Crypto World
Strait of Hormuz Closure Threatens Global Oil Markets as Iran Conflict Escalates
Key Takeaways
- Military strikes by the U.S. and Israel resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei, sparking concerns about major disruptions to global oil transit routes.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued warnings against vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage handling 20–26% of worldwide crude shipments and substantial LNG flows.
- Market analysts project Brent crude prices approaching $100 per barrel; extended hostilities may contribute 0.6–0.7 percentage points to worldwide inflation metrics.
- Shipping companies including Frontline and DHT Holdings have experienced substantial gains this year, with charter rates already reaching levels not seen in years.
- Bitcoin declined 2% following the strikes and has shed more than 25% over two months, while traditional safe-haven assets like gold, U.S. Treasuries, and the Swiss franc attract investor capital.
Saturday’s coordinated military operations by Washington and Tel Aviv against Iranian targets claimed the life of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, immediately rippling through global commodity, equity, and cryptocurrency markets.
Following the offensive, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued navigation warnings for the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway serves as the transit corridor for approximately 26% of the world’s crude oil and 23% of global liquefied natural gas shipments.
Brent crude closed Friday’s session near $73 per barrel, having already climbed roughly 20% year-to-date. Market watchers anticipate further price appreciation when trading resumes Sunday evening.
Barclays analysts project Brent could touch $100 per barrel as traders assess potential supply chain interruptions. Capital Economics suggests even a limited confrontation could drive prices toward the $80 threshold.
Iran’s daily production stands at approximately 3.3 to 3.5 million barrels, representing roughly 3% of worldwide output. The nation’s primary export facility at Kharg Island processes nearly 90% of these shipments, and multiple explosions have been documented in that region.
Qatar’s entire LNG export volume, accounting for about 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade, must also pass through the Strait. No viable alternative shipping lanes exist. A blockade would compel Asian consumers to enter bidding wars with European buyers for available U.S. supply on spot markets.
Goldman Sachs modeling indicates that removing one million barrels daily of Iranian exports for twelve months would elevate prices approximately $8 per barrel. Rystad Energy forecasts price increases between $10 and $15 per barrel should the conflict expand.
Maritime Transport Equities Rally on Rate Forecasts
Shipping sector stocks have already incorporated significant risk premium. Frontline shares have climbed 74% in 2026, DHT Holdings has advanced 60%, and Ardmore Shipping has posted 55% gains. By comparison, the S&P 500 has risen just 0.5% during the identical timeframe.

Frontline disclosed that it secured 92% of its first-quarter VLCC spot capacity at an average daily rate of $107,100. Evercore analyst Jonathan Chappell elevated his price objective on the stock from $31 to $42.
During the 1991 Gulf War, very large crude carrier charter rates surged more than 40%. Throughout the 2003 Iraq invasion, rates climbed as much as 304%.
Cryptocurrency Weakens as Traditional Safe Havens Strengthen
Bitcoin dropped 2% Saturday and has now surrendered more than a quarter of its value across the previous two months. Market analysts indicate it has lost its status as a haven during crisis periods.
Gold has appreciated 22% in 2026 and continues attracting capital inflows. The Swiss franc has strengthened 3% versus the dollar year-to-date. U.S. Treasury yields have been declining in recent trading sessions.
The VIX volatility gauge has increased by one-third this year. Several major oil producers and commodity trading firms have already halted crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Crypto World
Greg Abel Reveals Berkshire’s 4 Untouchable Holdings in Debut Letter
TLDR
- In his inaugural shareholder communication, Greg Abel designated Apple (AAPL), American Express (AXP), Coca-Cola, and Moody’s (MCO) as permanent portfolio positions
- The new CEO’s debut letter commits to continuing Buffett’s philosophy of value investing and maintaining a robust financial position
- Fourth-quarter operating profits declined 29% compared to the previous year, reaching $10.2 billion, influenced by insurance segment challenges
- Bank of America and Chevron didn’t make Abel’s list of untouchable holdings
- Buffett transitions to chairman role while maintaining a full-time office presence for advisory purposes
In his inaugural communication to shareholders, Greg Abel has outlined Berkshire Hathaway’s strategic direction as CEO, highlighting four equity positions the conglomerate intends to maintain indefinitely while disclosing a significant decline in quarterly profits.
Abel assumed the chief executive position from Warren Buffett beginning in 2026, following Buffett’s retirement announcement in May 2025. The legendary investor continues serving as chairman with plans to work full-time from the office.
The letter pinpointed four primary equity investments that Berkshire intends to preserve with “limited activity.” The quartet consists of Apple, American Express, Coca-Cola, and Moody’s.
Abel characterized these as companies Berkshire “understands well,” featuring solid management teams and promising long-term expansion prospects. He indicated the firm would only “significantly adjust” any position if fundamental changes occurred in its future outlook.
