Invest ideasNews
18 Feb 2026, 22:40
Coinbase’s Crypto-Backed Lending Product Expands to XRP and DOGE
Coinbase signaled its crypto-backed lending product is expanding in the U.S., unveiling support for XRP, Dogecoin, Cardano, and Litecoin.
18 Feb 2026, 22:40
NZD/USD Plummets: RBNZ’s Dovish Pivot Crushes Rate Hike Expectations
BitcoinWorld NZD/USD Plummets: RBNZ’s Dovish Pivot Crushes Rate Hike Expectations WELLINGTON, New Zealand – The NZD/USD currency pair experienced a sharp decline today, February 26, 2025, following a surprisingly dovish monetary policy statement from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ). The central bank explicitly pushed back against market expectations for imminent interest rate hikes, triggering a swift repricing of the New Zealand dollar across global foreign exchange markets. Consequently, traders rapidly adjusted their portfolios, reflecting a significant shift in sentiment toward the Kiwi’s near-term trajectory. NZD/USD Slides After RBNZ Policy Statement The Reserve Bank of New Zealand held its Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 5.50%. However, the market’s primary focus centered on the accompanying commentary and updated economic projections. Governor Adrian Orr stated the current policy stance remains “restrictive” and sufficiently tight to return inflation to the bank’s 1-3% target band. Moreover, the Monetary Policy Committee removed previous language hinting at potential future tightening. This deliberate rhetorical shift signaled a clear pivot, emphasizing patience over further action. Forex markets reacted immediately. The NZD/USD pair fell over 1.2% in the hours following the announcement, breaching several key technical support levels. This move represented the pair’s largest single-day drop in six weeks. Market analysts cited the removal of hawkish guidance as the catalyst. Previously, investors had priced in a modest chance of another rate increase in 2025. The RBNZ’s firm pushback effectively erased those bets, diminishing the Kiwi’s interest rate appeal relative to other major currencies. Analyzing the RBNZ’s Dovish Pivot The central bank’s decision stems from a confluence of recent economic data. Firstly, domestic inflation has shown more convincing signs of moderating. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) print came in below the RBNZ’s own forecasts. Secondly, economic growth has slowed markedly. Recent GDP figures indicate the economy is responding to 18 months of restrictive policy. Thirdly, labor market conditions are easing, with wage growth pressures beginning to plateau. The bank’s updated forecasts now project a later and slower path for OCR reductions than some market participants anticipated, but the immediate removal of hike threats dominated the narrative. This policy stance places the RBNZ on a different path than some other major central banks. For instance, the US Federal Reserve remains data-dependent but has not ruled out further hikes if inflation proves persistent. This divergence in central bank rhetoric creates a fundamental headwind for NZD/USD. The interest rate differential, a key driver of currency values, may narrow if the Fed maintains a relatively more hawkish posture while the RBNZ holds steady. Expert Analysis on Market Implications Senior currency strategists highlight the significance of forward guidance in modern monetary policy. “Central banks don’t just move rates; they manage expectations,” noted a lead analyst from a major multinational bank. “The RBNZ didn’t just hold rates today; they actively dismantled the market’s pricing for hikes. That’s a powerful signal, and the currency market is the most efficient mechanism for pricing that new reality.” Historical context is also relevant. The RBNZ was among the first major central banks to begin a tightening cycle post-pandemic. Its current shift toward a holding pattern may offer a preview for other banks later in 2025. The impact extends beyond spot forex rates. Derivatives markets saw volatility spike, with implied volatility on NZD options increasing sharply. Furthermore, the yield on New Zealand government bonds fell across the curve, particularly for shorter-dated securities. This synchronized move across asset classes confirms the interpretation of the announcement as genuinely dovish. The table below summarizes the key data shifts following the statement: Metric Pre-Statement Post-Statement Change NZD/USD Spot Rate 0.6180 0.6105 -1.21% Market-Implied OCR Peak 5.65% 5.50% -15 bps 2-Year NZ Govt Bond Yield 4.40% 4.25% -15 bps Broader Economic and Trade Consequences A weaker New Zealand dollar carries significant implications for the national economy. On one hand, it boosts the competitiveness of New Zealand’s export sectors. Key industries like