Crypto World
Standard Chartered slashes Bitcoin target again on ETF outflows, Fed angst
Standard Chartered cuts 2026 Bitcoin and Ethereum targets again, citing weak macro, softer Fed-cut hopes, ETF outflows and shifting investor positioning.
Summary
- Standard Chartered reduced its long-term 2026 Bitcoin price target for a second time in three months, after earlier downgrades from more aggressive projections.
- Geoff Kendrick cites deteriorating macro conditions, delayed Fed easing, ETF outflows and the risk of deeper investor capitulation as key downside drivers.
- The bank also lowered its 2026 Ethereum target, warning ETH could drop sharply first even as on-chain activity and network usage trends remain comparatively healthy.
Standard Chartered has lowered its long-term Bitcoin price forecast for the second time in less than three months, citing weakening macroeconomic conditions and shifting investor behavior in the cryptocurrency market.
In a note published Thursday, Geoff Kendrick, the bank’s head of digital assets research, stated that Standard Chartered now expects Bitcoin (BTC) to reach its revised target by the end of 2026. The latest projection represents a significant reduction from the bank’s previous forecast for the cryptocurrency. The revision follows an earlier downgrade in December, when the bank cut its target from a prior forecast.
Bitcoin pessimism remains
According to Bloomberg, the bank’s more cautious stance reflects a combination of deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and changing investor behavior, particularly during the past month’s market downturn. Bitcoin has declined substantially from its October peak, while US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have recorded sizeable net outflows.
Kendrick noted that slowing US economic momentum and reduced expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts have pressured digital assets. Declining ETF holdings have removed a critical source of demand that supported previous rallies, according to the note.
The interest-rate environment remains a central concern for cryptocurrency markets. Market participants have pushed back expectations for Federal Reserve easing, with investors now anticipating that the first rate cut may come later in the year than previously expected. Kendrick also cited uncertainty surrounding future Federal Reserve leadership as an additional factor contributing to caution around Bitcoin.
The bank warned that deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and the risk of further investor capitulation could continue to pressure prices in the near term.
Despite the more conservative forecasts, Standard Chartered emphasized that the current downturn appears more orderly than previous cryptocurrency market collapses. Kendrick highlighted that on-chain activity data continues to show improvement, suggesting that underlying network usage remains healthy. The market has not experienced high-profile platform failures similar to those that defined the 2022 cycle, when the collapses of Terra/Luna and FTX triggered widespread contagion, according to the bank.
Standard Chartered also revised its outlook for Ethereum, reducing its 2026 price target for the second-largest cryptocurrency from an earlier projection. Analysts expect Ether could fall significantly before reaching that level, according to the note.
Crypto World
Stablecoin Yield Debate: The Digital Chamber Outlines Principles to Preserve DeFi Liquidity
TLDR:
- TDC urges retaining Section 404 exemptions to maintain DeFi liquidity and LP pairs.
- Stablecoins should remain viable payment instruments without disrupting the ecosystem.
- Firms must disclose that DeFi yields are not equivalent to traditional bank interest.
- Deposit impact studies will assess how stablecoins interact with insured U.S. banks.
Stablecoin yield debate is now a central topic in U.S. digital finance policy as The Digital Chamber (TDC) released principles to guide lawmakers.
The organization emphasized the need to preserve stablecoins as payment instruments while protecting liquidity in decentralized finance (DeFi) markets.
TDC’s guidance aims to maintain the role of dollar-denominated stablecoins, support innovation, and provide a structured, data-driven framework for assessing their effect on deposits and banking activity.
TDC shared its guidance on X, stating, “Today, The Digital Chamber is releasing principles to help illuminate the path forward on the stablecoin yield debate so that the U.S. can move forward in advancing a durable market structure bill.”
The post also acknowledged ongoing collaboration with the White House and Senate Banking Committee staff.
Preserving Section 404 Exemptions to Support DeFi
TDC addressed Section 404 of the Senate Banking Committee’s draft market structure bill, which prohibits interest or rewards for merely holding payment stablecoins.
The organization stressed that exemptions (E) and (F) are essential to maintaining DeFi operations and liquidity provision.
“Without exemptions (E) and (F), legislation could significantly impair U.S. dollar denominated stablecoins currently deployed in DeFi protocols and as liquidity provider pairs,” the Chamber noted.
The principles explain that U.S. dollar stablecoins currently serve as critical components of LP pairs on decentralized exchanges.
Removing these exemptions could shift activity toward foreign jurisdictions and reduce U.S. oversight. “Eliminating these provisions would severely undermine dollar dominance in the digital asset ecosystem,” TDC warned.
TDC also highlighted the importance of compensating liquidity providers who facilitate trading. According to the statement, banning such rewards could increase user exposure to impermanent loss. Exemptions allow users to continue pairing assets with trusted dollar-denominated stablecoins safely.