These four investments, combined with ownership stakes in five Japanese trading corporations, represent approximately two-thirds of Berkshire’s stock portfolio. The aggregate market value of these nine positions exceeds $200 billion.
What’s Not on the Forever List
Notably absent from the core holdings list were two top-five positions: Bank of America and Chevron. The Bank of America stake has been reduced by approximately half during the previous 18 months, declining to roughly 517 million shares with a market value near $28 billion.
The Chevron holding, valued at approximately $20 billion, similarly failed to earn “forever” designation from Abel. This exclusion has sparked discussion among longtime Berkshire observers.
Berkshire’s Apple investment has appreciated substantially beyond its initial purchase price. The conglomerate’s average cost basis stands around $27 per share, while the stock currently trades near $264. Although Buffett previously trimmed the Apple position by roughly 80% from peak levels, Abel’s correspondence indicates no additional reductions are anticipated.
Q4 Earnings Take a Hit
Berkshire disclosed fourth-quarter operating profits of $10.2 billion, representing a decline exceeding 29% from the year-earlier figure of $14.56 billion. The downturn stemmed partially from diminished results in the insurance operations.
For calendar year 2025, Berkshire generated operating earnings totaling $44.5 billion, falling short of 2024’s $47.4 billion but exceeding the five-year average of $37.5 billion.
Berkshire’s combined cash and Treasury bill reserves totaled $373.3 billion at quarter-end, representing a modest decline from the previous quarter’s $382 billion. Abel referenced this substantial liquidity as “dry powder” positioned for deployment when attractive investment opportunities emerge.
Uncertainty surrounds the matter of portfolio management responsibilities going forward. Abel lacks experience as an investment professional. Investment manager Ted Weschler will oversee approximately 6% of the portfolio, consistent with his allocation during Buffett’s tenure.
Abel stated that “responsibility ultimately rests with me as CEO” regarding capital allocation choices, with Buffett remaining available for consultation.
Crypto World
Strategic Investment Plays Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions
Key Takeaways
- Escalating US-Iran tensions following the reported death of Supreme Leader Khamenei in coordinated strikes trigger significant market repositioning.
- Oil markets respond with prices reaching seven-month peaks, with forecasts suggesting potential increases exceeding $10 per barrel.
- Traditional energy players like BP and Chord Energy provide direct commodity exposure while maintaining attractive dividend yields.
- Major defense contractors including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman benefit from accelerating demand for advanced missile systems and stealth technology.
- Eos Energy represents a speculative opportunity tied to energy independence initiatives and infrastructure hardening driven by geopolitical uncertainty.
Following reports of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in coordinated US-Israeli military operations, global financial markets have entered a period of tactical reallocation. Portfolio managers are rapidly shifting capital toward historically resilient wartime sectors.
Crude oil benchmarks have climbed to levels not seen in seven months. Defense spending projections continue climbing, while energy independence has reemerged as a central government priority.
We examine five equities currently drawing significant analyst attention amid this evolving landscape.
Energy Sector: Capitalizing on Crude Price Momentum
BP (BP)
BP operates as an integrated energy major headquartered in the United Kingdom, maintaining diversified operations across upstream production, downstream refining, and renewable energy development. Its global footprint provides natural hedging during commodity price volatility.
With Brent benchmarks approaching seven-month peaks, BP’s trading operations and refining spreads stand to benefit substantially. The equity currently offers a dividend yield exceeding 5% while trading at a forward price-to-earnings multiple below 9x.
The company executed $2.5 billion in share repurchases during the fourth quarter and maintains a progressive dividend framework targeting 4% annual increases. Fidelity analysts emphasize its income characteristics during periods of elevated risk premiums.
Chord Energy (CHRD)
Chord Energy maintains concentrated operations within North Dakota’s Williston Basin, targeting the prolific Middle Bakken and Three Forks shale formations. Current production averages approximately 232,737 barrels of oil equivalent daily.
Chord Energy Corporation, CHRD
The producer markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and gas through pipeline networks and rail infrastructure, providing direct sensitivity to West Texas Intermediate price movements. Shareholder distributions totaled $1.2 billion throughout 2025, with shares trading at roughly 6x forward earnings.
Chord’s dividend yield approximates 4.9% to 5% with annual payout growth exceeding 20%. Koyfin and Simply Wall St. analysts maintain strong buy recommendations, citing exceptional cyclical leverage.
Eos Energy Enterprises (EOSE)
Eos Energy manufactures utility-scale battery storage systems domestically. Despite delivering 700% year-over-year revenue expansion and record quarterly performance, shares declined following fourth-quarter disclosures.
