Bitcoin tops $68,000 after Iran confirms leader killed in U.S., Israel airstrikes

The death of Iran's supreme leader opens the door to regime change, and markets are pricing in a shorter period of tension.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/03/01/bitcoin-tops-usd68-000-after-iran-confirms-leader-killed-in-u-s-israel-airstrikes

Here's how bitcoin's price rise could be fueled by job-stealing AI software

Bitcoin's future hinges less on technological factors and more on how AI affects growth, employment, real interest rates, and central bank liquidity, NYDIG Research argues.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/28/here-s-how-bitcoin-s-price-rise-could-be-fueled-by-job-stealing-ai-software

Iran crisis puts the regime's $7.8 billion crypto shadow economy in spotlight

The government relies on this crypto infrastructure for international trade, while ordinary Iranians use it as a financial lifeline during protests and economic crises.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/28/iran-conflict-throws-the-regime-s-usd7-8-billion-crypto-ecosystem-and-bitcoin-mining-network-into-spotlight

AI tool catches critical XRP Ledger bug that could have drained wallets

The vulnerability in the Batch amendment's signature validation was found during the voting phase and never reached mainnet, but the exploit path was severe enough that validators were immediately told to vote it down.

source https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2026/02/27/ai-tool-catches-critical-xrp-ledger-bug-that-could-have-drained-wallets

Coinbase’s head of litigation says states are “gaslighting” on prediction markets

Ryan VanGrack says states are misrepresenting federal law as they move to block prediction markets.

source https://www.coindesk.com/coindesk-news/2026/02/27/coinbase-s-head-of-litigation-says-states-are-gaslighting-on-prediction-markets

Citi and Morgan Stanley expand bitcoin and crypto custody, trading and tokenization efforts

As Citi integrates Bitcoin into bank-grade custody and reporting frameworks, Morgan Stanley moves to bring crypto trading, lending exploration and tokenized products to mainstream wealth clients.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/27/citi-and-morgan-stanley-expand-bitcoin-and-crypto-custody-trading-and-tokenization-efforts

Here is why Ethereum's bold new plan could make the blockchain giant high-speed 'internet of value' by 2029

Beneath the technical language of the 'Strawmap' is a far simpler story: Ethereum is trying to decide what kind of infrastructure it wants to be by the end of the decade.

source https://www.coindesk.com/news-analysis/2026/02/26/here-is-why-ethereum-s-bold-new-plan-could-make-the-blockchain-giant-high-speed-internet-of-value-by-2029

A new bipartisan bill wants to ensure the next century of tech is written in America

The Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act is a high-stakes play to win the global code war.

source https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2026/02/26/a-new-bipartisan-bill-wants-to-ensure-the-next-century-of-tech-is-written-in-america

AI rout hits software stocks, but Grayscale says blockchains stand to benefit

As AI rattles tech stocks, Grayscale's head of research said blockchains will power intelligent agents’ transactions and help offset emerging risks.

source https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2026/02/26/ai-rout-hits-software-stocks-but-grayscale-says-blockchains-stand-to-benefit

Solo bitcoin miner turns $75 of rented hashrate into a $200,000 block reward

The miner rented 1 petahash per second through on-demand cloud mining and got lucky on block 938,092, one of 21 solo-mined blocks in the past year.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/25/solo-bitcoin-miner-turns-usd75-of-rented-hashrate-into-a-usd200-000-block-reward

Bitcoin snaps back near $69,000 but analysts warn the market may not be out of the woods yet

Crypto rebounds sharply from Tuesday's lows, yet traders question whether the move marks a lasting turn or another range-bound bounce.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/25/bitcoin-snaps-back-near-usd69-000-but-analysts-warn-the-market-may-not-be-out-of-the-woods-yet

Nvidia rises after earnings beat Wall Street's expectations, lifting AI-related crypto stocks

The AI bellwether reported $68 billion revenue last quarter, expecting it to grow to $78 billion next quarter.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/25/nvidia-rises-after-earnings-beat-wall-street-s-expectations-lifting-ai-related-crypto-stocks

MrBeast editor nabbed by prediction market firm Kalshi for alleged insider trading

The company said it punished the MrBeast employee and another user it said tried to get away with contracts relying on inside information.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/25/mrbeast-editor-nabbed-by-prediction-market-firm-kalshi-for-alleged-insider-trading

Crypto’s biggest exchange fights back against allegations of moving billions of Iran-linked money