The organization concluded that retaining Section 404 exemptions protects existing market participants while fostering innovation.
By maintaining these clauses, the U.S. can safeguard financial infrastructure and its position in digital asset markets.
Enforcement and Deposit Impact Considerations
Enforcement and disclosure are key components of TDC’s framework. The Chamber recognized concerns from financial institutions regarding community banking and main street lending.
“Assuming exemptions (b)(2)(E) and (b)(2)(F) are retained, we concur that no person shall circumvent a direct or indirect yield prohibition,” the statement read.
TDC emphasized the importance of clear disclosure. Firms offering rewards in DeFi must clarify that any yield earned is not comparable to traditional bank interest. This ensures transparency and regulatory compliance.
Section 404 also mandates a “deposit impact” study two years after enactment. “We support the requirement present in Section 404… that regulators submit a study examining the benefits of increased payment stablecoin activity and its impact on deposits at insured depository institutions,” TDC said.
The Chamber further expressed support for initiatives like the Main Street Capital Access Act, highlighting the synergy between blockchain technologies and community banking infrastructure.
These principles aim to guide lawmakers in advancing balanced stablecoin legislation while protecting innovation.
Crypto World
Trump Media Files for Two Crypto ETFs Tied to Bitcoin, Ether, Cronos
Trump Media & Technology Group, via its Truth Social Funds unit, has moved to offer crypto-focused exchange-traded vehicles registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The filings outline a plan to launch two crypto ETFs tied to major digital assets, along with a Cronos-based yield vehicle designed to capture staking income. The actions mark a notable step in a celebrity-backed enterprise expanding into asset management and crypto markets, with the SEC still reviewing the registrations. The funds are to be developed in partnership with Crypto.com, which would provide custody, liquidity, and staking services if regulators approve the products. Yorkville America Equities would act as investment adviser, and investors would access the funds through Foris Capital US LLC, bearing a 0.95% management fee.
Key takeaways
- The Truth Social Funds propose a Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ether (CRYPTO: ETH) ETF designed to mirror the combined performance of the two largest cryptos and include staking rewards for Ether.
- A third fund, the Truth Social Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF, targets Cronos (CRYPTO: CRO) and would incorporate staking income from the CRO token.
- The partnerships with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Equities place custody, liquidity, and advisory services at the center of the rollout, contingent on SEC approval.
- Investors would access the ETFs via Foris Capital US LLC, with a proposed 0.95% management fee on assets under management.
- Past disclosures show Truth Social’s broader crypto ambitions, including earlier deals to create “Made in America” ETFs and a treasury-pooling arrangement tied to CRO; these efforts set the backdrop for the current filings.
- The move comes as the crypto ETF landscape has faced mixed flows, with spot Bitcoin ETFs recently experiencing weeks of outflows amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH, $CRO
Sentiment: Neutral
Market context: The filings arrive as crypto ETF development continues to unfold against a backdrop of tightening regulation and selective appetite for crypto-linked vehicles. In recent weeks, spot Bitcoin ETFs have posted net outflows, underscoring cautious investor sentiment even as interest in regulated crypto exposure remains intact in other corners of the market.
Why it matters
The new proposals signal a cautious but strategic expansion of a media brand into asset management, seeking to monetize crypto exposure for investors who want regulated access to digital assets. By pairing Bitcoin and Ether with staking considerations, the funds aim to offer both price appreciation potential and income features, a combination that could appeal to investors seeking a balanced crypto allocation within traditional portfolios. The structure—employing Yorkville America as adviser and Crypto.com for custody and liquidity—highlights a model where traditional financial rails intersect with on-chain capabilities, potentially smoothing investor onboarding if approvals come through.
Historically, Trump Media’s crypto ambitions have traversed partnerships beyond simple trading products. Earlier moves included talks around “Made in America” ETFs and a treasury collaboration with Crypto.com to accumulate CRO, signaling a longer-term thesis on aligning the issuer with scalable crypto ecosystems. If the SEC approves the current filings, these products would not only broaden the firm’s product lineup but also test the appetite of mainstream investors for regulated crypto exposure linked to a recognizable brand. The CRO angle, in particular, ties the product suite to Crypto.com’s Cronos chain, a network that has sought broader adoption through staking and DeFi integrations.
Market context matters for framing the potential impact of these filings. While the crypto market has benefited from ongoing institutional attention, regulators remain a decisive gatekeeper. The sector has seen pockets of inflows and outflows depending on regulatory signals, macro risk sentiment, and the perceived robustness of custody solutions. The latest data show spot Bitcoin ETFs experiencing persistent outflows over several weeks, reinforcing the idea that even as regulated vehicles grow, investor caution can persist in periods of policy ambiguity. In this environment, a well-structured product with institutional partners could provide a bridge for investors seeking regulated crypto exposure with a familiar framework.
