hodler

25 Feb 2026, 22:30

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Major Miner Just Expanded in Texas: Is a Massive BTC Production Surge Coming?

A major mining manufacturer just made a decisive move in Texas. Canaan Inc. spent $39.75M in stock to acquire Cipher Mining’s 49% stake in three operational Texas projects, instantly adding 4.4 EH/s to its mining fleet and securing 120 MW of power capacity. For a company long known as a hardware seller, this marks a clear pivot toward direct Bitcoin production. pic.twitter.com/DryJUo8ywz — Cipher Digital (@CipherInc) February 24, 2026 This is vertical integration in action. Canaan is no longer just selling ASICs. It is operating them. The deal also brings thousands of its own Avalon rigs back under its control, tightening its grip on both equipment and output. The Texas location matters. Low power costs within the ERCOT grid make it one of the most competitive mining regions in the U.S. Locking in that energy exposure signals confidence in long term network profitability. The timing is notable. While some miners have recently sold down BTC reserves to manage liquidity, Canaan is expanding capacity instead. That suggests management sees value in increasing production rather than reducing exposure. Bitcoin Price Prediction: The Major Support Held, Now Send It? Bitcoin just bounced cleanly off the $64,000 support. That level did its job for now. This is the decision point. Source: BTCUSD / TradingView If BTC builds momentum here and stays above the descending trendline, the next target sits around $71,000. Clear that, and $80,000 opens up, with $90,000 back on the table if continuation follows. But if this bounce fades and price rolls over again, a second test of $64,000 becomes dangerous. Support levels weaken with repeated hits. A clean break below would likely drag BTC toward $60,000, where the broader macro base sits. New Bitcoin Presale Brings Solana Technology to The BTC Blockchain Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a new presale built to make Bitcoin faster and cheaper to use. This Bitcoin-focused Layer-2, powered by Solana technology, brings speed, lower fees, and real on-chain functionality while preserving Bitcoin’s core security. It takes Bitcoin from being just a chart you watch all day and turns it into something you can actually use, payments, staking, real apps, the whole thing. And this is not just hype. The Bitcoin Hyper presale has already raised over $31 million, with $HYPER sitting at $0.0136751 before the next price jump. Staking rewards are going up to 37% right now, which definitely grabs attention. If Bitcoin explodes, Bitcoin Hyper moves with it. If Bitcoin keeps moving sideways, Bitcoin Hyper still benefits from activity on the network. Either way, it is not just sitting there waiting for candles to move. To buy HYPER before it lists on exchanges, simply visit the official Bitcoin Hyper website and connect a wallet (such as Best Wallet ). Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: Major Miner Just Expanded in Texas: Is a Massive BTC Production Surge Coming? appeared first on Cryptonews .