The manufacturer concluded 2025 with approximately 2 GWh of annualized manufacturing capacity alongside $240 million in contracted orders. Balance sheet liquidity exceeds $600 million.
Eos does not qualify as a traditional defensive holding. Instead, it represents a volatile, longer-horizon wager on accelerated energy security legislation should policymakers prioritize infrastructure resilience amid ongoing conflicts.
Defense Industry: Advanced Weapons Systems and Growing Backlogs
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Lockheed Martin maintains its position as the globe’s largest dedicated defense manufacturer. The company recently finalized a $9.8 billion agreement delivering 1,970 Patriot PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, marking the largest single contract in its Missiles and Fire Control division’s history.
Iran’s expanding ballistic missile capabilities have intensified demand for integrated air defense platforms including Patriot and THAAD systems, directly benefiting Lockheed’s order pipeline. J.P. Morgan sustains an overweight stance with price objectives spanning $200 to $500.
The equity provides approximately 1.5% dividend yield. Its $194 billion backlog encompasses F-35 lifecycle support and Patriot production now experiencing heightened demand.
Northrop Grumman (NOC)
Northrop Grumman serves as prime contractor for the B-21 Raider next-generation stealth bomber and the Sentinel ground-based strategic deterrent program. Both initiatives align with evolving Pentagon priorities as Iran-related threats intensify.
Morgan Stanley maintains an overweight rating with a $408 target, while shares recently changed hands near $347. The stock has appreciated over 33% during the trailing twelve months while distributing a 1.5% yield.
Significant contract awards anticipated throughout 2026 span B-21 production, F/A-XX development, and Golden Dome systems. Northrop has substantially outpaced S&P 500 returns over the past year.
Crypto World
BYD Faces Steepest Sales Decline in Six Years During February Slump
Key Takeaways
- February 2026 saw BYD’s NEV sales plunge 41.1% compared to the previous year, representing the most severe contraction since February 2020.
- The automaker has now experienced six months in a row of declining sales figures.
- NEV manufacturing output and sales volumes both contracted approximately 38% versus February 2025.
- The passenger vehicle segment experienced the most significant impact.
- International shipments reached 100,600 NEVs, while battery manufacturing capacity maintained strength.
The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has reported its most dramatic monthly sales contraction in six years, with February figures showing a 41.1% year-over-year decrease. This alarming trend extends the company’s sales downturn to half a year.
The magnitude of this decline hasn’t been witnessed since February 2020, during the initial economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a regulatory disclosure published over the weekend, both manufacturing and sales of new energy vehicles contracted by roughly 38% when compared to the same period in 2025.
The passenger vehicle category bore the brunt of the downturn, although BYD opted not to provide granular segment-level data in its official filing.
These disappointing results emerge despite the company’s commanding presence in the worldwide electric vehicle sector and its aggressive expansion into foreign territories.
International Sales Provide Limited Relief
In terms of overseas distribution, BYD delivered 100,600 NEVs internationally during February, a metric the manufacturer identified as a relative positive amid otherwise challenging circumstances.
Battery manufacturing operations remained resilient. BYD emphasized its installed capacity for NEV power systems and energy storage batteries as indicators of sustained operational scale, despite the contraction in vehicle unit sales.
The organization seems to be relying increasingly on its battery division and international operations to counterbalance weaker performance in its home market.
It’s important to recognize that February traditionally represents a slower sales period for China’s automotive industry, primarily due to Lunar New Year celebrations that reduce operational days and showroom activity.
While this seasonal pattern occurs annually, the magnitude of the current downturn remains striking even when factoring in these calendar-related considerations.
Financial Performance Indicators
BYD’s year-to-date stock performance reflects a modest decline of -0.42% at the time of the regulatory submission, with the company maintaining a market capitalization of HK$890 billion.
Daily trading activity averages approximately 21.5 million shares.
Technical analysis indicators currently suggest a Buy rating for the equity.
The latest analyst coverage for HK:1211 also recommends a Buy position, establishing a target price of HK$130.00.
The extended six-month pattern of declining monthly sales volumes prompts concerns regarding short-term market demand, especially within China’s domestic market where rivalry among electric vehicle manufacturers has grown increasingly fierce.
BYD’s February 2026 regulatory submission verified that aggregate NEV production and sales both decreased by approximately 38% on an annual basis, with international shipments totaling 100,600 vehicles and battery division capacity characterized as robust.
Crypto World
Company’s Stretch preferred stock now paying 11.5% dividend
Leading bitcoin treasury company Strategy has again raised the dividend on its STRC (“Stretch”) preferred series.
Led by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, the firm lifted the annualized payout by 25 basis points to 11.5%.
While STRC to this point has performed as hoped by the company — continuing to trade in a tight range close to $100 — Strategy’s common stock, MSTR, has floundered alongside the price of bitcoin.
