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Crypto investors are increasingly exploring beyond the top three cryptocurrencies as the market downturn continues, according to Robinhood’s head of crypto, Johann Kerbrat.
“I think what we see from our customers is that they actually see it as an opportunity,” Kerbrat told Cointelegraph during an exclusive interview, adding that they are seeing it as “an opportunity to buy the dip.”
“So we actually see a lot of customers continuing to trade crypto and diversifying, not just on the top two or three assets, but actually going pretty wide,” he said, referring to the largest two cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH).
It signals that investors are potentially becoming more comfortable with crypto as an asset class, including its volatility and market swings.
Investors have a “very clear view” on Bitcoin and Ethereum
It comes just months after Coinbase Asset Management president Anthony Bassili told Cointelegraph in November that the average investor still hasn’t reached a clear consensus on what the third crypto asset beyond the top two warrants serious attention.
“The market is very unsure as to what’s the next asset they want to own after that,” he said, adding that Solana (SOL) is “maybe” the third asset on the radar. Bassili said at the time that there is a “very, very clear view” in the community in terms of Bitcoin being the first priority, followed by Ethereum.
Institutional crypto asset trading platform MidChains CEO Basil Al Askari told Cointelegraph that “we’re seeing full-scale asset managers entering with very large block trades going into predominantly the top 20 assets.”
“Not necessarily smaller cap altcoins, or not necessarily into DeFi or yield products,” Al Askari said, adding, “it’s baby steps.”
“I don’t think it’s impossible to see large investment managers and funds build specific teams around strategies that do different things along the risk curve, and so I do think that’s very possible,” Al Askari said.
Crypto holders are looking for use cases
Meanwhile, Kerbrat said he’s also seeing more crypto holders on the platform not just holding their tokens, but actively using them.
Kerbrat said staking has gained “very strong traction” since Robinhood rolled out the feature in December, and that more crypto holders are now exploring decentralized finance (DeFi) despite the market uncertainty.
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“It’s been pretty fun to see, to be honest. It’s always surprising,” Kerbrat said.
It comes as overall crypto sentiment has weakened, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index remaining in “Extreme Fear” since the start of February.
Meanwhile, US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have posted five consecutive weeks of net outflows, with investors pulling roughly $3.8 billion from the products over the period.
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The word “bitcoin” or any other mention of crypto will get you banned from the OpenClaw Discord. Not for spam, not for shilling, but just for saying it.
Peter Steinberger, the Austrian developer behind OpenClaw, the open-source AI agent framework that has surged past 200,000 GitHub stars since its release in late January, has enforced a blanket no-crypto rule on the project’s community server.
A user who recently mentioned bitcoin in passing — in the context of using block height as a clock for a multi-agent benchmark, not promoting a token — was blocked immediately.
Got blocked from @openclaw Discord for saying ‘bitcoin’ 🦞
CLASHD27 is multi-agent benchmark where Bitcoin block height is just a clock (mod 27). No tokens.
Hypothesis: can we pre-weigh intent? If attention is measured we bring trust to OpenClaw agents.@steipete Unblock 🙏
— clashd27 (@blockapunk) February 21, 2026
Steinberger was clear about the ban in a follow-up reply to the X post.
We have strict server rules that you accepted whe you entered the server. No crypto mention whatsoever is one of them, he said.
The rule comes after what happened in late January, when crypto nearly destroyed the project from the inside.
The trouble started after AI powerhouse Anthropic sent Steinberger a trademark notice over the project’s original name, Clawdbot, which the AI company argued was too close to Anthropic’s own “Claude.” Steinberger agreed to rebrand.
But in the brief seconds between releasing his old GitHub and X handles and securing the new ones, scammers seized both accounts and began promoting a fake token called $CLAWD on Solana.
That token hit $16 million in market capitalization within hours. When Steinberger publicly denied any involvement, it crashed over 90%, wiping out late buyers. Early snipers walked away with profits, and Steinberger was left fielding harassment from traders who blamed him for not endorsing the token.
“To all crypto folks: please stop pinging me, stop harassing me,” he wrote on X at the time. “I will never do a coin. Any project that lists me as coin owner is a SCAM.”
“You are actively damaging the project.”
To all crypto folks:
Please stop pinging me, stop harassing me.
I will never do a coin.
Any project that lists me as coin owner is a SCAM.
No, I will not accept fees.
You are actively damanging the project.— Peter Steinberger 🦞 (@steipete) January 27, 2026
Security researchers at blockchain firm SlowMist and independent auditors found hundreds of OpenClaw instances exposed to the public internet with no authentication, partly because the tool’s localhost trust model breaks when run behind a reverse proxy.
Separately, a researcher found 386 malicious “skills” — add-on scripts for OpenClaw agents — published on the project’s skill repository, many targeting crypto traders specifically.
Steinberger has since joined OpenAI to lead its personal agents division, with OpenClaw moving to an independent open-source foundation. The project is thriving.
But the crypto ban on Discord stays, leaving a scar from a weeks-long episode that showed how fast speculative token culture can engulf a legitimate software project and nearly bury it.