25 Feb 2026, 22:00

Ripple CTO Emeritus Fires Back at XRP Ledger Centralization Claims

Ripple CTO Emeritus David “JoelKatz” Schwartz pushed back against claims that the XRP Ledger (XRPL) is effectively centralized, after founder and CIO of Cyber Capital Justin Bons argued that XRPL’s Unique Node List (UNL) structure makes validators “permissioned” and gives Ripple-aligned entities “absolute power & control over the chain.” The exchange, sparked by Bons’ broader thread calling for the industry to “reject all centralized ‘blockchains’,” quickly narrowed into a technical dispute over what XRPL validators can and cannot do in practice and what “control” means in a system that relies on curated validator lists rather than Proof-of-Work or Proof-of-Stake. The XRP Ledger Centralization Allegation In his thread , Bons lumped Ripple alongside Canton, Stellar, Hedera, and Algorand as networks with permissioned or semi-permissioned elements. His XRPL-specific charge was straightforward: because XRPL nodes typically rely on a published UNL , “any divergence from this centrally published list would cause a fork,” which in his view concentrates power in the hands of whoever publishes that list. Bons framed it as a binary question: “either fully permissionless or it is not” and argued that even partial permissioning is a deal breaker. He also extended the critique into a broader institutional-adoption thesis: banks and incumbents may prefer controlled environments, but “those institutions will be left behind,” while “crypto natives” win by building and using fully permissionless systems. Schwartz’s opening rebuttal attacked the logic of Bons’ “absolute power” framing. “‘…effectively giving the Ripple Foundation & company absolute power & control over the chain…’” Schwartz wrote, calling it “as objectively nonsensical as claiming someone with a majority of mining power can create a billion bitcoins.” Bons responded that he wasn’t alleging supply manipulation or fund theft, but insisted majority influence can still matter. “They can not steal funds, either, but they could potentially double-spend & censor,” Bons said. “Which, again, is exactly the same if someone controlled the majority of mining power in BTC.” He then suggested they debate live on a podcast. Schwartz rejected the equivalence on mechanics, emphasizing that XRPL nodes do not accept censorship or double-spend behavior simply because a validator says so. “That’s not true. XRPL and BTC don’t work the same,” Schwartz wrote. “You count the number of validators that agree with your node and your node will not agree to double spend or censor unless you, for some reason, want it to.” He continued the point across multiple posts, leaning on a simple intuition: a dishonest validator is not an oracle; it’s just one vote. “If a validator tried to double spend or censor, an honest node would just count it as one validator that it did not agree with.” What Schwartz Says The Real Attack Looks Like Schwartz acknowledged there is still a failure mode, but described it as a liveness problem rather than a theft or double-spend scenario. “Validators could conspire to halt the chain from the point of view of honest nodes,” he said. “But that’s the XRPL equivalent of a dishonest majority attack except they never get to double spend. The cure is to pick a new UNL just as with BTC you’d need to pick a new mining algorithm .” He also argued the empirical record matters, contrasting XRPL with other major networks. “The practical evidence tells this story,” Schwartz wrote. “Transactions are discriminated against all the time in BTC. Transactions are maliciously re-ordered or censored all the time on ETH. Nothing like this has ever happened to an XRPL transaction and it’s hard to imagine how it could.” Schwartz later laid out a more detailed explanation of XRPL’s consensus model, emphasizing fast “live consensus” rounds—“every five seconds”—where validators vote on whether a transaction is included now or deferred to the next round. In that framing, the system’s key requirement is not blind trust in validators, but agreement on whether a transaction was seen before a cutoff. He argued XRPL needs a UNL for two reasons: to prevent an attacker from spawning unlimited validators that force excessive work, and to prevent validators from simply not participating in a way that makes consensus impossible to measure. “That’s it. There’s no control or governance here other than coordinating activation of new features,” Schwartz wrote, adding that validators cannot force a node to enforce rules it does not have code for. Schwartz closed with a longer, unusually candid rationale: that XRPL’s architecture was intentionally built to reduce Ripple’s ability to comply with demands to censor, even if Ripple itself wanted to be trusted. “We carefully and intentionally designed XRPL so that we could not control it,” he wrote. “Ripple, for example, has to honor US court orders. It cannot say no… We absolutely and clearly decided that we DID NOT WANT control and that it would be to our own benefit to not have that control.” He added a blunt incentive argument: even if Ripple could censor or double-spend, using that power would destroy trust in XRPL and therefore destroy the network’s utility. “And the best way to be able to say ‘no’ is to have to say ‘no’ because you cannot do the thing asked,” Schwartz wrote. At press time, XRP traded at $1.3766.

25 Feb 2026, 21:45

El Salvador expands Bitcoin education with Diploma 2.0, will it succeed?

