Extreme Fear Drags BTC Down
Extreme Fear Drags BTC Down Weekly close under $60K or above $70K?
@Fogo Official We just saw the Crypto Fear and Greed Index on CoinMarketCap hit some of its lowest levels of the year, and over the last 90 days has barely budged out of extreme pessimism.
Yesterday: Extreme Fear - 8
Last Week: Extreme Fear - 5
On December 15, 2018, BTC reached a low of $3,023 while the Fear & Greed Index registered 11.
On March 17, 2020, BTC hit $3,897 with the index at 8.
On June 18, 2022, BTC fell to $17,420, with the index reading 6.
Most recently, on February 12, 2026, BTC traded around $67,293 while the Fear & Greed Index showed 5.
These readings aren’t noise. They reflect a market that’s been grinding lower with minimal conviction.
Since the recent breakdown attempts, BTC$BTC has been dancing between key levels. The real story now is in the weekly close dynamics, will we confirm sub-60K pressure, or find enough support to push back toward 70K?
Here’s what stands out: The Fear & Greed Index signaling extreme fear often precedes volatility compressions, not immediate rallies.
Price behavior near macro support levels shows buyers aren’t capitulating wholesale, even amid fear.
But liquidity conditions remain tight and macro headwinds aren’t gone. This feels less like confirmation of a new leg and more like a market seeking balance between exhausted sellers and cautious buyers.
If BTC stabilizes above critical levels and fear begins to thaw, sentiment could improve quickly. If not, we stay range-bound and choppy markets test conviction.
For now this is a narrative of relief, not triumph.Manage risk. Observe how levels hold. And remember: markets turn not when fear disappears, but when selling pressure finally stops.
Extreme Fear Drags BTC$BTC Down Weekly close under 60K or above 70K?
Well this depends on what technical structure and price action are saying on the chart because the Extreme Fear that is in the market currently as kept Sellers (Bear) in control and also because Bitcoin always follows priority scenario, to be precise here, After BTC failing to consolidate above the key technical & volume level at $68,000, price rolled over into a confident decline.
However, the projected buyer zone has not yet been tapped, and the market has formed only a local rebound.
$XRP $DEFI XRP (XRP) is seeing renewed attention after Ripple outlined plans to expand its role in decentralized finance, but price data shows only a modest move so far.
XRP currently trades around 1.44 USD with 24h performance roughly flat, suggesting any spike may have been intraday or short lived.
A DeFi roadmap for XRP Ledger matters because it could add lending, AMMs, and tokenized assets on top of XRP’s payments role.
The key things to watch are concrete launches, on chain liquidity growth, and whether developers and users actually adopt new DeFi features.
Deep Dive 1. Price Reaction So Far At the latest snapshot, XRP (XRP) trades near 1.44 USD, with 24h change close to zero and 24h volume around 2.62 B USD.
This means that while headlines describe a “jump,” the net 24h move is small, implying either an earlier intraday spike that retraced or that the narrative is building ahead of any sustained move.
For traders, the main takeaway is that narrative and positioning may be shifting even if the 24h candle does not yet show a clean breakout.
2. Why A DeFi Roadmap Matters XRP Ledger was designed for fast, low cost value transfer and has historically lagged Ethereum style chains in DeFi breadth.
A DeFi roadmap from Ripple typically implies plans to deepen on chain functionality, for example better support for automated market makers, lending, stablecoins, or improved programmability via sidechains and smart contract layers.
If executed well, this can increase XRPL’s total value locked, create more organic demand for XRP as a bridge asset, and diversify its use case beyond cross border payments.
What this means: The roadmap is less about today’s price tick and more about whether XRP can evolve from a payments token into a platform asset with fee and liquidity sinks.
3. What To Watch Next First, look for specific product milestones such as the launch dates of DeFi primitives on XRPL, EVM compatible environments, or official liquidity incentive programs.
Second, track hard metrics like XRPL DeFi TVL, on chain swap volumes, and the share of XRP used in DeFi versus simple transfers.
