Crypto World
Bitcoin Surges After US Jobs Beat as Fed Pause Odds Near 95%
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) faced a volatile session as U.S. payrolls data surprised to the upside, complicating the path for the Federal Reserve and market risk appetite. After an early intraday spike toward the high $60,000s, the largest cryptocurrency retraced, leaving traders weighing whether a deeper pullback is coming or a temporary pause in risk-off sentiment is enough to support a rebound. The reaction came as the broader equity complex wobbled, with major indices trading in divergent fashion in response to the jobs release and the Fed’s likely response to it. The day’s price action underscores how macro news can quickly reframe crypto downside risk and the near-term technical setup.
Key takeaways
- Bitcoin briefly spiked toward the $69,000 mark intraday before reversing, with the move followed by a pullback that extended losses through the session.
- U.S. nonfarm payrolls rose by 130,000 in January, well above the 55,000 consensus, while the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3% from 4.4%.
- Despite the strong jobs data, the signal for the Federal Reserve to hold rates at the March meeting persisted, supported by futures markets showing a high probability of a pause.
- The S&P 500 inched higher early but then gave back the gains, while the Nasdaq Composite slid, illustrating mixed risk-asset responses to the same macro print.
- Analysts and traders flagged a potential “slow bleed” scenario for BTC toward the sub-$60,000s or mid-$50,000s if buyers fail to reclaim key levels, with attention fixed on Friday’s CPI release for further clarity.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC
Sentiment: Bearish
Price impact: Negative. A sharp intraday spike gave way to a renewed downward slope, signaling renewed anxiety about near-term downside risk.
Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The market is testing whether downside pressure can be contained above key support levels, with forthcoming inflation data likely to drive the next leg.
Market context: The broader crypto environment remains sensitive to macro narratives—especially inflation trajectories and the likelihood of further monetary tightening or pauses—which shape liquidity and risk sentiment across digital assets.
Why it matters
The January employment report cemented a narrative in which a robust labor market reduces the near-term impulse for the Fed to cut rates, complicating the outlook for risk assets, including bitcoin. While stronger payrolls can intensify fears of higher-for-longer policy, the sheer resilience of the job market also mitigates the chance of a sharp recession, which can paradoxically support risk appetite in certain regimes. The market’s response in equities—modest gains in the S&P 500 that faded while tech-heavy indices retreated—reflects a nuanced equilibrium: traders are parsing whether macro strength translates into higher yields and tighter financial conditions, or whether cooling inflation signals will eventually embolden a broader risk-on posture.
Bitcoin’s price action over the session underscored those crosscurrents. The initial move higher suggested a renewal of demand, perhaps driven by the prospect of a Fed pause and the possibility of liquidity support from markets still navigating 2026’s macro landscape. Yet as the day evolved, the lack of follow-through on the upside and the re-emergence of selling pressure highlighted how quickly technical conditions can pivot on a single data release. For market participants, the takeaway is clear: macro prints will continue to define crypto volatility in the near term, even when the fundamental picture for blockchain technologies remains intact and the long-run adoption thesis remains intact.
Looking ahead, traders will be watching not only next week’s inflation data but also ongoing risk signals from both traditional markets and on-chain metrics. The interplay between macro cues and crypto-specific dynamics—such as exchange inflows, funding rates, and retail participation—will determine whether BTC stabilizes near current levels or tests critical supports in the low to mid-$60,000 range. The Fed’s eventual policy stance, as reflected in the FedWatch indicator and related market pricing, will remain a major driver, shaping whether risk assets get a sustained push or retreat into a risk-off regime.
What to watch next
- Friday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) release to gauge inflation momentum and its impact on the Fed’s course.
- The March FOMC decision and the probability of a rate pause, as reflected in futures markets.
- BTC price action around key support levels near $64,000, $62,000, and the rumored $50,000 downside scenario.
- Market breadth signals in equities and whether risk-on appetite improves or deteriorates in the wake of inflation data.
- Any new official guidance from major market participants and notable traders regarding the balance of risk and potential upside catalysts for BTC.
Sources & verification
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics January nonfarm payrolls report showing 130,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate at 4.3%.
- CME Group FedWatch Tool indicating high odds of a rate pause in March.
- TradingView BTCUSD price charts capturing intraday spikes and retracements on the session.
- Kobeissi Letter’s analysis on unemployment trends and the Fed’s expected stance.
- Price context and reference points discussed in market commentary noting BTC’s potential low-$60k to mid-$50k scenarios and prior coverage of $69,000 significance.