What to watch next
- SEC review and potential approval timeline for the Truth Social Funds’ registrations.
- Regulatory clarity on custody, staking, and ETF structure for crypto assets in the United States.
- Progress of the Crypto.com custody and liquidity arrangements if approvals are granted.
- Any updates on the Foris Capital US LLC platform accessibility and investor onboarding processes.
- Follow-up disclosures on the performance and governance of the two crypto ETFs and the CRO-focused Yield Maximizer ETF once launched.
Sources & verification
- Truth Social Funds files registration statement for two digital asset ETFs. PR Newswire, which announced the SEC filing.
- Trump Media inks deal with Crypto.com for Made in America ETFs (historical context). Cointelegraph.
- Trump Media Company Crypto.com treasury deal (historical context). Cointelegraph.
- Spot Bitcoin ETF fund flows and outflows data. SoSoValue.
Trump-affiliated funds seek crypto ETF exposure to BTC, ETH and CRO
Trump Media & Technology Group, via its Truth Social Funds arm, has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch two crypto-focused exchange-traded funds and a Cronos-based yield vehicle. The proposed Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ether (CRYPTO: ETH) ETF would aim to mirror the combined performance of the two largest cryptos by market capitalization while also capturing staking rewards generated by Ether. A Cronos (CRYPTO: CRO) Yield Maximizer ETF would pursue a similar approach for Crypto.com’s native token, including staking income. The filings are not yet effective and remain under SEC review.
The proposals outline a multi-asset strategy designed to provide investors with both capital appreciation and income opportunities within a regulated framework. Yorkville America Equities would serve as investment adviser for both funds, while Crypto.com is positioned to supply custody, liquidity, and staking services should regulators approve the products. Access to the ETFs would be provided through Foris Capital US LLC, and each product is expected to carry a 0.95% management fee.
In a broader sense, the filings reflect an ongoing push by Truth Social’s financial arm to expand beyond its social platform into crypto-market infrastructure. The company has, in the past, pursued partnerships that would blend digital assets with traditional securities, including a set of “Made in America” ETFs and a treasury collaboration with Crypto.com to accumulate CRO—an initial purchase of about 684.4 million CRO valued at roughly $105 million through a mix of stock and cash. The evolution from partnership announcements to formal ETF registrations suggests a disciplined step toward regulated crypto exposure, with the emphasis on custody and staking services designed to address investor risk concerns.
From a market perspective, the timing of these filings aligns with a phase where regulated crypto products remain aspirational for some investors but seem increasingly plausible for others. The sector has experienced churn in flows as liquidity, risk appetite, and regulatory signals shift. The latest spot-Bitcoin ETF data show a streak of net outflows, signaling continued investor caution even as institutions increasingly discuss and consider regulated routes to crypto exposure. As the SEC reviews the Truth Social Funds’ proposals, observers will be watching not only for approval decisions but also for how these products handle custody, staking, and distribution through existing broker-dealer channels.
Crypto World
Quant Joins Bank of England Synchronisation Lab for Multi-Bank Treasury Testing
TLDR:
- Quant is testing synchronised multi-bank treasury operations in the Bank of England RT2 Lab.
- Treasury actions like liquidity rebalancing will execute as single atomic settlement bundles.
- Quant Flow automates multi-bank cash movements using PayScript® for auditable workflows.
- Participation is experimental; it does not indicate endorsement or policy adoption by the Bank.
Quant selected to participate in the Bank of England’s Synchronisation Lab marks a new stage in the firm’s work on programmable settlement infrastructure.
The company will test synchronised payment techniques inside the Bank of England’s simulated RT2 environment. The programme forms part of the RTGS Future Roadmap after the renewed core ledger and settlement engine went live.
The initiative focuses on experimentation rather than policy direction or endorsement.
RT2 Synchronisation Lab and Atomic Multi-Bank Settlement
Quant selected to participate in the Bank of England’s Synchronisation Lab enables structured testing within a controlled RT2 simulation.
The Lab allows participants to assess synchronisation models for future payment and settlement workflows. It operates in a non-live environment following delivery of the renewed RTGS core.
A spokesperson for Quant said participation centres on a practical corporate treasury scenario. “The Synchronisation Lab provides a simulated RT2 environment in which participants can explore how synchronisation techniques could support future payment and settlement workflows,” the spokesperson stated.
Quant’s proposed use case focuses on synchronized multi-bank treasury rebalancing. Large corporates and upper-SMEs often manage liquidity across several domestic banks. Treasury teams currently execute independent CHAPS or high-value transfers to rebalance positions.