dairy, meat, and tourism stand to benefit, as their goods and services become cheaper for foreign buyers. On the other hand, it increases the cost of imports, which can feed through to domestic inflation for imported goods. The RBNZ likely views this trade-off as manageable, given the current disinflationary trend and soft domestic demand. For global investors and corporations, the move necessitates portfolio adjustments. International holders of New Zealand assets face currency translation losses. Conversely, New Zealand companies with significant USD-denominated debt will see their liability burden increase. The reaction also influences cross-currency pairs. For example, the Australian dollar (AUD) gained ground against the NZD, as markets reassessed the relative monetary policy outlooks of the two closely linked Antipodean economies. The Path Forward for Monetary Policy The RBNZ has clearly entered an extended holding phase. Governor Orr emphasized that the committee will “need to remain vigilant” but requires “continued confidence” that inflation is settling. The bank’s published forecasts do not indicate any OCR cuts until late 2025 at the earliest. Therefore, the focus for markets will shift entirely to incoming data. Key indicators to watch include: Quarterly CPI reports: For confirmation of the disinflation trend. Employment data: To gauge slack in the labor market. Business confidence surveys: As a leading indicator for investment and hiring. Global commodity prices: Especially for dairy, a major export. Any significant upside surprise in these metrics could see markets test the RBNZ’s resolve. However, the bar for restarting hike expectations is now substantially higher. The bank’s credibility hinges on its assessment that current settings are adequate. A premature pivot to easing could reignite inflation, while unnecessarily maintaining a hawkish bias could exacerbate the economic slowdown. Conclusion The sharp slide in NZD/USD following the RBNZ’s February 2025 policy meeting underscores the powerful role of central bank communication in foreign exchange markets. By forcefully pushing back on residual rate hike expectations, the RBNZ triggered a broad-based repricing of the New Zealand dollar. The move reflects a data-dependent pivot toward a patient, hold-steady approach as inflation recedes and growth slows. Consequently, the near-term trajectory for NZD/USD will depend on the evolution of domestic economic data against a backdrop of shifting global monetary policy dynamics. The RBNZ has signaled its intention to remain on the sidelines, making the Kiwi particularly sensitive to relative interest rate movements and global risk sentiment in the months ahead. FAQs Q1: Why did the NZD/USD fall after the RBNZ meeting? The NZD/USD fell because the Reserve Bank of New Zealand adopted a more dovish tone than markets expected. It held rates steady but removed previous language suggesting further hikes might be needed, effectively pushing back against and lowering market expectations for future interest rate increases, which reduced the currency’s yield appeal. Q2: What does “pushing back on rate hike expectations” mean? It means the central bank used its official statement and commentary to directly counter the prevailing market belief that interest rates would need to rise further. The RBNZ communicated that current policy settings are sufficiently tight, aiming to dissuade traders from betting on imminent rate increases. Q3: How does a weaker NZD affect the New Zealand economy? A weaker New Zealand dollar makes the country’s exports (like dairy, meat, and wool) cheaper and more competitive on the global market, potentially boosting those sectors. However, it also makes imports (like fuel, electronics, and machinery) more expensive, which can contribute to cost pressures for businesses and consumers. Q4: What should traders watch next after this RBNZ decision? Traders should monitor key New Zealand economic data releases, particularly inflation (CPI), employment figures, and business confidence surveys. These will provide evidence for whether the RBNZ’s assessment of cooling inflation and growth is correct, influencing the timing of any future policy shifts. Q5: How does the RBNZ’s stance compare to other major central banks like the Fed? As of February 2025, the RBNZ has taken a firmer step toward a neutral/pause stance by explicitly removing hike guidance. The US Federal Reserve, while also data-dependent, has maintained a more open-ended posture, not yet ruling out further hikes if needed. This policy divergence can pressure NZD/USD as the interest rate advantage of the NZD may stagnate or shrink. This post NZD/USD Plummets: RBNZ’s Dovish Pivot Crushes Rate Hike Expectations first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 Feb 2026, 22:30