Third, keep an eye on regulatory headlines around Ripple and XRP, since compliance constraints can influence how aggressively institutions are willing to use XRPL based DeFi.
Conclusion Ripple’s DeFi roadmap points to an attempt to turn XRP from a pure payments token into the core asset of a broader financial stack on XRP Ledger. The current 24h price data does not yet show a decisive “jump,” so the real test will be whether actual DeFi deployments, liquidity and developer activity on XRPL increase over the coming months.
Why is BTC’s price up today? Researched for 47s TLDR Bitcoin is up 2.96% to $71,368.82 in 24h, outperforming a broader market that rose 2%. It shows a strong correlation (0.89) with the S&P 500, indicating a macro-driven move. The rise is primarily driven by a broad market rebound amid extreme fear sentiment.
Primary reason: Market-wide recovery, with Bitcoin closely tracking a 2% rise in total crypto market cap, suggesting a macro-driven bounce.
Secondary reasons: Defensive capital rotation into Bitcoin (Bitcoin Season) and a short-squeeze dynamic from recent liquidations.
Near-term market outlook: If Bitcoin holds above the $69,930 support, a retest of the $71,498 swing high is likely; a break below risks a drop toward $69,560. Watch for a volume increase on any breakout attempt.
Why is BTC’s price up today? Researched for 47s TLDR Bitcoin is up 2.96% to $71,368.82 in 24h, outperforming a broader market that rose 2%. It shows a strong correlation (0.89) with the S&P 500, indicating a macro-driven move. The rise is primarily driven by a broad market rebound amid extreme fear sentiment.
Primary reason: Market-wide recovery, with Bitcoin closely tracking a 2% rise in total crypto market cap, suggesting a macro-driven bounce.
Secondary reasons: Defensive capital rotation into Bitcoin (Bitcoin Season) and a short-squeeze dynamic from recent liquidations.
Near-term market outlook: If Bitcoin holds above the $69,930 support, a retest of the $71,498 swing high is likely; a break below risks a drop toward $69,560. Watch for a volume increase on any breakout attempt.
@Plasma $XPL #PlasmaXPL Some projects feel like they’re constantly chasing attention. Others quietly build while letting the work speak over time. Plasma feels closer to the second category, and that’s exactly why following XPL$XPL stays interesting for me. #Plasma {alpha}(560x405fbc9004d857903bfd6b3357792d71a50726b0)
Bitcoin's outlook is a tug-of-war between institutional adoption and macro headwinds.
@Vanar @Vanar vanar, tag token Institutional Demand: ETF flows and potential 401(k) access could unlock massive capital, providing structural price support. Regulatory Shifts: Upcoming U.S. legislation and SEC engagement may reduce uncertainty, boosting institutional confidence.
Macro Sensitivity: Fed policy and inflation data will heavily influence BTC as a risk asset, driving near-term volatility.
Deep Dive 1. Institutional Catalysts & Capital Flows (Bullish Impact) Overview: The primary driver is institutional capital via U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, which hold over 1.51 million BTC (7.2% of supply). Recent weekly outflows of $1.8 billion indicate waning short-term confidence (Coinspeaker). However, a major medium-term catalyst is the potential opening of the $12.5 trillion 401(k) market to crypto, which could funnel billions into blue-chip assets like BTC (crypto.news).
What this means: Sustained ETF inflows are a direct, measurable source of buy-side pressure. Approval for 401(k) allocations would represent a new, long-term demand channel, structurally reducing circulating supply and supporting higher price floors.
2. Regulatory & Policy Developments (Mixed Impact) Overview: Regulatory clarity is advancing. SEC Chair Paul Atkins will speak at a major Bitcoin conference in April 2026, signaling unprecedented engagement (CoinMarketCap). Concurrently, the Trump administration is drafting a framework for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and pushing bipartisan stablecoin legislation (Bitcoinist).
What this means: Clear, supportive regulation reduces institutional entry barriers and can trigger bullish sentiment. However, the process is slow, and any regulatory setbacks or delays could renew uncertainty, causing negative price reactions in the interim.