Cryptocurrency flows to suspected trafficking services jumped 85% in 2025.
Cryptocurrency payments to suppliers of fentanyl precursor chemicals began falling in mid-2023, months before overdose deaths declined.
This pattern suggests that blockchain data may provide an early signal of disruptions in the illicit drug supply, according to a new report from Chainalysis.
Early Disruption in Fentanyl Supply
The blockchain data company observed a measurable drop in on-chain payments linked to vendors of chemicals commonly used in fentanyl production well before official mortality statistics reflected a reduction in fatalities. Because overdose data is typically released with delays due to investigation and certification processes, the earlier contraction in crypto transactions points to a potential three-to-six-month lead time between supply chain stress and public health outcomes.
The findings suggest that tracking blockchain payments to precursor suppliers could give law enforcement and policymakers an early signal of changes in synthetic opioid supply, alongside traditional measures like drug seizures and overdose death data.
The report also documented a sharp rise in cryptocurrency activity tied to suspected human trafficking networks. In 2025, crypto flows to identified services increased 85% year over year, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. According to Chainalysis, much of that activity is concentrated in Southeast Asia, where trafficking operations overlap with scam compounds, online gambling platforms, and Chinese-language money laundering networks that operate largely through Telegram.
The firm identified four primary categories of suspected crypto-facilitated trafficking – Telegram-based “international escort” services believed to traffic individuals, “labor placement” agents recruiting workers for scam compounds, prostitution networks, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) vendors.
Payment patterns vary by category. “International escort” services and prostitution networks rely predominantly on stablecoins, which offer price stability and ease of conversion. CSAM vendors have historically favored bitcoin but are increasingly using alternative Layer 1 networks as well as privacy-focused assets such as Monero, and often turn to instant exchangers that allow rapid swaps without know-your-customer requirements. The company said these changes complicate tracing efforts but still leave observable patterns on-chain.
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Transaction size data indicates differing operational structures. Over 48% of transfers associated with Telegram-based “international escort” services were recorded to be more than $10,000, indicating organized operations functioning at scale. Prostitution networks demonstrated a higher concentration of transactions between $1,000 and $10,000, which is consistent with mid-tier agency activity.
Meanwhile, payments to “labor placement” agents recruiting for scam compounds typically fell within the same $1,000 to $10,000 range. This trend aligns with advertised fees for transporting workers across borders. Victims recruited through these channels are often coerced into operating online fraud schemes under threat of violence, according to prior reporting cited in the analysis.
The report also found that some escort and recruitment services are integrated with Chinese-language money laundering networks and “guarantee” platforms that rapidly convert stablecoins into local currencies, thereby reducing exposure to potential freezes.
In the CSAM sector, operators increasingly use subscription-based models, which often charge less than $100 per month, to generate recurring revenue. Chainalysis also observed overlap between CSAM networks and online extremist communities, as well as the use of US-based web infrastructure to host surface websites while operators may be located abroad.
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Bitcoin’s monthly performance pattern has become a focal point for investors trying to gauge the near-term trajectory of the market. An economist’s simple metric — counting how many months within a rolling two-year window produced gains — has sparked renewed debate about the odds of higher prices in the months ahead. The analysis comes as BTC has pulled back from peaks earlier in the year and as traders weigh a mix of seasonal tendencies, on-chain signals, and sentiment indicators that oscillate between caution and the prospect of a rebound. In 2025, BTC showed gains in six of the 12 months, a backdrop that shapes expectations for a market that remains highly sensitive to macro developments and liquidity conditions.
Key takeaways
- Bitcoin’s (CRYPTO: BTC) longer-run pattern shows that 50% of the last 24 months included positive monthly performance, a signal cited by economist Timothy Peterson to suggest a high probability of higher prices within the near term.
- Peterson’s method implies an approximately 88% chance that BTC will be higher 10 months from the reference point, highlighting how simple month-count metrics can inform timing debates in a volatile market.
- Polymarket currently assigns a 17% probability to December becoming Bitcoin’s best month of 2026, narrowly trailing November’s 18% odds.
- November remains historically strong for BTC, with CoinGlass data showing it as the best performing month on average since 2013, delivering substantial gains on many occasions.
- BTC was trading near $68,173 at the time of reporting, about a quarter below its level at the start of the year, underscoring the scale of retracement and the potential for a range-bound setup into year-end.
- Market sentiment appears mixed: the Crypto Fear & Greed Index signaled “Extreme Fear,” while sentiment analytics firm Santiment noted a cooling of price-predictive chatter, signaling a move toward neutral territory.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC
Market context: The data-driven debate unfolds as traders balance seasonal tendencies with a backdrop of cautious risk appetite. While one set of metrics points to upside potential, broader sentiment and liquidity considerations continue to weigh on positioning, making near-term moves more data-dependent than traditional catalysts alone.
Why it matters
The discussion around BTC’s month-to-month cadence matters because it reframes how investors think about timing in a market known for abrupt shifts. If the 24-month positive-month metric holds, the odds of a continuation of higher prices could tilt decisions toward positioning strategies that benefit from gradual upside rather than sharp, binary breakouts. The nuance matters for miners, traders, and institutions alike, because it suggests a probabilistic framework rather than a single price target. It also highlights how macro factors — such as liquidity cycles, macro risk sentiment, and regulatory signals — interact with seasonality to shape price expectations in a market where many participants rely on models that blend on-chain signals with traditional indicators.