Bitcoin volatility and the jobs data backdrop
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) traded with pronounced sensitivity to the day’s macro data, underscoring how quickly crypto markets respond to shifts in macro policy expectations. The price momentum was highly event-driven: a brisk move up toward the $69,000 area was followed by a swift reversal, dragging the session into negative territory as the day wore on. The early move appeared to reflect a tempered optimism around a potential pause in rate hikes, but the subsequent pullback suggested that investors are not yet prepared to embrace a renewed up-leg without more convincing evidence of durable demand.
The January nonfarm payrolls report delivered numbers well above expectations—130,000 jobs added against a forecast of 55,000—while the unemployment rate declined to 4.3%. Such a strong labor market reduces the immediate pressure on the Fed to cut rates, implying a higher probability that policy normalization will proceed at a measured pace. In the near term, that translates to a cautious stance for crypto and other risk assets, even as the longer-term inflation trajectory remains a central question for market participants. The data fed into a narrative that a Fed pause would persist, a conclusion reflected by the CME FedWatch Tool’s readings that traders viewed the odds of a March pause as elevated, a signal that liquidity conditions may not tighten rapidly enough to derail risk appetite completely, but also that upside momentum in BTC would require a solid commitment from buyers at key price junctures.
Asset markets showed a mixed response. The S&P 500 edged higher in early trading before retracing, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped, highlighting a bifurcated risk environment where value and growth cohorts moved in different directions in response to the same macro release. Gold, often a proxy for macro uncertainty, also exhibited choppy behavior, briefly touching fresh February highs before trimming gains as traders weighed the likelihood of further volatility in the real economy. The nuance here is important: even with a robust January jobs report, the macro landscape remains unsettled, leaving markets to calibrate inflation expectations against the probability of a slower but still uncertain path for monetary policy.
Among traders, sentiment leaned toward caution. The Kobeissi Letter’s commentary framed the data as supportive of the view that the Fed would pause, a narrative that aligns with a broader market expectation of a softer near-term policy stance. Yet the absence of a decisive bounce in BTC underscored a critical point: macro strength does not automatically translate into immediate crypto upside, particularly when the price must contend with meaningful resistance around prior highs and the looming risk of a renewed downturn if buyers fail to reclaim and sustain momentum above critical levels. In this context, BTC’s journey from the intraday peak back toward sub-$70,000 territory epitomized the current tension between macro resilience and crypto-specific risk management.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
TLDR:
- XRP reached first relief target at $1.52 after RSI hit multi-year lows during last week’s selloff
- Critical $1.65 resistance zone will determine if XRP continues rally or drops toward $0.90 support
- Ripple partners with Aviva Investors to tokenize real-world assets on XRP Ledger throughout 2026
- Analysts warn against panic selling as XRP flirts with correction lows and potential bullish setup
XRP price action shows signs of relief following last week’s sharp decline that pushed technical indicators to extreme levels.
Market analysts track the $1.65 resistance zone as a critical threshold for the digital asset’s near-term direction. A failure at this level could open the door to targets as low as $0.90.
The current phase presents multiple scenarios for traders watching key support and resistance zones.
Critical Price Levels Define XRP’s Next Move
XRP has entered a Wave 4 relief phase after last Thursday’s massive selloff tested market sentiment. Technical analyst CasiTrades noted the decline pushed RSI to multi-year lows across trading platforms.
The subsequent bounce has already reached the first Wave 4 target near $1.52. This price point coincides with the 0.382 retracement level and macro 0.65 fibonacci zone.
The market now approaches a decisive juncture at the $1.65 resistance area. This level represents the 0.5 retracement and macro 0.618 fibonacci extension.
The asset’s ability to flip this zone into support will determine the next directional move. Technical patterns suggest two distinct paths forward based on price behavior at current levels.
A rejection at $1.65 could trigger another wave down to lower support zones. CasiTrades outlined potential targets at $1.09 and approximately $0.90 in this scenario.
These levels would mark the completion of a corrective structure from recent highs. The analyst emphasized that RSI has reset enough to allow for such a move.
However, the relief bounce offers an alternative bullish scenario for market participants. If XRP successfully reclaims $1.65 and holds it as support, buying pressure could increase.
Traders would then wait for confirmation through a back-test of this support level. The analyst cautioned against panic selling given the asset’s proximity to correction lows.
