Retail traders are losing confidence, institutions are doubling down, and governments are quietly stacking Bitcoin — a divergence that’s reshaping the market narrative. Price snapshot - As of Feb. 17, Bitcoin traded around $67,996, down 1.4% over 24 hours and more than 28% over the past month. The token has repeatedly failed to reclaim the key $70,000 level, stoking nervousness among smaller investors. Governments accumulate while retail exits - Despite the market wobble, on-chain trackers show major state-level accumulation. Arkham Intelligence reports the U.S. government holds roughly 328,372 BTC — about $22.5 billion at current prices — prompting Arkham to quip: “The US Government is bullish on Bitcoin.” - The U.S. has reportedly begun treating Bitcoin as a strategic asset and is planning to house these holdings in a permanent “Digital Asset Stockpile,” signaling a more institutional approach to crypto policy under President Donald Trump. - Bitbo data places the U.S. as the country with the largest public Bitcoin holdings, followed by China and Ukraine. Institutions show selective confidence - Interest in spot Bitcoin ETFs remains a bright spot for large investors. On Feb. 15, ETF products posted $15.1 million in inflows, bringing cumulative ETF assets close to $100 billion since launch — evidence that many institutional players still view Bitcoin as a long-term allocation. But the broader picture is mixed - CoinShares’ latest report shows crypto investment products have seen outflows for four consecutive weeks, indicating the early-2026 enthusiasm has cooled and that the market is undergoing either a short “crypto winter” or a corrective reset. - This split — retail weakness and institutional/government accumulation — suggests the market’s near-term price action may be volatile even as major players position for the long term. Adoption vs. regulation: India’s case - Chainalysis ranks India first in global crypto adoption for 2025 for the third straight year, underscoring millions of active users. Yet regulatory clarity lags: during the Union Budget 2026–27 debate in the Rajya Sabha, MP Raghav Chadha criticized the government for monetizing crypto activity without offering clear legal protections for users. - The contrast is notable: India leads in user adoption, while the U.S. is building institutional frameworks and stockpiles. Bottom line - Prices are softer today, but accumulation by major institutions and governments shows a strategic long-term view that differs from retail sentiment. Whether current outflows represent a temporary correction or the start of a deeper consolidation remains uncertain — but crypto has clearly moved into the realm of formal global financial strategy. Disclaimer: AMBCrypto’s content is informational and not investment advice. Cryptocurrency trading carries high risk — do your own research before making decisions. © 2026 AMBCrypto Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

#BTC #ETF