The split among analysts adds texture to the risk assessment. Some optimists, like Michael van de Poppe, have cautioned that the near term could see a green week for BTC, pointing to potential candles that could buttress a broader rebound after a stretch of red months. Others, including veteran traders, have warned that a definitive bottom may not come quickly and suggested that a deeper or more drawn-out phase of weakness could precede a real recovery. In this tug-of-war, investors are watching not only price action but also how social sentiment evolves and whether institutional demand returns as volatility moderates.
Beyond Bitcoin’s price action, the narrative is influenced by how the market interprets data points from data providers and prediction markets. For instance, the December outlook on Polymarket reflects a probabilistic expectation rather than a verdict, with traders pricing in a non-trivial chance that the final month of the year outperforms others in 2026. Meanwhile, the long-run tail risk — often discussed in the context of macro liquidity and regulatory clarity — remains a factor that can alter the pace and composition of investor inflows or withdrawals. The interplay between these signals is what keeps BTC in a dynamic, data-driven environment rather than a static price path.
On-chain measurements and sentiment trackers add further texture. The Fear & Greed Index, a gauge of overall market mood, landed in a rare phase of extreme caution, underscoring the risk-off leaning prevailing in many corners of the crypto space. Yet, sentiment analytics outfit Santiment has noted a trend toward a more neutral stance as the crowd reduces speculative chatter around price predictions. This combination — cautious macro mood with subdued but stabilizing on-chain signals — helps explain why the market is watching for confirmatory catalysts that could turn pessimism into a more constructive price trajectory.
As traders parse these competing signals, the price backdrop remains a real-time constraint. BTC hovered around $68,173 at the time of publication, a level that sits noticeably below the year’s start and well under the all-time highs seen in late 2023 and early 2024. The current chapter is not about a single event but about a mosaic of indicators that could tip the balance toward a steadier ascent or a renewed period of consolidation. The breadth of opinions among seasoned traders reflects the broader reality: in a market as data-rich and narrative-driven as crypto, many of the strongest moves are born from a confluence of timing, sentiment, and macro liquidity rather than from any one signal alone.
In sum, the BTC narrative remains a study in contrasts — data points suggesting upside probability allied with cautionary sentiment and a price backdrop that invites patience. The coming weeks and months will test whether the 88% horizon implied by Peterson’s monthly-count framework materializes, or whether outcomes align more closely with the more conservative, risk-off mood reflected in short-term volatility measures. For market participants, the takeaway is to blend probabilistic thinking with disciplined risk management, rather than rely on a single data point to forecast the next leg of Bitcoin’s journey.
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What to watch next
- December’s outcome for BTC’s performance on Polymarket’s “best month in 2026” event (current odds: 17%), and whether November’s 18% edge holds.
- BTC’s price trajectory toward or away from the $70,000 level and how it interacts with the 10-month horizon referenced in Peterson’s metric.
- The evolution of market sentiment indicators, including the Fear & Greed Index and Santiment’s readings on sentiment normalization.
- On-chain activity and liquidity signals that could accompany a sustained price move, especially as macro factors influence risk appetite.
Sources & verification
- Timothy Peterson’s X post citing the 50% positive-month metric and the ~88% odds window: https://x.com/nsquaredvalue/status/2025275842394251560?s=20
- CoinGlass data on BTC’s 2025 monthly performance: https://www.coinglass.com/today
- Polymarket event page for “Bitcoin best month in 2026”: https://polymarket.com/event/bitcoin-best-month-in-2026
- Bitcoin price reference as of publication on CoinMarketCap: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/
- Crypto Fear & Greed Index for market sentiment: https://alternative.me/crypto/fear-and-greed-index/
Market reaction and key details
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has traded within a data-rich framework that blends seasonal expectations with a skeptical sentiment backdrop. The 50% positive-month metric over the preceding 24 months, highlighted by Peterson in his X post, is not a price forecast but a probability-driven lens that can inform timing considerations. The implication that BTC has roughly an 88% chance of being higher in ten months is based on counting the number of positive months; such a metric is best viewed as one among many tools, not a standalone predictor. It underscores how revenue-focused and risk-managed investors may frame potential upside in a market known for abrupt swings.
Traders on prediction platforms see a nuanced picture for December. Polymarket’s pricing places a 17% probability on December becoming BTC’s best month of 2026, a signal that the market assigns to rare, outsized upside relative to other months, though still modest in absolute terms. November remains a benchmark; history shows it as the strongest calendar month for BTC on average since 2013, often delivering outsized gains. This historical context helps frame the December odds as part of a longer cycle rather than a stand-alone bet. The juxtaposition of seasonality against structural market fragility is why many market participants approach the next few weeks with hedged expectations.