XRP Funding Levels Drop To Extreme Negative Levels, What This Means For Price
XRP’s derivatives markets are still showing signs of bearish pressure, with funding rates across major exchanges now in negative territory. According to real-time data, funding rates have been predominantly below zero in recent trading sessions, with the lowest exchange funding rate recorded around -0.0748%. At the same time, open interest has returned to levels associated with long-term base zones in previous years. Could this environment lead to a turning point, or is further downside still unfolding for XRP’s price action? Bearish Derivatives Positioning Shows In Deeply Negative Funding Real-time funding metrics from Coinglass reveal that XRP’s average funding across major exchanges has dipped into negative readings, and several crypto exchanges are on bearish rates. At the time of writing, the lowest funding observed is at -0.0748%, which is a clear indication that short positions are currently dominating sentiment. Related Reading: Analyst Reveals What XRP Price Will Move Toward In Bid For $4 Negative funding rates mean that perpetual futures shorts are paying longs, and bearish bets outweigh bullish ones across exchanges. In practice, heavily negative funding can reflect overcrowded short exposure. However, this is a condition that sometimes precedes sharp rebounds if the price begins to stabilize, as short sellers may eventually be forced to cover. Technical analysis posted on the social media platform X by crypto analyst Osemka shows that XRP’s aggregated funding rate, weighted by open interest, is in deep negative territory on a weekly timeframe. As it stands, this metric is now at its lowest level since late 2022, only bested by the week of the November 2022 FTX crash. However, the interesting thing is that the prolonged period of negative funding back then marked a bottom in 2022. Open Interest Returns to Multi-Year Base Levels Open interest has also dropped significantly alongside funding in negative levels. The weekly aggregated open interest metric is now sitting on levels associated with previous multi-year accumulation bases. This base, shown in the chart above, has been acting as the base level for open interest since October 2022. Each time open interest has revisited this zone since then, it has been followed by a rebound to higher levels. Related Reading: Here’s The Mistake Most People Are Making With XRP; Pundit Reveals In terms of price action, XRP has been struggling to find a sustainable bottom because the wider crypto market is yet to turn bullish. As it stands, XRP now needs to hold above two intermediate supports. The first of these is around $1.45, where recent daily candles have registered wicks. Beneath this lies a larger demand area roughly spanning $1.15 to $1.30. On one hand, the negative funding rate points to bearish positioning stress, but history shows this has always occurred just before lows. At the time of writing, XRP is trading at $1.49, although it recently traded above $1.60 during the weekly open. A weekly close above $1.50 will be the first step to confirming a return to bullish momentum. Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com
18 Feb 2026, 22:11
Coinbase Expands Onchain Lending With XRP, DOGE, ADA, and LTC Collateral
Coinbase has broadened its onchain lending program by adding XRP, Dogecoin, Cardano, and Litecoin as eligible collateral. The move allows verified U.S. customers, except those in New York, to unlock liquidity without selling their digital assets. Consequently, users can borrow up to $100,000 in USDC while maintaining long-term exposure to their holdings. The expansion signals Coinbase’s deeper push into decentralized finance infrastructure. Moreover, it reflects rising demand for flexible credit products backed by crypto assets. Powered by Morpho on Base The lending product operates through the Morpho protocol on Coinbase’s Base network. Additionally, Coinbase manages the user interface while Morpho facilitates lending markets onchain. This structure blends centralized access with decentralized liquidity pools. Hence, Coinbase strengthens its position as a gateway between traditional users and DeFi systems. Jacob Frantz, product lead at Coinbase, said, “No matter what you're holding, you should be able to leverage your crypto without having to sell.” He added, “Being able to borrow against more tokens means more opportunity to make your crypto work for you, and it's an exciting preview to a future where all kinds of tokenized assets can be used to build better financial services.” Besides the new altcoins, Coinbase already supports Bitcoin and Ether as collateral. Bitcoin-backed loans reach up to $5 million, while ether loans allow up