The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Fortune all reported that investigators had been let go after identifying sanctions-violating transactions.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/24/binance-accuses-the-wsj-of-defamation-and-false-statements-over-iran-sanctions-reporting

Millions in crypto funded tools to exploit U.S. software, Treasury says in new sanctions

An Australian national was said to sell cyber tools designed for the U.S. government and its allies to a Russian company known as Operation Zero.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/24/millions-in-crypto-funded-tools-to-exploit-u-s-software-treasury-says-in-new-sanctions

Fed proposes rule to deal with crypto debanking by scrapping 'reputation risk'

The proposal would cut the risk factor from Fed oversight and bar supervisors from pushing banks to cut off disfavored businesses, including in crypto.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/24/fed-proposes-rule-to-deal-with-crypto-debanking-by-scrapping-reputation-risk

Kraken’s co-CEO could trust AI with 100% of his crypto — Dragonfly’s Haseeb Qureshi isn’t convinced

At NEARCON 2026, Dragonfly’s Haseeb Qureshi and Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi delivered a sharp debate over how soon those agents can be trusted with real money.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/23/kraken-s-arjun-sethi-could-trust-ai-with-100-of-his-crypto-dragonfly-s-haseeb-qureshi-isn-t-convinced

Crypto suffers deeper declines as AI fears send IBM plunging 11%

Artificial intelligence company Anthropic announced that its Claude platform can streamline COBOL code, a key profit center for IBM.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/23/crypto-suffers-deeper-declines-as-ai-fears-send-ibm-plunging-11

$61 million bitcoin whale liquidated on HTX as sentiment back at 'extreme fear'

The position was the largest single forced closure in 24 hours as bitcoin shed weekend gains and the fear index returned to historic lows.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/23/usd61-million-bitcoin-whale-liquidated-on-htx-as-sentiment-back-at-extreme-fear

AI bot's tipping blunder hands $450,000 memecoin pile to X sad story poster

AI trading bot "Lobstar Wilde" accidentally sent a large coin stash to an X user in need of 4 SOL for medical treatment.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/23/ai-bot-s-tipping-blunder-hands-usd250-000-memecoin-pile-to-x-sad-story-poster

Bitcoin ETFs bleed $3.8 billion in historic five-week outflow streak

Outflows underscore persistent institutional wariness toward bitcoin after the early October crash.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/23/bitcoin-etfs-bleed-usd3-8-billion-in-historic-five-week-outflow-streak

Bitcoin slides 5%, tumbling below $65,000 as whale selling grows and recent buyers lock in losses

On-chain data from Glassnode and CryptoQuant shows large holders dominating exchange inflows while short-term investors continue to sell at a loss, pointing to a fragile base-building phase.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/23/bitcoin-slides-4-to-usd65-000-as-whale-selling-grows-and-recent-buyers-lock-in-losses

Mentioning 'bitcoin' or crypto on AI agent OpenClaw's Discord will get you banned

The project's creator nearly deleted the viral AI agent after crypto scammers hijacked his accounts, launched a fake token that hit $16 million, and harassed him for weeks.

source https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2026/02/22/mentioning-bitcoin-or-crypto-on-ai-agent-openclaw-s-discord-will-get-you-banned

Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin proposes AI 'stewards' to help reinvent DAO governance

The system would use zero-knowledge proofs and secure environments (MPC/TEEs) to protect voter identity and sensitive data while preventing coercion and bribery.

source https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2026/02/21/ethereum-s-vitalik-buterin-proposes-ai-stewards-to-help-reinvent-dao-governance

Bitcoin echoes 'late 2022' bear market bottom, K33 says

The current levels offer an attractive entry for long-term investors, even if their patience will be tested, Vetle Lunde said.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/21/bitcoin-echoes-late-2022-bear-market-bottom-k33-says

Bitcoin shrugs off Trump's new tariffs, nears $68,000 as altcoins lead modest bounce

Crypto prices edged higher on Friday despite a splash of tariff turbulence after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Trump's levies illegal.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/20/bitcoin-shrugs-off-trump-s-new-tariffs-nears-usd68-000-as-altcoins-lead-modest-bounce

U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Trump's tariffs may not rock crypto — yet

The more significant result from the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of President Donald Trump's trade tariffs may be political, which could sting the industry.

source https://www.coindesk.com/news-analysis/2026/02/20/u-s-supreme-court-s-decision-on-trump-s-tariffs-may-not-rock-crypto-yet