From a price perspective, BTC hovered around $68,173 at press time, a level that sits well below the early-year peak and marks a sharp retracement from February’s ~$80,000 starting point. The pullback doesn’t negate the strategic value of the month-to-month dynamism; instead, it highlights the need for patience and disciplined risk controls as the market tests whether a base forms or if buyers should wait for a clearer signal. In this environment, the interplay between seasonal patterns and sentiment becomes particularly meaningful: a favorable November-to-December transition could set the stage for a more sustained move, but a reiteration of caution could prolong a period of consolidation as liquidity conditions remain sensitive to global macro developments.
Analysts remain divided on the near-term path. While some traders anticipate a green week for BTC and a potential extension of gains, others project further downside before a genuine bottom takes hold. The divergent views reflect a broader truth about crypto markets: price action is increasingly influenced by a combination of on-chain signals, probabilistic forecasting, and evolving investor psychology. The result is a market that rewards prudent risk management and flexible positioning, rather than single-factor bets. As the narrative evolves, investors will be watching not only price levels but also how sentiment metrics shift and whether predicted outcomes in prediction markets begin to align with actual market moves.
Half of the months over the past two years have delivered positive returns for Bitcoin, which may be a strong sign that it will be higher than its current price in December, an economist said.
“50% of the past 24 months have been positive. This implies a 88% chance that Bitcoin will be higher 10 months from now,” economist Timothy Peterson said in an X post on Saturday. In 2025, Bitcoin posted gains in January, April, May, June, July, and September, while the other six months ended lower, according to CoinGlass.
Peterson explained that he uses the metric to count the number of positive months in any 24-month period to identify possible inflection points.
Traders on crypto prediction platform Polymarket are giving December a 17% chance of being Bitcoin’s (BTC) best month of 2026, just behind November at 18%.
Historically, November has been Bitcoin’s strongest-performing month on average since 2013, with an average return of 41.13%, according to CoinGlass.
Peterson’s forecast comes as Bitcoin’s price trades almost 25% below its level at the beginning of this year, at $68,173 at the time of publication, according to CoinMarketCap.
Analysts are divided on how the asset will perform in the near future. MN Trading Capital founder Michael van de Poppe said on Friday, “I would expect next week to be green for BTC.” “Finalizing this month with a massive candle and a streak of five red months,” he said.
Meanwhile, other analysts see more downside ahead. Veteran trader Peter Brand recently told Magazine that Bitcoin’s “real bottom will not occur until October 2026.”
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Peterson’s forecast comes as crypto market sentiment continues to decline. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index, which measures overall crypto market sentiment, posted an “Extreme Fear” score of 9 on Sunday, signaling extreme caution among investors.
However, crypto sentiment platform Santiment said on Friday that the “drying up” of Bitcoin price predictions on social media among crypto market participants is a healthy indicator as sentiment returns to “neutral” territory.
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Crypto markets have wiped out roughly $1 trillion in value over the past month, underscoring a broad risk-off mood that has weighed on spot prices. Yet not all corners of the industry are moving in lockstep with price drops. Infrastructure plays, venture activity focused on on-chain finance, and the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) are signaling a different rhythm, with capital continuing to flow into areas believed to bolster liquidity and revenue-generating capabilities. In this week’s overview, Nakamoto’s $107 million push to acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management highlights consolidation at the intersection of media, events, and asset advisory services. Separately, Dragonfly Capital’s $650 million fund signals ongoing institutional interest in on-chain rails, while tokenized RWAs persist as a buoyant sub-sector even as broader markets stall. At the same time, Paradigm is emphasizing a potentially pivotal yet debated role for Bitcoin mining in stabilizing energy grids as AI demand for power climbs. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) (the technology’s flagship token) remains a focal point for investors eyeing resilience amid volatility, and the broader ecosystem continues to explore how on-chain solutions can support traditional financial operations.
Key takeaways
- Nakamoto to acquire BTC Inc and UTXO Management in a $107 million deal, issuing 363,589,819 shares of Nakamoto common stock at a $1.12 strike under a call option structure.
- Dragonfly Capital closes its fourth fund at $650 million, reinforcing appetite for infrastructure and real-world asset-based financial products built on blockchain rails.
- Tokenized RWAs mark a contrasting trend to the broader market: the total value of tokenized RWAs rose about 13.5% in the last 30 days, while the aggregate crypto market retraced roughly $1 trillion.
- Tokenized US Treasurys, private credit, and tokenized stocks are expanding, suggesting fixed-income-style products remain a magnet for capital even during downturns.
- Paradigm argues that Bitcoin mining can serve as a flexible load on the electric grid, potentially aiding utilities as AI infrastructure expands—but the practicality hinges on contracts and energy-market economics.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH, $ARB, $SOL
Sentiment: Neutral
Price impact: Negative. Broad market declines have outweighed pockets of institutional investment and RWA growth.
Market context: The sector is bifurcated, with price volatility contrasting against sustained interest in on-chain infrastructure, tokenized assets, and grid-services concepts as AI-driven demand reshapes energy markets.