According to Quant, this sequential structure introduces operational constraints. “This sequential model introduces structural challenges, including partial settlement risk, intraday liquidity buffers, manual intervention, and complex reconciliation,” the company noted.
Quant Flow and Programmable Treasury Orchestration
Quant selected to participate in the Bank of England’s Synchronisation Lab builds on its enterprise platform, Quant Flow.
The platform orchestrates multi-bank cash movements using PayScript®, a domain-specific language for auditable financial workflows.
Within the simulation, Quant Flow packages treasury actions into a synchronised settlement bundle. “Each participating bank prepares and reserves funds before settlement, with all legs committed together or not at all,” the company explained.
Quant said the prepare-and-commit structure changes treasury execution mechanics. “This prepare and commit approach removes the failure modes inherent in sequential transfers and enables deterministic finality across multiple banks in a single treasury action,” the spokesperson added.
The company also clarified the scope of its participation. “Participation in the Synchronisation Lab involves experimentation and technical validation within a non-live environment,” Quant stated.
It added that involvement does not represent approval, endorsement, or adoption by the Bank of England, and future deployment remains independent of the Lab.
Crypto World
Treasury’s Bessent Says Crypto Clarity Act Could Calm Markets
The cryptocurrency market has swung sharply in recent weeks, with both Bitcoin and Ethereum trading well below the record levels they reached last year.
Key Takeaways:
- Bessent says the proposed Clarity Act could reduce uncertainty and stabilize crypto markets.
- He attributes part of Bitcoin’s recent drop to industry resistance to regulation.
- The bill faces political hurdles and opposition from some firms despite a 62% passage outlook.
However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes a pending regulatory framework could help steady sentiment.
Speaking to CNBC on Friday, Bessent said passage of the proposed Clarity Act, a market structure bill aimed at defining oversight of digital assets, would ease uncertainty among investors.
Bessent Urges Swift Passage of Crypto Clarity Bill This Spring
“Some clarity on the Clarity bill would give great comfort to the market,” he said, adding that lawmakers should move quickly to place the legislation on the president’s desk this spring.
Bessent described part of the recent downturn as avoidable. Bitcoin has fallen more than 29% over the past month, a decline he characterized as partly driven by industry resistance to regulation.
“There is a group of Democrats who want to work with Republicans on getting a market structure bill,” he said.
“But there are a group of crypto firms who have been blocking it… that doesn’t seem to have been good for the overall crypto community.”
His latest comments were more measured than earlier criticisms directed at companies opposing the proposal.
In recent interviews, Bessent labeled dissenting firms “recalcitrant actors” and argued that participants unwilling to operate under a regulatory framework could relocate elsewhere.
US-based exchange Coinbase withdrew support over provisions restricting companies from offering yield on stablecoins to retail users.
Chief executive Brian Armstrong said at the time the firm would prefer no legislation over one it considers flawed.
Political dynamics could also shape the bill’s prospects. Bessent warned that a shift in congressional control following upcoming midterm elections might halt negotiations entirely.
He also pointed to prior regulatory pressure on the sector, saying policies during the previous administration came close to an “extinction event” for parts of the industry.
Prediction market Polymarket currently assigns roughly a 62% probability that the Clarity Act becomes law by the end of 2026.
Gold Rally, Clarity Act Uncertainty a Turning Point for Crypto
As reported, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan has said that gold’s surge past $5,000 an ounce and mounting uncertainty around US crypto legislation are shaping a critical moment for digital asset markets.
Hougan said the combination of rising demand for assets outside government control and fading confidence in near-term regulatory clarity could influence both crypto adoption and price action in the months ahead.
He also flagged growing uncertainty around the Clarity Act, legislation aimed at cementing a pro-crypto regulatory framework in the US.
Political and geopolitical factors are adding further uncertainty. Internal divisions at the Fed, combined with leadership questions and rising tensions following a US naval deployment toward Iran, have pushed investors toward traditional havens.
“This flight to safety is bypassing Bitcoin entirely in favor of tangible commodities. Until the geopolitical dust settles or the Fed turns the liquidity taps back on, Bitcoin remains a high-risk play in a world looking for a bunker.
The post Treasury’s Bessent Says Crypto Clarity Act Could Calm Markets appeared first on Cryptonews.
Crypto World
Cathie Wood: AI and Market Volatility Create Long-Term Opportunities
TLDR:
- Cathie Wood sees AI as the largest investment opportunity for tech companies today.
- Algorithmic trading drives volatility but creates opportunities for well-researched investors.
- Inflation is easing, with monetary velocity stabilizing and unit labor costs contained.
- Bitcoin underperforms gold short-term, yet long-term supply dynamics remain favorable.
Cathie Wood ARK Invest market outlook is drawing attention as volatility intensifies across equities and digital assets.
The ARK Invest founder attributes recent swings to algorithmic trading and maintains that disciplined research during fearful periods can uncover long-term opportunities.