3. Macroeconomic Pressure & Sentiment (Bearish Impact) Overview: Bitcoin is currently trading as a liquidity-sensitive risk asset, not a dollar hedge. It fell 6% to $84,000 on January 29 amid a broad market selloff, showing high correlation with tech stocks and gold (Bitcoin Magazine). Key U.S. inflation (CPI, PCE) and jobs data directly sway Fed rate expectations, which are the dominant short-term price drivers.
What this means: In a "higher-for-longer" rate environment, Bitcoin faces headwinds from a strong dollar and reduced risk appetite. Until it decouples from traditional markets, its price will remain vulnerable to negative macro surprises and risk-off events.
Conclusion Bitcoin's path hinges on institutional adoption clashing with macroeconomic forces. A holder must weigh long-term promise against short-term volatility. Will sustained ETF inflows re-emerge before the next macro shock?
Bitcoin's outlook is a tug-of-war between institutional adoption and macro headwinds.
Institutional Demand: ETF flows and potential 401(k) access could unlock massive capital, providing structural price support.
Regulatory Shifts: Upcoming U.S. legislation and SEC engagement may reduce uncertainty, boosting institutional confidence.
Macro Sensitivity: Fed policy and inflation data will heavily influence BTC as a risk asset, driving near-term volatility.
Deep Dive 1. Institutional Catalysts & Capital Flows (Bullish Impact) Overview: The primary driver is institutional capital via U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, which hold over 1.51 million BTC (7.2% of supply). Recent weekly outflows of $1.8 billion indicate waning short-term confidence (Coinspeaker). However, a major medium-term catalyst is the potential opening of the $12.5 trillion 401(k) market to crypto, which could funnel billions into blue-chip assets like BTC (crypto.news).
What this means: Sustained ETF inflows are a direct, measurable source of buy-side pressure. Approval for 401(k) allocations would represent a new, long-term demand channel, structurally reducing circulating supply and supporting higher price floors.
2. Regulatory & Policy Developments (Mixed Impact) Overview: Regulatory clarity is advancing. SEC Chair Paul Atkins will speak at a major Bitcoin conference in April 2026, signaling unprecedented engagement (CoinMarketCap). Concurrently, the Trump administration is drafting a framework for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and pushing bipartisan stablecoin legislation (Bitcoinist).
What this means: Clear, supportive regulation reduces institutional entry barriers and can trigger bullish sentiment. However, the process is slow, and any regulatory setbacks or delays could renew uncertainty, causing negative price reactions in the interim.
3. Macroeconomic Pressure & Sentiment (Bearish Impact) Overview: Bitcoin is currently trading as a liquidity-sensitive risk asset, not a dollar hedge. It fell 6% to $84,000 on January 29 amid a broad market selloff, showing high correlation with tech stocks and gold (Bitcoin Magazine). Key U.S. inflation (CPI, PCE) and jobs data directly sway Fed rate expectations, which are the dominant short-term price drivers.
What this means: In a "higher-for-longer" rate environment, Bitcoin faces headwinds from a strong dollar and reduced risk appetite. Until it decouples from traditional markets, its price will remain vulnerable to negative macro surprises and risk-off events.
Conclusion Bitcoin's path hinges on institutional adoption clashing with macroeconomic forces. A holder must weigh long-term promise against short-term volatility. Will sustained ETF inflows re-emerge before the next macro shock?
Bitcoin's outlook is a tug-of-war between institutional adoption and macro headwinds.
Institutional Demand: ETF flows and potential 401(k) access could unlock massive capital, providing structural price support.
Regulatory Shifts: Upcoming U.S. legislation and SEC engagement may reduce uncertainty, boosting institutional confidence.
Macro Sensitivity: Fed policy and inflation data will heavily influence BTC as a risk asset, driving near-term volatility.