El Salvador has finalized a new version of its bitcoin diploma program. According to the country’s National Bitcoin Office, “Bitcoin Diploma 2.0” will have the first printed copies available in the upcoming days. The new Bitcoin diploma program now uses teaching methods that make complex concepts easier for younger students. The printed copies will be used in the education system of the Central American country. Stacy Herbert, Director of the National Bitcoin Office, shared the news on X. She explained that Bitcoin Diploma 2.0 will be part of other educational initiatives, including the course “What is Money?”, CUBO+, and the Higher School of Innovation in Public Administration (ESIAP). She continued , “From 7 year old students studying, “What is Money?” to 80,000 adult civil servants receiving a 3-day certification program on bitcoin, the new El Salvador keeps building something extraordinary.” According to local media outlets, the Bitcoin diploma covers various topics, including mining, incentives, economics, and how the global financial system works. Moreover, it teaches students how to design their own money. BITCOIN DIPLOMA 2.0 A new era begins in the new El Salvador. 🇸🇻📙🚀 pic.twitter.com/MNFkpFXt0M — The Bitcoin Office (@bitcoinofficesv) February 22, 2026 What happened to El Salvador’s Bitcoin Diploma 1.0? The original Bitcoin Diploma was created together with Mi Primer Bitcoin, or My First Bitcoin, an El Salvadorian nonprofit. My First Bitcoin was focused solely on creating open-source Bitcoin educational materials. The first version of the Bitcoin Diploma was launched in El Salvador in June 2022. It was a pilot educational program available in public schools and offered a 10-week course that taught the basics of Bitcoin. In 2023, thousands of students across the country were graduating with the Bitcoin Diploma. Last year, the Ministry of Education announced that 350 female students finished the Bitcoin Diploma course. In total, My First Bitcoin educated over 27,000 Salvadoran students face-to-face about Bitcoin. However, last April, the collaboration between the nonprofit My First Bitcoin and the Central American country came to an end. Will El Salvador’s Bitcoin Diploma 2.0 succeed? El Salvador was the first country in the world to make Bitcoin legal tender. The government launched Chivo, a digital wallet that offered a $30 signup bonus to attract users. Businesses were required to accept BTC alongside the U.S. dollar. But the policy failed to take off as a widely used currency. Salvadorans rarely used Bitcoin for transactions. A survey conducted by three researchers found that only 20% of participants continued using Chivo after spending their $30 bonus. “The main driver of adoption for households is reported to be the $30 bonus, equivalent to 0.7% of annual income per capita,” wrote the researchers. According to another research paper by Emeritus Professor David Krause, the Chivo wallet experienced technical glitches and crashes. The paper added, “By 2024, despite government incentives like the $30 Chivo wallet sign-up bonus, 92% of Salvadorans still refrained from using Bitcoin in transactions.” Volcano Bonds were part of the country’s Bitcoin Strategy. El Salvador started drafting laws to issue $1 billion in “Volcano Bonds.” The funds would support Bukele’s Bitcoin City and national BTC purchases. But Volcano Bonds never materialized as originally planned, and investor appetite was limited. The Salvadoran government delayed the “Volcano Bonds” in March of 2022, and no further plans or updates have been released to the public. Another failed project is Bitcoin City, which was announced by Bukele in November 2021. The plan was to build the city near the Conchagua volcano and use geothermal energy for BTC mining. Despite passing the Bitcoin Law in El Salvador in 2021, Bitcoin City has faced delays in financing and construction. The project has also drawn criticism over its feasibility and environmental impact. Planned infrastructure, including a new airport linked to the city, threatens mangrove ecosystems, according to The Guardian. Moreover, locals were forced to relocate as land was cleared to make way for the project. Cryptopolitan reported that El Salvador has not purchased any Bitcoin since December 2024. A report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that the apparent rise in El Salvador’s BTC reserves resulted from internal transfers and wallet consolidations within government-controlled wallets. Specifically, BTC was moved between the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Fund and the Chivo e-wallet. The success of Bitcoin Diploma 2.0 will become clearer as the program rolls out across the country’s education system. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.

25 Feb 2026, 19:42

Hut 8 Q4 Loss: BTC Reserves and AI Move

Hut 8 announced a 279,7 million dollar loss in Q4, but 13.696 BTC reserve and Google AI deal are strong. While BTC rises +%7,19 to 68.930 dollars, mining stocks are shining with AI. Technically, st...

25 Feb 2026, 15:00

Billions Poised to Enter XRP as ETF Momentum Builds — Smart Capital Is Already Moving Into Infrastructure Platforms Like BFXMining