Ripple Partnership Adds Fundamental Support
Ripple announced a collaboration with Aviva Investors to tokenize real-world assets on XRP Ledger. Reece Merrick from Ripple shared the development, marking the first partnership with a European investment management firm.
The initiative will bring traditional fund structures to the blockchain throughout 2026. Aviva Investors cited the ledger’s speed, cost efficiency, and sustainability as key factors.
The partnership addresses growing institutional interest in blockchain-based asset management solutions. Traditional finance firms continue exploring distributed ledger technology for operational advantages.
XRP Ledger provides the infrastructure necessary for large-scale tokenization projects. European investment managers show increasing willingness to adopt blockchain platforms.
Asset tokenization represents a expanding sector within the digital asset industry. The collaboration aims to bridge institutional finance with blockchain utility at scale. Real-world assets moving onto public ledgers could drive long-term adoption metrics. This development provides fundamental support independent of short-term price fluctuations.
The announcement comes as XRP navigates technical correction levels on price charts. Fundamental developments often diverge from immediate market sentiment during volatile periods.
Long-term investors may view the partnership as validation of the ledger’s institutional appeal. Technical traders meanwhile focus on price action to determine entry and exit points.
Strategy is turning to preferred stock to keep buying Bitcoin while easing pressure from market swings.
Summary
- Strategy is issuing more preferred shares to fund Bitcoin purchases.
- The “Stretch” stock pays an 11.25% variable dividend and aims for price stability.
- The move targets investors seeking crypto exposure with lower risk.
Strategy is expanding its use of preferred stock as it looks for new ways to fund Bitcoin purchases while reducing pressure from market volatility.
The move comes as the company’s share price continues to closely track swings in the cryptocurrency market.
A new approach to managing risk
In a Feb. 12 interview with Bloomberg, chief executive officer Phong Le said the company is offering more perpetual preferred shares to attract investors who want exposure to digital assets without extreme price changes. The product, known as “Stretch,” pays a variable dividend that is adjusted each month.
The current dividend rate stands at 11.25%. The structure is designed to keep the stock trading close to its $100 par value. This helps limit sharp price movements that are common in Strategy’s regular shares.
Preferred shares sit above common stock in the company’s capital structure but below debt. They usually offer a steady income and priority on dividends, while giving up voting rights. This makes them appealing to investors who value stability over rapid growth.
Funding Bitcoin while limiting volatility
Over the past three weeks, Strategy raised about $370 million through common stock sales and another $7 million through preferred shares. The funds were used to buy more Bitcoin (BTC), pushing the company’s total holdings above 714,000 BTC, worth roughly $48 billion.
For years, Strategy’s business model has been built around using capital markets to accumulate Bitcoin. As a result, its stock often behaves like a leveraged version of the cryptocurrency. When Bitcoin rises, the stock tends to surge. When prices fall, losses are often amplified.
Bitcoin has dropped around 50% from its recent peak, which has weighed heavily on Strategy’s shares. This slowdown has made it harder for the company to rely only on common stock sales for funding.
Preferred stock offers another option. The steady dividend and price controls are meant to attract institutions such as pension funds, insurers, and banks. These investors often prefer predictable returns rather than high-risk exposure.
Co-founder Michael Saylor has repeatedly said the company has no plans to sell its Bitcoin. Strategy intends to continue buying more each quarter, regardless of market conditions.
Analysts say preferred shares also strengthen the company’s balance sheet. Compared with convertible bonds, they reduce refinancing risk and limit sudden dilution for existing shareholders.
Strategy raised about $5.5 billion through several preferred stock offerings in 2025. The latest issuance continues that pattern, showing that the company sees long-term value in this funding model.
TLDR:
- USAD offers privacy-preserving transactions while maintaining regulatory oversight capabilities
- Paxos leverages its established infrastructure to issue compliant stablecoins on Aleo’s platform
- Circle previously partnered with Aleo for USDCx, showing competitive interest in privacy solutions
- Aleo raised $200 million at $1.45 billion valuation from SoftBank, a16z, and Coinbase Ventures
Privacy-preserving USAD stablecoin has launched on the Aleo Layer 1 mainnet through a partnership between Paxos Labs and Aleo Network.
The collaboration introduces digital dollars to a zero-knowledge powered environment. The stablecoin offers privacy and programmability features for enterprise users.
Aleo previously partnered with rival issuer Circle to pilot USDCx. The launch reflects growing institutional demand for privacy-focused blockchain solutions.