Why it matters
The juxtaposition of a broad price downturn with continued deal flow and asset tokenization highlights a longer-term shift in crypto economics. While spot markets have faced pressure, the underlying demand for on-chain mechanisms that can replicate or enhance traditional finance—such as yield generation, asset securitization, and liquidity provisioning—appears persistent. The Nakamoto transaction exemplifies a strategy to vertically integrate media, events, and financial services around Bitcoin’s ecosystem, signaling a belief that value accrues not only from price appreciation but also from owning and coordinating the ecosystem’s narrative and services. By acquiring BTC Inc and UTXO Management, Nakamoto seeks to expand its footprint in media reach, advisory capabilities, and asset management, potentially shaping how market participants access information, analysis, and structured products related to Bitcoin and its broader ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Dragonfly’s $650 million fund underscores a continued appetite among seasoned investors for infrastructure-stage bets that can deliver revenue through on-chain rails, rather than pure token appreciation. The emphasis on financial products—payments, stablecoins, lending, and RWAs—reflects a strategic shift toward platforms that generate ongoing cash flows even when token prices are under pressure. This aligns with a broader industry pivot toward sustainable business models that can operate across cycles, providing a counterweight to the volatility inherent in token markets.
The tokenized RWA space remains a bright spot within crypto, underscoring the market’s belief that pegging traditional assets like Treasurys, private credit, and even equities to on-chain representations can lower borrowing costs, improve liquidity, and broaden accessibility. Data from RWA.xyz shows a 13.5% rise in the total value of tokenized RWAs over the past 30 days, a period when the wider market saw a substantial decline. This divergence suggests that investors are differentiating between immediate price action and the longer-term utility of tokenized fixed-income and collateralized assets. If realized, such dynamics could help stabilize portions of the crypto economy by providing yield anchors and more predictable cash flows, even as risk sentiment remains fragile.
Paradigm’s view on Bitcoin mining as a grid-stabilizing asset adds another layer to the conversation. The firm contends that miners can act as flexible capacity—scaling up during periods of excess generation and scaling down when demand tightens—thereby smoothing fluctuations in electricity markets. The concept is attractive in a moment when AI data centers are driving electricity demand higher, potentially straining local grids. However, turning this into scalable, contractually reliable grid support hinges on the economics of energy markets, regulatory frameworks, and the terms miners can secure with grid operators. Critics point to variability in energy pricing, the need for long-term power purchase agreements, and the challenge of coordinating multiple players across a fragmented grid landscape. Yet the idea continues to gain traction as utilities, policymakers, and investors explore pragmatic ways to monetize energy resources through decentralized blockchain infrastructure. As with all these use cases, the actual impact will depend on regulatory clarity, energy markets, and the ability of on-chain participants to demonstrate measurable reliability.
What to watch next
- Closing details and execution timeline of Nakamoto’s acquisition of BTC Inc and UTXO Management, including any regulatory approvals.
- Dragonfly Capital’s fund deployment plans, with a focus on real-world asset tokenization and on-chain financial products.
- Updates from RWA.xyz on tokenized asset value flows, especially around tokenized Treasurys, private credit, and tokenized stocks.
- Progress and practical implementation of Paradigm’s grid-stabilization thesis, including utility partnerships, contracts, and regional deployments.
Sources & verification
- Nakamoto’s announced acquisition of BTC Inc and UTXO Management and the terms of the deal, as reported in primary communications.
- Dragonfly Capital’s fund-raising announcement and alignment with on-chain infrastructure and RWAs.
- RWA.xyz data on the 30-day change in tokenized RWAs value and the broader comparison to the crypto market rout.
- Paradigm’s report advocating Bitcoin mining as a flexible grid load and its accompanying analysis of grid economics and energy demand.
Tokenized asset momentum amid a crypto market rout
In the broader narrative, the market is quiet on the price front, while the engine behind tokenized assets continues to hum. The first major narrative is Nakamoto’s strategic expansion into the Bitcoin ecosystem. By consolidating BTC Inc and UTXO Management under a single umbrella, Nakamoto is positioning itself to control more of the information, expertise, and advisory services surrounding Bitcoin’s commercial and financial utilities. This move could influence how media, events, and asset management are integrated—an important consideration for institutions seeking coherent exposure to Bitcoin and its ancillary services. The transaction structure, which assigns shares to BTC Inc and UTXO investors at an elevated strike price, also signals a willingness to pay a premium for control over talent, brand, and distribution channels in a market that remains highly fragmented at the corporate level.
On the venture side, Dragonfly’s continued commitment to on-chain financial infrastructure speaks to a belief that the real economy will increasingly transact through tokenized rails. The fund’s focus on real-world assets and fixed-incomelike products aligns with a broader industry trend toward sustainability and revenue-generating models. In practical terms, this could translate into more accessible yield products, more robust tokenized securitization, and greater liquidity for traditional assets via blockchain representations. As capital flows into this space, the potential for broader adoption grows, even if token prices for major coins remain under pressure in the near term.
