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Despite $3 billion exiting USDT, stablecoins are reaching unprecedented payment usage—here’s the explanation.

Short-term pressure conflicts with sustained long-term growth.

Dow slides 735 points as Trump's tariff surprise rattles both crypto and stock markets

U.S. markets dropped sharply on Monday as President Donald Trump announced a new 15% global tariff and concerns over accelerating AI disruption unsettled investors. The sell‑off dragged down both stock and cryptocurrency values, while gold and silver gained on heightened safe‑haven demand. Heightened AI‑related worries and trade tensions rattled Wall Street, which opened the week in decline, affecting the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Bitcoin drops below $65,000 as whale selling intensifies and the Trump tariff dispute unfolds

AI Spectral Market: ETH and BTC Soar

Citrini Research describes an AI‑driven outlook where the global economy is shifting toward a “ghost GDP,” indicating stagnant or invisible growth. Ethereum and Solana now dominate crypto payments, capturing the largest share of transaction volume. Bitcoin is accelerating toward the $1 million mark, fueled by growing institutional interest and market momentum. Ethereum’s price has fallen roughly 60%, reflecting significant downside pressure. Bitmine reported a loss of $8.8 billion, underscoring severe financial strain on mining operations. Technical analysis identifies strong support for Bitcoin near $1,747. Michael Saylor’s recent statements continue to shape market sentiment.

ALT Technical: KuCoin’s AML ban in Austria targeting the EU

The Austrian Financial Market Authority has prohibited KuCoin EU from initiating any new business activities due to anti‑money‑laundering violations. The MiCA‑licensed exchange faced restrictions after several staff members departed the company. ALT is priced at $0.01, reflecting a 2.88% decline, and its RSI stands at 31.65, signalling an oversold market.

USD/CNY outlook: indicating gradual downside pressure as tariff changes reshape currency dynamics

MUFG Bank projects a gradual weakening of the USD/CNY pair through 2025 as Sino‑US tariff policies adjust. The analysis blends historic data, policy shifts, and flow metrics to gauge currency pressure. Expected depreciation is modest, within established trading bands, amounting to 3‑5% over 12‑18 months. Reduced tariffs on Chinese exports typically boost yuan demand via trade‑balance improvements, stronger investment sentiment, and signals of deeper economic coordination. MUFG’s research finds a 10% tariff cut correlates with a 1.2‑1.8% yuan appreciation in subsequent quarters. This relationship has held statistically since 2018 across multiple negotiation cycles. The People’s Bank of China maintains a managed‑floating regime with “two‑way flexibility,” supporting yuan while allowing market forces. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s gradual rate normalization presses the dollar higher. Combined with selective Chinese capital‑control liberalisation, these dynamics create mixed but net‑positive pressure for a stronger yuan. Traders must navigate uneven liquidity, especially favoring Asian sessions for yuan execution. Corporate hedging activity and potential shocks—such as accelerated Fed tightening, Chinese property stress, or heightened geopolitical tension—could alter the projected path. Ongoing monitoring of tariff talks, policy moves, and capital flows remains essential for accurate positioning.

Near Protocol unveils its groundbreaking AI Super App Near.com, heralding a transformative future.

Near Protocol unveiled Near.com, an AI‑driven super app that combines decentralized services with privacy tech. The platform debuted on April 10, 2025, positioning itself as a single gateway for Web3 interactions. It aims to merge AI assistants, smart‑contract tools, and portfolio management into one interface. Near.com leverages NEAR’s sharded proof‑of‑stake chain for high throughput and low fees. AI functions operate via a hybrid on‑chain/off‑chain model, while zero‑knowledge proofs protect transaction data. The app unifies onboarding, using a single NEAR account for diverse services. At launch, the NEAR token slipped to $0.9786, a 2.83% decline, reflecting broader market volatility. Analysts caution that short‑term price moves may not mirror the project’s fundamentals. Long‑term impact will depend on user adoption and performance. By fusing AI and decentralization, Near.com targets the super‑app model popular in Asian markets, but with user‑owned data. Success could boost daily active users and transaction volume across the NEAR ecosystem. The initiative positions NEAR against other layer‑1 platforms developing similar integrated solutions.

Weekly Strategy for WLD Technical Analysis – 23 February 2026

WLD remains in a weekly downtrend, testing the $0.3672 support level. Bitcoin’s bearish momentum warrants caution, but a breakout above $0.3873 could create bullish confluence.

Bitcoin could change direction and climb to $75,000: the details.

Traders remain uncertain whether the crypto market has reached a bottom. Concerns about liquidity and doubts over AI industry valuations add pressure. Meanwhile, strong Bitcoin mining activity could propel the price of Bitcoin back to $75,000.

Large Bitcoin deposits reach a 14‑month peak, with $8.2 billion flowing into Binance.

In the last 30 days, Bitcoin whales have transferred roughly $8.24 billion to Binance, marking the strongest inflow level in the past 14 months. The growing amount of Bitcoin held on the exchange typically signals heightened sell pressure and increased market volatility. Major Bitcoin owners are moving sizable amounts and are increasingly selecting Binance as their preferred platform for these transfers.

Everything You Must Know About This Week's Bitcoin Price

Bitcoin is consolidating around $65,000 on the weekly chart, and analyst Doctor Profit warns the market remains trapped inside a broader bear structure. His recent report reviews past cycles and maps a path from euphoria to a potential trend reversal. The analysis underscores that despite recent stability, bearish dynamics still dominate. Doctor Profit outlines six recurring stages: Stage 1 featured euphoric buying near $115‑125 k, leaving the market over‑leveraged; Stage 2 saw a break below $100 k, triggering massive liquidations; Stage 3 delivered a rapid decline from $97 k to $47 k, a loss of over 50 % in a month. The market is now in Stage 4, marked by sideways movement, depleted liquidity, and a short‑term bounce expected between $57‑60 k. This phase exhausts retail traders and creates conditions for the next shift. Stage 5 is described as the “true capitulation” phase, where extreme fear and possible black‑swan events could push Bitcoin to a bottom of $35‑45 k. Stage 6 anticipates a gradual recovery with continued sideways trading, decreasing selling pressure, and accumulation by large players. Retail participants may misjudge the bottom, repeating the classic pattern of buying high and selling low, before the market transitions into its next bullish cycle.

WLFI Incident: Positive Update as USD1 Reserves Remain Safe After Social Media Breach

World Liberty Financial confirmed that a recent breach involved only a co‑founder’s X (Twitter) account. The attack was a social‑engineering event, not a flaw in the blockchain or smart contracts. WLFI’s official statement emphasized that the core protocol and USD1 stablecoin reserves remained untouched. The USD1 reserves, backed by cash and short‑term securities, are fully intact and show no unauthorized minting or transfers. Smart contracts continue to operate as designed, proving the technical architecture’s resilience. This assurance preserves the 1:1 peg and user trust. Experts note a growing shift toward targeting human assets rather than code, making phishing a primary risk. WLFI’s swift public clarification limited misinformation and market panic. The incident underscores the need for strong operational security, such as 2FA and hardware keys for team accounts. Projects must separate communication channels from treasury controls to avoid similar fallout. The market’s calm response signals maturing risk awareness among DeFi participants. Users are advised to verify announcements through multiple official sources and remain vigilant against social‑media scams.

Standard Chartered predicts stablecoins will hit $2 trillion, while Bitcoin could rise to $100 thousand.

Standard Chartered forecasts that the stablecoin market could total $2 trillion by 2028, while noting a decline in demand for Treasury bills. Reserves of USDT and USDC are expected to play a pivotal role in sustaining that market growth. The bank has also lowered its price target for Bitcoin for the year 2026.

Michael Saylor claims the quantum risk to Bitcoin won’t emerge for more than ten years.

The Strategy CEO minimized concerns about quantum threats during Natalie Brunell’s Coin Stories podcast, noting that any genuine risk would trigger coordinated software upgrades across global digital platforms.

US equities tumble as key indexes experience sharp drops amid market uncertainty

All three major US indices closed sharply lower, with the S&P 500 down 1.04%, the Nasdaq off 1.13%, and the Dow slipping 1.66%. The declines marked one of the strongest single‑day losses in weeks and erased gains from the prior five sessions. Elevated trading volume signaled broad institutional participation in the sell‑off. Technology led the fall, dropping about 1.8% as semiconductor stocks struggled with demand concerns. Financials also fell roughly 1.5% amid uncertainty over interest‑rate paths. Defensive sectors such as utilities posted modest gains, reflecting a shift toward safety. Mixed economic data – strong labor market but weakening manufacturing – created ambiguity for investors. Inflation remains above target, while the Federal Reserve signals a data‑dependent stance, prompting reassessment of future rate moves. Treasury yields fell alongside equities, suggesting a brief flight‑to‑quality. Technical analysis shows key support levels broken, raising the possibility of further downside. The VIX rose about 15%, indicating heightened expected volatility. Historically, single‑day drops of this size occur 12‑15 times a year, often preceding either short‑term rebounds or continued weakness.

Kalshi resolves its backlog of questionable activity and intends to reveal measures taken against insider trading.

Kalshi, a prediction‑market platform, is taking steps to discourage insider trading and curb market manipulation.

Former Chainlink executive becomes senior counsel, giving the SEC Crypto Task Force essential insight.

Former Chainlink deputy general counsel Taylor Lindman joins the SEC crypto task force as senior counsel. His experience with decentralized oracle networks gives the agency direct insight into blockchain infrastructure. The hire signals the SEC’s intent to deepen technical knowledge while keeping enforcement focus. The task force, created in 2021, has expanded from ICO fraud to DeFi, NFTs and stablecoins. Recent enforcement actions underscore the SEC’s view that many tokens meet the Howey Test. Lindman’s background helps the agency interpret novel applications under existing securities law. Blockchain advocates see the appointment as a step toward more informed regulation, while some purists fear tighter oversight. Traditional regulators welcome the move as evidence of adaptive policy. Former SEC officials note that technical expertise improves both enforcement and rulemaking. Lindman’s knowledge of oracle token classification and data‑provider liability could shape how the SEC treats such services. His perspective may lead to clearer standards for utility versus security tokens. The hire reflects a broader trend of integrating industry talent into crypto oversight.

Commerzbank analysis notes that the Malaysian ringgit has surged, propelled by booming exports and strong capital inflows.

Malaysia’s ringgit surged in Q1 2025 as exports expanded, widening the trade surplus. Key sectors—electrical & electronics, petroleum & LNG, and palm oil—generated strong foreign‑currency demand. The diversified export base shields the currency from sector‑specific shocks and fuels appreciation. Robust foreign direct and portfolio investments poured into Malaysia, converting abroad currency into ringgit and lifting its value. Bank Negara Malaysia’s relatively hawkish stance sustains interest‑rate differentials that attract yield‑seeking capital. Political stability and strategic location further enhance investor confidence. A stronger ringgit lowers import costs, easing inflationary pressure on machinery, inputs and consumer goods. However, higher prices for exported products could temper future export growth if appreciation accelerates. Authorities monitor these dynamics to balance growth, price stability and external competitiveness.

ICP Technical Review – Weekly Strategy (February 23 2026)

ICP ended the week lower and remains in oversold territory, making the $2.00 support level crucial. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s ongoing downtrend is weighing on altcoins, suggesting that a breakout should be awaited.

GBP/JPY outlook: A vital bearish flag formation appears as the pound comes under growing pressure

The GBP/JPY pair has slid lower, forming a classic bearish flag on the daily chart. The pattern follows a sharp fall from a February high of 190.25 into a consolidation zone between 185.50 and 187.80. Traders view the flag as a pause before a possible continuation of the downtrend. A death‑cross has appeared as the 50‑day moving average dropped below the 200‑day line, while the RSI stays under 50, indicating sustained bearish momentum. Key resistance lies at 187.80; a break above would invalidate the flag. Support levels are 185.50 and 183.20 (61.8 % Fibonacci), with a measured move targeting around 180.50. Diverging policies—cautious BoE stance versus the BOJ’s gradual tightening—pressure sterling, reinforced by weak UK retail sales and solid Japanese inflation. Global risk‑off sentiment fuels yen safe‑haven flows, and institutional positioning shows growing short bias. Traders should size positions tightly, respect the 150‑pip ATR, and watch for policy or geopolitical shifts that could reverse the technical outlook.

AI disruption concerns and tariff doubts weigh on Wall Street

The discussion expands on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500, highlighting their current performance and relevance in market analysis. Investors are reacting to lingering tariff doubts, causing a decline in equity prices and prompting a cautious outlook for the Dow Jones and broader U.S. indices. Analysts suggest that Blue Owl may represent only the initial sign of deeper market vulnerabilities. A trio of risk elements is identified as a looming threat to market stability throughout the week. The stock market extends its downward trajectory as participants wrestle with ongoing tariff-related uncertainties. J.P. Morgan notes that emerging markets and value stocks could maintain their outperformance, offering further upside potential.

Curve founder says DeFi ought to generate revenue | ETH Drop

Curve co‑founder Egorov cautions that decentralized finance must move away from reliance on inflationary tokens. Total value locked contracted by 38%, and Ethereum’s price fell 60% during the same timeframe. Bitmain recorded a loss of $8.8 billion. The Relative Strength Index is at 30, with key support positioned around $1.747. The sector is increasingly adopting revenue‑focused models as an alternative to inflation‑driven incentives.

Bitcoin falls 6% despite the Ripple CEO’s forecast of an 80% boost from the CLARITY Act—exploring why the market remains unresponsive.

Brad Garlinghouse, the chief executive of Ripple, estimates an 80% chance that the CLARITY Act will be approved in April, even though it faces significant legislative challenges.

US Dollar Holds Steady as Gold Climbs Amid Fresh Trump Tariff Tensions

The US Dollar Index held between 104.20‑104.65 on March 18, 2025, showing little reaction to renewed Trump tariff proposals. Resilience stemmed from the Fed’s data‑dependent stance, steady Treasury yields and the dollar’s safe‑haven appeal. EUR/USD hovered around 1.084‑1.086, USD/JPY near 151.8 and the pound modestly firm at 1.2650. Gold jumped from $2,150 to $2,215 per ounce, a 3 % rise and the strongest single‑day gain in three weeks. The rally was driven by heightened geopolitical risk, reported central‑bank buying and algorithmic breaks above key resistance. Real‑yield dynamics weakened as TIPS yields rose yet gold kept climbing. Trump’s plan proposes a 25 % levy on EU autos and a 30 % duty on selected Chinese tech, echoing 2018‑19 disputes. Historically, such moves sparked a 5 % dollar surge and an 18 % gold gain, but markets now price reactions more modestly. Analysts warn prolonged tensions could boost emerging‑market volatility and shift reserves toward non‑correlated assets like gold. The Dollar Index finds support at 104.00 and faces resistance near 104.80; a break above could revive strength. Gold’s next resistance lies at $2,230 with support around $2,180. EUR/USD and USD/JPY watch 200‑day averages at 1.0880 and the 152.00 yen level for possible breakout or central‑bank intervention.