Metaplanet CEO rebuts critics over bitcoin strategy and transparency

Simon Gerovich defends disclosure standards, options trading model, and hotel operations.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/20/metaplanet-ceo-rebuts-critics-over-bitcoin-strategy-and-transparency

Inside the meeting: White House favors some stablecoin rewards, tells banks it's time to move

Sources familiar with the talks on stablecoin yields say the White House urged bankers to get on board with a deal that lets the market structure bill advance.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/19/inside-the-meeting-white-house-favors-some-stablecoin-rewards-tells-banks-it-s-time-to-move

Bitcoin steadies near $67,000 as traders pay for crash protection

The average bitcoin ETF investor now sits on a 20% paper loss, leaving the market vulnerable to capitulation selling if prices slide further, a Wintermute trader said.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/19/bitcoin-steadies-near-usd67-000-as-traders-pay-for-crash-protection

Latest White House talks on stablecoin yield make 'progress' with banks, no deal yet

In the latest of a series of meetings hosted at the White House, bankers and crypto policy experts met to break down the wall halting the market structure bill.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/19/latest-white-house-talks-on-stablecoin-yield-make-progress-with-banks-no-deal-yet

Banking trade groups responsible for impasse on market structure bill, Brian Armstrong says

Coinbase CEO Brain Armstrong said updated market structure legislation may offer banks other benefits to get them on board with allowing stablecoin rewards.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/18/banking-trade-groups-responsible-for-impasse-on-market-structure-bill-brian-armstrong-says

Bitcoin sinks to $66,000, U.S. stocks lose steam as Fed minutes mention possible rate hike

Bitcoin is now on track for its fifth consecutive weekly decline, and losing this level could open the floor for a fresh leg lower.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/18/bitcoin-sinks-to-usd66-000-u-s-stocks-lose-steam-as-fed-minutes-mention-possible-rate-hike

Kraken continues acquisition streak by buying token management firm Magna ahead of IPO push

The deal adds token lifecycle infrastructure to Kraken’s growing product suite.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/18/kraken-continues-acquisition-streak-by-buying-token-management-firm-magna-ahead-of-ipo-push

Gold firm Elemental Royalty to pay out dividends in Tether's tokenized gold

The company claimed the bragging right of being the first to let investors opt for dividend payments in a cryptocurrency, backed by gold.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/17/gold-firm-elemental-royalty-to-pay-out-dividends-in-tether-s-tokenized-gold

Crypto venture capital firm Dragonfly raises $650 million despite 'gloom of a bear market'

The firm’s fourth fund positions it alongside a16z and Paradigm even as blockchain VC fundraising contracts and investors pivot toward stablecoins and tokenized finance.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/17/crypto-venture-capital-firm-dragonfly-raises-usd650-million-despite-gloom-of-a-bear-market

UK crypto rules too slow to support global hub ambitions, says Agant CEO

Regulatory delays risk blunting Britain’s digital asset push, said Andrew MacKenzie, head of the pound-pegged stablecoin developer.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/17/uk-crypto-rules-too-slow-to-support-global-hub-ambitions-says-agant-ceo

DeFi protocol ZeroLend shuts down after three years, citing inactive chains and hacks

The protocol is shutting down after three years, citing unsustainable economics, thin margins and rising security threats.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/17/defi-protocol-zerolend-shuts-down-after-3-years-citing-inactive-chains-and-hacks

BofA survey flags dollar bearish bets at over a decade high. Here's what it means for bitcoin

BofA's February survey shows investor positioning in the U.S. dollar has fallen to its most negative level since at least early 2012.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/17/bofa-survey-shows-record-bearish-dollar-bets-here-s-what-it-means-for-bitcoin

'We do not do illegal things': Inside a U.S.-sanctioned stablecoin issuer's race to build a crypto giant

Oleg Ogienko, the public face of A7A5, pitched the ruble-pegged stablecoin as a fast-growing trade rail built to move money across borders despite sanctions pressure.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/16/we-do-not-do-illegal-things-inside-a-u-s-sanctioned-stablecoin-issuer-s-race-to-build-a-crypto-giant

Crypto market drowns in red as bitcoin falls to $68,000

Traders are bracing for a heavy week of macroeconomic events, including Fed minutes and the core PCE inflation report.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/16/crypto-market-drowns-in-red-as-bitcoin-falls-to-usd68-000