Partnership Details and Technical Framework
Paxos Labs will issue USAD using its established infrastructure to meet regulatory oversight requirements. The stablecoin operates on Aleo’s zero-knowledge cryptography platform.
The technology provides end-to-end encryption by default. The platform conceals participant identities, wallet addresses, and transaction amounts from public view.
Aleo COO Leena Im explained the stablecoin design incorporates Paxos’ issuance infrastructure. The system meets “oversight requirements while still protecting sensitive user information,” Im noted.
The balance between privacy and oversight represents a core technical achievement. Selective disclosure capabilities allow for regulatory compliance without compromising user confidentiality.
USAD supports traditional payment functions as well as advanced programmable applications. The stablecoin enables use cases difficult to execute on transparent blockchains.
Target applications include discreet payroll processing, business-to-business payments, and anonymous decentralized finance activities. Furthermore, enterprises can embed trusted digital currency into their platforms.
Paxos Labs co-founder Bhau Kotecha emphasized the strategic value of the collaboration. “Working with Aleo, we are bringing digital dollars into an environment where privacy and programmability are built in from the start,” Kotecha said.
He added that enterprises gain “a way to embed money they can trust.” The executive expects more organizations to deploy custom assets on blockchain platforms.
Kotecha noted that stablecoins continue to impact traditional financial rails. He stated Aleo and its team are “already ahead of the curve” on this development.
The trend toward programmable money reshapes financial infrastructure. Organizations increasingly value privacy-preserving transaction capabilities for commercial operations.
Market Context and Company Background
The launch occurs amid rising interest in institutional-grade privacy solutions for blockchain assets. Businesses want blockchain benefits without exposing sensitive commercial details on transparent networks.
Circle previously selected Aleo to develop USDCx, a privacy-focused version of its flagship token. The competitive landscape shows multiple issuers exploring privacy-preserving stablecoin technology.
Paxos has established experience in the stablecoin sector through partnerships with major platforms. The company previously issued stablecoins for PayPal and Binance.
Moreover, Paxos plays a role in the Global Dollar consortium. The USDG initiative includes Anchorage Digital, Bullish, Kraken, OKX, Robinhood, and World.
Aleo Network launched its mainnet in September 2024 after several years of development. The Layer 1 project raised $200 million in a 2022 Series B funding round.
The company achieved a valuation of $1.45 billion during the financing. SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2 and Kora Management co-led the investment.
The project has attracted backing from prominent investors across the blockchain ecosystem. Notable supporters include a16z, Softbank, Coinbase Ventures, Samsung Next, and Tiger Global.
The investor roster demonstrates confidence in zero-knowledge technology applications. Aleo’s platform aims to enable privacy-focused blockchain solutions for enterprise adoption.
Thailand’s government on Tuesday approved the Finance Ministry’s proposal allowing digital assets to be used as underlying assets in the country’s derivatives and capital markets.
The move aims to modernize Thailand’s derivatives markets in line with international standards, strengthen regulatory oversight and investor protection, and position itself as a regional hub for institutional crypto trading, the Bangkok Post reported.
The country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will amend the Derivatives Act to enable these new asset classes, which include Bitcoin (BTC) and carbon credits.
“The decision to formally recognize digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and digital tokens […] reflects a growing understanding that digital assets are no longer merely speculative instruments, but an emerging asset class with the potential to reshape the foundations of capital markets,” said Nirun Fuwattananukul, chief executive of Binance Thailand.
He added that it was a “watershed moment” for the country’s capital markets, sending a “strong signal” that Thailand is positioning itself as a “forward-looking leader” in Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
Strengthening crypto recognition for investors
Thailand is targeting wealthy institutional investors as it expands its crypto ambitions. The move also aligns with the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s plans to introduce Bitcoin futures and exchange-traded products in 2026.
Related: Thailand plans crypto ETF rules as institutional interest increases
SEC secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon said the move will “strengthen the recognition of crypto as an asset class, promote market inclusiveness, enhance portfolio diversification, and improve risk management for investors.”
Still no crypto payments in Thailand
Retail trading remains popular in Thailand, with the Kingdom’s largest exchange, Bitkub, seeing daily volumes of $65 million, according to CoinMarketCap.
However, the central bank has outlawed crypto payments, and consumer stablecoin use remains restricted.
The government launched an app in August for short-term tourists to convert crypto to local currency, but users must undergo stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) and customer due diligence checks, and usage remains restricted to government-approved outlets.
Thailand launched a campaign in January against so-called “gray money,” targeting crypto as part of an effort to combat money laundering.
