hodler

11 Feb 2026, 14:23

HTX Trading Championship II Officially Launches: Win Your Share of the $1.5M Prize Pool and Redeem Gold Rewards in the Points Contest

HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, officially announced the launch of its premier annual event, the HTX Trading Championship II, on February 11, 2026. Running from February 11 to March 23, the event features a total prize pool of $1.5 million. This second season is structured around three core formats: the Points Contest, the Trading Challenge, and the Team Battle. Through a tiered tournament structure and substantial incentives, HTX aims to deliver a high-value, world-class digital asset trading experience for its global user base. Join in HTX Trading Championship II: https://www.htx.com/en-us/topic/activities/web/peakMatch?id=177077608059086 Points Contest II Opens First: Trade to Earn Lanterns and Redeem $400,000 in Physical Gold Kicking off the championship is Points Contest II , running from February 11 to February 21. Timed to coincide with the Chinese Lunar New Year, the campaign invites participants to earn “New Year Lanterns” through eligible spot and futures trading activities. These Lanterns can be redeemed for rewards, with a total physical gold prize pool valued at $400,000. To ensure inclusivity, Points Contest II features three tiers: First-Time Tasks, Silver Tasks, and Platinum Tasks. This framework accommodates everyone from new users to high-frequency professional traders. Participants activate their “New Year Fortune” and receive initial Lanterns by completing their first spot trade, futures trade, or transfer to a USDT-M account. As trading volume increases, users unlock the Silver and Platinum tiers. At the highest tier, a cumulative spot volume of 10 million USDT yields 700 Lanterns, while a futures volume of 300 million USDT yields up to 3,800 Lanterns. Each participant can accumulate a maximum of 6,226 Lanterns. These can be redeemed for a variety of physical gold rewards, including 20-gram investment gold bars, 10-gram HTX commemorative gold coins, as well as selected gold ornaments and jewelry. This redemption structure ensures that reward value scales proportionally with trading volume. Additionally, the 8th, 88th, 888th, and 8,888th registered users will each receive a special “Gold Fortune Bead.” Up Next: AI-Powered Trading Challenge & Team Battles Following the Points Contest, the competition intensifies with the Trading Challenge and Team Battles, where contenders vie for the majority of the remaining prize pool. Running from February 21 to March 8, the Trading Challenge II introduces upgraded rules and two distinct ways to win. A dual-metric evaluation—based on both PnL and PnL%—levels the playing field, giving both large-scale investors and highly skilled traders a real shot at the prizes. To turn up the excitement, new and returning users can unlock a massive 3× reward boost, supercharging their climb up the leaderboards. Team Battle II formation begins on February 21, with the actual trading period running from March 8 to March 23. This format lowers entry barriers by introducing an AI Team Leader and one-click Copy Trading. Team leaders earn double incentives, including a share of team profits and exclusive leadership bonuses. The HTX Trading Championship II isn’t just a competition for skilled traders; it’s a “trade-as-you-earn” celebration designed to keep your trading momentum strong all season long. Since its debut, the HTX Trading Championship has become a key pillar of the HTX experience. The first season attracted over 90,000 traders and generated a staggering trading volume exceeding 14 billion USDT. Having already distributed nearly 1 million USDT in prizes, the series stands as a testament to HTX’s commitment to rewarding its global community. Whether you are a steady spot investor or a seasoned futures trader, now is the time to join. Experience a unique blend of competition, strategy, and teamwork as you compete for a share of the luxury prize pool. Join the event and start the next chapter of growing your assets in 2026. To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X , Telegram , and Discord . The post HTX Trading Championship II Officially Launches: Win Your Share of the $1.5M Prize Pool and Redeem Gold Rewards in the Points Contest first appeared on HTX Square .

11 Feb 2026, 14:22

Denmark’s Danske Bank allows clients to buy Bitcoin and Ether ETPs

Danske Bank said it is opening access to Bitcoin and Ether ETPs for self-directed clients after years of caution on crypto, citing rising customer demand and clearer EU rules.