Volatility, AI Spending, and Market Structure
In a recent post on X, ARK Invest wrote, “Fear is high. Volatility is elevated.” The firm added that Cathie Wood would explain why such periods may create long-term opportunities in its “In The Know” segment.
Wood stated that much of the current turbulence is driven by algorithmically generated trading. “This kind of volatility tends to create opportunities for those who are doing deep research,” she said.
She argued that automated strategies are accelerating short-term market swings.
She compared the present backdrop to earlier stress events, including tariff-related turmoil. Wood noted that investors who sold in panic during those episodes later regretted their decisions. “Markets climb a wall of worry in strong bull markets,” she said, describing the current phase.
Wood contrasted today’s climate with the late-1990s tech and telecom bubble. She said the market is less forgiving of spending without productivity gains.
However, she maintained that Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon “should be investing aggressively in AI,” calling it “the biggest opportunity of our lifetime.”
Inflation Trends, Dollar Outlook, and Bitcoin
Wood also addressed fiscal dynamics and productivity. She said the US budget deficit could shift toward surplus by the end of the current presidential term due to stronger-than-expected productivity growth. Citing Palantir, she pointed to data-driven efficiencies supporting that view.
On trade, Wood said concerns about the deficit overlook capital inflows. “We have a capital surplus that offsets the trade deficit,” she stated. She added that a dollar turnaround would be “a powerful anti-inflationary force.”
Turning to inflation metrics, Wood referenced the relationship between CPI and M2. She said inflation “is breaking down,” adding that monetary velocity is likely to flatten or decline. She also noted that unit labor costs are not rising as they did in the 1970s.
Addressing digital assets, Wood discussed Bitcoin and its recent underperformance against gold. She attributed the move to “risk-off sentiment and algorithmic selling.” Despite short-term pressure, she reiterated a long-term constructive outlook on Bitcoin supply dynamics and encouraged investors to consider self-custody.
Crypto World
Trump Media Files Bitcoin, Ether and Cronos Crypto ETFs with SEC
US President Donald Trump’s media conglomerate, Trump Media & Technology Group, has filed paperwork with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for two new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to major cryptocurrencies.
According to a Friday announcement by its Truth Social Funds arm, the company plans to launch the Truth Social Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) ETF alongside the Truth Social Cronos (CRO) Yield Maximizer ETF. The filing has not yet taken effect and remains subject to SEC review.
“We plan to provide an investment platform for investors covering multiple aspects of digital and crypto investing with both capital appreciation and income opportunities,” Steve Neamtz, president of Yorkville America Equities, which will act as investment adviser for both funds, said.
The funds would be developed in partnership with crypto exchange Crypto.com, which is expected to provide custody, liquidity and staking services if regulators approve the products. Investors would access the ETFs through the exchange’s broker-dealer, Foris Capital US LLC. Each product is expected to charge a 0.95% management fee.
Related: ETH ETF holders in ‘worse position’ than BTC ETF peers as crypto market looks for bottom
Proposed ETFs to track BTC, ETH and CRO with staking rewards
The Bitcoin and Ether fund aims to track the combined performance of the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, while also capturing staking rewards generated by Ether. The Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF, meanwhile, is designed to follow the performance of CRO, the native token of Crypto.com’s Cronos blockchain, and include staking income.
Trump Media, best known for operating the Truth Social social network, has increasingly explored cryptocurrency initiatives.
In April last year, Trump Media announced a deal with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Digital to launch a set of “Made in America” ETFs combining digital assets and traditional securities, including sectors such as energy.
In September, the firm also reached a deal with Crypto.com to create a joint treasury entity centered on accumulating the CRO token, beginning with an initial purchase of about 684.4 million CRO worth roughly $105 million through a mix of stock and cash.
Related: Spot Bitcoin ETFs add $167M, nearly erase last week’s outflows
Spot Bitcoin ETFs see weeks of consecutive outflows
Spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen four consecutive weeks of net outflows, with the latest weekly figure showing $360 million in withdrawals, according to data from SoSoValue.
The data also shows volatile but net-negative flows across late January and early February. The largest recent withdrawals included $817.87 million on Jan. 29, $509.70 million on Jan. 30 and $544.94 million on Feb. 4. Positive sessions were smaller, such as inflows of $561.89 million on Feb. 2, $371.15 million on Feb. 6, $166.56 million on Feb. 10 and $145.00 million on Feb. 9, with only $15.20 million entering on Friday.
Big questions: Would Bitcoin survive a 10-year power outage?
Crypto World
Ripple or Cardano Will Hold Up Better?
ChatGPT picked a clear winner in all categories.
Needless to say, the cryptocurrency industry has seen better days, with the prices of countless assets collapsing by 50% or more in the past several months. This has propelled analysts to speculate that this is no longer a bull market correction; instead, the majority believes the bear phase has begun.
If that’s the case, then let’s see which altcoins between two of the most popular ones – XRP and ADA – can cope better under times of uncertainty, fear, and sell-offs.
Narrative and Market Structure
To gain further perspective on the matter from an unbiased analysis, we decided to touch upon perhaps the most widely utilized AI chatbot solution – ChatGPT. It began by acknowledging the fact that the narrative in crypto has shifted from “how high can this asset go” to “which altcoin is likely to lose less.”
When it came to comparing the two altcoins in question, the AI platform outlined several categories in which either one can outshine the other. In market structure and liquidity, it noted that XRP typically benefits from deep exchange liquidity, high derivatives activity, and strong global trading presence.
Although ADA also has strong liquidity, it has historically shown higher volatility during drawdowns and has been more aggressively sold by retail investors. As such, this point went for Ripple’s cross-border token, which actually took the second win as well, dubbed “narrative resilience.”
ChatGPT noted that XRP’s value proposition revolves around cross-border payments, institutional rails, and regulatory positioning, while ADA’s thesis centers on smart contracts, ecosystem development, and long-term infrastructure growth.
“During bear cycles, institutional and regulatory narratives often carry more defensive weight than ecosystem growth promises, especially when speculative activity declines,” it added.
Community and Historical Performance
The last two categories mentioned in the subheading above also had the same winner. ChatGPT said ADA has historically experienced more extreme percentage declines from cycle tops, while XRP “tends to consolidate in tighter ranges during late-stage bear phases.”
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In terms of community and holder behavior, ChatGPT’s answer was less obvious. It admitted that both have strong and vocal communities, but “ADA’s retail-heavy base can amplify panic selling.”
In contrast, XRP’s holder base has historically shown “stronger long-term holding behavior during legal and regulatory uncertainty periods.”
Consequently, OpenAI’s platform determined the following in a confirmed bear market:
- XRP is slightly more likely to show resilience
- ADA could face deeper volatility and sharper pecentage drawdowns
However, it warned that if BTC continues to trend lower, neither of the aforementioned altcoins is immune to additional double-digit percentage declines.
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Crypto World
Ethereum ETFs Turn Positive as ETH Reclaims $2K
Ethereum spot ETFs recorded $10.26 million in net inflows on February 13, breaking a two-day outflow streak that saw $242.28 million in redemptions.
Summary
- Ethereum ETFs added $10M as ETH price reclaimed $2,000.
- Bitcoin ETFs saw modest $15M inflows after prior outflows.
- Weekly ETH ETF flows remain negative despite rebound.
Grayscale’s mini ETH trust led flows with $14.51 million, followed by VanEck’s ETHV at $3.00 million and Fidelity’s FETH at $2.04 million.
Ethereum (ETH) price gained 5.8% over 24 hours to reclaim the $2,000 level, trading in a range of $1,926.66 to $2,067.44.
The recovery follows sharp declines across longer timeframes: down 1.2% over seven days, 23.7% over 14 days, 37.5% over 30 days, and 24.4% over one year.
Weekly Ethereum outflows persist at $161 million
Ethereum ETFs recorded $161.15 million in weekly net outflows for the period ending February 13 despite the final day’s positive flow.
February 11 posted the week’s largest single-day withdrawal at $129.18 million, followed by February 12’s $113.10 million in redemptions.
February 9-10 briefly interrupted selling with $70.87 million in combined inflows. February 9 saw $57.05 million in positive flows while February 10 added $13.82 million.

The week ending February 6 posted $165.82 million in outflows, while the week ending January 30 recorded $326.93 million in redemptions.
The week ending January 23 marked the peak with $611.17 million in withdrawals as Ethereum fell from above $3,000 to below $2,000.
Total value traded reached $1.10 billion on February 13, down from $880.33 million the previous day.
Bitcoin posts modest $15 million inflow with mixed fund flows
Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $15.20 million in net inflows on February 13, led by Fidelity’s FBTC with $11.99 million.
Grayscale’s mini BTC trust added $6.99 million while VanEck’s HODL contributed $1.95 million and WisdomTree’s BTCW posted $3.64 million.
BlackRock’s IBIT recorded $9.36 million in outflows and was its third withdrawal in four trading days.
February 11-12 saw Bitcoin ETFs post $686.67 million in combined outflows before February 13’s reversal.
Ethereum’s 5.8% daily gain allowed it to reclaim the $2,000 level after dipping below $1,930 earlier in the session.
Crypto World
Memecoins’ Silence Could Signal a Comeback: Santiment
A reversal in memecoins could come sooner than traders expect, even amid choppy conditions across the broader crypto market, if history is any indication, according to crypto sentiment platform Santiment.
