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Today — 25 February 2026Main stream

Pi Network News: Founders Defend Vision as PI Crashes 94%, Say ‘We Are Nonconformist’

25 February 2026 at 06:49
Pi Network News

The post Pi Network News: Founders Defend Vision as PI Crashes 94%, Say ‘We Are Nonconformist’ appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Pi Network is going through a rough stretch.

PI is trading near $0.16, down more than 94% from its all-time high of $2.98. Even after a small bounce from its recent low near $0.13, sentiment remains fragile. Volume is modest, and many early users are questioning what comes next.

But while the price chart looks bruised, the founders insist the real story is happening behind the scenes.

“Pi Is Different. We’re Nonconformist.”

Co-founder Dr. Chengdiao Fan addressed growing criticism directly.

“Pi feels different from other blockchains because Pi is different,” she said. “When Open Network launched a year ago, I described Pi as nonconformist, and that still holds.”

She pointed out several things that separate Pi from the typical crypto launch model. “Pi never did an ICO. Pi is free to mine for accessibility. It’s mobile-first. Pi’s Mainnet blockchain is fully KYC’d.”

That last point is crucial. Unlike most networks that allow anonymous participation, Pi requires identity verification. According to the team, that was intentional.

“Utility also connects with Pi’s focus on KYC identity verification,” Fan explained. “Pi’s fully KYC’d network was fundamental in preparing the blockchain for real-world assets and production processes.”

In other words, Pi is betting on identity-backed utility instead of anonymous speculation.

What Is Pi Working On Now?

Co-founder Nicolas Kokkalis laid out the roadmap as the token struggles.

“KYC and migration remain a top priority,” he said. “We’re increasing KYC throughput, unblocking more users, increasing speed through further AI integration… and enabling second migrations so more Pioneers can fully participate in the Mainnet ecosystem.”

He added that KYC validator rewards are expected this quarter.

On the developer side, Pi is expanding tools and integrations. “We’re lowering the barrier to building on Pi… including new tools like much faster Pi payment setups.”

The team is also pushing deeper into AI and app development. “We’re expanding the App Studio with broader access, new payments integrations, and deeper AI capabilities.”

At the protocol level, work continues on nodes, upgrades, DEX functionality, and liquidity pools.

Utility Over Hype

Fan made one controversial point clear.

“It’s easy to enable fast, high-volume trading. It’s much harder to enable tokens to be used inside real products.”

She questioned the broader crypto industry: “If those tokens don’t map to anything real, what’s the point?”

That philosophy explains why Pi hackathon apps often look like dating platforms or e-commerce tools rather than pure DeFi speculation.

Hence, Pi’s founders are choosing patience over hype.

Crypto Market Today: Bitcoin and Ethereum Pump After Jane Street Lawsuit

25 February 2026 at 06:21
Crypto News Today How Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Are Positioned Into the Weekend

The post Crypto Market Today: Bitcoin and Ethereum Pump After Jane Street Lawsuit appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The crypto market is flashing green today after days of pressure.

Total market capitalization has climbed to $2.27 trillion, up nearly 3% in 24 hours. Bitcoin is trading around $66,200, gaining more than 3% on the day. Ethereum has jumped close to 5%, now hovering near $1,935. XRP has also pushed higher toward $1.38, while Solana leads major altcoins with a 6% move.

The sudden strength comes at a curious moment.

The Jane Street Lawsuit Timing

Yesterday, trading giant Jane Street was sued in connection with allegations tied to the 2022 Terra-Luna collapse. The lawsuit claims the firm used insider information during the UST crisis to profit while the ecosystem unraveled.

While these are still allegations and remain unproven, the timing has sparked intense debate across crypto communities.

Why?

Because for nearly two months, traders had been complaining about what they call the “10 AM dump,” a recurring pattern where Bitcoin would sharply sell off around 10 AM market hours.

Today, for the first time in weeks, that pattern did not appear. Instead of a sharp rejection, Bitcoin and Ethereum moved higher.

Pattern or Pure Coincidence?

Online speculation has taken off.

Some experts are pointing to what they see as strange overlaps involving the number 10:

  • May 10, 2022 — Luna collapsed from a $40 billion ecosystem to zero.
  • 10 AM — the alleged daily Bitcoin sell-off hour.
  • October 2025 — $19 billion liquidated in 24 hours, one of the largest liquidation events in crypto history.

Now, just one day after a lawsuit targets Jane Street, the so-called 10 AM selling pressure appears to have paused,and prices are rising.

It is important to stress that there is no confirmed evidence linking today’s price action to the lawsuit. Markets move for many reasons, including short covering, oversold technical conditions, and shifts in sentiment.

Market Conditions Still Fragile

Despite today’s bounce, the broader picture remains cautious. The Fear & Greed Index still sits at 11, signaling extreme fear. The average crypto RSI is near neutral territory after weeks of oversold readings.

Bitcoin remains below major resistance levels, and Ethereum is still recovering from recent losses. However, today’s rally has injected short-term optimism back into the market.

Whether this is the start of a sustained recovery or simply a relief bounce remains to be seen.