11 Feb 2026, 14:09

HTX Trading Championship II Officially Launches: Win Your Share of the $1.5M Prize Pool and Redeem Gold Rewards in the Points Contest

BitcoinWorld HTX Trading Championship II Officially Launches: Win Your Share of the $1.5M Prize Pool and Redeem Gold Rewards in the Points Contest PANAMA CITY, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, officially announced the launch of its premier annual event, the HTX Trading Championship II, on February 11, 2026. Running from February 11 to March 23, the event features a total prize pool of $1.5 million. This second season is structured around three core formats: the Points Contest, the Trading Challenge, and the Team Battle. Through a tiered tournament structure and substantial incentives, HTX aims to deliver a high-value, world-class digital asset trading experience for its global user base. Join in HTX Trading Championship II: https://www.htx.com/en-us/topic/activities/web/peakMatch?id=177077608059086 Points Contest II Opens First: Trade to Earn Lanterns and Redeem $400,000 in Physical Gold Kicking off the championship is Points Contest II , running from February 11 to February 21. Timed to coincide with the Chinese Lunar New Year, the campaign invites participants to earn “New Year Lanterns” through eligible spot and futures trading activities. These Lanterns can be redeemed for rewards, with a total physical gold prize pool valued at $400,000. To ensure inclusivity, Points Contest II features three tiers: First-Time Tasks, Silver Tasks, and Platinum Tasks. This framework accommodates everyone from new users to high-frequency professional traders. Participants activate their “New Year Fortune” and receive initial Lanterns by completing their first spot trade, futures trade, or transfer to a USDT-M account. As trading volume increases, users unlock the Silver and Platinum tiers. At the highest tier, a cumulative spot volume of 10 million USDT yields 700 Lanterns, while a futures volume of 300 million USDT yields up to 3,800 Lanterns. Each participant can accumulate a maximum of 6,226 Lanterns. These can be redeemed for a variety of physical gold rewards, including 20-gram investment gold bars, 10-gram HTX commemorative gold coins, as well as selected gold ornaments and jewelry. This redemption structure ensures that reward value scales proportionally with trading volume. Additionally, the 8th, 88th, 888th, and 8,888th registered users will each receive a special “Gold Fortune Bead.” Up Next: AI-Powered Trading Challenge & Team Battles Following the Points Contest, the competition intensifies with the Trading Challenge and Team Battles, where contenders vie for the majority of the remaining prize pool. Running from February 21 to March 8, the Trading Challenge II introduces upgraded rules and two distinct ways to win. A dual-metric evaluation—based on both PnL and PnL%—levels the playing field, giving both large-scale investors and highly skilled traders a real shot at the prizes. To turn up the excitement, new and returning users can unlock a massive 3× reward boost, supercharging their climb up the leaderboards. Team Battle II formation begins on February 21, with the actual trading period running from March 8 to March 23. This format lowers entry barriers by introducing an AI Team Leader and one-click Copy Trading. Team leaders earn double incentives, including a share of team profits and exclusive leadership bonuses. The HTX Trading Championship II isn’t just a competition for skilled traders; it’s a “trade-as-you-earn” celebration designed to keep your trading momentum strong all season long. Since its debut, the HTX Trading Championship has become a key pillar of the HTX experience. The first season attracted over 90,000 traders and generated a staggering trading volume exceeding 14 billion USDT. Having already distributed nearly 1 million USDT in prizes, the series stands as a testament to HTX’s commitment to rewarding its global community. Whether you are a steady spot investor or a seasoned futures trader, now is the time to join. Experience a unique blend of competition, strategy, and teamwork as you compete for a share of the luxury prize pool. Join the event and start the next chapter of growing your assets in 2026. About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses. As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide. To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X , Telegram , and Discord . This post HTX Trading Championship II Officially Launches: Win Your Share of the $1.5M Prize Pool and Redeem Gold Rewards in the Points Contest first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Feb 2026, 14:05

Non-Farm Payrolls Skyrocket: January Jobs Report Smashes Forecasts with Stunning 130K Gain