London, United Kingdom – February 2026 , Digital asset investment products recorded one of their strongest multi-week institutional inflow streaks this quarter, according to recent fund flow data, while XRP trading volumes surged to their highest levels in over twelve months. Market analysts estimate that a U.S.-listed XRP ETF could unlock billions in regulated capital, significantly expanding liquidity access across traditional brokerage and retirement channels. As anticipation intensifies, capital allocation strategies are beginning to shift. Rather than focusing solely on speculative price appreciation, sophisticated investors are increasingly positioning across blockchain infrastructure layers — including renewable-powered mining platforms such as BFXMining — as part of a broader structural play on digital asset expansion. ETF Acceleration: Opportunity and Volatility The introduction of a regulated ETF structure typically lowers entry barriers for institutional capital, but it can also amplify short-term price swings during initial listing windows. Historical precedents in emerging asset classes show that early-stage ETF launches often combine rapid inflows with heightened volatility. This dual dynamic is prompting experienced market participants to diversify exposure — balancing directional upside potential with infrastructure-based yield models designed to generate systematic returns. Infrastructure Yield Gains Strategic Attention Cloud mining platforms are increasingly viewed as a complementary strategy during high-momentum phases. Instead of relying exclusively on token price appreciation, participants engage directly with blockchain validation infrastructure through structured computational deployment. Among the providers aligned with this transition is BFXMining , a United Kingdom–based renewable-powered cloud mining platform. By integrating high-efficiency ASIC deployment with automated operational systems, the platform enables structured participation in blockchain infrastructure without hardware ownership or direct energy management. Mining contracts distribute earnings on a daily basis, creating recurring yield streams that operate independently of ETF-driven price fluctuations. Compliance and Security Considerations BFXMining indicates alignment with European regulatory principles, including MiCA and MiFID II frameworks, emphasizing operational transparency and structured governance standards. Reported infrastructure safeguards include: Independent financial and security audits Custody insurance coverage Enterprise-grade firewall and cloud protection systems Multi-layer encryption with 24/7 monitoring As institutional capital standards evolve, platforms emphasizing compliance and operational clarity are attracting increased attention. How to Use BFX Mining Step 1: Free Registration and Welcome Incentive Visit bfxmining.com to complete registration in approximately one minute and receive a $22 introductory package, subject to platform terms. Account activation enables participation in mining activities. Step 2: Select a Contract and Configure Allocation Choose from multiple cloud mining contracts supporting major digital assets such as BTC, LTC, DOGE, XRP, and others. Short-term contracts allow flexible positioning, while longer-term structures may support stability-focused planning. Step 3: Automated Mining and Daily Earnings Allocation After activation, mining operations run automatically through renewable-powered infrastructure. Earnings are calculated daily and credited to user accounts. Participants may monitor performance, withdraw returns, or continue engagement according to strategy. The framework emphasizes automation and transparency. A Market Transition Still in Progress Whether the XRP ETF ultimately catalyzes sustained structural growth remains dependent on macroeconomic conditions, capital inflow magnitude, and broader regulatory developments. However, one theme is increasingly evident: as crypto markets mature, capital allocation is shifting from single-layer speculation toward multi-layer participation. The next cycle may not be defined solely by price acceleration, but by infrastructure resilience. Within that evolving landscape, renewable-powered platforms such as BFXMining represent one element of a broader diversification strategy. Conclusion ETF momentum may reshape liquidity dynamics for XRP. Yet markets rarely evolve along a single axis. As volatility and opportunity coexist, disciplined investors are broadening exposure beyond token appreciation alone — integrating infrastructure-linked participation into allocation frameworks. For further information, visit: https://bfxmining.com/ Mobile access is available via the official application platform . Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Times Tabloid, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post Billions Poised to Enter XRP as ETF Momentum Builds — Smart Capital Is Already Moving Into Infrastructure Platforms Like BFXMining appeared first on Times Tabloid .

25 Feb 2026, 13:05

Bitcoin Mining Stocks Defy Odds: TeraWulf, Cipher, Hut 8 Outperform BTC in Stunning 2025 Rally