1. Institutional Catalysts & Capital Flows (Bullish Impact) Overview: The primary driver is institutional capital via U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, which hold over 1.51 million $BTC (7.2% of supply). Recent weekly outflows of $1.8 billion indicate waning short-term confidence (Coinspeaker). However, a major medium-term catalyst is the potential opening of the $12.5 trillion 401(k) market to crypto, which could funnel billions into blue-chip assets like $BTC (crypto.news). What this means: Sustained ETF inflows are a direct, measurable source of buy-side pressure. Approval for 401(k) allocations would represent a new, long-term demand channel, structurally reducing circulating supply and supporting higher price floors.
2. Regulatory & Policy Developments (Mixed Impact) Overview: Regulatory clarity is advancing. SEC Chair Paul Atkins will speak at a major Bitcoin conference in April 2026, signaling unprecedented engagement (CoinMarketCap). Concurrently, the Trump administration is drafting a framework for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and pushing bipartisan stablecoin legislation (Bitcoinist).
What this means: Clear, supportive regulation reduces institutional entry barriers and can trigger bullish sentiment. However, the process is slow, and any regulatory setbacks or delays could renew uncertainty, causing negative price reactions in the interim.
3. Macroeconomic Pressure & Sentiment (Bearish Impact) Overview: Bitcoin is currently trading as a liquidity-sensitive risk asset, not a dollar hedge. It fell 6% to $84,000 on January 29 amid a broad market selloff, showing high correlation with tech stocks and gold (Bitcoin Magazine). Key U.S. inflation (CPI, PCE) and jobs data directly sway Fed rate expectations, which are the dominant short-term price drivers.
What this means: In a "higher-for-longer" rate environment, Bitcoin faces headwinds from a strong dollar and reduced risk appetite. Until it decouples from traditional markets, its price will remain vulnerable to negative macro surprises and risk-off events.
Conclusion Bitcoin's path hinges on institutional adoption clashing with macroeconomic forces. A holder must weigh long-term promise against short-term volatility. Will sustained ETF inflows re-emerge before the next macro shock?
Bitcoin's outlook is a tug-of-war between institutional adoption and macro headwinds.
Institutional Demand: ETF flows and potential 401(k) access could unlock massive capital, providing structural price support.
Regulatory Shifts: Upcoming U.S. legislation and SEC engagement may reduce uncertainty, boosting institutional confidence.
Macro Sensitivity: Fed policy and inflation data will heavily influence BTC as a risk asset, driving near-term volatility.
$BTC Deep Dive 1. Institutional Catalysts & Capital Flows (Bullish Impact) Overview: The primary driver is institutional capital via U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, which hold over 1.51 million BTC (7.2% of supply). Recent weekly outflows of $1.8 billion indicate waning short-term confidence (Coinspeaker). However, a major medium-term catalyst is the potential opening of the $12.5 trillion 401(k) market to crypto, which could funnel billions into blue-chip assets like BTC (crypto.news).
What this means: Sustained ETF inflows are a direct, measurable source of buy-side pressure. Approval for 401(k) allocations would represent a new, long-term demand channel, structurally reducing circulating supply and supporting higher price floors.
2. Regulatory & Policy Developments (Mixed Impact) Overview: Regulatory clarity is advancing. SEC Chair Paul Atkins will speak at a major Bitcoin conference in April 2026, signaling unprecedented engagement (CoinMarketCap). Concurrently, the Trump administration is drafting a framework for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and pushing bipartisan stablecoin legislation (Bitcoinist).
What this means: Clear, supportive regulation reduces institutional entry barriers and can trigger bullish sentiment. However, the process is slow, and any regulatory setbacks or delays could renew uncertainty, causing negative price reactions in the interim.
3. Macroeconomic Pressure & Sentiment (Bearish Impact) Overview: Bitcoin is currently trading as a liquidity-sensitive risk asset, not a dollar hedge. It fell 6% to $84,000 on January 29 amid a broad market selloff, showing high correlation with tech stocks and gold (Bitcoin Magazine). Key U.S. inflation (CPI, PCE) and jobs data directly sway Fed rate expectations, which are the dominant short-term price drivers.
What this means: In a "higher-for-longer" rate environment, Bitcoin faces headwinds from a strong dollar and reduced risk appetite. Until it decouples from traditional markets, its price will remain vulnerable to negative macro surprises and risk-off events.
