit hundreds of users with approximately **$43 billion in “ghost” bitcoin**. The incident, which unfolded on Friday, February 6, was triggered by a critical unit-entry error during a routine customer incentive program known as the “Random Box” event.

According to reports from The Chosun Ilbo, the exchange intended to reward 695 participants with small cash prizes of 2,000 Korean won (roughly $1.40). However, the system mistakenly applied the unit of Bitcoin (BTC) instead of fiat currency, resulting in 2,000 BTC being deposited into each recipient’s internal account ledger. At current market rates, the total value of the erroneous distribution reached roughly 60 trillion won.

The massive influx of unintended liquidity led to immediate market turbulence. As recipients discovered the windfall and began selling their balances, Bithumb experienced a localized flash crash. The BTC/KRW pair on the platform slumped by as much as 17%, hitting a low of 81.1 million won while global prices on exchanges like Binance remained stable. Bithumb’s risk management protocols eventually detected the anomaly, leading to a suspension of trading and withdrawals for affected accounts within 35 minutes of the event.

In an official statement, Bithumb clarified that the assets involved were internal ledger entries rather than on-chain transfers, which allowed the platform to recover 99.7% of the distributed funds. “We would like to make it clear that this incident is unrelated to external hacking or security breaches,” the exchange stated in a report carried by Reuters. Bithumb emphasized that there were no vulnerabilities in customer asset management and that the error was purely an internal accounting failure.

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) in South Korea has since announced an emergency investigation into Bithumb’s internal controls. To mitigate the impact on its broader user base, the exchange has committed to a compensation plan for those who suffered from “panic selling” or executed trades at unfavorable prices during the crash. Affected users are expected to receive the full price difference plus a 10% bonus. Bithumb CEO Lee Jae-won noted that the company would use the incident as a “major lesson” to prioritize internal verification systems over rapid growth.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Bitcoin surged over 11% to reclaim the $71,000 level after hitting a 16-month low near $60,000 during a volatile Thursday session.

The rebound was fueled by a recovery in tech stocks and significant short liquidations in the crypto futures market, totaling over $1 billion in the last 24 hours.

Crypto-tied equities like MicroStrategy and Coinbase saw double-digit gains, with MSTR jumping 25% to lead the Nasdaq.

Analysts at JPMorgan highlighted long-term scarcity, suggesting Bitcoin remains an attractive alternative to gold despite recent volatility.

Bitcoin and the broader digital asset market staged a spectacular recovery on Friday, reversing a multi-day sell-off that had threatened to erase years of gains. The flagship cryptocurrency jumped more than 11%, trading as high as $71,450 after testing psychological support at $60,000 just 24 hours prior. This “relief rally” comes as global equity markets found their footing, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing above the 50,000 mark for the first time in history.

The market turnaround was largely technical, according to analysts who tracked a significant decline in open interest as short positions were forcibly closed or liquidated. Data from The Block indicates that the brutal 13% drop on Thursday ang{the largest single-day percentage decline since 2022} had pushed the market into an oversold state, inviting dip-buyers and institutional whales to step in at the $60,000 cost-basis level.

“It seems like a relief rally after the share-price decline of the last few days,” noted Julio Moreno, head of research at CryptoQuant. Moreno highlighted that buying volume surged precisely as Bitcoin touched its intraday low, suggesting that large-scale investors viewed the dip as a strategic entry point rather than a fundamental collapse. The Coinbase Premium Gap, which had hit annual lows during the panic, also began to stabilize, signaling a return of U.S. institutional demand.

Equities closely tied to the crypto ecosystem mirrored the asset ang{resurgence}. MicroStrategy (MSTR) shares skyrocketed by 25%, effectively erasing the previous session’s 18% decline. Other major players, including Coinbase (COIN) and MARA Holdings, posted gains of 13% and 22%, respectively, as investors regained confidence in the tech-driven growth narrative. The correlation between the Nasdaq Composite and Bitcoin remains high, sitting at roughly 0.5, as both sectors benefit from a renewed appetite for risk assets following positive commentary from AI industry leaders.

Adding to the bullish sentiment, JPMorgan analysts released a report suggesting that Bitcoin ang{long-term upside} remains intact. The bank noted that Bitcoin ang{production cost}, currently estimated at $87,000, has historically acted as a “soft floor,” and current prices may still represent a significant discount for long-term holders. While the market remains down for the week, the speed of Friday’s rebound has quieted fears of an imminent move toward the $50,000 zone.

#MarketCorrection #whenWillBTCRebound

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Bitcoin has powered back to the $70,000 level, marking a dramatic rebound that has lifted sentiment across the cryptocurrency market.

After briefly dipping below $60,000 earlier in the week, Bitcoin’s resurgence has been swift and decisive. The benchmark cryptocurrency surged nearly 15% in just two days, fueled by strong inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and renewed institutional demand. Traders now view $70,000 as a critical psychological milestone, with momentum suggesting potential retests of all-time highs if buying pressure continues.

Market analysts point to stabilizing macroeconomic conditions—particularly easing U.S. Treasury yields and a softer dollar—as catalysts for renewed risk appetite. Bitcoin’s ability to rebound sharply underscores its growing role as a hedge against monetary uncertainty and a preferred asset in times of global volatility.

Altcoins Ride The Wave

Ethereum rallied back above $3,600, while Solana surged past $120, each posting gains of roughly 10%. Other high-cap tokens, including Avalanche and Cardano, also advanced, reflecting broad-based strength across the sector.

Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms saw a notable uptick in activity, with total value locked (TVL) climbing sharply according to DefiLlama data. This resurgence signals that investors are once again deploying capital into yield-generating protocols, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s resilience.

Institutional flows remain a cornerstone of crypto’s current rally. Spot Bitcoin ETFs continue to attract steady inflows, even during periods of heightened volatility. This consistent demand has provided a stabilizing force, cushioning Bitcoin against deeper corrections.

Publicly-traded companies with crypto exposure also benefited from the rally. Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) and MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR) both saw their shares rise in tandem with Bitcoin’s surge, reaffirming their status as proxies for broader crypto sentiment.

Macro Tailwinds

The rebound comes amid cautious optimism in global markets. Recent U.S. inflation data showed signs of moderation, fueling speculation that the Federal Reserve may adopt a more accommodative stance later this year. Lower interest rates could bolster risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, by reducing borrowing costs and encouraging speculative flows.

Geopolitical tensions and currency instability in several regions have also driven demand for decentralized assets. Bitcoin’s ability to recover quickly from sharp sell-offs reinforces its appeal as a non-sovereign store of value, particularly in economies facing uncertainty.

Market Outlook

With Bitcoin now firmly above $70,000, traders are eyeing resistance levels near $72,000 and $75,000. A sustained break above these thresholds could pave the way for a retest of November’s highs. Support remains strong around $66,000, with institutional inflows likely to provide a buffer against sharp declines.

Altcoins are expected to continue tracking Bitcoin’s momentum, though volatility remains a defining feature of the market. Analysts caution that while sentiment has improved, traders should remain prepared for sharp swings as macroeconomic conditions evolve.

Bitcoin’s surge past $70,000 and the broad-based rally across altcoins have reignited optimism in the crypto market. With institutional inflows, supportive macro signals, and renewed activity in DeFi, the sector appears poised for continued strength. While volatility remains ever-present, the latest rebound underscores the resilience of digital assets and their growing integration into global finance.

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