Tokenized RWAs have become a barometer for how the crypto economy is maturing beyond speculative trading. The 13.5% uptick in tokenized RWA value over the last 30 days—outpacing a market that shed roughly $1 trillion—illustrates a degree of resilience in fixed-income-like digital assets. Much of this growth has centered on tokenized U.S. Treasurys and private credit products, with tokenized equities gaining traction as well. The trend suggests that investors are willing to diversify into on-chain yield strategies, which could help stabilize liquidity in networks that have historically leaned on speculative activity for value creation. If sustained, tokenized RWAs could broaden the base of crypto-native investors and institutions seeking predictable cash flows rather than purely price appreciation.
The narrative around Bitcoin mining’s grid role remains nuanced. Paradigm’s proposition hinges on practical contracts with grid operators and the economics of energy markets rather than a purely technical capability. If validated, miners could become a strategic adjunct to traditional grid resources, reducing the need for abrupt capacity curtailments and enabling a more adaptive energy network in the face of AI-driven demand surges. Yet scaling such a model will require collaboration across utilities, regulators, and energy providers to ensure reliability and financial viability. The coming quarters should reveal whether pilots materialize into scalable programs with measurable environmental and economic benefits.
What it means for investors and builders
For investors, the bifurcation between price action and value formation suggests a nuanced approach to risk. A diversified strategy that weighs tokenized RWAs and on-chain infrastructure alongside core crypto assets could offer a more resilient footprint. Builders working on tokenized finance, regulatory-compliant asset representations, and grid-friendly mining solutions may find favorable tailwinds if these structural trends persist. Regulators will also play a crucial role, particularly around securities classifications for RWAs and the permitting framework for large-scale grid participation by miners.
What to watch next
- Regulatory developments affecting tokenized asset classes and exchange-traded representations in major markets.
- Deployment milestones for tokenized U.S. Treasurys and private credit products, including on-chain yield benchmarks.
- Operational pilots or partnerships linking Bitcoin mining operations with grid stability initiatives.
- Further announcements from Nakamoto regarding integration of media, events, and asset-management services within Bitcoin-focused ecosystems.
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The crypto market has pulled back after the aggressive rally that followed the 2024 U.S. elections, trimming a sizable portion of gains from late 2024. The Total3 Market Cap, which excludes ETH and BTC, surged more than 90% in the immediate wake of the election, topping $1.16 trillion by December 2024. By contrast, the level just before the pump hovered around $600 billion. After a volatile stretch into early 2025, the aggregate measure hovered in the $700–$750 billion zone and remained at roughly $713 billion at the time of publication. Bitcoin and Ethereum likewise retraced most gains, with BTC dipping toward $60,000 and ETH retreating from its all-time high near $5,000 during the August 2025 cycle.
Key takeaways
- The Total3 Market Cap peaked at about $1.16 trillion in December 2024, then settled near $713 billion, signaling a broad, incomplete recovery from the late-2024 surge.
- Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) retraced more than half of its peak-to-trough move, bottoming near $60,000 before a modest bounce to the high $60,000s.
- Ether (CRYPTO: ETH) dropped roughly 60% from its August 2025 high of close to $5,000, leaving prices around the low $2,000s.
- Market sentiment sits at multi-year lows, with the Fear and Greed Index registering extreme fear (14) and, at times, dropping to record lows in early 2026.
- After a fleeting October 2025 peak near $1.19 trillion, the market faced a disruptive correction that challenged the sustainability of the prior up move.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH
Sentiment: Bearish
Price impact: Negative. Broad market liquidity and flagship assets retreated from recent highs, underscoring caution among investors.
Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold. The market appears rangebound with limited catalysts for a decisive breakout in the near term, suggesting patience over chasing momentum.
Market context: The recent price action unfolds amid a broader reevaluation of risk appetite, macro uncertainty, and shifting policy signals that influence crypto flows, including ETF dynamics and regulatory expectations.
Why it matters
The retreat from the late-2024 rally matters for a broad set of market participants. Investors who chased the cycle now confront a more cautious environment where liquidity is thinner and conviction is tested by macro headlines and policy signals. Miners, who historically respond to both price and energy costs, may adjust capital expenditure and mine-sourcing strategies as profitability metrics tighten. Developers and ecosystem builders could face tighter funding cycles if risk sentiment remains fragile, potentially slowing launches and network upgrades. On the regulatory front, the trajectory of ETF approvals and inflows continues to influence institutional exposure, and traders will watch any policy clarity that could unlock or cap new capital inflows.
From a price-structure perspective, the contrast between the Total3 Market Cap’s bounce and the more persistent weakness in flagship assets underscores a nuanced market dynamic: capital is chasing selective exposure, while a broad-based risk-off mood persists. The October 2025 peak near $1.19 trillion followed by a sharp correction demonstrated that even after a multi-quarter expansion, the crypto market remains highly sensitive to sentiment shifts and macro shocks. The narrative around ESG concerns, energy costs, and geopolitical tensions has not vanished; rather, it has been reframed within a sector that still depends on liquidity cycles and narrative-driven flows.
For traders and researchers, the data points—BTC and ETH price trajectories, fear/greed signals, and the total market’s relative strength or weakness—offer a lens into how much of the 2024–2025 exuberance was constructive long-term adoption versus a cyclical liquidity-driven impulse. The persistence of a sub-70% rebound in the Total3 Market Cap, along with the subdued sentiment, suggests that this is less a moment of breakout and more a phase of consolidation and reassessment.
