Bitcoin tumbled below $64,000 on February 28, 2026, extending a sharp weekend sell-off triggered by reports of joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell as much as 5% in early trading, reaching lows near $63,000 before paring some losses, amid a broader flight from risk assets.

As of late February 28 in Asia (early morning UTC), Bitcoin traded around $63,800 to $64,000, down approximately 4% over the past 24 hours according to aggregated data from CoinMarketCap, CoinDesk and Binance. The 24-hour trading volume surged to more than $41 billion, reflecting heightened volatility and liquidations across leveraged positions.

The decline erased much of a brief mid-week rebound that had pushed Bitcoin toward $70,000 earlier in the week. From its all-time high of $126,198 reached in October 2025, the token now sits roughly 49% lower, with year-to-date losses exceeding 20% in calendar 2026.

Analysts attributed the latest drop directly to geopolitical developments. Explosions reported in Tehran and retaliatory Iranian missile launches toward Israel and Gulf states heightened fears of a wider Middle East conflict. Bitcoin, often viewed as a risk-on asset correlated with equities during periods of uncertainty, reacted swiftly alongside declines in U.S. stock futures and other cryptocurrencies like Ether, which fell over 6%.

“This is classic risk-off behavior,” said a senior trader at a major crypto exchange, speaking on condition of anonymity. “When headlines scream war, investors dump anything volatile — crypto gets hit hard first.” Roughly $128 billion evaporated from the total digital asset market cap in the immediate aftermath, per CoinGecko data.

The pullback comes after a turbulent February for Bitcoin. Prices had already weakened from January highs near $85,000 amid deleveraging in overextended positions and broader market caution. A mid-month dip below $63,000 earlier in February marked the lowest since early in the year before a partial recovery.

Despite the downturn, some observers highlighted resilience. Bloomberg Intelligence ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that spot Bitcoin ETF investors have shown “diamond hands,” with minimal outflows during the slump. Inflows into products like BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC remained steady or positive in recent weeks, suggesting long-term holders are absorbing selling pressure.

Institutional adoption continues to underpin the asset. Corporate treasuries, including MicroStrategy’s ongoing purchases, and growing sovereign interest have provided a floor. However, short-term sentiment remains bearish, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index hovering in “fear” territory.

Technical levels are in focus. Bitcoin holds support near $62,000 to $63,000, a zone that has acted as a floor in prior corrections. A break below could target $60,000, while resistance sits around $66,000 to $68,000 from recent highs.

Broader crypto market dynamics amplified the move. Altcoins like Solana, XRP and Dogecoin fell 6% or more, with total market capitalization dipping below $2.3 trillion. Liquidations exceeded $500 million in the past day, mostly long positions, per Coinglass.

The geopolitical backdrop overshadowed other factors. Ongoing U.S. tariff discussions and Federal Reserve policy signals had already weighed on risk assets, but the Iran strikes accelerated the exodus. Oil prices spiked over 10%, boosting inflation concerns that could pressure growth-sensitive investments like crypto.

Looking ahead, market participants eye potential catalysts. A de-escalation in the Middle East could spark a relief rally, while prolonged conflict risks further downside. Prediction markets give low odds — around 10% — for Bitcoin reaching $150,000 in 2026, reflecting tempered expectations after the post-2025 euphoria.

Bitcoin’s circulating supply stands near 20 million coins, with the halving cycle from 2024 still influencing scarcity dynamics. Miners continue operations amid higher energy costs, though hash rate remains robust.

Retail and institutional traders alike monitor developments closely. On platforms like X and Reddit, discussions range from “buy the dip” calls to warnings of deeper corrections if global instability persists.

As of February 28, Bitcoin’s market capitalization hovers around $1.28 trillion, maintaining its position as the dominant cryptocurrency. The asset’s correlation with traditional markets has grown since ETF approvals, making it more susceptible to macroeconomic and geopolitical shocks.

While the weekend sell-off marks a painful setback, Bitcoin has historically recovered from sharp drawdowns tied to external events. Whether this episode proves a capitulation low or prelude to further weakness depends on how the Iran situation unfolds and broader risk appetite rebounds.

Investors are advised to stay informed through reliable sources, as volatility remains elevated. The coming days will test Bitcoin’s resilience amid one of the most uncertain periods in recent memory.

Fans across the globe can breathe a sigh of relief: *Pokémon Winds* and *Pokémon Waves*, the highly anticipated 10th-generation mainline Pokémon games, will launch simultaneously worldwide in 2027 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, with no regional restrictions or country-specific delays, The Pokémon Company confirmed during its Pokémon Day presentation on February 27, 2026.

The announcement, part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary celebrations, dispelled early speculation about staggered rollouts or market exclusions common in some gaming titles. “Developed by Game Freak exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, these new titles feature an open world to explore,” the official press release stated, emphasizing a “global simultaneous release” without qualifiers. This means players in North America, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Australia and beyond — wherever the Switch 2 launches — can dive into the windswept islands and oceanic adventures on day one.

Nintendo’s consistent policy of broad accessibility for Pokémon titles ensures the games will be playable in over 100 countries through official digital and physical channels. Pre-orders are expected to open later in 2026 alongside Switch 2 details, with eShop availability confirming cross-region digital purchases. Unlike mobile spin-offs with geo-locks, mainline Pokémon games have historically launched universally, and executives reiterated this commitment.

The reveal trailer transported viewers to a stunning Southeast Asia-inspired region, blending terraced rice fields akin to the Philippines’ Banaue terraces, Indonesian mangroves and Malaysian cliffside villages. Dynamic weather — fierce winds, crashing waves and tropical storms — shapes exploration, battles and survival mechanics, building on *Scarlet* and *Violet*’s open-world foundation. New starters include Grass-type Browt (Overgrow), Fire-type Pombon (Blaze) and Water-type Gecqua (Torrent), with version-exclusive Pikachu variants adding flair.

A major inclusivity milestone: Brazilian Portuguese joins as an official language, debuting here and expanding reach to over 200 million Portuguese speakers in Brazil and Portugal. “Pokémon is committed to bringing fans even closer to the experience,” the company said, signaling future localization efforts.

Excitement peaked in Southeast Asia, the in-game region’s muse. Filipino fans claimed “Uy, Philippines!!” spotting Palawan-like beaches, while Indonesians hailed the archipelago vibes. Malaysians noted mangrove forests, fueling regional pride. Social media buzzed with #PokemonWindsWaves trending globally, amassing millions of views.

The Switch 2 exclusivity — no original Switch support — underscores Nintendo’s forward push, with the console eyed for a late 2026 debut in major markets like the U.S., Japan, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Analysts predict blockbuster sales, potentially eclipsing *Scarlet/Violet*’s 24 million units, given the franchise’s 480 million lifetime sales.

Leaked “Teraleak” documents from 2024 accurately foresaw the titles, procedural elements and 2027 window, validating fan theories. Game Freak’s Tokyo team leads development, with Nintendo publishing worldwide.

For players in restricted markets like China (via Tencent partnerships) or embargoed nations, gray imports or VPNs may enable access, though official support lags. Nintendo’s eShop requires region-matched accounts, but digital keys transcend borders.

The global rollout contrasts delayed launches in past eras, like *Gold/Silver*’s Japan-first strategy. Modern Pokémon prioritizes parity, boosting esports and competitive play.

As 2027 nears, expect demos, DLC teases and Switch 2 bundles. The Pokémon Company plans more 30th-anniversary reveals, including *Legends: Z-A*.

This universal availability cements Pokémon’s borderless appeal, uniting trainers from Tokyo to São Paulo in Gen 10’s watery wonders.

The United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran early Saturday, February 28, 2026, targeting leadership compounds, nuclear facilities and missile sites in a pre-emptive operation that President Donald Trump described as the onset of “major combat operations” aimed at dismantling Tehran’s regime and nuclear program. Explosions rocked Tehran and other Iranian cities, prompting retaliatory ballistic missile launches from Iran toward Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf, escalating fears of a broader regional war.

For live streaming coverage of the unfolding events, major news networks and online platforms are providing real-time updates, video feeds and expert analysis. ABC News offers a continuous special report on YouTube, featuring President Trump’s video announcement and on-the-ground reports from Tehran. CNN’s live blog and video stream includes footage of smoke rising over Tehran after the initial strikes, with correspondents reporting from Jerusalem and Washington. Al Jazeera’s live updates page streams eyewitness accounts and Iranian state media reactions, accessible globally via their website and app. NBC News provides a dedicated live blog with embedded video of missile intercepts over Israel. CBS News streams ongoing coverage, including Trump’s full statement dubbing the assault “Operation Epic Fury.” BBC News offers a live page with maps and timelines, streaming from London and the Middle East. Fox News features a live feed focusing on U.S. military involvement and potential regime change. For alternative perspectives, NDTV’s YouTube live stream covers Iranian retaliations and global reactions. DW’s live blog includes European viewpoints and UN responses. France 24 streams multilingual coverage with focus on Gulf state impacts. The Associated Press maintains a live updates page with wire reports and photos. The Wall Street Journal’s live coverage emphasizes economic ramifications, including oil price surges. Jerusalem Post provides Israel-centric streaming updates. On social media, Alex Jones hosts a live X stream discussing the strikes and potential World War III implications.