‘We Designed XRPL So Ripple Could Not Control It’: David Schwartz Breaks Silence

25 February 2026 at 06:08
Ripple XRP email controversy

The post ‘We Designed XRPL So Ripple Could Not Control It’: David Schwartz Breaks Silence appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

A new debate is taking place in the crypto world after Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, made a series of statements about XRP and control over the XRP Ledger.

And this time, he didn’t dodge the hard questions.

Schwartz took to X to explain how the XRP Ledger prevents double spending — the core problem every blockchain must solve. But what caught the community’s attention was not the technical breakdown. It was his clear statement that Ripple intentionally designed the XRPL so the company could not control it.

“We Did Not Want Control”

Schwartz said the XRPL was carefully built so that Ripple cannot censor transactions, reverse payments, or double spend — even if it wanted to.

He admitted Ripple could face pressure from U.S. courts or regulators. As a U.S.-based company with investors, Ripple must comply with legal orders. But that is exactly why, according to Schwartz, the company did not want control over the network in the first place.

If Ripple had the power to alter transactions or freeze the ledger, it could be forced to use that power.

So instead, the system was structured so that no single entity, including Ripple, can own or control it. His message was clear: the best way to say “no” to outside pressure is to make it technically impossible to say “yes.”

The Bitcoin Comparison

The conversation quickly turned toward Bitcoin. Critics argued that XRP’s Unique Node List system creates coordination problems and relies on what they described as a centralized authority.

Schwartz pushed back. When someone claimed, “Your own BTC node will not double-spend if you disagree, but the network will,” Schwartz agreed — and said this proves most decentralization arguments miss the point.

He compared XRP’s coordination model to Bitcoin’s history. Satoshi chose Bitcoin’s mining algorithm. If the community wanted to change it, that would be a massive coordination challenge. Yet when Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash split, there was no central authority solving the dispute. Each side proposed its own rules and users chose.

Schwartz argues the same would happen on XRPL. If two groups disagree, each would publish its own software and preferred validator list. Node operators would choose which version to run.

In his view, that is no different from how Bitcoin or Ethereum handle forks.

The Decentralization Fight Reignites

Not everyone agreed. One crypto commentator pushed back, arguing that choosing a Unique Node List (UNL),  the validator structure used by XRP,  creates coordination challenges that, in his view, lean toward centralization.

Schwartz responded that many decentralization debates are disconnected from reality. He pointed out that even Bitcoin nodes can reject invalid transactions locally, but consensus still depends on the broader network.

In other words, no blockchain is as simple as critics often claim.

From his perspective, decentralization was not just a philosophical choice. It was a practical, even selfish, decision to protect the network’s credibility.

Yesterday — 24 February 2026Main stream

Bitcoin, Ethereum And XRP Prices Crash as Jane Street Lawsuit Revives ‘Manipulation’ Controversy

24 February 2026 at 18:27
Can XRP overtake Bitcoin

The post Bitcoin, Ethereum And XRP Prices Crash as Jane Street Lawsuit Revives ‘Manipulation’ Controversy appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Crypto markets are under pressure once more. Bitcoin is hovering near $62,900, Ethereum is trading around $1,800, and XRP has slipped toward $1.32. The total crypto market cap has dropped to roughly $2.18 trillion, with fear back at extreme levels.

But this time, the conversation is not just about macro conditions or rate policy. A new court filing has brought back a controversial name, Jane Street, and reignited online claims about “10 AM manipulation” in crypto markets.

The Terra Collapse Allegations

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Jane Street is accused of using insider information during the May 2022 collapse of TerraUSD (UST). The complaint alleges that after Terraform Labs reduced liquidity in Curve’s 3pool and withdrew 150 million UST, Jane Street sold 85 million UST into the thinner pool just minutes later.

That trade, according to the lawsuit, helped trigger a chain reaction that ultimately wiped out $40 billion in value and forced Terraform to deploy its Bitcoin reserves to defend the peg.

Jane Street has denied wrongdoing, and these claims remain allegations. Still, the filing has reopened old wounds across the crypto industry.

From Terra to ‘10 AM Manipulation’

In crypto circles, Jane Street has often been mentioned in connection with what traders call the “10 AM move” — a recurring pattern where Bitcoin experiences sharp price swings around U.S. market open hours.

While no formal findings have linked Jane Street to systematic manipulation, critics argue that large institutional market makers have the scale and liquidity access to influence short-term price action, especially in thinner conditions.

Now, with the Terra lawsuit resurfacing, some traders are connecting dots. The narrative gaining traction online is simple: if a firm could allegedly capitalize on fragile liquidity during Terra’s collapse, could similar tactics be influencing markets today?

Correlation or Coincidence?

It is important to separate speculation from evidence. Terra’s collapse happened in 2022. Today’s crypto weakness is occurring under very different conditions — tighter global liquidity, risk-off sentiment, and regulatory uncertainty.

However, the latest scrutiny around Jane Street highlights a broader concern within crypto markets: the growing influence of institutional players. As crypto matures, market-making firms play a larger role in price discovery. That can mean tighter spreads — but also sharper moves during periods of stress.