MSTR closed February with its eighth consecutive monthly decline, falling 14% as bitcoin tumbled nearly 20%.
Stretch is meant for steady income
Strategy describes STRC as a short-duration, high-yield savings account. This latest dividend increase marks the seventh since STRC began trading in July 2025.
A perpetual preferred stock that pays monthly cash distributions, the STRC dividend rate is set each month to help the shares trade close to their $100 par value and to limit price volatility. STRC closed at $100 on Friday but had traded somewhat below that level during part of February’s brutal month for crypto, necessitating the payout boost.
Crypto World
Bitcoin Eyes Iran Reactions as Oil Triggers 5% US Inflation Forecast
Bitcoin held a steady line through a weekend marked by geopolitical flare-ups in the Middle East, easing some of the stress that had rippled through risk assets. The benchmark cryptocurrency kept its bearings around the mid-to-high $60,000s as traders weighed potential supply disruptions, oil price volatility, and the staying power of traditional markets. While the narrative around the Strait of Hormuz and regional tensions added a geopolitical layer to the narrative, Bitcoin and broader crypto markets avoided a sudden breakout, instead trading in a relatively tight corridor as weekend liquidity faded and futures markets prepared for the Monday open.
Key takeaways
- Bitcoin started the week near $67,000 after a volatile weekend, with traders watching how U.S. markets would react to ongoing regional tensions.
- Trading data pointed to a lingering focus on a notable CME futures gap at $65,880, a potential “fill” area that could influence short-term moves.
- Oil-price risk rose as Tehran signaled actions around the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about inflationary pressures and their potential impact on risk sentiment.
- Analysts offered mixed views: some described the initial response as positive, while others warned that the market could drift until macro catalysts clear, including the U.S. opening and inflation data.
- The crowd of strategists and traders continues to eye a possible relief rally if Bitcoin can reclaim momentum above critical moving-average levels and push toward the high-$70,000s range.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC
Sentiment: Neutral
Price impact: Neutral. Price action remained range-bound despite regional tensions and a looming data calendar.
Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. Monitor the Monday open and the CME gap as liquidity returns to the market.
Market context: The weekend period saw traditional markets digesting geopolitical headlines as traders awaited U.S. opening dynamics and inflation-related data. Early signs showed U.S. stock futures down roughly 0.65% as traders braced for potential volatility once liquidity returned to normal levels, underscoring a cautious risk-on environment for crypto assets as well.
Why it matters
Bitcoin’s behavior in the wake of regional turmoil underscores how the asset class often behaves as a macro sponge—quick to absorb risk-off impulses and slower to trend during periods of mixed signals. The tension around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East flare-up adds a persistent inflationary lens to the discussion. Oil markets, which frequently respond to geopolitical headlines, can—by extension—spark concerns about energy costs feeding into consumer prices. A notable moment referenced by market observers is the potential for inflation to surprise to the upside, a scenario some analysts say could lift traditional hedges or drive risk assets into a different regime.
On the technical front, traders highlighted Bitcoin’s proximity to a key moving-average level as a potential fulcrum. The 21-day simple moving average, an often-watchful gauge for short- to mid-term momentum, sat near a critical threshold that, if breached, could accelerate a relief rally. Observers like Michaël van de Poppe framed the setup in a nuanced way, noting that while the initial reaction to weekend events looked “positive,” markets needed to clear the CME gap and establish a higher low before committing to a sustained move higher. This view aligns with a broader narrative that price action over the next few sessions could depend as much on opening prints in the United States as on any headline flow from abroad.
“On the other hand, the 21-Day MA needs to break in order to have a relief rally. I think we’ll see it in March/April, question of how we’re opening the markets tomorrow and whether it finds a higher low.”
Data from TradingView tracked BTC/USD action as traders focused on the $67,000 region after the weekend’s headlines, painting a picture of a market waiting for a catalyst to push beyond a short-term ceiling. The absence of a decisive breakout did not surprise all participants, given the complexity of the macro backdrop and the potential for a “gap fill” scenario as futures markets settle into Monday’s session. A number of technicians agreed that a break above the immediate resistance zone could set the stage for a move toward the $73,000–$74,000 zone, underscoring how volatile macro drivers can unfold into a structured technical chase for price targets in the near term.
Beyond the chart, the weekend narrative included other voices pointing to why a breakout could be delayed. Some market participants argued that geopolitical risk had already been priced in to an extent, with the market absorbing headlines and awaiting a clearer signal from U.S. policy and data releases. Crypto traders—who often weigh cross-asset correlations—emphasized that the next few sessions would likely hinge on how traditional markets respond when liquidity returns and whether risk appetite recovers or remains cautious. “We will probably move sideways in the next days,” reasoned another active trader, highlighting the ongoing balance between geopolitical risk and macro resilience.
