Invest ideasNews
22 Feb 2026, 14:28
When Will Ripple’s (XRP) Bull Run Resume? We Asked 4 AIs (And Their Answers Surprised Us)
Ripple’s cross-border token has been highly volatile since the US presidential elections in late 2024. At the time, it traded at $0.60, exploded to its 2018 all-time high of $3.40 in January 2025, plunged in the following months, before it skyrocketed to a new record of $3.65 in July. Since then, it has been mostly downhill, with the asset currently sitting below $1.40 – or a 62% decline since the July peaks. Most recently, it was rejected at $2.40 in early January, dumped to $1.11 a month later, but has found some support at the aforementioned level. Being more than 60% down in just several months puts it in a bearish territory. Consequently, we decided to ask ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, and Perplexity how long it would take for XRP to reignite its bull run and head for new records. Find a Bottom First Before even having a theoretical chance of reversing its trend, XRP would need to bottom out first. OpenAI’s platform noted that the token is currently searching for it, which could happen by April, but before it does, it could face even harsher declines if history is any indication: “Historically, February has been weak for XRP, and 2026 is no exception. The asset has posted losses in most Februarys, averaging declines and severe drawdowns in prior cycles.” Nevertheless, ChatGPT and Perplexity agreed that several factors have aligned to suggest that XRP’s bottom might be rather close – a 50% month decline from January 6 to February 6 was met with immediate buying pressure, funding rates reached deeply negative levels, a development that preceded rallies in the past, and panic selling appears to have subsided. Recovery and Run Reignition Gemini and Grok were somewhat optimistic that XRP could indeed locate a bottom by spring 2026, which would open the door for the next phase – “base building and recovery.” In this neutral-to-cautiously bullish stage, XRP could regain some traction by the beginning of the summer season. Gemini was even more specific, indicating that the asset would need to reclaim the 50-day EMA, currently located at around $1.80, to signal the traditional exit from bearish territory. ChatGPT agreed to an extent, but warned that most of the highly anticipated bullish catalysts from the past few years, such as the SEC lawsuit resolution and the approval of spot XRP ETFs, are already behind the token, so it might be in search of new ones. As such, it was rather conservative in predicting a target for the summer, putting a base case around the $2.40 range. “If XRP reclaims $2, the market will likely consider the bear phase technically over,” said Grok. All AIs noted that a full-on bull phase wouldn’t start by at least Q3 of this year, most likely in Q4. Once it begins, though, they added that XRP is positioned to benefit a lot, indicating some massive targets for the longer-run. “$8 by year-end 2026 in aggressive institutional adoption scenarios,” said ChatGPT “$8-13 long-term consolidation breakout targets,” – noted Perplexity. The post When Will Ripple’s (XRP) Bull Run Resume? We Asked 4 AIs (And Their Answers Surprised Us) appeared first on CryptoPotato .