Magazine: Bitcoin difficulty plunges, Buterin sells off Ethereum: Hodler’s Digest
Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, remains locked in a persistent bear market. The Michael Saylor-led company has struggled to regain momentum as its stock mirrors Bitcoin’s decline.
As Bitcoin corrects, Strategy stock follows, reinforcing volatility and heightening sensitivity to digital asset sentiment shifts.
Sponsored
Sponsored
MSTR Is Breaking Out
About a week ago, the Chaikin Money Flow formed a bullish divergence against price. While MSTR recorded a lower low, CMF posted a higher reading. This divergence signaled improving capital inflows despite falling prices, suggesting selective accumulation beneath the surface.
The short-term impact was visible as the MSTR price rebounded roughly 20% across Friday and Monday trading sessions. However, the broader technical structure remains fragile. Macro indicators still lean bearish, and sustained upside depends on stronger conviction returning to Bitcoin markets.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Can The Oversold Stock Mirror 2022 Recovery?
The Relative Strength Index has hovered near oversold territory since November 2025. A brief improvement appeared in January before RSI fell below 30.0 again last week. An RSI below 30 often signals oversold conditions, which historically precede technical rebounds.
A similar setup occurred in May 2022. At that time, MSTR rebounded 123% after entering oversold territory. That rally unfolded despite Bitcoin experiencing uneven momentum. Investors treated Strategy as a distinct equity with its own growth narrative.
Sponsored
Sponsored
This cycle differs materially. Strategy’s corporate identity is now deeply connected to its Bitcoin holdings strategy. Demand for MSTR shares increasingly reflects sentiment toward Bitcoin accumulation.
MSTR Follows Bitcoin
In prior downturns, the MSTR price occasionally moved independently of Bitcoin. During earlier oversold phases, the stock rallied even as Bitcoin corrected. That divergence highlighted investor confidence in Strategy’s enterprise software operations and balance sheet flexibility.
Today, correlation metrics show stronger alignment between MSTR and Bitcoin price action. Since November 2025, Bitcoin’s steady decline has exerted downward pressure on Strategy shares. Market participants increasingly treat the stock as a Bitcoin-linked instrument rather than a standalone tech equity.
Sponsored
Sponsored
As a result, Strategy’s outlook now depends heavily on Bitcoin’s next move. If Bitcoin stabilizes or enters accumulation, MSTR may follow. Conversely, extended crypto weakness could prolong the bear phase in Strategy stock despite internal accumulation policies.
Saylor Remains Bullish
Michael Saylor, founder of Strategy, is unbothered by the decline in MSTR’s value. During an interview with CNBC, Saylor highlighted that the company is far from affected by BTC’s decline. He stated that volatility is the bug, but volatility is also the feature. He further strengthened the company’s outlook of accumulation over selling.
“We will not be selling. Instead, I believe we will be buying Bitcoin every quarter forever,” Saylor stated.
Sponsored
Sponsored
Thus, Strategy will likely continue buying BTC, and MSTR will continue following its trajectory until the market changes drastically for one of them.
MSTR Price Targets Identified
MSTR price trades near $133, hovering around the $137 region aligned with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level. This technical zone acts as a critical inflection point. Future direction will likely depend on Bitcoin price stability and broader crypto market sentiment.
If bearish conditions persist, recent gains could fade quickly. A drop below $122, corresponding to the 0.786 Fibonacci level, may expose $104, the February low. Should selling intensify further, the next structural support lies near $83.
On the upside, the immediate recovery target sits near $157. Reclaiming that level would offset recent losses and improve technical structure. If Saylor maintains Strategy’s Bitcoin accumulation stance, sustained commitment could attract renewed investor interest and support a stronger rebound in MSTR shares.
Analyst flags XRP monthly support at $0.85–$0.95 as potential entry for “smart money” amid recent 34% monthly decline.
XRP is trading at $1.37, down nearly 15% over the past week and 33% in the last 30 days, as bearish sentiment continues to weigh on the Ripple token.
However, a widely followed analyst says the monthly chart is showing a long-term ascending channel with support at $0.85–$0.95, a zone he believes could mark the entry point for institutional capital that has yet to return to the market.
Monthly Structure Shows Nine-Year Support Zone
The technical case for a potential reversal rests entirely on the monthly timeframe, according to analyst Arthur, who posted a detailed thread on X early Wednesday. His chart tracks XRP from March 2017 to the present, with each candlestick representing a full month of trading. The lower boundary of an ascending channel, tested repeatedly over nine years, now sits at $0.85–$0.95, which is roughly 30% below current prices.