The macro overlay extended to inflation concerns. The Kobeissi Letter’s thread, drawing on JPMorgan research, suggested the possibility of a fresh inflation spike that could push the U.S. Consumer Price Index higher—potentially around 5%—a development that would feed into both equity and crypto dynamics. This thread arrived in the context of recent U.S. inflation prints that had already surprised to the upside, notably with the latest Producer Price Index data underscoring that the floor for inflation might be sticky rather than easily transitory. In parallel, market observers referenced Bitcoin’s historical dynamics—such as metrics that point to elevated longer-horizon returns in certain cycles—to anchor expectations for how BTC might respond as macro conditions evolve. A related discussion on a widely cited price metric is available in a Cointelegraph piece that linked to a longer-term pattern, illustrating how historically prolonged uptrends have unfolded in response to regime changes in inflation and liquidity.
As the weekend wound down, a chorus of voices underscored the nuances of the setup. Crypto influencers and traders reminded audiences that headlines alone rarely deliver a sustained move; instead, the probability of a meaningful rebound depends on the confluence of technical breakouts, macro data, and the opening tone of U.S. markets. The crosswinds—from geopolitical tensions to inflation risk—mean Bitcoin’s path may be less about a single trigger and more about a sequence of catalysts aligning in the weeks ahead.
What to watch next
- Monday open: observe whether U.S. equities’ early direction validates or contradicts the weekend narrative, particularly as the CME gap at 65,880 remains a potential target for a fill.
- BTC price action around 67,000: monitor if the asset can hold this level or accelerate toward the upper target near 73,000–74,000 based on momentum signals and moving-average dynamics.
- Oil and inflation linkage: track oil price movements and any fresh inflation data releases that could reframe risk sentiment and liquidity expectations.
- Futures and liquidity cycles: pay attention to how liquidity returns in the coming days and whether any new macro surprises push risk assets into a fresh regime.
- Geopolitical headlines: continue to monitor developments around the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional tensions, as these could reintroduce volatility into risk assets and affect hedges like BTC.
Sources & verification
- Trading view data showing BTC price activity around $67,000 after the latest Middle East events (TradingView).
- Discussion and charts cited by Michaël van de Poppe on X about the 21-day moving average and potential resistance turned support levels.
- Market commentary on the CME futures gap at $65,880 and its potential relevance to near-term price action.
- References to inflation risk and CPI considerations from JPMorgan-linked discussions in the Kobeissi Letter thread (KobeissiLetter).
- Cointelegraph coverage linking to inflation data and the broader macro narrative surrounding Bitcoin’s historical performance in higher-inflation regimes (Cointelegraph).
- Bitcoin historical price metric references and longer-term return discussions (Bitcoin historical price metric …).
- Direct posts from market participants on X offering perspectives on near-term price trajectories (Michaël van de Poppe, BitBull, Crypto Caesar).
Bitcoin steadies as geopolitical tensions test risk appetite
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) threshold dynamics dominated the narrative as regional headlines intersected with macro data expectations. The asset’s late-week price action found support near the $67,000 level, consistent with a broad risk-off-to-risk-on tug-of-war that markets have navigated throughout the weekend. While some participants argued that a relief rally could unfold if momentum gathers and key moving-average levels break, others emphasized the need for a clear bullish trigger—one that could come from a favorable Monday open or a cooling of inflation concerns. The combination of a cautious open from U.S. equities and a disciplined approach to risk deployment shaped the tone for the early week, with traders eyeing a potential test of the CME gap and a move toward higher targets if liquidity and sentiment cooperate.
Trading data pointed to ongoing technical work in BTC’s near-term chart. The 21-day moving average, a key reference for many short-term traders, sits at a level that many watch as a potential springboard for momentum. As one veteran analyst noted, decisive action above that threshold could catalyze a more pronounced move, while a failure to gain traction could prolong a consolidative phase. In parallel, market observers highlighted the role of the CME’s futures market in shaping intraday risk, with the gap below the current price acting as a potential magnet for price action if markets shift into risk-on mode.
The macro backdrop—particularly inflation dynamics and energy-price volatility—adds a layer of complexity to Bitcoin’s trajectory. The Strait of Hormuz could become a focal point for oil markets, and any supply concerns tend to reverberate through inflation expectations and risk sentiment. Analysts who have studied post-crisis price cycles note that inflation shocks can align with crypto cycles in nuanced ways: liquidity remains a critical piece, but the direction of flow—whether into crypto as a hedge or as an alt-risk asset—depends on how investors digest the evolving macro picture. In this context, Bitcoin’s price range-bound behavior over the weekend can be seen as a reflection of a market seeking a credible catalyst rather than chasing headlines.