22 Feb 2026, 13:02
Analyst: Most XRP Holders Still Don’t Understand What They Hold
CryptoBull (@CryptoBull2020), a prominent crypto analyst on X, has emphasized that most holders still do not fully understand what XRP represents. Many see it as a speculative asset or a coin chasing short-term gains. According to CryptoBull, this perspective misses the true value of XRP. He described it as “the single cleanest, most neutral, most battle-tested digital asset ever engineered for global finance.” This characterization positions XRP not as a traditional cryptocurrency but as a foundational tool for global financial infrastructure. Its neutrality and resilience give it a unique standing among digital assets. Unlike many coins that rely purely on hype, XRP is built to operate at scale and meet the demands of institutions and cross-border finance. The majority of you holding #XRP still don’t grasp what you actually own. You think it’s just another coin. You think it’s a speculative ticket to the moon. You’re wrong. XRP is the single cleanest, most neutral, most battle-tested digital asset ever engineered for global… — CryptoBull (@CryptoBull2020) February 21, 2026 Market Potential and Price Targets CryptoBull has consistently projected that XRP could reach $70 . This projection is based on the asset’s structural advantages, adoption trajectory, and its ability to integrate with major financial systems. The $70 target is not speculative hype in his view but the outcome of XRP’s inherent qualities and ongoing adoption trends. Analysts like CryptoBull focus on XRP’s utility in real-world financial applications. Experts have repeatedly stressed that XRP’s design enables it to settle transactions quickly and efficiently, increasing demand in both institutional and retail sectors. The combination of these factors sets the stage for a significant upward move . Adoption and Institutional Integration XRP has seen growing use cases among payment networks, banks, and corporate treasury operations. CryptoBull’s remarks highlight that this adoption is a key driver of value. Like many market participants, he sees XRP as a bridge currency and a digital asset engineered to solve problems that traditional systems cannot handle efficiently. As CryptoBull noted, XRP has been battle-tested. After years of direct suppression by the SEC through the Ripple lawsuit, XRP emerged with full legal clarity. This clarity eliminates regulatory uncertainty, making XRP more appealing to institutions. With clear compliance and a proven track record, adoption by banks and financial networks is likely to accelerate. This trend supports widespread use and price growth. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Why XRP Is Positioned to Grow The analyst points to XRP’s neutrality and tested infrastructure as central to its growth story. He suggests that these qualities make it a reliable asset during periods of market expansion. Its technological foundation allows it to integrate seamlessly with global financial networks . CryptoBull’s assessment highlights that investors who recognize the asset’s engineering and institutional applications may be better positioned to benefit from its future price growth. His bullish stance is tied to adoption, utility, and structural robustness rather than hype cycles. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Analyst: Most XRP Holders Still Don’t Understand What They Hold appeared first on Times Tabloid .
22 Feb 2026, 08:02
New HSBC Leak: SWIFT Already Using XRP
Recent developments suggest that XRP is becoming a central part of global financial infrastructure. Crypto analyst BullRunners (@BullRunnersHQ) reported that Ripple’s technology is now integrated into SWIFT’s evolving payment system, signaling a major move toward institutional adoption and practical use. Ripple and SWIFT Collaboration BullRunners explained, “Ripple’s footprint is now baked directly into this new payment stack.” SWIFT, historically the dominant intermediary in cross-border payments, is modernizing its network to incorporate blockchain. HSBC, which has partnered with Ripple through the Medeco Harmonized Platform acquired in 2023, is now a managing partner in SWIFT’s multi-chain blockchain ledger. According to BullRunners, XRP was likely tested on SWIFT rails in Q4 of 2025, further embedding it within large-scale banking operations. The HSBC Leak #XRP is Already Used By SWIFT! pic.twitter.com/kH7lFp9bPX — BULLRUNNERS (@BullrunnersHQ) February 20, 2026 Institutional Adoption and Security The integration of XRP into SWIFT’s network could accelerate adoption by major banks. JP Morgan is reportedly participating in the making of SWIFT’s blockchain ledger . BullRunners highlighted that this setup is built for institutional compliance. The XRPL permissioned DEX amendment, which recently passed , provides KYC and AML controls, enabling banks to operate securely. BullRunners noted, “Although this might not feel truly decentralized… at the end of the day, this is what institutions demand before they integrate and operate.” Regulatory Momentum and Market Opportunity Regulatory clarity is enhancing XRP’s position. BullRunners cited Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, stating there is a “ 90% certainty ” that the Clarity Act, a landmark crypto legislation, will pass by April. SEC Chair Paul Atkins has also indicated that regulators should focus on providing clear frameworks rather than reacting to daily market swings. These developments create a more predictable environment for XRP’s integration into mainstream finance. BullRunners emphasized the scale of the opportunity. He referenced Brian Armstrong, Coinbase CEO, noting that the addressable market for crypto spans multiple trillions of dollars, covering payments, lending, and institutional financial services. XRP’s integration into SWIFT and partnerships with major banks position it to capture significant revenue and adoption. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 What to Expect from XRP While broader crypto markets have faced consistent pressure, XRP’s institutional positioning suggests resilience. BullRunners highlighted that major financial players choosing XRP over other assets could drive substantial price growth. The combination of SWIFT integration, HSBC involvement, and the permissioned DEX amendment indicates that XRP is moving beyond speculation into practical, on-chain utility for banks and regulated institutions. The integration of Ripple’s blockchain with SWIFT, combined with institutional backing and regulatory clarity, points to a new phase for XRP. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post New HSBC Leak: SWIFT Already Using XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .
22 Feb 2026, 01:50
Trump’s 15% tariff shock rocks stocks but crypto keeps calm
US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate 5 percentage-point increase in the global tariff rate, bringing the new rate to 15% from an initial 10%. Usually, the crypto market experiences a major sell-off following tariff announcements. Even so, the market remained unchanged despite the latest news. The announcement, intended to address trade imbalances and boost US industry, immediately sparked uncertainty among investors about the broader economic outlook and ongoing legal and political battles. Regarding the crypto market, reliable sources noted that Bitcoin’s price was roughly $68,000 and that Ether’s price remained relatively stable at the time the new tariff announcement was made public. Reports noted that Trump opposed the Supreme Court’s decision that restricted his power to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). To demonstrate the intense nature of the situation, the President shared a post on Truth Social noting that, “As President of the United States, I am raising the 10% global tariff on countries that have been taking advantage of the US for many years, without any consequences until my administration came along. This increase will go to a fully allowed and legally tested level of 15%.” He further stated that, “In the coming months, the Trump Administration will decide on and announce new tariffs that are legal.” UK officials raise concerns regarding Trump’s recent tariff decision Concerning Trump’s recent move, Britain’s largest business group swiftly raised concerns about his threatening tariff policy and advised the Government to maintain dialogues with officials in the United States to safeguard the UK’s competitive edge. In a statement, William Bain, the head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce ( BCC), stated that, “We were worried that the President’s backup plan could be more harmful for British businesses, and it seems that is indeed the case.” According to him, “This means an additional 5% increase in tariffs on many UK goods exported to the US, except those included in the Economic Prosperity Deal.” Bain’s remarks sparked further tension among individuals when he pointed out that Trump’s decision would negatively affect trade, resulting in a decline in international economic growth and harming US consumers. Seeing these disadvantages, the UK official asserted that tariff hikes are a misguided approach. Meanwhile, he stressed that transparent and stable conditions are essential for firms on both sides of the Atlantic. At this moment, sources revealed that the US president signed an executive order, with congressional approval, to impose a 10% import tax globally. Trump embraced this move just after his earlier reciprocal tariffs, implemented in April of last year under emergency powers, were deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court. In the meantime, analysts are still weighing the potential economic consequences for the UK; nonetheless, officials in the country believe that Trump’s move will not have a substantial effect on most of Britain’s trade with America. Notably, this trade consisted of special steel, cars, and pharmaceuticals deals. As for crypto markets, reports highlighted that the Total3 indicator, a market capitalization index that represents the combined value of all cryptocurrencies, excluding BTC and ETH, slipped less than 1% on Saturday, February 21, settling at around $713 billion. Crypto markets encountered a substantial decline amid Trump’s tariff hikes Concerning the recent market behavior triggered by the US president’s tariff decision, analysts conducted research. They found that the price movements of Bitcoin and Ethereum followed a week of heavy investor outflows from significant US exchange-traded funds. To support this claim, sources disclosed that investors in the US pulled out almost $316 million from Bitcoin funds, with only Friday, February 20, showing positive market activity. On the other hand, Ethereum funds saw a major decline, exceeding $123 million. Some key players in the industry that implemented substantial withdrawals from these funds include BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale . Analysts argued that these firms typically make this decision when cryptocurrency prices are declining. Over the past week, Bitcoin and Ethereum saw a downward trend, losing 2% and 5%, respectively. Nonetheless, despite the ongoing withdrawals, reports from SoSoValue stressed that the funds maintain a substantial presence: Net inflows reached nearly $54 billion, bringing total net assets to $85.3 billion. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