“There is a growing narrative of “nostalgia” regarding memecoins, with many traders treating the sector as if it is permanently dead,” Santiment said in a report published on Friday.

“This collective acceptance of the ‘end of the meme era’ is a classic capitulation signal,” Santiment said, explaining that when a sector of the market is completely written off, it is often the “contrarian time” to start paying attention.
“Watch sectors that the crowd has left for dead; max pain often marks the bottom,” Santiment said.
Memecoin market cap falls amid market decline
The total memecoin market capitalization has fallen 34.04% to $31.02 billion over the past 30 days amid a wider crypto market decline that saw Bitcoin (BTC) fall near $60,000 on Feb. 3, the lowest point the asset’s price has been since October 2024, according to CoinMarketCap.
Among the top 100 cryptocurrencies, memecoin gains over the past seven days were mostly modest, except for outlier Pippin (PIPPIN), which surged 243.17%. The next best performers were Official Trump (TRUMP), up 1.37%, and Shiba Inu (SHIB), up 1.11%.
In previous cycles, market participants often expected Bitcoin to reach new all-time highs first, followed by a rotation of capital into Ethereum (ETH) and then into higher-risk altcoins.
However, as Bitcoin matures and institutional interest grows, some analysts are now questioning whether the familiar rotation pattern will play out the same way.
Altcoin season may not be “rising tide raises all ships”
Others have suggested that, unlike previous altcoin seasons where gains were broadly spread across the market, the next altcoin season may be far more selective, with only certain cryptocurrencies seeing upside.
Craig Cobb, the founder of The Grow Me, told Magazine in August 2025 that the next altcoin season will not be “the rising tide raises all ships.”
Related: Bitcoin holders are being tested as inflation eases: Pompliano
Santiment pointed to a growing fear on the crypto market on social media, with significantly more bearish than bullish comments, which may also be a sign that a market rebound is underway.
“Historically, markets move against the crowd’s expectations. This lingering disbelief, even during a price pump, is a healthy sign for a potential sustained recovery,” Santiment said.
Magazine: Bitcoin’s ‘biggest bull catalyst’ would be Saylor’s liquidation: Santiment founder
Crypto World
BTC ETH BNB XRP SOL DOGE BCH HYPE ADA XMR
Bitcoin’s latest price action shows buyers attempting to extend a modest relief, with the benchmark crypto eclipsing the $68,500 mark as they seek to form a higher low around $65,000. On-chain analytics place BTC in a broad consolidation corridor, sandwiched between a true market mean near $79,200 and a realized price around $55,000. Analysts caution that this range-bound dynamic could persist until a tangible catalyst breaks the stalemate, sending prices either toward the upper boundary or back toward support levels. The current landscape reflects a delicate balance between demand at lower levels and selling pressure at nearby resistance, underscoring a market waiting for a clearer directional cue.
Key takeaways
- Bitcoin has moved above 68,500 but faces stiff resistance near 74,508, where a breakout would signal renewed bullish momentum and a potential shift in the range.
- On-chain data from Glassnode places BTC within a broad corridor, with the true market mean around 79,200 and the realized price near 55,000, implying accumulation could intensify only on a decisive breakout.
- Standard Chartered trimmed its BTC price target for 2026 to 100,000 from 150,000 and subsequently projected a dip to 50,000 in the near term before a late-year recovery, highlighting a cautious institutional stance.
- Several market observers still argue that BTC has not yet printed a definitive bottom; a notable forecast puts a bottom in the 40,000–50,000 range between September and November 2026.
- Altcoins show pockets of resilience, with selective recoveries across ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, DOGE, BCH, HYPE, ADA, and XMR as traders scan for early signs of a broader reversal.
Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $ETH, $BNB, $XRP, $SOL, $DOGE, $BCH, $HYPE, $ADA, $XMR
Market context: The broader market remains in a cautious stance as liquidity shifts and risk sentiment weigh on near-term moves. BTC’s current trajectory sits within a defined range, with analysts awaiting a decisive catalyst to push prices beyond resistance at 74,508 or to test critical supports. Institutional views add a layer of caution: Standard Chartered’s revised targets underscore a more conservative path for BTC in 2026, while analysts like Tony Research have outlined a potential bottoming window that could extend into late 2026. The immediate narrative centers on whether buyers can sustain pressure to invalidate the prevailing consolidation and ignite a broader rally.
Why it matters
The immediate importance of the current price structure lies in its impact on risk appetite and portfolio strategy. A sustained break above the 74,508 resistance level would not only shift the technical landscape for Bitcoin but could also rekindle momentum across the market, potentially drawing fresh capital into the space and facilitating a fuller altcoin recovery. Conversely, a breakdown below significant support could reinforce a risk-off mood, prompting a retracement toward the lower end of the range and testing the resilience of major support zones.
On-chain metrics provide context for traders weighing opportunity versus risk. The gap between the true market mean and the realized price implies participants are mindful of the distance between where BTC traded historically and where it is currently priced on a realized basis. This creates a framework in which bulls must prove durability by pushing beyond key technical thresholds, while bears still cling to the possibility of renewed downside if sellers re-enter with vigor. The evolving dialogue between on-chain signals and price action continues to shape sentiment, particularly as institutions reassess their longer-term exposure given mixed forecasts for the asset class.
For market participants, the current setup also matters for liquidity access and risk management. A confirmed breakout could unlock fresh liquidity pools and spur risk-taking in related sectors, whereas a protracted consolidation may incentivize traders to adopt range-bound strategies, await catalysts, or reallocate to alternative opportunities within and outside the crypto market. The evolving narrative across BTC and the major altcoins sets a backdrop for how exchanges, custodians, and developers approach scaling, risk controls, and product launches in the coming quarters.
What to watch next
- Bitcoin: Monitor a clear move above 74,508 to validate a bullish breakout, or a break below 60,000 to suggest renewed downside pressure and a potential retest of lower supports.
- Ether: A sustained push above 2,111 would signal renewed demand, while a breach of 1,750 could invite a deeper correction toward 1,537 or lower.
- XRP: The pair remains within a descending-channel pattern; a daily close above the 1.55 level and the downtrend line would be a bullish cue, while a drop below 1.11 could accelerate losses toward 1.00.
- Solana: The 95 level stands as a bear fault line; a move above could target the 50-day SMA near 119, whereas a failure near 95 might push toward 77 and test support.
- Dogecoin: Bulls need a breakout above 0.12 to signal progress, with 0.09 acting as a critical support; a break below 0.09 raises the risk of a slide toward 0.08 and beyond.
Sources & verification
- Bitcoin price action around 68,500 with a key resistance near 74,508 and the concept of a higher low near 65,000 to frame the near-term setup.
- Glassnode on-chain metrics showing BTC trading between a true market mean of ~79,200 and a realized price near ~55,000.
- Standard Chartered’s revised BTC targets: 100,000 for 2026 with a potential move down to 50,000 in the near term.
- Analyst commentary placing BTC bottom prospects in the 40,000–50,000 range during Sept–Nov 2026.
- TradingView-based charts and top-10 asset analyses used to illustrate price action across BTC and major altcoins.
Market reaction and key figures shaping the crypto chart landscape
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has managed a cautious uptick, clearing the 68,500 mark as buyers push for a higher low near 65,000. The price action sits within a defined corridor: a ceiling at 74,508 and a floor supported by the psychological and technical baselines around 60,000. The trajectory suggests traders are weighing a potential breakout against the risk of renewed downside, a dichotomy that mirrors the broader market’s struggle to find a durable directional impulse.
In the broader market, major alts are attempting to carve out their own narratives. Ether (CRYPTO: ETH) is fighting to sustain a foothold above 2,000, with resistance sketched at 2,111. A decisive breach above that threshold could catalyze a broader recovery, while a retreat could backtest 1,750 and possibly lower. Binance Coin (CRYPTO: BNB) has seen price pressure as well, edging toward a critical support level around 570—an area that could determine whether bulls gain ground to push toward the 669-plateau and the 20-day moving average near 710. XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) continues to navigate within a descending channel; a breakout above the 1.55 level on a sustained basis could deflate the pessimism around the pattern, whereas a failure to hold could accelerate a slide toward 1.11 and beyond.
Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) traders are closely watching $77 as a support pivot, with a failure to hold that level potentially steering the price toward 67–95. Conversely, a break above 95 could open the door to a test of the 50-day moving average around 119, suggesting a bear trap could be in play. Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) remains sensitive to micro rallies but faces ongoing selling pressure on rallies; a break above 0.12 would be noteworthy, while a drop below 0.09 reinforces the risk of a slide toward 0.08.
Bitcoin Cash (CRYPTO: BCH) has shown weakness below the 497 level, yet bulls are contesting the 20-day EMA around 536. A sustained move above the EMA would indicate demand at lower levels and could target the 50-day moving average near 581, while a failure could leave BCH exposed to a decline toward 443. Across the spectrum, Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: HYPE) has regained footing above the 20-day EMA, signaling buying on dips; a decisive move beyond 35.50 could spur a rally toward 44, while a break below 27.25 risks a drop toward 20.82. Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA) remains locked in a descending channel, with a break above the 20-day EMA at 0.29 needed to extend the range in a more constructive fashion. Monero (CRYPTO: XMR) is testing the 360 barrier, with a potential breakout to challenge the 385 and 460 levels if buying pressure intensifies, though a fall below 309 could invite a push toward 276 as a potential buyer magnet.
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