to $1 million. The company reports more than $1.9 billion in total loan originations so far. Loan Structure and Risk Controls Borrowers must maintain specific loan-to-value ratios to avoid liquidation. XRP, DOGE, ADA, and LTC loans allow up to 49% LTV, with liquidation at 62.5%. Meanwhile, Bitcoin and Ether loans permit up to 75% LTV, with liquidation triggered at 86%. Consequently, borrowers face tighter limits on altcoin-backed loans due to volatility. Interest rates fluctuate based on supply and demand within Morpho markets. Additionally, Coinbase charges a one-time fee whenever users initiate or expand a loan. The platform does not impose fixed repayment schedules. However, users must monitor collateral value closely as falling prices increase liquidation risk. Significantly, Coinbase prohibits borrowers from using loan proceeds for trading on its exchange. This restriction limits speculation while encouraging broader financial use cases. Moreover, the company plans to extend access beyond the United States in the future.
18 Feb 2026, 22:10
Bithumb Ghost Coin: FSS Extends Alarming Probe into $43.5 Billion Bitcoin Error
BitcoinWorld Bithumb Ghost Coin: FSS Extends Alarming Probe into $43.5 Billion Bitcoin Error SEOUL, South Korea – February 2025: South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has delivered a significant development in the ongoing ‘ghost coin’ saga, formally extending its high-stakes inspection into the Bithumb cryptocurrency exchange. This probe centers on a staggering 60 trillion won ($43.5 billion) erroneous Bitcoin payment incident, a case that continues to expose critical vulnerabilities in digital asset infrastructure. The regulatory extension signals deeper complexities than initially anticipated, directly contradicting earlier timelines provided by FSS leadership and amplifying scrutiny over the exchange’s operational safeguards. Bithumb Ghost Coin Incident Triggers Extended FSS Scrutiny According to a report from Yonhap News TV, financial authorities confirmed the inspection period’s prolongation beyond its original conclusion date of February 13th. Consequently, the investigation will now continue until the end of this month. This decision followed an internal assessment which determined that investigators required more time for a comprehensive review. Notably, this extension comes despite FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin previously informing the National Assembly that he expected to receive the preliminary results by last week. The discrepancy between the governor’s public statement and the reality of the extended timeline immediately raises questions about the incident’s scale and complexity. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding the exchange’s internal control failures is poised to intensify. Industry analysts and regulatory observers now speculate that the extended probe may uncover additional instances of incorrect payments or systemic weaknesses. The original ‘ghost coin’ incident, where a faulty system reportedly generated and displayed non-existent Bitcoin holdings worth billions, has already severely damaged confidence. Therefore, this regulatory delay suggests officials are meticulously examining transaction logs, wallet reconciliations, and internal audit trails far beyond the initial error. Anatomy of a Multi-Billion Dollar Crypto Error To understand the gravity of the FSS probe, one must examine the mechanics of the alleged error. The term ‘ghost coin’ refers to a display or accounting glitch that creates the illusion of asset holdings that do not exist on the blockchain. In Bithumb’s case, this manifested as a system reportedly showing a user’s account balance inflated by 60 trillion won in Bitcoin value. While the exchange likely corrected the display error before any actual withdrawal of those funds was possible, the mere occurrence of such a fault in a top-tier exchange’s core system is profoundly alarming. Systemic Risk: The error highlights potential flaws in the exchange’s balance calculation engines or its integration with blockchain nodes. Internal Control Failure: Multiple layers of checks—including real-time reconciliation and automated alerts—apparently failed to flag the anomaly immediately. Market Impact Potential: Had the error been exploited or caused panic, it could have triggered significant volatility, affecting Bitcoin’s price and broader market stability. Comparatively, this incident echoes past exchange failures but on a potentially larger procedural scale. For instance, the 2018 Coincheck hack in Japan exposed poor cold wallet storage practices, while the 2022 FTX collapse revealed catastrophic corporate governance failures. Bithumb’s ‘ghost coin’ event, however, points squarely at fundamental software