Wall Street giant Apollo deepens crypto push with Morpho token deal

The asset manager overseeing more than $900 billion assets may buy up to 90 million MORPHO tokens as part of a partnership to support DeFi credit market, it said.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/15/wall-street-giant-apollo-deepens-crypto-push-with-morpho-token-deal

Hong Kong is trying to build up its crypto regulations: State of Crypto

Several leaders in Hong Kong announced efforts to advance the region's regulatory environment.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/16/hong-kong-is-trying-to-build-up-its-crypto-regulations-state-of-crypto

Prediction markets vs. insider trading: Founders admit blockchain transparency is the only defense

Prediction markets are increasingly being framed not as gambling platforms but as vehicles for monetizing information, though founders acknowledged the line can blur.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/13/prediction-markets-vs-insider-trading-founders-admit-blockchain-transparency-is-the-only-defense

XRP outruns bitcoin, ether after investors piled into the recent crash

XRP is outperforming bitcoin and ether following signs of dip buying during recent crash.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/15/xrp-is-outrunning-bitcoin-and-ether-after-investors-piled-into-the-recent-crash

Wall Street remains bullish on bitcoin while offshore traders retreat

The difference in futures basis between CME and Deribit reflects varying risk appetite across regions.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/15/wall-street-remains-bullish-on-bitcoin-while-offshore-traders-retreat

Galaxy’s Steve Kurz sees ‘great convergence’ driving crypto’s long-term outlook

The firm's asset-management chief says the recent crypto selloff reflects healthy deleveraging, while infrastructure growth and institutional adoption support a bullish outlook.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/14/galaxy-s-steve-kurz-sees-great-convergence-driving-crypto-s-long-term-outlook

Bitcoin claws back to $70,000 on cooling inflation after $8.7 billion wipeout

Despite the price recovery, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index remains in “extreme fear,” indicating underlying market anxiety.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/14/bitcoin-claws-back-to-usd70-000-on-cooling-inflation-after-usd8-7-billion-wipeout

Trump-linked Truth Social seeks SEC approval for two crypto ETFs

The filings include a bitcoin and ether ETF and a staking-focused Cronos fund, deepening the Truth Social brand’s ambitions in digital asset investing.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/13/trump-linked-truth-social-seeks-sec-approval-for-two-crypto-etfs

Crypto group counters Wall Street bankers with its own stablecoin principles for bill

After the bankers shared a document at the White House demanding a total ban on stablecoin yield, the crypto side answers that it needs some stablecoin rewards.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/13/crypto-group-counters-wall-street-bankers-with-its-own-stablecoin-principles-for-bill

Bitcoin tumbles back near last week's lows as AI fears crush tech and precious metals plunge

The strong correlation between crypto and the software sector reasserted itself on Wednesday

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/12/bitcoin-tumbles-back-near-last-week-s-lows-as-ai-fears-crush-tech-and-precious-metals-plunge

Sharplink's Lubin and Chalom make their case for ether DATs as prices plunge

At a panel discussion at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 featuring Sharplink Gaming Chairman Joe Lubin and CEO Joseph Chalom, the two executives outlined how digital asset treasuries are evolving into a distinct institutional strategy.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/12/sharplink-s-lubin-and-chalom-make-their-case-for-ether-dats-as-prices-plunge

Aave labs proposes ‘Aave Will Win’ plan to send 100% of product revenue to DAO

The proposal arrives amid discord within the Aave community over control of the protocol’s brand and key assets.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/12/aave-labs-proposes-aave-will-win-plan-to-send-100-of-product-revenue-to-dao

Charles Hoskinson confirms deal to onboard LayerZero on Cardano

Input Output CEO and founder Charles Hoskinson announced the a deal to get the institutional-focused LayerZero ported over to the Cardano blockchain.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/12/charles-hoskinson-confirms-deal-to-onboard-layerzero-on-cardano

BlackRock exec says 1% crypto allocation in Asia could unlock $2 trillion in new flows

During a panel discussion at Consensus in Hong Kong, Peach pointed to massive capital pools in traditional finance as ETF adoption spreads across Asia.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/11/blackrock-exec-says-even-a-1-crypto-allocation-in-asia-could-unlock-usd2-trillion-in-new-flows

U.S. DOJ hits Paxful for $4 million in case tied to illegal sex work, money laundering

The crypto platform's penalty was sharply reduced due to its ability to pay, according to U.S. authorities.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/11/u-s-doj-hits-paxful-for-usd4-million-in-case-tied-to-illegal-sex-work-money-laundering

Citadel Securities backs LayerZero as it unveils ‘Zero’ blockchain for global markets

Citadel has made a strategic investment in LayerZero’s ZRO token as the interoperability firm rolls out its high-performance blockchain.

source https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2026/02/10/citadel-securities-backs-layerzero-as-it-unveils-zero-blockchain-for-global-markets

Ex-SafeMoon CEO gets 8-year prison sentence for defrauding investors

Braden John Karony had been convicted last year on several federal charges, and he's ordered to pay back $7.5 million in restitution.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/10/ex-safemoon-ceo-gets-8-year-prison-sentence-for-defrauding-investors

Sam Bankman-Fried files for new trial over FTX fraud charges

The incarcerated former leader of the failed crypto exchange wants a new chance to defend against fraud charges.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/10/sam-bankman-fried-files-for-new-trial-over-ftx-fraud-charges

Concerns over Strategy selling bitcoin are 'unfounded,' Michael Saylor says

Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor affirmed the firm’s commitment to a long-term bitcoin strategy following major fourth quarter losses and a continued plunge in prices early this year.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/10/concerns-over-strategy-selling-bitcoin-are-unfounded-michael-saylor-says

Bitcoin’s U.S. demand signal flickers back after crash

A rebound in the Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index suggests U.S. buyers stepped in near recent lows, though it does not confirm a broader risk-on turn.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/10/bitcoin-s-u-s-demand-signal-flickers-back-after-crash

Bitcoin rebound has hit a wall at $71,000 with sentiment at most fearful since 2022

Trading data show a broad risk-off unwind, with spot volumes on major exchanges down about 30% since late 2025 and retail participation fading

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/10/bitcoin-faces-fresh-resistance-near-usd71-000-as-fear-gauge-hits-2022-lows

McHenry predicts fast crypto deal as Witt brokers talks

Patrick McHenry and Patrick Witt told CoinDesk Live at Ondo Summit that crypto law momentum grows, even as disputes over yield and ethics continue to sharpen.

source https://www.coindesk.com/coindesk-news/2026/02/06/mchenry-predicts-fast-crypto-deal-as-witt-brokers-talks

Farcaster founders join stablecoin startup Tempo after Neynar acquires social protocol

Dan Romero and Varun Srinivasan have both exited crypto social media to focus on global payments via stablecoins.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/09/farcaster-founders-join-stablecoin-startup-tempo-after-neynar-acquires-social-protocol

Here's why the quantum threat for bitcoin may be smaller than people fear

The key point is that most of the potentially exposed bitcoin isn’t sitting in a handful of giant, juicy targets. It’s scattered across more than 32,000 separate wallets.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/09/the-quantum-threat-to-bitcoin-is-smaller-than-people-think-coinshares

Takaichi Triumph: Japan’s record 56,000 Nikkei surge sends bitcoin to $72,000, gold past $5,000

Japanese mandate sparks surge in equities and safe havens.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/09/takaichi-triumph-japan-s-record-56-000-nikkei-surge-sends-bitcoin-to-usd72-000-gold-past-usd5-000

Previewing policy at Consensus Hong Kong 2026: State of Crypto

The CoinDesk crew is back in Hong Kong, with policymakers and policy-users alike.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/08/previewing-policy-at-consensus-hong-kong-2026-state-of-crypto

Odds of Jesus Christ appearing in 2026 double, beating return on bitcoin

The Polymarket bet is a reminder that the weirdest corners of crypto are sometimes the only ones going up.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/08/odds-of-jesus-christ-appearing-in-2026-double-beating-return-on-bitcoin

Block weighs cutting up to 10% of jobs: Bloomberg

The company has told hundreds of employees their jobs are at risk as part of a broader overhaul.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/08/block-weighs-cutting-up-to-10-of-jobs-bloomberg

Broad-based bitcoin accumulation emerges after sharp capitulation

Glassnode data is showing buying across all cohorts of bitcoin holders.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/06/broad-based-bitcoin-accumulation-emerges-after-sharp-capitulation

Why machine-to-machine payments are the new electricity for the digital age

If continuous M2M payments are the new electricity, then blockchains must be seen as the new power grid, Huang contends.

source https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2026/02/07/why-machine-to-machine-payments-are-the-new-electricity-for-the-digital-age

BlackRock bitcoin ETF options errupt in crash: Hedge fund blowup or just market madness?