BitcoinWorld Non-Farm Payrolls Skyrocket: January Jobs Report Smashes Forecasts with Stunning 130K Gain WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 7, 2025 — The U.S. labor market opened the new year with a powerful and unexpected surge, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that non-farm payrolls increased by a substantial 130,000 positions in January. This figure dramatically outperformed the median economist forecast of 66,000, delivering a robust signal of economic resilience. Concurrently, the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3%, defying expectations of a hold at 4.4%. This pivotal dataset immediately reshapes the monetary policy landscape for the Federal Reserve, injecting fresh complexity into its ongoing battle against inflation while fostering economic growth. Non-Farm Payrolls Deliver a January Surprise The January non-farm payrolls report, a comprehensive monthly survey of U.S. business and government payrolls, provided a decisive counter-narrative to recent concerns about an economic slowdown. The 130,000 gain represents nearly double the anticipated increase. Furthermore, this strength appears broad-based. Key sectors demonstrating notable hiring included healthcare, professional and business services, and construction. Government hiring also contributed, though to a lesser extent than private-sector gains. This data follows a revised December figure, which was adjusted upward to 85,000, painting a clearer picture of sustained momentum heading into 2025. Analysts swiftly contextualized this result within recent economic trends. For instance, the report contrasts with softer consumer spending data from the holiday season. It also follows several months of moderating, yet persistent, wage growth. The consistent job additions, particularly in high-wage sectors, suggest underlying economic demand remains firm. This demand potentially offsets headwinds from higher borrowing costs and global economic uncertainty. Consequently, the report’s implications extend far beyond a single month’s data point. January 2025 Employment Report Snapshot Metric January 2025 Result Market Forecast December 2024 (Revised) Non-Farm Payrolls Change +130,000 +66,000 +85,000 Unemployment Rate 4.3% 4.4% 4.4% Labor Force Participation Rate 62.8% 62.7% 62.7% Federal Reserve’s Delicate Balancing Act The immediate and primary audience for this jobs data is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The Federal Reserve meticulously analyzes labor market conditions as a core input for its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment. A strong report, characterized by high job growth and low unemployment, traditionally signals a tight labor market. This tightness can fuel wage pressures, which may feed into broader inflation if demand outpaces supply. Therefore, the Fed often views such strength as a rationale to maintain or even increase interest rates to cool the economy and prevent overheating. Conversely, weak employment data typically prompts the opposite reaction. Policymakers might consider cutting rates to stimulate borrowing, investment, and hiring. The January report’s clear strength undoubtedly leans toward the former scenario. However, the current economic cycle presents unique challenges. While the labor market shows vigor, other indicators like manufacturing activity and certain consumer sentiment readings have shown softness. This creates a “mixed signals” environment where the Fed must weigh robust employment against its progress on bringing inflation down to its 2% target. Hawkish Signal: Strong jobs growth supports the argument for maintaining a restrictive policy stance to ensure inflation’s downward path is durable. Dovish Counterpoint: If wage growth in this report is contained, it could allow the Fed to be patient, avoiding further rate hikes that might risk a recession. Market Implications: Financial markets immediately adjusted expectations for the timing of the first Fed rate cut, pushing potential dates further into 2025. Expert Analysis on Policy Pathways Leading economists emphasize the report’s nuanced message. “The headline number is undoubtedly strong, and it gives the Fed little cover to consider imminent easing,” notes Dr. Anya Sharma, Chief Economist at the Hamilton Institute. “However, the devil is in the details. We must scrutinize the sectors driving growth, the quality of jobs created, and most importantly, the wage data within the report. Average hourly earnings growth that remains around 4% annualized is consistent