“This is a monthly structural read, backed by macro and long-term volume behavior,” Arthur wrote. “The bottom of the monthly channel may very well represent the area where ‘smart money’ returns.”
He pointed to volume as the missing ingredient. The largest volume spike in XRP history occurred between November 2020 and April 2021. According to him, the 2024 rally, which pushed XRP above $2, saw four times less volume.
“The real money hasn’t returned yet,” he said. “What we saw in 2024 was whales and some funds. Not the large institutional flow that changes a market forever.”
Derivatives data supports the view that speculative positioning has cooled, with analysis from Arab Chain showing that in the last 30 days, XRP futures open interest dropped by about 1.8 billion XRP on Bybit and 1.6 billion on Binance. Kraken also posted a decline of about 1.5 billion XRP.
The contraction suggests traders are closing leveraged positions rather than building new ones, a behavior typically seen during transitional phases before a new trend emerges.
Macro Backdrop Has Shifted
The analyst’s optimism is not based on chart patterns alone. He cited five macro developments that distinguish early 2026 from previous cycles, including regulatory clarity following the conclusion of Ripple’s SEC lawsuit, the launch and scaling of RLUSD, and institutional integration of Ripple’s technology.
You may also like:
Arthur also pointed to the accelerating tokenization narrative and what he called “real institutional infrastructure” that is now in place.
“Technical analysis is always driven by macro,” the market observer said. “And the macro is pointing up.”
XRP has a history of delivering sharp recoveries from extended downturns. For example, during the 2018 bear market, the asset traded near $0.30 for months before rallying to $1.70 in April 2021. It again bottomed around $0.35 in spring 2022 and remained range-bound until November 2024, when it climbed above $2 and later hit an all-time high of $3.65 in July 2025.
SECRET PARTNERSHIP BONUS for CryptoPotato readers: Use this link to register and unlock $1,500 in exclusive BingX Exchange rewards (limited time offer).
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson said that privacy-focused blockchain Midnight doesn’t have plans to onboard privacy maxis from the zcash and monero communities to the Midnight chain.
“You don’t try to get anybody from Monero or ZCash over,” he said during a Q&A session at Consensus Hong Kong on Thursday.
“They certainly will come in their own time, but they’re a different demographic,” he said. “Those are people that wake up every day and they really care about privacy, and they matter and they’re important, but what we’re going for is the billions of people that don’t know they need privacy but give it to them by default.”
Midnight announced Thursday that its mainnet will go live in March as a partner chain to Cardano.
Hoskinson then claimed the ethos of privacy is not as simplistic as the monero and zcash communities often allude to.
“What Monero and ZCash have been trying to convince people is it’s like a light switch. We’re private. The switch is on. Everybody else is not. The switch is off. That’s not how that works,” he said.
Editor’s note: The Bitcoin Conference has announced the return of Code & Country 2026, its flagship policy forum designed to bring U.S. policymakers and Bitcoin industry participants into direct, on-the-record discussions. Scheduled for April 27 during a U.S. election year, the forum aims to address how active legislation and regulatory priorities intersect with Bitcoin, digital infrastructure, and adjacent sectors such as energy and stablecoins. By removing intermediaries, the event positions itself as a venue where builders operating at scale can engage directly with lawmakers shaping the regulatory environment that will influence the next phase of technological and financial development.
Key points
- Code & Country 2026 will take place on April 27 and is open to Pro Pass and Whale Pass holders.
- The forum focuses on direct engagement between Bitcoin industry leaders and U.S. policymakers.
- Discussions will center on active legislation, regulatory priorities, and real-world policy impacts.
- Programming spans Bitcoin, energy infrastructure, stablecoin regulation, and digital civil liberties.
Why this matters
As regulatory frameworks for Bitcoin and related technologies continue to evolve, direct dialogue between policymakers and industry participants is becoming increasingly consequential. Events like Code & Country provide insight into how legislative decisions are formed and how they may affect builders, investors, and infrastructure providers operating at scale. Held during an election year, the forum reflects growing institutional engagement with Bitcoin and highlights the role policy will play in shaping the sector’s trajectory in the U.S. and beyond.
What to watch next
- Announcements of confirmed speakers and detailed programming ahead of the event.
- Key policy themes emphasized by lawmakers and regulatory representatives.
- Signals on how Bitcoin-related regulation may evolve following the forum.
Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company/PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.
Nashville, TN — February 10, 2026 — The Bitcoin Conference announced today Code & Country 2026, the flagship policy forum returning for its second year to convene industry leaders, builders and U.S. policymakers for direct discussions on the issues shaping technology, regulation, and legislative priorities.
Code & Country 2026 will take place on April 27 at 12:00 PM and will be open to Pro Pass and Whale Pass holders. The forum is scheduled during the 2026 U.S. election year, when congressional agendas, committee priorities, and policy frameworks are actively taking shape.
The event is designed to facilitate direct engagement between those building critical infrastructure and those shaping policy – no intermediaries. Discussions will focus on active legislation, administrative priorities, and the real-world implications of regulatory decisions on the industries defining America’s technological future.
“Policy decisions affecting Bitcoin are made regardless of industry participation. We finally have an administration and bipartisan Congress seeking guidance from our industry on how to regulate. We can either jump in the game and help craft the next century of the regulatory landscape, or watch from the sidelines as someone else does it for us,” said Brandon Green, CEO of BTC Inc.
This year’s programming addresses the convergence of Bitcoin with broader policy areas – from energy infrastructure and stablecoin regulation to civil liberties in a digital age. Policymakers and congressional staff will hear directly from industry participants operating at scale, while attendees will gain insight into how policy development functions in Washington.
-
Industry leaders and builders seeking direct engagement with policymakers on regulatory frameworks
-
Leaders in AI, energy, and adjacent sectors navigating the policy landscape
-
Participants newer to policy discussions looking to understand how legislative decisions affect Bitcoin
-
Policymakers and staff seeking technical and operational perspectives from those building at scale
About The Bitcoin Conference
The Bitcoin Conference, organised by BTC Media, the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine, is a global event series, featuring notable industry speakers, workshops, exhibitions, and entertainment. These events serve as vital platforms for Bitcoin industry leaders, developers, investors, and enthusiasts to gather, network, and exchange ideas. Bitcoin 2026 is being held in Las Vegas in April 2026. Its international events include Bitcoin Hong Kong (August 27-28, 2026), Bitcoin Amsterdam (November 5-6, 2026) and Bitcoin MENA (Abu Dhabi, December 2026).
Bitcoin (BTC) price fell to $65,800 on Wednesday, slipping back below key intraday trend lines and raising concerns that last week’s drop to $60,000 may not have been the final bottom. Now, analysts say the possibility of another drop to the yearly low ($59,800) is increasing due to a growing liquidity gap between $66,000 and $60,000.
Key takeaways:
-
Bitcoin has formed a series of lower highs after repeated rejections near the $70,000–$72,000 resistance zone.
-
The relative strength index (RSI) is trending toward oversold levels as the price trades below key moving averages.
-
The liquidation heatmap indicated an absence of liquidity up to $60,500, keeping the risk of a downside price move open.
Failure to hold $70,000 weakens Bitcoin’s short-term prospects
Bitcoin’s one-hour chart shows multiple failed attempts to hold above $70,000. Each rejection has led to lower price highs and steady selling pressure.
BTC’s price briefly pushed into intraday highs of $69,800 before reversing sharply during the New York session on Wednesday, forming a classic swing failure pattern. The move trapped breakout longs and accelerated downside momentum.
BTC also traded below both the 50-period and 100-period exponential moving averages, confirming short-term bearish control. The RSI remained below 50, indicating limited buying pressure.
A 15-minute order block sits near the $60,800–$61,000 region, an area where strong buying pressure previously stepped in after BTC printed a yearly bottom at $59,800. This region remains a liquidity target if $64,000 fails to hold.
Related: When will Bitcoin start a new bull cycle toward $150K? Look for these signs
Heatmap data shows $60,000 is a liquidity magnet
Bitcoin’s liquidity heatmaps reveal stacked orders above $72,000, but it also highlights a “liquidity void” from $66,000 to $60,500. This “liquidity void” may act as a magnet, as price tends to move quickly through low-liquidity areas to tap concentrated stop clusters below.
Despite more visible liquidity being higher, the downside remains open as a final stack of leveraged longs worth over $350 million is still positioned near $60,500.
Bitcoin trader Husky said Bitcoin is slipping below the anchored volume-weighted average price (VWAP) drawn from last week’s lows at $59,800, a level that is acting as a short-term fair value.