What to watch next
- Total3 Market Cap: Monitor whether liquidity returns and if the metric can establish a sustained floor above $700 billion or test a new resistance above $750 billion in the coming months.
- Bitcoin price action: Look for stabilization above $60,000 and evidence of renewed strength toward prior highs, which would signal renewed buyer conviction.
- Ethereum price path: Track whether ETH can reclaim the $2,000 level decisively and approach the $2,500–$3,000 zone as demand for smart-contracts and DeFi ramps up.
- Market sentiment: Watch the Fear and Greed Index for improvements from extreme fear, which could precede broader price rebounds if macro conditions improve.
- Regulatory and product flows: Stay alert for any concrete ETF approvals, filings, or inflows that could catalyze fresh capital and shift risk appetite.
Sources & verification
- Total3 Market Cap history showing the peak near $1.16 trillion in December 2024 and a later level around $713 billion.
- Bitcoin price action data reflecting a move toward $60,000 and a bounce to the high $60,000s.
- Ethereum price trajectory from a peak near $5,000 in August 2025 to the current range around $2,000.
- Fear and Greed Index readings around 14, indicating extreme fear, and the record-low level observed in early 2026.
- Visuals and charts from TradingView illustrating Total3 and major asset movements.
Market reaction and the current state of the crypto market
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) have underlined a broader market reality: the 2024–2025 rally did not translate into an uninterrupted, self-sustaining uptrend. After the US election-driven surge, the market’s trajectory mutated into a more cautious pattern, with the Total3 Market Cap retreating from its late-2024 peak and hovering in the low-to-mid trillions for much of 2025 before slipping again. The October 2025 high near $1.19 trillion illustrated that demand existed—enough to push the aggregate higher—but the subsequent collapse reminded traders that liquidity, momentum, and macro confidence are integral to sustaining a long-term breakout.
In the wake of the drawdown, BTC has registered a classic risk-off response: a steep correction from the prior highs, a dip toward the $60,000 mark, and a tentative recovery that stops short of confirming a durable bottom. ETH has followed a similar path, with the asset’s decline reflecting both the overall market cooling and evolving demand for decentralized finance and smart-contract activity. These price actions are not merely a function of a single catalyst; they reflect a confluence of sentiment erosion, shifting macro cues, and the dynamic behavior of crypto-capital allocation.
What makes the current moment distinct is the interplay between a still-active long-run narrative—ledger transparency, programmable money, and cross-border settlement use cases—and the short-term realities of liquidity and risk appetite. The Fear and Greed Index, which had surfaced repeatedly as a contrarian signal during prior cycles, has sat in “extreme fear” territory for an extended period. This dynamic often corresponds with periods of price consolidation or continued volatility, as investors weigh whether macro tailwinds or policy shifts will re-ignite speculative demand. The market’s tone remains cautious, even as certain on-chain metrics suggest that real user activity and long-term investor participation have not vanished.
From a broader market-context standpoint, the present environment underscores why sector watchers emphasize patience and disciplined risk management. The prior cycle’s exuberance is not guaranteed to recur in a straight line, and the path toward a new cycle could hinge on a combination of macro stabilization, clearer regulatory clarity, and the emergence of product structures that can sustain institutional interest. As traders parse every headline and data release, the core takeaway remains: the crypto market, while larger and more mature than in early cycles, is still evolving toward a point where sustained fundamentals—rather than episodic euphoria—drive longer-term value.
The Supreme Court’s decision to ban Donald Trump’s tariffs has quietly shifted global market sentiment. Stocks reacted first, but crypto whales appear to be moving as well. BeInCrypto analysts tracking blockchain flows have identified early accumulation across three altcoins, signaling positioning ahead of a potential liquidity shift.
Tariff removal can ease inflation pressure and improve risk appetite, conditions that often favor speculative assets. This suggests crypto whales may already be preparing for the next phase of macro-driven crypto momentum, provided the positive sentiment holds.
Pump.fun (PUMP)
Crypto whales are buying Pump.fun (PUMP), one of the earliest infrastructure plays tied to speculative activity. Platforms like Pump.fun tend to benefit first when risk appetite improves, because they sit at the center of high-risk token launches.
On-chain data shows whale holdings rose 1.16% in the past 24 hours, bringing their total stash to 12.23 billion PUMP. This means whales added roughly 140 million PUMP tokens in a single day.
At the current price, this equals about $280,000 worth of accumulation. While not an aggressive spike, it signals early positioning rather than late chasing, reflecting cautious optimism.
The answer behind this behavior may lie in the price chart. PUMP is currently forming an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern on the 12-hour chart. This is a bullish reversal structure that appears when selling pressure fades and buyers begin regaining control.
The neckline resistance sits near $0.0022, and a confirmed breakout above this level could open the path toward $0.0035, representing a potential upside of over 55%
Momentum is already building. PUMP is now testing its 20-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA), which tracks the average price while giving more weight to recent moves.
Traders use this level to judge short-term strength. The last time PUMP reclaimed this EMA on February 13, it rallied nearly 15% shortly after. A similar rally can push the PUMP price past the neckline.