Conclusion Bitcoin's path hinges on institutional adoption clashing with macroeconomic forces. A holder must weigh long-term promise against short-term volatility. Will sustained ETF inflows re-emerge before the next macro shock?
Lower CPI Fuels Crypto Bounce which alts outperform if BTC runs? Lower-than-expected CPI has reignited risk appetite across markets, and crypto is responding the same way it historically does with BTC$BTC and ETH$ETH leading the bounce. Cooling inflation reduces pressure on the Fed to stay aggressive, improves liquidity expectations, and weakens the dollar, all of which tend to support risk assets like crypto.
In recent CPI-driven rebounds, BTC$BTC typically moves first as capital flows into the most liquid asset. Once Bitcoin stabilizes and pushes higher, Ethereum often begins to outperform, reflecting growing risk-on sentiment. This pattern has played out repeatedly: BTC establishes direction, ETH$ETH accelerates, and broader market confidence follows. When the ETH/BTC ratio starts trending up, it usually signals that investors are comfortable rotating into higher-beta crypto exposure.
So far, the current move fits that structure. BTC is showing strength off macro support, while ETH is responding with stronger percentage moves, driven by its role as the backbone of DeFi and smart-contract activity. As long as BTC holds its higher lows and ETH continues to gain relative strength, the broader market tone remains constructive.
In short, lower CPI acts as the catalyst, BTC provides the initial momentum, and ETH confirms the risk-on shift. If BTC continues to run, ETH is likely to remain the outperformer, setting the foundation for wider market expansion rather than signaling an immediate reversal.
Altcoin $s with higher volatility (beta > 1) relative to Bitcoin (BTC), such as Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), and Dogecoin (DOGE), typically outperform BTC when it runs because they experience amplified price movements. When money flows from Bitcoin into these riskier assets during a bull market phase, their percentage gains can be significantly higher than BTC's.
U.S. CPI surprised to the downside, with headline inflation at 2.7% YoY (vs. 3% expected) and Core CPI at 2.6%, its lowest level since March 2021.
Bitcoin jumped from $86K to $88K and now and all the crytpto market gained more than did loose on the 4 hours levels but according to my simple analysis , I think that between all altcoins , #Solana will be the one to bet on to surf the wave before other.
SOL$SOL Blockchain still the leader on the DEX levels ahead of ethereum and Bnb chain both on the 24hr & 30 day levels.
If we take the ETFs , the #SOL ETF still recording positive net inflows despite the price volatility with a net inflow of $10.99M on Dec 17.
Third most important is the integration of solana on the coinbase app. #Altcoin Season#
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Topic: Lower CPI Fuels Crypto Bounce which alts outperform if BTC runs? Lower CPI just gave crypto some breathing room and if BTC starts running, ICP$ICP is one alt worth watching closely.
ICP tends to move late but fast. When BTC stabilizes and liquidity rotates into higher-beta plays, ICP often catches momentum thanks to its strong dev activity, real on-chain usage, and renewed ecosystem interest. A BTC breakout could push traders to hunt undervalued L1s, and ICP still fits that narrative.
If BTC holds strength, don’t be surprised to see ICP outperform in the next leg.
Topic: Lower CPI Fuels Crypto Bounce which alts outperform if BTC runs? Lower CPI just gave crypto some breathing room and if BTC starts running, ICP$ICP is one alt worth watching closely.
ICP tends to move late but fast. When BTC stabilizes and liquidity rotates into higher-beta plays, ICP often catches momentum thanks to its strong dev activity, real on-chain usage, and renewed ecosystem interest. A BTC breakout could push traders to hunt undervalued L1s, and ICP still fits that narrative.
If BTC holds strength, don’t be surprised to see ICP outperform in the next leg.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong flips prediction markets with last-minute earnings call word salad #USNonFarmPayrollReport Bettors on platforms such as Kalshi had wagered that the crypto exchange boss would say words like ‘Bitcoin’ and ‘Web3.’ He handed them a win.