As market participants refine their models for the week ahead, the broader takeaway is that Bitcoin’s near-term path will hinge on a confluence of factors: a measured Monday opening, the pace at which the CME gap closes, and any renewed guidance from inflation and energy data. The dynamics suggest a market that might remain cautious until a clearer signal coalesces, even as some voices project a path toward the $73,000–$74,000 zone should momentum swing in BTC’s favor. The coming days will reveal whether the technical setup can convert into a sustained trend or whether traders revert to a wait-and-see posture in response to macro uncertainty.
Crypto World
Is the Ripple ETF Hype Over? Inflows Disappoint as XRP Fights for $1.40
XRP went through intense volatility on Saturday, but it had nothing to do with the ETFs.
Although they have ended the underwhelming zero-inflow-day streak, the spot XRP ETFs are still far away from their initial glory in terms of net inflows.
At the same time, the underlying asset continues to fight with BNB for the fourth spot in the cryptocurrency market cap ranking, but it sits inches below a crucial resistance.
Ripple ETF Inflows Still Missing
CryptoPotato has reported on several occasions on the diminishing activity on the XRP ETF front. The financial vehicles saw under $8 million in net inflows during the trading week that ended on February 13, and less than $2 million in the following one. Moreover, it had three days with zero inflows during this time, a streak that extended to February 23.
However, investors finally picked up the pace in the next four trading days, albeit in a very modest manner. The net inflows stood at $3.04 million on Tuesday, $3.09 million on Wednesday, $1.22 million on Thursday, and $2.21 million on Friday. Overall, the week ended in the green, with $9.55 million entering the funds.
This modest amount is in stark contrast to the initial boom. After the first XRP-focused ETF went live for trading in mid-November, investors were rushing to pour funds into it and the four more such products that followed. Consequently, the cumulative net inflows skyrocketed to the $1 billion mark within a month since Canary Capital’s XRPC saw the light of day.
Since then, though, the trend has seemingly changed. The total net inflows stand at $1.24 billion now, which means that only $240 million has entered the funds in over two months.
XRP Fights BNB
Saturday was an eventful day in the crypto markets due to the strikes against Iran and the subsequent retaliation. XRP was not immune as it dumped from $1.43 to $1.27 before it rebounded to its starting point after reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader was killed during the attacks.
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Popular crypto analyst CryptoWZRD noted that the asset had closed with a “dragonfly doji candle and respected the $1.30 daily support.” They believe XRP could continue higher only if it manages to close weekly above $1.3820. As of press time, the asset trades inches below that line. However, it has retaken its fourth place in terms of market cap from BNB after a quick flip on Saturday.
XRP Daily Technical Outlook:$XRP closed with a dragonfly doji candle and respected the $1.3000 Daily support. However, anything is possible due to geopolitics. Tomorrow is the Weekly transition. Above the $1.3820 resistance it can push higher if the breakout remains stable 😈 pic.twitter.com/YJaJyp0DTt
— CRYPTOWZRD (@cryptoWZRD_) March 1, 2026
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Crypto World
Bitcoin Price Set For Another Crash?
Bitcoin price continues to trade under sustained pressure, struggling to reclaim the $70,000 level. BTC remains capped by a persistent downtrend that has limited upside attempts for weeks.
Historical cycle data and current on-chain signals suggest that bearish conditions may not be over. While short-term rallies occur, structural indicators imply that Bitcoin could remain constrained below $70,000.
Bitcoin’s Past Says Pressure Persists
The Pi Cycle Top Indicator provides important context for Bitcoin’s current phase. This metric uses the 111-day moving average and a two-times multiple of the 350-day moving average. When these averages converge, the market is considered overheated.
Conversely, when the moving averages diverge widely, the asset is often viewed as undervalued. In the present cycle, Bitcoin does not exhibit either extreme. Instead, it appears positioned at the midpoint of a broader bearish phase.
Historically, mid-cycle bearish periods within Bitcoin’s four-year cycle have lasted a year or longer. Similar structures in past cycles kept BTC suppressed before the eventual recovery.
Current divergence between the 111 SMA and the 350 SMA x2 suggests continued bearishness rather than recovery.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
The Spent Output Profit Ratio further reinforces the cautious outlook. SOPR remains below the critical 1 level, signaling that many investors are selling at a loss. Persistent readings under 1 indicate limited profitability across market participants.
This dynamic suppresses recovery attempts. Bitcoin investors selling at a loss often reflect fear-driven behavior. Until SOPR consistently moves above 1, the Bitcoin price may struggle to build sustainable upside momentum.
BTC Price Downtrend Continues
Bitcoin is trading at $66,443 at the time of writing, still confined under a descending resistance line active for nearly a month. Repeated failures to break above this barrier highlight ongoing weakness. Without stronger buying pressure, BTC may remain trapped beneath this trendline.