However, risks remain. A drop below $0.0019 would weaken momentum, while a fall under $0.0016 would invalidate the bullish setup entirely.
This explains why crypto whales are accumulating gradually. They appear to be positioning early for a PUMP price breakout, but are still respecting the current market structure.
Synthetix (SNX)
Crypto whales are buying Synthetix (SNX), but a deeper look shows it is mainly mega whales leading the move. This shift comes after the Supreme Court’s Trump tariff ban improved risk appetite. When macro uncertainty drops, large investors often rotate into higher-beta DeFi tokens that can rise faster.
Synthetix fits this profile because it powers synthetic assets, which tend to attract activity when traders expect stronger market momentum.
The data confirms this selective accumulation. The top 100 addresses increased their holdings by 1.47%, bringing their total stash to 312.22 million SNX.
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That means they added roughly 4.52 million SNX in the past 24 hours. At the current price, this equals about $1.83 million worth of SNX accumulated. This is important because mega whales are buying during strength, not weakness. This usually signals positioning for continuation, not just dip buying.
The chart explains why.
SNX appears to be forming a cup and handle pattern, which is a bullish continuation structure. This pattern starts with a rounded recovery, followed by a smaller pullback called the handle. The handle might soon be forming, which means consolidation may happen before the next move.
The key breakout level sits at $0.42. If SNX breaks and shows acceptance above this level, the pattern projection suggests a possible 72% rally toward $0.73.
This potential explains why mega whales are positioning early. They are likely willing to sit through consolidation, while smaller whales hesitate.
On the downside, $0.36 and $0.32 are important support levels during consolidation. These levels allow the handle to form normally. However, a drop below $0.24 would invalidate the bullish pattern completely.
Onyxcoin (XCN)
Onyxcoin (XCN) is the third token where crypto whales have quietly increased exposure after the Supreme Court’s Trump tariff ban. Whale holdings rose from 48.84 billion to 48.96 billion XCN, adding 120 million tokens in one day. At the current price, this amounts to roughly $612,000 in XCN accumulated.
This buying comes despite weak recent performance, suggesting whales may be positioning early for a reversal rather than reacting to strength.
One possible reason lies in Onyxcoin’s core role. The project focuses on blockchain-based financial infrastructure, including payments and settlement systems. If tariff restrictions ease and global trade improves, demand for blockchain settlement networks could rise. Whales may see XCN as a leveraged bet on that long-term macro shift.
The XCN price chart also supports this early positioning. Between November 4 and February 19, XCN formed a lower low in price, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) formed a higher low.
RSI measures momentum. When RSI rises while price falls, it signals that selling pressure is weakening. This pattern often appears before a trend reversal. Importantly, the earlier RSI low was deep in the oversold zone, which strengthens the reversal signal.
Some recovery has already started. The next key breakout level sits at $0.0065. If XCN moves above this level, it could target $0.0098, which aligns with a key Fibonacci retracement level. This would represent a potential 92% rally from current levels.
However, risks remain. If XCN falls below $0.0045, the reversal structure weakens. A deeper drop toward $0.0041 could follow.
“In a space that is just completely flooded with bulls**t and with fakers and self-promoters, I think that has actually been a superpower.”
Crypto venture capital firm Dragonfly Capital has closed its fourth fund at $650 million.
The fund comes as the broader cryptocurrency market faces a severe downturn, with token prices declining and investor enthusiasm weakened.
$650 Million Fund
Dragonfly’s previous fund, its third, deployed $500 million into startups such as Polymarket, Rain, and Ethena. The new $650 million vehicle aims to continue that trajectory and will provide capital for the firm to pursue early-stage investments at a time when the crypto venture sector is experiencing a slowdown as deal activity declines and firms face challenges in raising additional capital from investors, according to Fortune.
Speaking about the latest development, co-founder Haseeb Qureshi commented,
“We talk out loud and we say what we think. In a space that is just completely flooded with bulls**t and with fakers and self-promoters, I think that has actually been a superpower.”
The firm’s investments have included Layer 1 blockchain projects such as Avalanche, financial services firms like Amber Group, and other crypto projects. Besides, Dragonfly’s operations have continued through multiple market disruptions, such as the collapse of the Terra Luna ecosystem, the FTX bankruptcy, and a move away from China amid a local crypto crackdown.
Scrutiny Linked to Tornado Cash Investment
It has also faced regulatory scrutiny from the Department of Justice (DOJ). In July 2025, prosecutors informed a federal judge that they were considering criminal charges against employees of the crypto venture firm, including general partner Tom Schmidt, in relation to the 2020 investment in Tornado Cash.
The statement was made by prosecutor Nathan Rehn to District Judge Katherine Polk Failla of the Southern District of New York during a break in the trial of Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm, who was later convicted of operating an unlicensed money transmission. Dragonfly co-founder Haseeb Qureshi clarified that the firm has fully cooperated with the government investigation, which began in 2023. He had then stated that if charges are filed, they intend to defend themselves.
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The Justice Department later backtracked, and no charges were filed against Schmidt.
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