with the Fed’s goals, but a spike above that could be concerning.” This expert perspective highlights that while the Bureau of Labor Statistics data is a critical input, the Fed’s reaction function has become more complex and data-dependent than ever before. Historical context is also vital. The current unemployment rate of 4.3% remains near historic lows, a testament to the labor market’s recovery from the pandemic shock. However, it is slightly above the pre-pandemic low of 3.5%. This suggests there may still be some slack, or alternatively, that the natural rate of unemployment has shifted higher due to structural changes in the economy. The Fed’s models continuously assess this “natural rate” to determine how much cooling is actually required. Broader Economic and Market Impact The reverberations from a strong US jobs report extend beyond monetary policy into the real economy and financial markets. For Main Street, sustained job creation supports consumer confidence and spending power, which drives approximately 70% of U.S. economic activity. Businesses interpreting this data may feel more confident in their investment and expansion plans, knowing consumer demand is likely to remain supported by employment income. In financial markets, the reaction is multifaceted. Typically, strong economic data leads to a rise in Treasury yields, as investors anticipate a firmer Fed stance. The U.S. dollar often strengthens on the prospect of higher relative interest rates. Equity markets can react with volatility, balancing the positive implications for corporate earnings against the negative implications of higher discount rates for future profits. The January report triggered precisely this pattern: a sell-off in bonds, a firmer dollar, and a mixed, sector-specific response in stocks. Conclusion The January non-farm payrolls report delivered a powerful and unexpected message of labor market resilience, with a gain of 130,000 jobs far exceeding forecasts. This data point serves as a crucial reminder of the underlying strength in the U.S. economy as it navigates a higher interest rate environment. For the Federal Reserve , the report complicates the path forward, strengthening the argument for a patient, higher-for-longer stance on interest rates as it seeks to fully anchor inflation without prematurely jeopardizing employment gains. The coming months will reveal whether this January strength marks a new trend or a temporary surge, but for now, the labor market continues to be a central pillar of economic stability. FAQs Q1: What are non-farm payrolls and why are they important? A1: Non-farm payrolls (NFP) are a monthly U.S. economic indicator representing the total number of paid workers, excluding farm employees, private household employees, and non-profit organization employees. They are a primary gauge of the health of the labor market and a key data point the Federal Reserve uses to set monetary policy. Q2: How does a strong jobs report affect interest rates? A2: Typically, a stronger-than-expected jobs report suggests a tight labor market that could lead to wage-driven inflation. To prevent the economy from overheating, the Federal Reserve is more likely to maintain or raise interest rates to cool demand. A weak report might prompt consideration of rate cuts to stimulate hiring. Q3: What is the difference between the unemployment rate and the payrolls number? A3: The payrolls number (from the Establishment Survey) counts the number of jobs added or lost. The unemployment rate (from the Household Survey) measures the percentage of the labor force that is actively seeking work but unable to find it. They can sometimes tell different stories due to methodological differences. Q4: Who releases the non-farm payrolls data? A4: The data is collected, compiled, and released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a division of the Department of Labor. The report is usually issued on the first Friday of the month. Q5: Can one month’s jobs data change the Federal Reserve’s policy? A5: While a single data point is significant, the Fed emphasizes it is “data-dependent” and looks at the totality of information—including inflation, consumer spending, and global conditions—over time. One strong report is unlikely to trigger an immediate policy shift but can significantly alter the trajectory and timing of future decisions. This post Non-Farm Payrolls Skyrocket: January Jobs Report Smashes Forecasts with Stunning 130K Gain first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Feb 2026, 14:01