integrity and financial reporting controls, a different but equally critical risk vector for user assets. Regulatory Implications and the South Korean Context South Korea maintains one of the world’s most active and tightly regulated cryptocurrency markets. The government has implemented strict know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) rules through the Travel Rule and the Act on Reporting and Using Specified Financial Transaction Information. In this context, a major operational failure at a leading exchange like Bithumb represents a direct challenge to the regulatory framework’s effectiveness. The FSS, which operates under the Financial Services Commission (FSC), is therefore under significant pressure to conduct a thorough investigation and prescribe corrective measures. The extended probe also interacts with upcoming legislation. South Korea’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act, which came into effect in 2024, mandates stricter standards for exchange custody, internal controls, and reserve management. Authorities will likely assess whether Bithumb’s controls meet these new legal requirements. A finding of non-compliance could result in substantial penalties, operational restrictions, or mandatory changes to its board and management. Moreover, this case may accelerate calls for even more rigorous, real-time oversight systems akin to traditional finance. Broader Impact on Crypto Exchange Trust and Security The repercussions of the FSS’s prolonged investigation extend far beyond Bithumb’s corporate offices. Firstly, user trust in centralized exchanges (CEXs) suffers with every high-profile incident. Investors are reminded that entrusting assets to a third party always carries counterparty risk, no matter how established the platform. Secondly, the event strengthens the narrative for decentralized finance (DeFi) and self-custody solutions, where users maintain direct control of their private keys. However, experts caution that DeFi presents its own set of complex risks, including smart contract vulnerabilities and governance issues. From a market structure perspective, the incident underscores the urgent need for standardized auditing and proof-of-reserves practices across the industry. While some exchanges now provide regular attestations, there is no universal standard for how these are conducted or what they must cover. The Bithumb case demonstrates that errors can originate in the core trading and accounting software—an area often outside the scope of a simple reserve audit. Consequently, regulators globally may push for more intrusive, system-level examinations of exchange technology stacks. Conclusion The FSS’s decision to extend its inspection into the Bithumb ghost coin incident is a telling development that underscores the serious and complex nature of the $43.5 billion Bitcoin payment error. This move indicates that South Korean regulators are committed to a deep, forensic examination of the exchange’s internal systems and controls, potentially uncovering wider issues. The outcome of this probe will not only determine Bithumb’s regulatory future but also set a precedent for how technological failures in cryptocurrency exchanges are investigated and remedied globally. As the digital asset industry matures, robust operational integrity becomes just as critical as financial solvency, making this FSS investigation a landmark case for the entire sector. FAQs Q1: What is the ‘ghost coin’ incident at Bithumb? The ‘ghost coin’ incident refers to a system error at the South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb that reportedly displayed a user’s account as containing an erroneous 60 trillion won ($43.5 billion) in Bitcoin. This was a display or accounting glitch involving non-existent ‘ghost’ assets, not an actual loss of funds. Q2: Why did the FSS extend its investigation? The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) extended its inspection beyond the original February 13th deadline because it determined more time was needed for a thorough review. The complexity of examining the exchange’s internal systems and transaction logs necessitated the extension, despite earlier expectations of a quicker conclusion. Q3: What are the potential consequences for Bithumb? Potential consequences include significant financial penalties, mandated improvements to its internal control systems, operational restrictions imposed by regulators, and damage to its reputation and user trust. The findings will be assessed against South Korea’s new Virtual Asset User Protection Act. Q4: How does this affect ordinary cryptocurrency users? For users, this incident highlights the importance of understanding the risks of keeping assets on centralized exchanges. It may encourage practices like using hardware wallets for self-custody of large holdings and choosing exchanges with transparent, proven security and operational audits. Q5: Has anything like this happened at other exchanges before? Yes, various forms of operational errors have occurred. These include display glitches, withdrawal halts due to software bugs, and fatal accounting errors contributing to exchange collapses. However, the sheer scale of the value involved in the Bithumb case makes it particularly notable for a major, established exchange. This post Bithumb Ghost Coin: FSS Extends Alarming Probe into $43.5 Billion Bitcoin Error first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 Feb 2026, 21:17