The strikes began around dawn Tehran time, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirming a “pre-emptive attack” after months of joint planning with the U.S. Targets included the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian in downtown Tehran, as well as missile silos and nuclear sites in Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and Karaj. Iranian state media reported explosions near an elementary school, claiming civilian casualties, though independent verification remains limited amid communication blackouts.

Trump, in a video posted to Truth Social, urged Iranians to overthrow their government, stating, “The hour of your freedom is at hand.” He emphasized destroying Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs, framing the operation as essential to U.S. security. A senior U.S. official told reporters the assault involved over 500 aircraft and was designed for multiple waves.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded with a “first wave” of drones and missiles, targeting Tel Aviv and northern Israel, where one civilian was injured by shrapnel. Strikes also hit U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, with one fatality reported in Abu Dhabi from debris. Iranian military spokesman Amir Hatami vowed a “decisive response.”

Airspaces across the region closed, disrupting flights. Airlines like IndiGo, Wizz Air and British Airways suspended routes to the Middle East. The UAE issued emergency alerts in Abu Dhabi, urging residents to shelter.

The attack follows a 12-day air war in June 2025 and stalled nuclear talks. Iran’s suppression of protests, killing thousands, drew international condemnation. Analysts warn of escalation, with Russia and China denouncing the strikes as “illegal.”

Oil prices surged 15%, stocks fell globally. UN Security Council convened an emergency session.

Humanitarian groups like Amnesty International called for civilian protections. Exiled Iranian crown prince urged protests.

As events evolve, live streams remain crucial for updates. YouTube searches for “US Israel attack Iran live” yield ongoing broadcasts from major outlets. Apps like Twitter (now X) host user-generated content, but verify sources.

The conflict’s trajectory remains uncertain, with potential for prolonged engagement.

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Gold and silver traders can expect some fireworks on Monday after Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday with the help of the United States, pushing the Middle East into another bout of military confrontation.

The strike is expected to further diminish hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West. The apparent strike happened near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Domestic gold and silver prices declined on Friday in a lackluster trade. While April gold futures settled at Rs 1,61,971 on the MCX in the previous session, falling by Rs 133 or 0.08%, the May Silver futures closed at Rs 2,81,990, declining by Rs 654 or 0.23%.

The situation was starkly different on the COMEX where yellow metal prices closed with an uptick of 2% at $5,296.40 an ounce recording a single-day jump of $102.20. Silver prices soared nearly 8% or $6.83 an ounce to settle at $93.82, registering a sharper rally.

Commodity and currency expert Anuj Gupta expects a gap-up opening for gold and silver on Monday when trading resumes. Both bullion metals are looking positive due to the escalating geopolitical tension in Iran, he said, adding that the safe haven demand is expected to rise.

“Gold may test $5,300 to $5,350 levels while silver may climb between $95 and $98,” he opined.
Gupta said the MCX gold futures have risen by 8.32% or Rs 12,451 per 10 gram in February while extending year-to-date gains to Rs 26,700 or 20%. As for silver contracts on the MCX, the prices have fallen nearly 3% or Rs 9,300 in February, though the white metal has seen a surge of Rs 46,900 or 20% in 2026, he added.

Gold, silver trading strategy: What to do on Monday?

Gupta recommends traders to seize the opportunity as he suggests a buy on both gold and silver.

— Buy MCX gold at Rs 1,60,000-1,61,000 with a stop loss of Rs 1,58,000 and target of Rs 1,65,000.

— Buy MCX silver at Rs 2,78,000/2,80,000 with a stop loss of Rs 2,73,000 and target of Rs 2,90,000.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

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Q4: 2026-02-27 Earnings Summary

EPS of $1.90 beats by $0.20

 | Revenue of $925.45M (7.65% Y/Y) beats by $2.59M

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This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.