With the overall market structure starting to weaken, a lack of a swift recovery above $68,000 increases the risk of further downside toward lower support levels near $65,000. For now, Bitcoin is expected to trade within a broad $60,000 to $72,000 range, according to the trader.
Likewise, market analyst EliZ noted that BTC is consolidating near $66,500 inside a descending channel. A break below this level may send the price toward the $63,400–$64,600 support zone, increasing the odds of a revisit to $60,000.
Related: Bitcoin reacts to major US jobs data beat as Fed rate pause odds near 95%
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.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has launched the Polymarket Signals and Sentiment Tool, integrating prediction market data into its services to provide traders with enhanced market insights.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has announced the launch of the Polymarket Signals and Sentiment Tool, a service designed to provide real-time and historical prediction market data to traders. This tool aims to enhance market insights by offering crowd-sourced probability assessments through ICE’s infrastructure.
The tool is specifically targeted at professional and institutional traders. By delivering normalized data feeds from Polymarket’s prediction markets, it allows traders to consume crowd-sourced probability assessments as market signals. These signals provide implied probabilities on real-world outcomes that are not typically captured by traditional financial instruments. The service is designed to complement existing market, pricing, and sentiment inputs within institutional workflows.
Prediction markets have been gaining traction in financial services for their ability to forecast and gauge public sentiment. The prediction market industry itself has experienced notable growth, with a weekly volume of $6.2 billion as of January 2026.
This article was generated with the assistance of AI workflows.
‘The Watch’ Blurs The Line Between Video Games And Television
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid apologizes for cheating confession
DIY Wall-Plotter Does Generative Art, But Not As We Know It
Smart energy pays enters the US market, targeting scalable financial infrastructure
Software stocks enter bear market on AI disruption fear with ServiceNow plunging 10%
Wikipedia volunteers spent years cataloging AI tells. Now there’s a plugin to avoid them.
![2B. NAMNA YA KUPATA UHURU WA KIFEDHA [ FINANCIAL FREEDOM ] KIBIBLIA // MWL CHRISTOPHER MWAKASEGE:](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1770875187_maxresdefault-80x80.jpg)
2B. NAMNA YA KUPATA UHURU WA KIFEDHA [ FINANCIAL FREEDOM ] KIBIBLIA // MWL CHRISTOPHER MWAKASEGE:
Ghar mai Paise KAHA Rakhe? Agar Aapko Financial Security chahiye to Ye Secret Zarur Jaane
Mogged #car #shorts #tiktok #instagram #youtube #youtubeshorts #music #trending #new #money #sports
-
Politics3 days agoWhy Israel is blocking foreign journalists from entering
-
Sports5 days agoJD Vance booed as Team USA enters Winter Olympics opening ceremony
-
NewsBeat2 days agoMia Brookes misses out on Winter Olympics medal in snowboard big air
-
Business3 days agoLLP registrations cross 10,000 mark for first time in Jan
-
Tech5 days agoFirst multi-coronavirus vaccine enters human testing, built on UW Medicine technology
-
Sports5 hours agoBig Tech enters cricket ecosystem as ICC partners Google ahead of T20 WC | T20 World Cup 2026
-
Business3 days agoCostco introduces fresh batch of new bakery and frozen foods: report
-
Tech1 day agoSpaceX’s mighty Starship rocket enters final testing for 12th flight
-
NewsBeat3 days agoWinter Olympics 2026: Team GB’s Mia Brookes through to snowboard big air final, and curling pair beat Italy
-
Sports3 days agoBenjamin Karl strips clothes celebrating snowboard gold medal at Olympics
-
Sports5 days ago
Former Viking Enters Hall of Fame
-
Politics4 days agoThe Health Dangers Of Browning Your Food
-
Sports6 days ago
New and Huge Defender Enter Vikings’ Mock Draft Orbit
-
Business4 days agoJulius Baer CEO calls for Swiss public register of rogue bankers to protect reputation
-
NewsBeat6 days agoSavannah Guthrie’s mother’s blood was found on porch of home, police confirm as search enters sixth day: Live
-
Business6 days agoQuiz enters administration for third time
-
Crypto World6 hours agoPippin (PIPPIN) Enters Crypto’s Top 100 Club After Soaring 30% in a Day: More Room for Growth?
-
Crypto World2 days agoBlockchain.com wins UK registration nearly four years after abandoning FCA process
-
Crypto World2 days agoU.S. BTC ETFs register back-to-back inflows for first time in a month
-
Sports2 days ago
Kirk Cousins Officially Enters the Vikings’ Offseason Puzzle