Here's Why Eric Trump Predicts Bitcoin Price To Hit $1,000,000
Bitcoin is trading near $66,800 as market consolidation continues. Against this backdrop, Eric Trump predicted the asset could reach $1,000,000 per coin. His remarks came during a CNBC interview at the World Liberty Forum. Eric Trump has renewed their public support for Bitcoin, describing it as the defining asset class for a new generation. Eric Trump said he has “never been more bullish on Bitcoin” despite recent price weakness. This prediction follows Strategy chairman Michael Saylor's prediction that Bitcoin could reach $1,000,000 by 2035. Trump Sons Outline Case for $1 Million Bitcoin Eric Trump linked his $1 million projection to long-term performance and fixed supply. He pointed to Bitcoin’s recovery from lows near $16,000 two years ago. He also referenced strong average annual returns over the past decade. Trump argued that volatility is natural for an emerging asset. He compared Bitcoin with municipal bonds and U.S. Treasuries. He said traditional instruments offer lower yields and limited upside. He also cited growing institutional adoption. Firms such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab, JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs were mentioned. According to Trump, private wealth allocations to crypto have increased in recent years. Trump serves as co-founder of American Bitcoin Corp., which holds about 6,039 BTC as of February 2026, placing it among the top public corporate Bitcoin holders. Goldman Sachs CEO Confirms Personal BTC Exposure Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon also addressed Bitcoin during the forum. He disclosed that he owns a small amount of BTC. Solomon described his holdings as “very, very limited.” He said he is not a “great Bitcoin prognosticator.” He positioned himself more as an observer than an advocate. His comments mark a shift from earlier skepticism. In a previous CNBC interview, Solomon described Bitcoin as speculative. He questioned its real-world use case while acknowledging investor demand. His recent disclosure signals growing proximity between traditional finance and digital assets. The interaction between Wall Street leaders and crypto firms has expanded. Regulatory developments in Washington remain a central focus. Industry executives continue to call for clearer statutory frameworks. Coinbase CEO and Policy Outlook Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong also spoke at the forum. He attributed recent Bitcoin price weakness to market psychology. He dismissed speculation that macro-political factors were the main driver. Armstrong maintained that Bitcoin remains one of the best-performing assets of the past decade. He emphasized that Coinbase does not take a short-term view of volatility. “I think the bill will get done,” Armstrong said regarding pending crypto legislation. He suggested a market structure bill could advance under President Donald Trump’s administration. He said regulatory clarity would provide long-term certainty. Armstrong added that Coinbase would continue operating under existing rules if legislation stalls. Wells Fargo Sees $150B Liquidity Boost Wells Fargo analysts projected that up to $150 billion in tax refunds could enter the economy. The bank suggested part of this liquidity may flow into risk assets. Historically, refund seasons have triggered retail trading activity. The bank noted that Bitcoin has tracked domestic liquidity trends. Domestic liquidity declined by $105 billion in recent weeks. Over the same period, Bitcoin fell about 28%, according to TradingView data. Analysts expect over 60% of refunds to be distributed by late March 2026. They believe a liquidity rebound could support speculative flows. Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins remains a core narrative for long-term holders. Source: CoinCodex Currently, Bitcoin’s circulating supply stands near 19.99 million coins. Its total market capitalization is about $1.34 trillion. However, the BTC price action remains within a tight weekly range between $66,800 and $68,300.