The Money Flow Index shows active selling pressure. MFI readings indicate capital outflows continue to dominate inflows. Global macro uncertainty and geopolitical tensions are amplifying risk aversion. This environment encourages cautious positioning and limits aggressive accumulation.
Given these conditions, the Bitcoin price could continue oscillating within a constrained range. A break below $65,000 would likely expose the $62,893 support. That level has already been tested twice this week, increasing vulnerability if selling intensifies.
However, a shift in macro sentiment could alter the trajectory. If Bitcoin holds the $66,224 support and attracts fresh inflows, it may challenge $68,830 resistance.
A decisive move above $70,000 would invalidate the current bearish thesis and signal renewed structural strength.
Crypto World
Bitcoin Can Hit $74,000 Despite Iran Tensions, Trader Predicts
Bitcoin avoided a fresh breakdown around major geopolitical events in the Middle East, with BTC price targets now including $74,000 next.
Bitcoin (BTC) ignored geopolitical volatility on Sunday as traders waited for markets’ Iran reaction.
Key points:
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Bitcoin coils around $67,000 as the dust settles on a wild weekend in the Middle East.
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TradFi market reactions are in focus, with BTC price action avoiding major volatility.
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Oil price concerns compound as Iran seeks to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Trader sees $74,000 BTC price rally
Data from TradingView showed BTC price action focusing on $67,000 in the aftermath of the latest round of conflict in the Middle East.

The weekend prevented TradFi markets from adjusting to events in real time, with US stock market futures down 0.65% at the time of writing.
Crypto also saw volatility, but soon cooled, and BTC/USD avoided a major breakout from its local trading range.
Commenting, crypto trader, analyst and entrepreneur Michaël van de Poppe described the initial response as “positive.”
“Now, markets are correcting back down, as there’s uncertainty on how US markets will open tomorrow (and there’s still an outstanding gap of the CME),” he wrote in a post on X.
“On the other hand, the 21-Day MA needs to break in order to have a relief rally. I think we’ll see it in March/April, question of how we’re opening the markets tomorrow and whether it finds a higher low.”

Van de Poppe referred to Bitcoin’s 21-day simple moving average at $67,627. The weekend’s “gap” in CME Group’s Bitcoin futures market lay to the downside at $65,880.
“$BTC looks good in the short-term,” trader BitBull agreed about the three-day chart.
“Deviation below the support zone and has now flipped resistance into support. I think a rally towards the $73K-$74K level could happen.”

Some argued that geopolitical instability had been “priced in” by the market in advance, explaining the comparatively modest price action over the weekend.
“We will probably move side ways the next days…,” trader Crypto Caesar concluded.

Strait of Hormuz tied to next US inflation spike
A separate point of concern focused on potential oil price volatility as Iran claimed to be closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Related: Bitcoin historical price metric sees $122K ‘average return’ over 10 months
Despite being international waters, the Strait became a holding ground for oil shipping on Sunday, leading to swift analysis of the knock-on effect for US inflation.
Trading resource The Kobeissi Letter referenced research by JPMorgan while suggesting that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) could jump to 5%.
“The last time we saw US inflation at 5% was in March 2023, when the Fed was aggressively hiking rates,” it wrote in a dedicated X thread.

As Cointelegraph reported, recent US inflation prints outpaced expectations, notably Friday’s Producer Price Index (PPI) numbers.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
Crypto World
Crypto Scams Declined in February, But Still Millions Were Lost
Crypto exploits declined by more than 90% in February, with digital asset thieves siphoning just $35.7 million across the ecosystem.
The sharp decline marks the quietest month for crypto security since March 2025, providing a brief reprieve for a sector routinely battered by nine-figure hacks.
Phishing and Oracle Attacks Linger Despite the Sharp Fall in Crypto Theft
Data compiled by blockchain security firm CertiK revealed a drastic month-over-month drop from January’s staggering losses.
Meanwhile, the figures also represent a massive year-over-year contraction. Last year’s February was dominated by a historic $1.5 billion exploit on the Bybit exchange, an anomaly that heavily skewed annual security metrics.
Despite the broader market slowdown in illicit activity, targeted attacks still drained millions from decentralized finance protocols.
The single largest crypto exploit incident occurred on February 22 on the Stellar network.
According to Quill Audits, a hacker exploited the community-managed YieldBlox Blend pool. The attacker stole more than $10 million through a classic thin-liquidity oracle manipulation attack.
By executing a single abnormal trade in the highly illiquid USTRY/USDC market, the attacker artificially inflated the token’s price by a factor of 100.
This tricked the protocol’s valuation system, allowing the attacker to execute massive undercollateralized borrowing.