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Mining Stocks Defy Odds: TeraWulf, Cipher, Hut 8 Outperform BTC in Stunning 2025 Rally In a surprising twist for the 2025 financial markets, key Bitcoin mining equities are dramatically outpacing the cryptocurrency they support. According to a pivotal report from 10x Research, highlighted by CoinDesk, publicly traded mining firms TeraWulf (WULF), Cipher Digital (CIFR), and Hut 8 (HUT) have posted significant gains that eclipse Bitcoin’s own price movement. This divergence signals a fundamental shift in how investors value crypto-related assets, moving beyond mere Bitcoin exposure to prioritize operational efficiency and sustainable energy models. Bitcoin Mining Stocks Outperform the Underlying Asset The data from February 2025 reveals a clear performance gap. Consequently, TeraWulf led the charge with an impressive 31% surge. Meanwhile, Cipher Digital and Hut 8 posted respectable gains of 8% and 6%, respectively. These figures stand in stark contrast to Bitcoin’s price action, which remained range-bound between a major resistance level at $72,000 and a key support zone around $60,000. This trading pattern persisted despite a noted recovery in spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) inflows, suggesting other forces are at play. Analysts at 10x Research provide a crucial explanation. They argue the rally stems primarily from these companies’ energy competitiveness , not just their involvement in Bitcoin mining. Essentially, investors are rewarding operators with lower, more stable power costs and sustainable energy strategies. This trend reflects a maturation in the sector, where operational excellence separates winners from the broader crypto market volatility. The Critical Role of Energy Economics in Crypto Mining The mining industry’s profitability hinges directly on the cost of electricity. Therefore, companies with access to low-cost, reliable power sources possess a formidable advantage. For instance, TeraWulf’s operations leverage nuclear power, providing a stable, low-carbon energy profile. Similarly, other leading miners actively seek locations with surplus renewable energy or unique power agreements. This focus creates a moat that protects margins during Bitcoin price fluctuations and regulatory scrutiny. The following table compares the reported February 2025 performance: Company (Ticker) February 2025 Gain Primary Energy Advantage TeraWulf (WULF) 31% Nuclear-Powered Facilities Cipher Digital (CIFR) 8% Diversified Energy Sourcing Hut 8 (HUT) 6% Efficient Infrastructure & Management Bitcoin (BTC) ~0% (Range-bound) N/A This decoupling from Bitcoin’s price is a notable development. Historically, mining stocks acted as a leveraged bet on BTC, amplifying both gains and losses. The current outperformance suggests the market is applying a new valuation framework, assessing these firms more like traditional industrial operators with unique technological expertise. Expert Analysis on Market Structure and Investor Sentiment Market strategists point to several converging factors. First, the post-ETF landscape has provided institutional investors with direct Bitcoin exposure, reducing the need to use mining stocks as a proxy. Consequently, capital flowing into miners is now more selective, targeting specific business fundamentals. Second, increasing global focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria pressures funds to allocate to sustainable operations. Miners with verifiable clean energy usage naturally attract this capital. Furthermore, the Bitcoin network’s upcoming halving events continually reshape the economic landscape. Miners must constantly improve efficiency to maintain profitability as block rewards diminish. Companies that invested early in next-generation hardware and secured favorable energy contracts are now seeing those strategic decisions validated by the public markets. This creates a virtuous cycle where strong performers attract more investment, fueling further infrastructure development. Broader Implications for the Cryptocurrency Ecosystem The strong performance of select mining stocks has ripple effects across the entire digital asset space. Primarily, it demonstrates that value creation within crypto extends far beyond simple token appreciation. It validates the entire industrial backbone of the Bitcoin network as a viable and investable sector. Additionally, it may drive consolidation, as well-capitalized public companies acquire smaller, less efficient private miners. For retail and institutional investors alike, this trend underscores the importance of due diligence. Key factors to monitor now include: Energy Cost per Terahash: The core metric of mining efficiency. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Long-term contracts that lock in energy prices. Hashrate Growth: The company’s share of the total network computing power. Corporate Governance: Transparency and regulatory compliance. Ultimately, the health of public mining companies directly impacts the security and decentralization of the Bitcoin network. Robust, profitable miners are essential for processing transactions and maintaining the blockchain’s immutable ledger. Their success, therefore, is intrinsically linked to the long-term viability of the asset they support. Conclusion The 2025 rally in Bitcoin mining stocks like TeraWulf, Cipher Digital, and Hut 8 marks a pivotal evolution in cryptocurrency investing. These equities are outperforming Bitcoin not on speculation, but on measurable fundamentals like energy competitiveness and operational excellence. This shift indicates a maturing market that rewards sustainable infrastructure and sound business models. As the digital asset ecosystem grows, the performance of these foundational companies will remain a critical barometer for the industry’s overall health and sophistication. FAQs Q1: Why are Bitcoin mining stocks outperforming Bitcoin? These stocks are outperforming because investors are valuing them based on specific business fundamentals, particularly low and sustainable energy costs, rather than just their correlation to Bitcoin’s price. This represents a shift towards assessing them as efficient industrial operators. Q2: What is “energy competitiveness” in Bitcoin mining? Energy competitiveness refers to a mining company’s ability to secure electricity at a consistently low cost, often through direct partnerships with power producers, use of stranded energy, or investments in renewable sources like nuclear, hydro, or solar power. This is the primary driver of mining profitability. Q3: How does Bitcoin’s price being range-bound affect miners? A range-bound Bitcoin price increases competitive pressure on miners. Companies with high energy costs become unprofitable, while those with low costs continue to operate effectively. This environment accelerates industry consolidation, benefiting the most efficient operators, which is reflected in their stock prices. Q4: Are mining stocks still a risky investment? Yes, they remain volatile and carry significant risk. Risks include Bitcoin price crashes, regulatory changes targeting energy use, technological obsolescence of mining hardware, and operational failures. However, the current trend shows the market is differentiating risk based on company-specific factors. Q5: What does this trend mean for the future of Bitcoin mining? This trend pushes the entire mining industry toward greater efficiency and sustainability. To attract investment and remain profitable, miners must innovate in energy sourcing and hardware efficiency. This leads to a more resilient, decentralized, and environmentally conscious network infrastructure for Bitcoin. This post Bitcoin Mining Stocks Defy Odds: TeraWulf, Cipher, Hut 8 Outperform BTC in Stunning 2025 Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .