Bitcoin fell below $66,000 on Thursday following mixed US economic data. Initial jobless claims beat expectations, while the trade deficit widened sharply, fueling renewed risk-off sentiment in crypto markets.

Crypto markets in general were watching today’s data release, which featured among the economic data expected to influence Bitcoin sentiment this week.

Bitcoin Retreats Below $66,000 Amid Mixed US Economic Signals

The Labor Department reported 206,000 initial jobless claims, down from a revised 229,000 the prior week and well below market expectations of 225,000.

The four-week moving average also edged lower to 219,000, signaling a labor market that remains resilient despite ongoing economic headwinds.

At the same time, continuing claims, which track ongoing unemployment, rose by 17,000 to 1.869 million, slightly above forecasts of 1.860 million.

This reflects a stable but softening labor market, with limited new hiring but no dramatic layoffs.

“[These advanced numbers] support the thesis of a softer, yet stable, labor market with limited hiring but no dramatic job losses,” Truflation noted.

While the labor data might have suggested stability, markets were rattled by the unexpected jump in the US trade deficit.

The Treasury Department reported that the trade gap surged to $70.3 billion in January, well above the $55.5 billion expected and the prior $53.0 billion print.

The widening deficit reflects growing external imbalances amid persistent domestic demand. This adds a layer of uncertainty for investors already witnessing complex macro conditions.

Despite signs of cooling inflation, Truflation data shows prices remaining below 1% since early February. Crypto markets reacted negatively. Bitcoin’s retreat below $66,000 coincided with broader crypto sell momentum, as traders digested the juxtaposition of strong employment, weak trade balances, and low inflation.

This highlights how technical market sentiment can amplify reactions to economic surprises. The latest macro environment has triggered cautious positioning, with investors reducing exposure amid heightened uncertainty.

The divergence between labor market resilience and a blowout trade deficit illustrates the current macroeconomic tension.

While the labor market data may temper fears of a sudden economic slowdown, the sharp increase in trade deficits could weigh on risk assets if it signals broader demand imbalances.

The interplay of strong employment figures, sub-1% inflation, and a widening trade gap is creating a delicate backdrop for both traditional and digital markets.

Traders will likely watch upcoming economic releases, particularly December PCE and core PCE, and the final Q4 GDP revision reports to gauge whether risk sentiment stabilizes or volatility intensifies further.

Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, offered a blunt take on digital assets, arguing that cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin BTC$66,486.81 and stablecoins, have yet to prove real utility.

Speaking at the 2026 Midwest Economic Outlook Summit in Fargo, North Dakota on Thursday, he contrasted the everyday utility of artificial intelligence (AI) tools with cryptocurrencies.

“Crypto has been around for more than a decade, and it’s utterly useless,” he said, while AI “has real long term potential for the U.S. economy.”

After asking the audience who had used AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini in the past week, Kashkari posed a second question: “raise your hand if you’ve bought or sold something with bitcoin.”

When the discussion turned to payments and stablecoins, Kashkari said he’s unconvinced the technology improves on existing financial rails. “I hear these words and I like, it’s just, it’s like a buzzword salad,” he said. “What can I do with the stablecoin that I can’t do with Venmo today?”

Pressed on stablecoins being used for cheaper and faster cross-border payments, Kashkari argued that proponents quickly concede that those benefits aren’t aimed at U.S. consumers. While he admitted that adoption in emerging countries is rising, the said the tech still faces technical problems.

While stablecoin advocates promise instant transfers, he said, recipients still need to convert into local currency for everyday payments like buying groceries, which can be expensive.

Kashkari’s skepticism stands in stark contrast to the Trump administration, which has increasingly championed bitcoin and U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins as key strategic tools.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued that regulated stablecoins can extend the greenback’s dominance in global payments and reinforce its status as the world’s reserve currency, strengthening U.S. financial influence. President Trump also signed an executive order in March to create a strategic bitcoin reserve, which Bessent was an advocate for.

Cloud mining is gaining traction ahead of 2026 as investors seek low-cost, hassle-free access to Bitcoin mining, with platforms like Hashbitcoin leading a growing field of global providers.

As 2026 approaches, cloud mining has rapidly become the preferred choice for investors. Amid the current challenging economic climate, more and more people are seeking secure, low-barrier ways to participate in Bitcoin mining without purchasing expensive ASIC miners or dealing with complex technical setups. Cloud mining perfectly meets this demand, allowing users to easily start earning Bitcoin daily.