Market Reality

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is down nearly 5% on the week, Ethereum has fallen close to 9%, and XRP is also under pressure. The Fear & Greed Index sits at 11, signaling extreme fear.

Are current declines tied to institutional positioning? Or simply the natural ebb and flow of a risk-driven asset class?

For now, there is no proof linking today’s volatility to any coordinated action. But the timing of this lawsuit has reignited a narrative that refuses to disappear.

Who would have thought that the same entity accused in court filings over the Terra collapse would also be at the center of ongoing “10 AM manipulation” debates?

‘XRP to $100 Is Not Crazy,’ Says Finance Insider

24 February 2026 at 16:33
‘XRP to $100 Is Not Crazy,’ Says Finance Insider Here’s Why

The post ‘XRP to $100 Is Not Crazy,’ Says Finance Insider appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The idea of XRP reaching $100 is once again stirring debate across the crypto world. For some, it sounds unrealistic. For others, it’s simply a matter of time.

Right now, the price action tells a different story. XRP has slipped below $1.35 and is trading under its 100-hour Simple Moving Average. After losing support around $1.40, the token is consolidating near $1.33. 

Short-term charts show resistance forming around $1.42, with momentum indicators still leaning bearish. If XRP cannot reclaim the $1.37 to $1.40 range, analysts warn another move toward $1.30 is possible.

So why are some investors still talking about triple digits?

The Long-Term Infrastructure Argument

According to a finance insider, the $100 target isn’t hype. It’s based on structural change.

The insider, who spent a decade working inside the financial sector, says most critics underestimate how slow and outdated banking infrastructure still is. He points to the transition from paper-based systems to digital workflows as proof that transformation in finance does not happen overnight, but when it does, it reshapes everything.

From his perspective, XRP is not just another speculative token. It is tied to payment rails, liquidity systems, and institutional settlement layers. Ripple’s expanding banking integrations and updated institutional dashboards signal that modernization is underway. Many traditional wire systems, he argues, still operate with interfaces that feel decades old.

If XRP becomes embedded in cross-border settlement infrastructure at scale, demand could rise structurally, not just speculatively.

The Skeptical View

Critics counter with math. XRP has a circulating supply of roughly 61 billion tokens. For the asset to reach $100, its market capitalization would need to climb into multi-trillion-dollar territory.

Some analysts argue that in payment-focused networks, transaction velocity increases with adoption. In other words, the token moves faster rather than necessarily becoming dramatically more expensive.

There is also the broader macro backdrop. Risk assets remain under pressure, and regulatory clarity is still evolving. In the short term, XRP faces technical resistance before any major upside conversation can even begin.

Vision Versus Reality

At today’s price levels near $1.33, a move to $100 seems distant. But long-term projections often depend less on current charts and more on structural shifts in technology and regulation.

Whether XRP ever reaches triple digits remains uncertain. What is clear is that the debate reflects two very different ways of looking at crypto. One side focuses on present price action. The other focuses on how financial infrastructure could evolve over the next decade.

For now, XRP sits between those two narratives. The market is cautious. The believers are confident. And the discussion around $100 is far from over.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

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FAQs

Why is XRP price dropping today?

XRP is currently trading below key support levels, specifically under $1.40 and its 100-hour moving average. Momentum indicators are bearish, and if it fails to reclaim the $1.37 to $1.40 range, analysts suggest a further move toward the $1.30 support zone is possible.

What is the main argument for XRP’s long-term value?

The primary argument is infrastructure modernization. Unlike speculative tokens, XRP is built as a liquidity tool for outdated banking rails. As financial institutions digitize settlement layers, demand for XRP could rise structurally based on utility rather than just market hype.

Is XRP a good long-term investment?

XRP sits between two narratives: short-term price action and long-term utility. While current charts show caution, the technology is tied to real-world banking integration. Investors should weigh short-term volatility against the potential for structural shifts in global payments over the next decade.

Bitcoin Price Prediction Today: Can BTC Recover After Crashing Below $64K?

24 February 2026 at 07:40
Bitcoin price bottom prediction

The post Bitcoin Price Prediction Today: Can BTC Recover After Crashing Below $64K? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin has now fallen below $64,000, adding fresh pressure to an already fragile market structure. What previously looked like a sideways range near $65K is now testing the lower boundaries of support, increasing the risk of a deeper correction.

The recent move lower pushed BTC decisively through the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level near $64,551, a technical area that had been holding during prior pullbacks. With that level broken, attention shifts to whether sellers can maintain control.

Breakdown Below $63K Changes the Short-Term Picture

Overnight weakness triggered a move below prior intraday lows, confirming that bears are gaining momentum. Earlier, Bitcoin was holding within a defined consolidation range. Now, the breakdown below $64,276 and the loss of the broader $64K zone adds credibility to the bearish scenario.

The next major level traders are sitting around $62,595. A decisive break below that support could open the door to a deeper move toward the $60K–$61K region.

While previous pullbacks were corrective in nature, the latest move shows stronger downside pressure, suggesting that sellers are becoming more aggressive.

Bearish Scenario: Is a Fifth Wave Down Unfolding?

From a technical standpoint, Bitcoin may be completing a larger corrective structure. The recent consolidation resembled a triangle pattern, which often acts as the second-to-last move before a final push lower in a five-wave sequence.

Now that BTC has slipped under $63K, the probability of a final downward leg increases if:

  • Price remains below $64K
  • Selling continues beneath $62,595

A sustained breakdown could accelerate liquidations and extend the correction.

Bullish Scenario: Can BTC Reclaim Lost Ground?

For bulls to regain control, Bitcoin needs to quickly reclaim former support and push back above the $66,400–$67,700 resistance zone.

A strong move above $67,719 would weaken the bearish case. The key invalidation level for the downside scenario remains near $68,840.

Until BTC can recover those levels, rallies may be viewed as relief bounces rather than confirmed trend reversals.

Bitcoin Outlook: Volatility Likely Ahead

The dip below $64K marks a shift in short-term momentum. What was previously a range-bound market now faces real breakdown risk.

If support fails to hold, the next leg lower could unfold quickly. However, if Bitcoin stabilizes and reclaims key resistance levels, the breakdown may prove temporary.

With volatility increasing and critical levels in play, Bitcoin appears to be approaching a decisive moment. Traders should monitor the $62.5K support and the $67K resistance zone closely as the next move could define the trend for weeks ahead.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

Why is Bitcoin price down today?

Bitcoin is down today after breaking key support near $64K, triggering technical selling and increasing short-term bearish momentum.

Is Bitcoin entering a deeper correction phase?

Technical structure suggests a potential final wave lower if price remains below $64K and selling pressure continues.

What levels must Bitcoin reclaim to turn bullish again?

Bitcoin needs to reclaim $66.4K–$67.7K to ease bearish pressure. A move above $68.8K would invalidate the downside setup.

Is this Bitcoin dip a buying opportunity?

It depends on risk tolerance. Short-term traders watch support levels, while long-term investors focus on broader trend structure.

Why Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Prices Crashed Today

24 February 2026 at 06:50
Bitcoin price crash 2026

The post Why Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Prices Crashed Today appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The crypto market took a sharp hit overnight, with Bitcoin falling below $65,000 and triggering a wave of forced liquidations across derivatives markets.

In just one hour, more than $230 million in leveraged long positions were wiped out. Over the past 24 hours, total crypto liquidations climbed to roughly $438 million, with Bitcoin accounting for nearly $89 million of that figure. The sudden cascade of selling intensified downward pressure and pushed prices lower across the board.

The broader crypto market is now down about 0.70% to $2.22 trillion, reflecting a clear shift into risk-off mode.

Macro Shock Sparks Sell-Off

The primary catalyst appears to be macroeconomic. On February 23, President Trump announced plans to raise global tariffs to 15%, citing trade imbalances. The news sparked immediate selling in equities, and crypto followed closely behind.

Data shows an 88% correlation between Bitcoin and the S&P 500 over the past 24 hours, confirming that this was not an isolated crypto event. Instead, digital assets reacted as high-beta risk assets, mirroring weakness in traditional markets.

Adding to uncertainty, investors are also watching upcoming Senate discussions on the CLARITY Act scheduled for February 25. Regulatory ambiguity continues to weigh on sentiment.

Extreme Fear and Market Stress

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index plunged to 11, signaling extreme fear. Historically, such low readings have appeared near market bottoms, including during:

  • November 2018 (BTC near $3,500)
  • March 2020 (COVID crash near $4,000)
  • November 2022 (FTX collapse near $16,000)

While history does not repeat exactly, sharp fear spikes often mark periods of peak panic.

At the same time, roughly 46% of Bitcoin’s supply is currently underwater, meaning nearly half of holders are sitting on unrealized losses. Weekly realized losses across crypto have reached approximately $1.93 billion, the largest spike since 2022.

Levels to Watch

The immediate focus is Bitcoin’s ability to defend the $64K–$65K support zone. A sustained hold above this area could allow for a relief bounce toward $67K. However, a breakdown below support could open the door to a test of $60K–$62K.

Some analysts warn that if macro conditions worsen, a deeper capitulation toward $35K–$45K cannot be ruled out. 

For now, the market remains defensive. The next direction will likely depend on macro developments, regulatory clarity, and whether buyers step in to absorb continued selling pressure.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Ripple’s Hidden Power Play: Could XRP Be the Backbone of Instant Global Payments?

23 February 2026 at 20:25
Ripple News Today

The post Ripple’s Hidden Power Play: Could XRP Be the Backbone of Instant Global Payments? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ripple has always said it wants to fix one of banking’s biggest problems: slow and expensive international payments. Now, a growing group of analysts believe the company may be closer to the center of global financial reform than most people realize.

A recent breakdown by Apex Crypto Insights argues that Ripple’s technology lines up almost perfectly with plans being discussed by major global institutions. The idea is simple but bold. If the world is rebuilding how money moves across borders, XRP could play a key role in that new system.

Here is what we know, and what is still just theory.