A day earlier, on February 21, the Internet-of-Things blockchain project IoTeX suffered a major breach after a private key was compromised.
While CertiK estimated the losses at nearly $9 million, the IoTeX team claimed the stolen amount was closer to $2 million.
Security researchers noted the attacker used the compromised key to access the token safe, quickly swapped the stolen assets for ETH and routed them to Bitcoin using cross-chain bridges.
Rounding out the top three was a $2.2 million exploit of Foom.Cash, a privacy protocol.
In this attack, the hacker reportedly exploited a cryptographic flaw to forge zkSNARK proofs. This allowed them to create fake digital credentials that the protocol accepted, enabling the withdrawal of large volumes of tokens.
Crypto Phishing Attacks Remain a Concern
Beyond smart contract vulnerabilities, phishing remains a persistent threat, accounting for exactly $8.5 million of February’s total losses.
The crypto phishing sector has flourished recently, driven by the rise of professionalized “drainer-as-a-service” providers like Angel Drainer and Inferno Drainer.
These platforms allow scammers to execute large-scale malicious operations with minimal technical expertise. They provide fraudsters with a complete toolkit, including cloned websites, deceptive social media accounts, and automated smart contract scripts.
In exchange for providing this illicit infrastructure, the operators take a percentage of all stolen funds.
Crypto World
Bitcoin dips on Tehran strikes as DOJ arrests $328M crypto Ponzi founder
In this week’s edition of the weekly recap, Bitcoin fell to $63,062 before recovering following explosive strikes in Tehran amid U.S.-Israel operations and Iranian retaliatory missiles.
Summary
- Bitcoin fell to $63K on Tehran strike news before rebounding above $66K.
- DOJ arrested Goliath Ventures founder over alleged $328M Ponzi scheme.
- MetaMask launched its self-custodial crypto card across the U.S.
In other prominent news, federal authorities arrested Goliath Ventures founder Christopher Alexander Delgado on charges related to an alleged $328 million Ponzi scheme, and MetaMask partnered with Mastercard to launch its self-custodial payment card across the United States.
Cryptocurrency markets react to Middle East conflict
- Bitcoin (BTC) declined to $63,062 before rebounding to $66,201 following reports of large explosions in Tehran as the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran.
- Ethereum (ETH) dropped to $1,837 before recovering to $1,940 during the volatility spike as Iran launched retaliatory missiles at multiple locations including Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
Federal prosecutors charge crypto Ponzi operator
- The Department of Justice announced the arrest of Christopher Alexander Delgado, 34, founder and CEO of Goliath Ventures, on federal charges tied to an alleged $328 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme.
- Delgado was taken into custody in Apopka, Florida, on a criminal complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida charging wire fraud and money laundering.
MetaMask expands crypto card to U.S. market
- MetaMask and Mastercard have officially launched the MetaMask Card in the United States.
- The self-custodial crypto payment card is now available in 49 U.S. states, including New York for the first time.
Magic Eden narrows platform focus to Solana
- The prominent NFT marketplace announced plans to close its Bitcoin and EVM-based trading platforms in early March 2026 while discontinuing support for its multi-chain wallet.
- The platform will continue supporting Solana-based assets exclusively.
MoonPay introduces AI agent wallet access
- The crypto payments platform launched February 24 a new product providing artificial intelligence systems direct access to digital wallets and on-chain transactions.
- MoonPay Agents, a non-custodial software layer, enables AI agents to create wallets, manage funds, and trade on behalf of verified users.
Morgan Stanley plans multiple Bitcoin products
- The banking giant has intentions to offer various Bitcoin-related product offerings according to digital assets strategy head Amy Oldenburg.
- These planned products would expand Morgan Stanley’s cryptocurrency exposure beyond its current limited offerings.
AI security tool identifies critical XRP vulnerability
- An autonomous AI security tool discovered a bug in the XRP Ledger that could have aided attackers to steal funds from any network account without accessing private keys.
- XRPL Labs disclosed Thursday the vulnerability existed in signature-validation logic of the Batch amendment.
- This was a pending upgrade allowing multiple transactions to be bundled and executed together.
Barclays explores blockchain payment platform
- The multinational bank is examining creation of a blockchain platform for payments and other processes according to reports
- The London-based financial services giant is consulting with prospective technology providers to develop infrastructure rivaling JPMorgan and others using decentralized technology for banking services.
Kalshi penalizes insider trading violations
- The prediction market firm disclosed catching and penalizing two users for insider-trading activity, including an editor for social media star MrBeast.
- The company stated it has over a dozen active insider-trading cases among 200 investigated, with Wednesday disclosures detailing two resolved matters including action against Artem Kaptur, identified as working for James Donaldson’s MrBeast persona.
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