With Bitcoin prices continuing to rise and mining difficulty increasing year by year, choosing a reliable cloud mining platform has never been more important. Here’s a compiled list of the top 10 trusted cloud mining platforms for 2026.

1. Hashbitcoin

Hashbitcoin is a leading cloud mining platform designed to provide users with a secure, efficient, and user-friendly mining experience. Developed by MRK Financial Management Limited, Hashbitcoin aims to make cryptocurrency mining accessible to everyone, no hardware, no maintenance, and no prior experience required.

Why Choose Hashbitcoin?

Investors choose Hashbitcoin for three key reasons:

Transparent mining structure
Hashbitcoin provides real hash power supported by robust and eco-friendly mining farms. All mining operations, profit calculations, and payments follow a clear, DAO-governed structure, ensuring transparency with no hidden fees.

Fast daily bitcoin payments
Users can track their earnings in real-time, with profits automatically paid out every 24 hours, helping miners build a stable daily passive income stream.

Beginner-friendly experience
Hashbitcoin offers a simple, guided process that makes it easy for even complete beginners to get started. Anyone can create an account, activate a plan, and start earning immediately. Additionally, all new users receive a $15 free trial bonus to begin mining at no cost.

Key features of Hashbitcoin (2026 Update)

• Total hash power: 16 EH/s
• Active users: Over 10 million worldwide
• Global coverage: Available in more than 220 countries and regions
• Supported cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE)
• System type: Fully managed cloud mining system
• Uptime guarantee: High uptime ensures stable mining performance
• Customer support: 24/7 dedicated support team
• New user bonus: $15 free registration bonus for all new users

As one of the few platforms combining massive mining capacity, global reach, and reliable daily payouts, Hashbitcoin has become a top choice for investors worldwide.

How to start earning Bitcoin with Hashbitcoin

Hashbitcoin simplifies the mining process into three easy steps:

Step 1: Register for a free account

New users can visit the Hashbitcoin website and register using their email and password. Once registered, they’ll automatically receive a $15 free mining bonus to start mining right away.

Step 2: Choose a mining plan

Then, they can select a plan that fits their budget and daily earning goals. Once activated, mining begins automatically, requiring no further action.

Step 3: Collect daily Bitcoin earnings

Users’ earnings are settled every 24 hours and credited directly to their accounts. Once they meet the minimum withdrawal limit, they can withdraw their Bitcoin or reinvest it into new mining plans.

Key advantages of Hashbitcoin Mining contracts:

• No hidden fees; all costs are transparent.
• Daily profits are automatically distributed.
• Paid plans refund the initial principal upon contract completion.
• Real-time mining data, including hash rate and earnings, is displayed on the dashboard.
• 24/7 risk control systems ensure secure and stable operations.

Hashbitcoin’s transparency and commitment to prioritizing miners’ interests make it one of the most popular cloud mining platforms on the market.

Hashbitcoin referral and affiliate program

Hashbitcoin offers one of the most lucrative affiliate programs in the mining industry, including:

• Unlimited referrals: Users can refer as many users as they like to join Hashbitcoin.
• Daily passive income: Users can earn up to 3% commission from the profits of their referred paying users.
• Automatic tracking and payments: All referral earnings are calculated automatically and credited to user accounts.

Importantly, referral commissions do not reduce the earnings of the referred users. This allows investors, influencers, and content creators to build an additional source of cryptocurrency income at no extra cost.

2. BitFuFu

BitFuFu is a globally recognized cloud mining brand that operates a wide network of industrial-grade mining facilities. Its partnerships with major hardware manufacturers ensure a reliable and transparent platform.

Key advantages:

• Industrial-grade mining farms
• Flexible contract durations
• Stable daily Bitcoin payouts

3. Binance Cloud Mining

As the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance offers official cloud mining services where users can easily purchase hash power and earn daily Bitcoin profits.

Key advantages:

• Strong global reputation
• Transparent fee structure
• Simple onboarding process, ideal for beginners

4. ECOS Mining

ECOS is a regulated cloud mining company based in the free economic zone of Armenia, offering legitimate Bitcoin mining services.

Key features:

• Fully compliant and regulated operations
• Stable daily earnings
• Mobile app for mining management

5. NiceHash

NiceHash is one of the largest hash power marketplaces in the world, connecting buyers and sellers of mining power and offering flexible mining options.

Key advantages:

• Flexible mining contracts
• Fast daily payouts
• Established reputation since 2014

6. Genesis Mining

As one of the earliest cloud mining platforms, Genesis Mining has built a strong reputation with thousands of users worldwide.

Key features:

• Long history of operation
• Support for Bitcoin and multiple altcoins
• Easy-to-manage contract

7. KuCoin Cloud Mining

KuCoin integrates cloud mining into its trading platform, allowing users to rent hash power and earn daily rewards without owning hardware.

Key advantages:

• Beginner-friendly platform
• Secure and transparent mining environment
• Daily Bitcoin payouts

8. HashShiny

HashShiny is a popular platform offering low-cost cloud mining plans with daily Bitcoin rewards, ideal for new users.

Key features:

• Low entry cost
• Automatic mining switching
• Easy registration and operation

9. Bitdeer

Bitdeer provides high-quality cloud mining services supported by top-tier mining farms across multiple continents, catering to both short-term and long-term investors.

Key features:

• Transparent daily earnings
• Flexible contract durations
• Verified industrial-grade mining farms

10. Kryptex Mining

Kryptex combines cloud mining with mining software, offering users flexible earning options.

Key features:

• Fast earnings updates
• User-friendly interface
• Low withdrawal thresholds

Conclusion

After evaluating multiple platforms, Hashbitcoin stands out as the best choice for 2026 due to its:

• Transparent mining structure: High hash power capacity governed by decentralized systems ensures transparency.
• Daily payouts: Earnings are credited every 24 hours, allowing users to withdraw funds anytime.
• Beginner-friendly system: Zero barriers to entry, with a $15 free trial bonus for new users.
• Global trust: Serving over 10 million users in 220+ countries.

Users can sign up on Hashbitcoin to claim their $15 free bonus and start their cloud mining journey today.

Robinhood’s (HOOD) testnet has logged four million transactions in its first week that its testnet chain is live, CEO of the investment platform Vlad Tenev said on X on Thursday.

The Robinhood Chain, which focuses on tokenization and trading, comes at a time where centralized exchanges are looking to building their own blockchain infrastructure even as the broader Ethereum ecosystem debates its future.

“Developers are already building on our L2, designed for tokenized real world assets and onchain financial services,” Tenev wrote.

Testnets are risk-free environments for developers to test code and experimental features ahead of its mainnet going live. The two stages of a network’s development could be compared to a flight simulator and a commercial flight.

The Robinhood Chain’s testnet has arrived against the backdrop of a larger reckoning in the Ethereum world.

Earlier this month, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin declared that the protocol’s long-held layer-2 (L2) rollup-centric roadmap “no longer makes sense,” arguing that many rollups have fallen short of full decentralization and that Ethereum’s base layer is scaling faster than expected.

That philosophical shift has fueled chatter in the Ethereum community about what scaling and meaningful decentralization may look like in 2026. But while some in the developer community push for new frameworks, Tenev and other centralized players appear to be doubling down on proprietary chains and tokenized markets as a way to capture users and liquidity.

The contrast underscores a growing divide in crypto’s direction. While Ethereum’s core architects reassess how scaling should evolve on the base layer, major trading platforms are looking to control more of the stack themselves. For exchanges, owning the infrastructure could mean tighter user capture, new revenue streams and greater influence over how tokenized markets take shape.

Read more: Robinhood starts testing its own blockchain as crypto and tokenization push deepens

Ethereum has finally broken a four-week streak of continuous ETF outflows. The week ending February 18 recorded inflows, marking the first sign of returning institutional demand. At the same time, whale wallets have started accumulating again. Yet long-term holders continue selling into every Ethereum price bounce.

This creates a direct conflict that could decide whether Ethereum’s price recovery continues or stalls.

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ETF Outflow Streak Ends as Whale Accumulation Begins

Ethereum spent four straight weeks under consistent institutional selling pressure. Spot Ethereum ETFs recorded net outflows in the weeks ending January 23, January 30, February 6, and February 13. This sustained selling reflected weak institutional confidence and coincided with Ethereum’s broader price decline.

That trend has now changed. The week ending February 18 saw a net inflow of $6.80 million. This shift suggests institutional selling pressure has paused, at least temporarily. When ETF flows turn positive after extended outflows, it often signals early stages of stabilization. However, the inflow figures are still weak and not at par with the outflow strength, yet.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

At the same time, whale accumulation has returned. Data shows wallets holding large amounts of Ethereum increased their holdings from 113.50 million ETH on February 15 to 113.63 million ETH currently. This represents an increase of 130,000 ETH. At the current price, this equals roughly $253 million worth of Ethereum accumulated in just a few days.

Whale accumulation during weakness is important because large investors often position early before broader recoveries begin. However, this growing optimism faces resistance from another group of investors.

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Ethereum Price Flashes Bullish Divergence, But Long-Term Holders Continue Selling

Ethereum’s 8-hour chart shows a key momentum signal that has historically preceded price bounces.

Between February 2 and February 18, Ethereum’s price formed a lower low. This means the price dropped below its previous support level. But during the same period, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) formed a higher low. The RSI measures buying and selling strength and this pattern is called bullish divergence.

This signal has already proven effective twice earlier this month. The first bullish divergence formed between February 2 and February 11. Ethereum’s price then rallied 11%. The second divergence appeared between February 2 and February 15. This led to another 6% recovery.

Both these ETH bounces happened while ETF outflows were still ongoing, showing that buyers were already attempting to regain control. Now, ETF inflows have returned, and whales are accumulating. This increases the probability that another bounce attempt could happen.

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However, long-term holders are moving in the opposite direction. The Hodler Net Position Change measures whether long-term holders are accumulating or selling. A negative value means long-term holders are distributing their holdings.

On February 17, long-term holders sold 34,841 ETH over the rolling 30-day period. By February 18, that number increased to 38,877 ETH. This represents a sharp increase in selling pressure in just one day, even as bullish divergence signals appeared.

This shows long-term holders are using price strength to exit positions. The same behavior was visible during earlier February rallies. Both previous bounces failed to sustain upward momentum because long-term holder selling capped the recovery.

This creates a clear conflict. Whale accumulation and ETF inflows support recovery, while long-term holder selling limits upside potential, hinting at a clear risk. This conflict is now reflected directly in Ethereum’s price structure.

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Triangle Pattern Reveals Critical Levels

Ethereum is currently trading inside a symmetrical triangle pattern on the 8-hour chart. This pattern forms when the price moves between converging support and resistance lines.

A symmetrical triangle represents balance between buyers and sellers. In Ethereum’s case, buyers include whales and institutional investors returning through ETF inflows. Sellers include long-term holders distributing their positions.

This balance explains why Ethereum remains stuck in consolidation.

The first key resistance level sits near $2,030. This level stopped the previous recovery attempt. A successful move above this level would signal strengthening momentum and also confirm the triangle breakout. The next major resistance stands at $2,100, another bounce blocker. Breaking this level would confirm a stronger recovery and could open the path higher.

However, downside risks remain. Immediate reclaim level sits at $1,960. Failure to hold this level could push Ethereum down to $1,890. A deeper decline could extend toward $1,740 if selling pressure accelerates.

Key Takeaways

• Canary Capital’s SUIS is actively trading on the Nasdaq, while Grayscale’s GSUI launched on the NYSE after converting from a trust.
• Both funds offer staking rewards, a first-of-its-kind feature for US spot crypto ETFs that allows investors to capture network yield.
• The listings arrive as SUI trades near $0.95, down roughly 40% over the last 30 days amidst broader altcoin market capitulation.

Dash, a layer-1 blockchain protocol with privacy-preserving features, announced on Thursday the integration of Zcash’s “Orchard” shielded pool into the Dash Evolution chain, a secondary layer on the L1 network that supports smart contract functionality.

The integration will go live following the completion of cybersecurity audits and is expected to launch in March, according to an announcement shared with Cointelegraph.

Initially, the integration will support basic transfers of Zcash (ZEC) from one party to another on the Evolution chain, with subsequent upgrades adding Orchard’s privacy features for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), the announcement said.

The price of the DASH (DASH), the native token of the network, surged by over 125% in January. Dash briefly reached a local high of about $96 on the Binance crypto exchange before retracing to current levels.

Onchain privacy protocols and privacy blockchain tokens gained significant momentum in 2025 and early 2026, with proponents of the technology framing it as a response to increased financial surveillance from governments and corporations.

Related: Starknet taps EY Nightfall to bring institutional privacy to Ethereum rails

Lack of privacy is holding back crypto payments, while the tech comes under fire

“Lack of Privacy may be the missing link for crypto payments adoption,” according to Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the co-founder of the Binance cryptocurrency exchange.

Businesses will not adopt blockchain technology unless privacy-preserving tools can shield payments, which contain sensitive information about employee compensation, CZ said.