A Global Push for Faster Payments

In 2020, the G20 set a target to improve cross-border payments by 2027. The goal is clear: make transactions faster, cheaper, more transparent, and easier to access. Organizations such as the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures and the Financial Stability Board were assigned to help deliver on that promise, with backing from the Bank for International Settlements, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

These institutions represent a major share of global GDP and trade. When they commit to reform, it often leads to real structural change.

Ripple’s Technology and the XRP Bridge

Ripple’s business model focuses on solving the exact problems policymakers are discussing. Its payment network allows financial institutions to settle cross-border transactions in seconds rather than days.

XRP, the digital asset connected to Ripple’s system, is designed to act as a bridge between currencies. Instead of relying on multiple correspondent banks, a payment can be converted into XRP, transferred quickly, and exchanged into the receiving currency almost instantly. This approach reduces delays and can lower transaction costs.

The overlap between Ripple’s solutions and the global reform agenda has fueled speculation that XRP could eventually play a larger role.

Project Nexus and the Hub Model

One important initiative is Project Nexus from the BIS Innovation Hub. The project aims to connect national instant payment systems so countries can send money directly between domestic networks.

Countries such as India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines have been mentioned in discussions. The structure is often described as a central hub that links different systems together.

Supporters of XRP argue this resembles the function of the XRP Ledger. However, there is no official confirmation that Nexus uses XRP. The connection remains based on similarities in design rather than public evidence.

Speculation vs. Reality

There is also growing discussion about creating a “unified ledger” where payment messaging and settlement happen on the same platform, instead of being separated as they are today.

Ripple’s leadership has repeatedly said blockchain technology can modernize or even replace parts of the current correspondent banking system. Still, the claim that XRP will become the backbone of global finance remains speculative.

What is clear is that cross-border payments are changing. Whether Ripple becomes central to that transformation is a question that only time will answer.

XRP Whale Alert: 31M XRP Flows Into Binance, Is a Sell-Off Coming

23 February 2026 at 20:04
XRP Price Crash

The post XRP Whale Alert: 31M XRP Flows Into Binance, Is a Sell-Off Coming appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

More than 31 million XRP were transferred to Binance in a single day, according to data from CryptoQuant. The scale and composition of the inflow have raised concerns about potential short-term selling pressure.

Binance remains the preferred venue for large transactions due to its deep liquidity, making it a common destination when holders reposition assets. This week’s inflow was driven predominantly by whale-sized wallets.

The distribution of transfers was as follows:

  • <1,000 XRP: 6,543
  • 1,000–10,000 XRP: 73,630
  • 10,000–100,000 XRP: 2,938,809
  • 100,000–1 million XRP: 14,236,825
  • Over 1 million XRP: 14,494,865

The two largest cohorts accounted for nearly the entire 31 million XRP transferred. In total, the inflow represents approximately $45 million in potential sell-side liquidity, a development that warrants close monitoring.

XRP

If sustained, this level of exchange inflow could weigh on price performance in the near term.

Price Under Pressure

XRP is currently trading around $1.38, down roughly 0.78 percent in the past 24 hours. While that drop may seem small, the broader picture looks more concerning. On-chain data shows a massive $1.93 billion in realized losses over the past week, marking the largest wave of capitulation since 2022. 

At the same time, the wider crypto market has been under pressure. Latest uncertainty around upcoming U.S. tariffs and rising geopolitical tensions have pushed investors into risk-off mode. Bitcoin itself dropped more sharply, and XRP followed the market trend.

Investor Frustration Adds Fuel

Adding to the tension, longtime crypto investor Crypto Bitlord publicly criticized Ripple, claiming that XRP holders have “never benefited” while the company allegedly sold billions worth of tokens to fund acquisitions. His comments came in response to an older post by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighting the company’s acquisition of Hidden Road, now rebranded as Ripple Prime.

While those claims show frustration among some investors, they remain controversial and do not represent an official market conclusion.

Technical Picture: Levels to Watch

From a technical standpoint, XRP recently retested support around the February 11 low near $1.35, where buyers stepped in again. However, the bounce has been weak so far.

For bulls to regain control, XRP needs to break above the first major resistance near $1.46 to $1.47. A stronger push above $1.51 would improve short-term sentiment further.

On the downside, if XRP fails to hold the $1.30 support zone, the next major level sits near $1.20. A breakdown below that area could accelerate selling pressure, especially with tariff implementation expected on February 24.

Crash or Consolidation?

Right now, the market is oversold but fragile. Whale inflows to Binance suggest positioning, but they do not automatically confirm a crash. Much depends on whether support holds and whether buyers step in with strength.

For now, XRP stands at a critical crossroads. The next move could set the tone for weeks ahead.

Crypto Bloodbath Today: Why Altcoins, Bitcoin Collapsed and What Comes Next

23 February 2026 at 18:35
Top Altcoins To Buy Now

The post Crypto Bloodbath Today: Why Altcoins, Bitcoin Collapsed and What Comes Next appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Analyst Benjamin Cowen has a blunt explanation for the brutal altcoin crash shaking the market: this was never an altcoin cycle to begin with.

As red candles flash across trading screens and social media fills with panic, one question keeps coming up. Why did altseason never arrive? And more importantly, is this the end for crypto or just another painful phase?

According to Cowen, the answer lies in something most retail traders ignored this cycle: liquidity.

A Cycle Dominated by Bitcoin, Not Altcoins

For months, Bitcoin led the market while altcoins quietly bled out. Normally, crypto bull markets follow a pattern. Bitcoin rallies first. Then profits rotate into higher-risk altcoins. Euphoria builds. Social media explodes. Smaller tokens outperform.

But this time, something was different.

Cowen argues that this cycle topped on apathy, not euphoria. There was no explosive speculative mania in altcoins. No broad participation. No sustained rotation out of Bitcoin.

Instead, capital flowed the opposite way.

  • Altcoins bled into Bitcoin.
  • Then Bitcoin began bleeding into stocks.
  • Then stocks started losing ground to gold.

That progression tells a much bigger story about the global economy.

The Liquidity Problem Nobody Wanted to Hear About

At the center of this “crypto bloodbath” is liquidity.

Liquidity is basically how easy money is to access in the financial system. When central banks keep policy loose and money flows freely, risk assets thrive. When liquidity tightens, markets become fragile.

Cowen points to a liquidity risk model built using:

  • Policy interest rates
  • The Fed funds rate versus the 2-year yield
  • Dollar strength
  • Central bank balance sheets
  • Funding stress indicators

The conclusion is simple but uncomfortable: Liquidity has been tight.

And in tight liquidity environments, markets shift toward safety. Within crypto, that means altcoins bleed into Bitcoin. Across markets, that means risk assets lose ground to safer assets like gold.

This is not new. It happened in 2018 and 2019. The difference is scale. This cycle has simply been a larger version of that environment.

Why the October 10 Liquidation Was So Violent

When the massive liquidation event hit on October 10, 2025, many traders were shocked by how quickly altcoins collapsed.

But Cowen argues the weakness had been building for years.

The advanced-decline index for the top 100 cryptocurrencies has been trending down since 2021. Underneath the surface, fewer and fewer altcoins were participating in the rally.

Liquidity in altcoins was already thin.

So when Bitcoin finally rolled over and the broader market cracked, there was no cushion. The structure was fragile. Once stress hit, it collapsed fast.

That is what a tight liquidity regime does. It creates narrow leadership and hides weakness until it suddenly cannot be hidden anymore.

Why There Was No Altseason This Time

In 2020 and 2021, altcoins exploded higher. But that happened under extremely loose monetary policy conditions.

Interest rates were low. Liquidity was abundant. Risk appetite was strong. This cycle has been the opposite.

Even though quantitative tightening slowed at times, overall conditions remained restrictive. The Fed funds rate stayed above the 2-year yield. The dollar remained firm. Liquidity never entered a truly loose regime.

Without loose liquidity, sustained altseason is unlikely.

Cowen warns that simply watching M2 money supply is not enough. Broader net liquidity conditions matter more than surface-level metrics.

Is Crypto Doomed?

Here is where perspective matters. Tight liquidity does not automatically mean crypto is finished. It means leadership narrows. In tight environments, a few strong assets can hold up the market while the rest struggle. That is what Bitcoin did for much of this cycle.

But for a broad altcoin resurgence, liquidity likely needs to shift dramatically.

Historically, that shift happens during or after economic stress. Recessions or crises often force central banks to loosen policy again. When liquidity becomes very loose, higher-risk assets tend to outperform.

That is when expanded leadership returns. That is when altcoins historically shine.

What Comes Next?

The variable to watch is liquidity risk.

If the dollar strengthens sharply again, liquidity could remain tight and pressure risk assets further. If economic stress forces policy easing and liquidity loosens significantly, that could mark the beginning of the next major rotation.

Cowen suggests the next true altcoin boom may not arrive until a future cycle, possibly 2027 through 2029, under looser monetary conditions.

That does not mean crypto disappears. It means the environment must change before speculative excess returns.

XRP Price Crash Sparks Panic — Is a 100% Rebound Next?

23 February 2026 at 18:10
XRP Price Prediction

The post XRP Price Crash Sparks Panic — Is a 100% Rebound Next? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP is once again making headlines. After briefly rallying to $1.46 over the weekend, the token quickly pulled back to the $1.37–$1.38 range, supporting what many experts have warned about for months: low-volume weekend pumps are hard to trust and easy to manipulate. The rally faded just as quickly as it appeared.

But here’s where things get controversial.

Crypto analyst Zach Rector said that the absolute bottom may not be in yet. At the same time, he argues that several classic “bottom signals” are starting to flash, and that retail investors could be making a costly mistake by selling now.

On-Chain Activity Is Surging

Despite weak price action, XRP Ledger activity is rising. Daily successful transactions have jumped roughly 40 percent, approaching 2.5 million per day.

Some of that spike is tied to technical factors, including NFT burns by SBI Holdings related to Expo 2025, as well as increased deposit and withdrawal flows. There is also speculation that the First Ledger XRP/USDT incentive program is driving fresh activity.

Whatever the reason, real network usage is climbing,  even while price remains below key moving averages.

That disconnect is raising eyebrows.

Retail Capitulation Hits Extreme Levels

Data shows XRP has recorded its largest realized loss spike since 2022. The previous time realized losses reached similar levels, XRP went on to surge 114 percent over the following eight months.

Large realized losses happen when investors sell at prices below what they originally paid. It usually signals fear, panic, and exhaustion.

Historically, that kind of extreme fear has appeared near market bottoms.

The controversial view? If weak hands have already sold, there may be fewer sellers left. And because crypto markets require relatively little new liquidity to move sharply, even modest buying pressure could trigger a powerful rebound.

Double Bottom or Deeper Flush?

Technically, XRP previously retested the $1.11 area earlier this month. Some traders now expect a possible double bottom between $1.20 and $0.95 before any sustained rally begins. Others warn that macro risks,  including geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty — could add more volatility before a recovery.

The CME gap near $1.74 remains a potential upside magnet, but only if momentum returns.

Drama, Fear, and Opportunity

Adding to the tension is visible frustration within the XRP community itself. Disputes among validators, influencers, and traders have intensified. Ironically, seasoned market watchers often view peak frustration as a psychological bottom signal.

The bold claim circulating in some corners? XRP could double quickly once sentiment flips, catching sidelined investors off guard.

Of course, no outcome is guaranteed. The market could revisit $1, or even break below it,  before any sustained move higher.

But one thing is clear: XRP is approaching a pivotal moment. Whether this is the final shakeout before a major rally or the start of a deeper reset depends on what happens next.

And as always in crypto, the crowd usually realizes it too late.

Crypto Crash Alert: Why are Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Prices Falling Today?

23 February 2026 at 09:12
Crypto Crash

The post Crypto Crash Alert: Why are Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Prices Falling Today? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Global cryptocurrency markets fell sharply on Monday, extending a multi-month downturn that traders say is being driven less by crypto-specific news and more by mounting macroeconomic pressure.

The total digital asset market capitalization dropped roughly 4.4% in 24 hours to about $2.23 trillion, according to market data. The selloff was led by losses in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, which together account for a large share of overall market value.

Bitcoin Drops Rapidly, Triggers Liquidation Wave

Bitcoin fell nearly 5% on the day to around $64,800, with prices at one point sliding roughly $2,500 in about an hour. The swift move triggered an estimated $240 million in long liquidations, according to derivatives data.

In leveraged markets, when prices fall quickly, traders who borrowed to bet on higher prices are forced to sell to cover their positions.

Over the past 139 days, Bitcoin has declined close to 49%, wiping out more than $1 trillion in market value. Analysts say that unlike prior cycles, the downturn has not produced a sustained relief rally.

At the same time, U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange traded funds have seen notable outflows in recent sessions, signaling weaker institutional demand. Weekly withdrawals totaling hundreds of millions of dollars have raised questions about whether the strong ETF-driven inflows earlier in the year are losing momentum.

Ethereum Follows as Derivatives Market Unwinds

Ethereum declined nearly 6% to trade around $1,859, underperforming Bitcoin slightly during the latest drop.

Market participants say Ethereum’s weakness shows both its sensitivity to Bitcoin’s direction and elevated leverage across the crypto derivatives complex. Total open interest across major exchanges remains high, suggesting that many positions were vulnerable to sharp moves.

As Bitcoin fell, Ethereum longs were also liquidated, amplifying losses. This pattern has become familiar during periods of heightened volatility, where price moves are magnified by automated liquidations rather than fundamental shifts in network activity.

XRP and Altcoins Face Broader Risk-Off Rotation

XRP fell nearly 6% on the day and more than 9% over the past week, trading near $1.33. This reflects a broader retreat from altcoins as investors rotate toward perceived safety or reduce overall exposure.

In risk-off environments, capital typically exits smaller or more volatile assets first. Even large-cap altcoins such as XRP can experience outsized declines when confidence deteriorates across the sector.

Hence, now the total crypto market capitalization is hovering near the $2.17 trillion level, a yearly low set earlier this month.

A sustained hold above that level could allow for consolidation and a potential short-term rebound. A decisive break lower, however, may open the door to a move toward the psychologically important $2.0 trillion mark.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Will BTC Break Higher After Rejection Near $69K?

22 February 2026 at 09:54
Bitcoin Trades Sideways Near $68K Amid Market Uncertainty

The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: Will BTC Break Higher After Rejection Near $69K? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin is once again testing an important resistance zone, and traders are watching closely to see what happens next.

On the daily chart, Bitcoin recently faced rejection near the $68,300 to $69,800 resistance area. This is not the first time price has struggled in this zone. Sellers have stepped in here before, and we are now seeing another pause in momentum.

So what does this mean for Bitcoin’s short-term outlook?

Bullish Scenario Still Alive

The broader view remains slightly bullish.

Bitcoin appears to have formed a potential “wave two” bottom around February 19. If that structure holds, the market could now be building a third wave to the upside. A third wave is typically the strongest move in a trend, but it still needs confirmation through a clear breakout.

Right now, price action looks messy on lower time frames. There is no strong breakout yet, which means the move higher is not fully confirmed.

A Pullback Could Come First

Even in the bullish setup, a short-term pullback would not be unusual.

A typical pattern would involve a small correction before continuation higher. If Bitcoin pulls back, the key support zone to watch sits between $66,194 and $66,956. As long as price stays above this range, the bullish structure remains intact.

If this support holds, buyers could step back in and push Bitcoin toward new local highs.

What If Support Breaks?

If Bitcoin falls below that support area, the outlook becomes more cautious.

In that case, the next major support zone would be between $64,535 and $62,592. A drop into that area would suggest a deeper correction before any strong rally resumes.

Breakout Level to Watch

For bulls, the most important level is still the $68,300 to $69,867 resistance zone. A strong daily close above this range would signal momentum shifting firmly upward and increase the chances of a move toward higher highs.

Final Outlook

Bitcoin is at a decision point. A small dip would not damage the overall bullish setup, but holding above key support is critical.

If support stays strong and resistance eventually breaks, Bitcoin could begin its next leg higher. If not, a deeper correction may come first before the next major rally.

XRP Just Flashed the Same Signal Before a 114% Explosion

22 February 2026 at 09:45
XRP Price Crash

The post XRP Just Flashed the Same Signal Before a 114% Explosion appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP has just printed its largest on-chain realized loss spike since 2022 — and the last time this happened, the outcome shocked the market.

According to on-chain data, XRP recently recorded roughly $900 million in weekly realized losses, marking the biggest capitulation event in nearly three years. The previous major spike occurred 39 months ago, when realized losses hit -$1.93 billion. What followed? XRP surged 114% over the next eight months.

That historical pattern is now back in focus.

What Realized Loss Spikes Actually Mean

Realized losses occur when investors sell their coins for less than what they originally paid. In other words, they lock in losses instead of waiting for a recovery. This usually happens when fear peaks.

When large numbers of traders capitulate at once, it often signals emotional exhaustion in the market. Weak hands exit. Panic selling accelerates. Sentiment turns extremely negative.

Ironically, that kind of environment can create the foundation for a rebound.

If most panic sellers have already exited, there may be fewer sellers left to push prices lower. That does not guarantee an immediate rally — but historically, extreme realized loss spikes often appear near market bottoms.

Markets tend to move in the opposite direction of maximum fear.

XRP Price: Is a Bounce Already Starting?

Short term, XRP appears to be attempting a corrective bounce. On the higher time frame, the market may have started a B-wave rally within a broader correction.

However, analysts warn that a meaningful low is not fully confirmed yet.

Since January 2025, XRP has been trading inside a wide corrective range. The upper boundary was tested earlier in the year, while the lower boundary sits near key retracement levels from the previous major rally.

The critical level to watch remains around $1.20. A clean break below that zone could open the door to a deeper correction. If support holds, however, the current bounce could extend higher in the coming weeks.

History Doesn’t Repeat, But It Rhymes

The last time XRP experienced a major realized loss spike, it marked a period of extreme fear. Months later, the price had doubled. We are now seeing a similar on-chain signal.

Whether XRP repeats its 114% explosion remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the market has entered an emotional extreme, and those moments often matter the most.

Will the Altcoin Rally Start on March 1?

22 February 2026 at 08:36
Utility Tokens

The post Will the Altcoin Rally Start on March 1? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

There’s a lot happening in crypto right now, and one date keeps coming up: March 1. Some investors are wondering if that could mark the beginning of the next altcoin rally.

The reason? Major regulatory movement in Washington.

March 1 Could Be a Turning Point

The White House has set a March 1 deadline to resolve the stablecoin rewards dispute that has been holding up the broader crypto market structure bill, often called the Clarity Act.

This bill aims to create clearer rules for crypto in the United States. And clarity is something the market has lacked for years.

According to prediction markets, there is currently an 83% chance that the Clarity Act will be signed into law in 2026. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has even said he believes there is an 80 to 90% chance the bill passes by April.

If that happens, it could remove one of the biggest uncertainties hanging over crypto.

Why Stablecoin Rewards Matter

The main issue slowing the bill has been stablecoin rewards.

Banks want limits on crypto platforms offering yield on idle stablecoin balances. They worry that customers could move money out of traditional banks into crypto if rewards are too attractive.

Crypto firms argue that banning yield would hurt innovation and make the U.S. less competitive.

Now, a compromise may be forming. Instead of allowing passive rewards just for holding stablecoins, platforms may be allowed to offer rewards tied to activity, such as transactions or participation.

If this issue is resolved by March 1, the broader bill could move forward quickly.

Why This Could Trigger an Altcoin Rally

Regulatory uncertainty has been one of the biggest reasons institutions have stayed cautious. Large investors do not like gray areas. They want clear rules from the SEC and CFTC before committing serious capital.

If the Clarity Act advances, confidence could return.

Markets often move before the news becomes official. That’s why some investors are watching late February and early March closely.

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