Options trading on BlackRock's spot bitcoin ETF, IBIT, surged to a record 2.33 million contracts on Thursday as bitcoin crashed.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/07/blackrock-bitcoin-etf-options-errupt-in-crash-hedge-fund-blowup-or-just-market-madness

Galaxy Digital shares jump 18% after company approves $200 million buyback

The repurchase plan follows a volatile earnings week and signals confidence in the firm’s balance sheet.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/06/galaxy-digital-shares-jump-18-after-company-approves-usd200-million-buyback

XRP price rockets 18%, staging wildest recovery among major tokens

The move came as bitcoin briefly rose over $70,000 in U.S. morning hours, reversing Thursday's sharp declines ahead of the weekend.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/06/xrp-price-rockets-18-staging-wildest-recovery-among-major-tokens

JPMorgan says bitcoin's lower volatility relative to gold might make it 'more attractive' in long term

ETF redemptions and futures liquidations are pressuring crypto markets, the bank said, even as rising gold volatility quietly strengthens bitcoin’s longer-term investment case.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/05/jpmorgan-says-bitcoin-s-lower-volatility-relative-to-gold-might-make-it-more-attractive-in-long-term

Bitcoin is the third most oversold ever, says one indicator, and violent upside could be next

The Relative Strength Index (RSI), a popular technical trading indicator, has plunged to 17. Only the bear market bottom in 2018 and the 2020 Covid crash saw lower reads.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/05/bitcoin-is-the-third-most-oversold-ever-says-one-indicator-and-violent-upside-could-be-next

Bitcoin slides toward $70,000 as on-chain data flags bear market and traders bet Fed holds in April: Asia Morning Briefing

On-chain data points to fading demand and tighter liquidity, while prediction markets show little expectation of near-term rate cuts.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/05/bitcoin-slides-toward-usd70-000-as-on-chain-data-flags-bear-market-and-traders-bet-fed-holds-in-april-asia-morning-briefing

U.S. regulator declares do-over on prediction markets, throwing out Biden era 'frolic'

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission tumultuous legal fight with events-contracts firms is done, and its new leader is yanking previous policy efforts.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/04/u-s-regulator-declares-do-over-on-prediction-markets-throwing-out-biden-era-frolic

Wall Street giant CME Group is eyeing its own 'CME Coin,' CEO says

The initiative is part of CME's push into tokenized collateral, and the firm is collaborating with Google on a “tokenized cash” solution set to launch later this year.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/04/wall-street-giant-cme-group-is-eyeing-its-own-cme-coin-ceo-says

XRP plunges 6% as bitcoin drops under support, worsening downtrend

XRP fell alongside a broad risk-off move in crypto that pressured majors and high-beta tokens alike.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/04/xrp-plunges-6-as-bitcoin-drops-under-support-worsening-downtrend

Why a $9 billion bitcoin sale by single Galaxy client reignites quantum threat debate

CEO Mike Novogratz noted this sale was part of a profit-taking trend among early bitcoin adopters, indicating weakening conviction in the "HODLing" philosophy.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/03/why-a-usd9-billion-bitcoin-sale-by-single-galaxy-client-reignites-quantum-threat-debate

Family offices shun crypto despite hype, with 89% holding no digital assets: JPMorgan Private Bank

The appetite for traditional and emerging hedges remains limited among wealthy families, according to JPMorgan Private Bank’s 2026 Global Family Office Report.

source https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/02/02/jpmorgan-private-bank-despite-geopolitical-fears-family-offices-mostly-avoid-crypto

Opera stock jumps 15% after announcing expanded support for Tether tokens

MiniPay has 12.6 million activated wallets and processed over $153 million in stablecoin transactions in December, connecting users to crypto on- and off-ramp providers.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/02/opera-shares-jump-17-after-announcing-expanded-support-for-tether-tokens

'This is absolutely INSANE': Bitcoin’s weekend crash exposes the cracks beneath crypto’s latest boom

Here is what happened this weekend and what it means for the crypto industry.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/01/this-is-absolutely-insane-bitcoin-s-weekend-crash-exposes-the-cracks-beneath-crypto-s-latest-boom

Hong Kong is positioning itself as crypto’s global connector, says lawmaker Johnny Ng

The Hong Kong lawmaker and Web3 advocate said common law, open capital flows and ties to southern China give the city a unique role in global crypto markets.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/02/01/hong-kong-is-positioning-itself-as-crypto-s-global-connector-says-lawmaker-johnny-ng