Bitcoin’s Next Big Price Zone 45k–60k Looks Key on Charts

Bitcoin's latest slide has traders comparing today’s structure to past cycle turns, with two chart posts drawing the most attention. One flags a possible 8-month range between $45,000 and $60,000, while another says the 50% drawdown reflects sellers overpowering buyers, not a single headline. Trader flags 2021-style bear pattern, calls for 8-month Bitcoin range An X user posting as Aralez shared a weekly Bitcoin to Tether chart from Binance and said the setup “predicted a massive market drop,” while arguing price action now repeats the 2021 bear cycle. In the post, Aralez pointed to Bitcoin trading near $69,100 and said the next phase could be an eight-month accumulation band between $45,000 and $60,000. Bitcoin 2021 Bear Cycle Repeat Chart. Source: Aralez on X The annotated chart highlights two cycle peaks and the selloffs that followed. It marks Bitcoin’s 2021 top near $69,000, then shows a steep decline into 2022, followed by a boxed “accumulation” zone that sits around the low-$20,000 area. On the right side, it labels a later peak near $126,000 and then draws curved arrows over successive swing highs and pullbacks, framing the drop as a repeat of the earlier cycle’s topping sequence. After the latest decline, the chart projects a second boxed “accumulation” area around $45,000 to $60,000, with a jagged line suggesting sideways trading before a potential move higher. The visual also includes a green upward arrow near the $80,000 level, which implies an eventual rebound after the range. Still, the post presents a scenario rather than a confirmed outcome, since the projection depends on whether price stabilizes inside that band instead of extending the selloff below it. Daan Crypto Trades says Bitcoin drop passes 50% mark as chart maps selloffs to shifting narratives Daan Crypto Trades said on X that Bitcoin has fallen more than 50% from its all time high, and therefore the current downturn feels tougher to buy because he sees no single headline driving it. He framed the move as a simple supply and demand imbalance, saying sellers outweigh buyers, while adding that sentiment has deteriorated because traders struggle to find a clear positive catalyst. Bitcoin Selloffs and Market Narratives Chart. Source: Daan Crypto Trades on X In a TradingView chart dated Feb. 10, DaanCryptoTrades annotated multiple pullbacks across the broader uptrend and linked earlier drawdowns to specific episodes. The labels include “Bank Failures USDC FUD,” “2023 Post Bear Market Recovery Chop,” “Post ETF Sell Off,” “Post ETF Mania Sell Off,” and “Gox Distributions,” each paired with a day count that suggests how long the slump lasted. Later, the chart marks “Yen Carry Trade Blow Up,” “Post Inauguration & Tariffs,” and “Middle Eastern Conflict,” then highlights a longer stretch labeled “Cycle Ending Fears Strong Whale Selling Massive Liquidation Event (46 days).” The right side of the chart points to another decline tagged “Overall Market Volatility Extreme Crypto Weakness (23 days),” with a steep drop into early 2026. A price label on the chart shows Bitcoin around $68,610, and the post argues that this phase lacks a dominant narrative that could soften the selloff in traders’ minds. DaanCryptoTrades said that, without a clear outlook, many participants wait for momentum to return, and he described his approach as moving slowly and accumulating over time while staying prepared for different outcomes.

11 Feb 2026, 14:00

Blockchain Meets Gold: Tokenized Commodities Hit $6 Billion

Markets have put more gold on blockchains, And the shift has been rapid. Reports say the tokenized commodities sector grew about 53% in under six weeks, pushing its size to just over $6 billion. That jump has been led by a small group of gold tokens, and the move has traders and some big banks watching closely. Related Reading: Cardano May Be At A Prime Buying Point, Analyst Says Gold Tokens Drive The Rally According to on-chain data, most of the fresh value is sitting in Tether’s XAU₮ and Paxos’s PAXG. Together they hold close to $6 billion of the sector’s market worth. Investors are treating these tokens as a quick way to own a claim on bullion without needing to move bars or deal with vault paperwork. Some buyers want a safe haven that moves easily across borders. Others want to trade fractions of an ounce in online markets. Tether Moves Toward Physical Integration Reports say Tether has not stopped at issuing a token. The firm took a $150 million stake in Gold.com with plans to fold XAU₮ into that platform and to let customers pay for actual gold with stablecoins. This is a step toward tying token balances more directly to physical holdings and sales channels. If it works, retail buyers could use familiar crypto tools to buy and collect real metal, which would change how ordinary people access bullion. Analysts See Big Upside Based on reports, Geoffrey Kendrick of Standard Chartered has sketched a huge growth path: from roughly $35 billion in tokenized real-world assets today to as much as $2 trillion by 2028. Alvin Foo, a crypto analyst, has argued that tokenized commodities — gold on public chains in particular — could scale to trillion-dollar values someday, as markets adopt fractional ownership and new trading rails. Those projections require many pieces to fall into place: clear rules, reliable custody proofs, and wide demand from non-crypto investors. Ambitious goals are being set, but they rest on a chain of technical and legal fixes that are still in progress. How The System Works And Why It Matters Stablecoin liquidity and decentralized finance plumbing are being pointed to as the plumbing that can support larger markets. Reports note that having quick settlement, low minimums, and easy custody opens bullion to smaller investors and traders who were locked out before. Related Reading: After Predicting XRP’s Drop, Analyst Says The Bottom May Be In Fractional ownership is already possible, which means someone can own a slice of a bar without ever visiting a vault. Yet trust must be earned. Custodial audits, insured storage, and transparent minting and redemption rules will shape whether token holders feel secure. Featured image from Private Banker International, chart from TradingView