21 Feb 2026, 23:00
Polymarket Faces New Roadblock As Dutch Regulator Bans Prediction Activity — Details
According to recent reports, the Dutch arm of the prediction markets platform Polymarket has been asked to cease its activities in the Netherlands. This order comes as the latest regulatory blow dealt to the prediction market platform in recent weeks. Dutch Regulator Threatens Polymarket With $840,000 Fine In a notice dated Tuesday, February 17, the Netherlands Gambling Authority ordered Polymarket’s Dutch arm, Adventure One, to “cease its activities immediately” or risk incurring up to $840,000 in fines per week. According to the Dutch regulator, Adventure One offered illegal bets, including on the local elections, to residents without a license. While prediction markets do not particularly fall into the traditional gambling category, the Netherlands Gambling Authority has classified them as betting. The regulator revealed that it contacted Polymarket about its activities on the Dutch market, but have seen no corrective action or response from the prediction markets company. Netherlands Gambling Authority’s director of licensing and supervision, Ella Seijsener, said in the notice: Prediction markets are on the rise, including in the Netherlands. These types of companies offer bets that are not permitted in our market under any circumstances, not even by license holders. Besides the social risks of these kinds of predictions (for example, the potential influence on elections), we conclude that this constitutes illegal gambling. Anyone without a Ksa license has no business in our market. This also applies to these new gambling platforms. This restriction in the Netherlands marks the latest stumbling block for Polymarket in terms of regulation over the past few months. Despite receiving approvals from the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), individual state authorities have placed significant scrutiny on the activities of prediction market platforms . This has led to an issue of jurisdiction, as the CFTC chair criticized the state-level scrutiny which undermines their federal authority over prediction markets. Dutch Unrealized Gains Tax On Crypto Rolls On This crackdown on prediction markets comes just a week after the Dutch House of Representatives advanced a proposal to introduce a 36% capital gains tax on most liquid investments, including cryptocurrencies. This controversial bill, if passed, would see profits made from interest-bearing financial instruments, equity investments, cryptocurrencies, and savings accounts be subject to tax, whether realized or not. The proposal of this capital gains tax led to interesting reactions, with several crypto analysts noting that the legislation will drive investors out of the Netherlands. “To be honest, the fact that there’s the unrealized gains tax for Bitcoin in the Netherlands is the dumbest thing I’ve seen in a long time. The amount of people willing to flee the country is going to be bananas,” analyst Michaël van de Poppe said on X.
21 Feb 2026, 21:55
Sam Altman AI Energy Debate: The Surprising Truth About ChatGPT’s Environmental Footprint
BitcoinWorld Sam Altman AI Energy Debate: The Surprising Truth About ChatGPT’s Environmental Footprint MUMBAI, India – October 2025: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman delivered a provocative defense of artificial intelligence’s environmental impact this week, challenging widespread assumptions about AI energy consumption while calling for accelerated adoption of nuclear and renewable power sources. Speaking at The Indian Express AI Summit, Altman dismissed viral claims about ChatGPT’s water usage as “totally fake” and “completely untrue,” sparking renewed debate about how society measures technological progress against ecological responsibility. Debunking the ChatGPT Water Consumption Myth Altman specifically addressed circulating internet claims suggesting each ChatGPT query consumes approximately 17 gallons of water. He labeled these assertions “totally insane” with “no connection to reality.” The OpenAI executive explained that such figures originated from outdated data center cooling methods no longer in widespread use. Modern facilities employ advanced cooling technologies that dramatically reduce water consumption. However, Altman acknowledged legitimate concerns about AI’s aggregate energy footprint. He emphasized that the real issue involves total energy consumption across global AI systems rather than individual query metrics. The Energy Reality of Modern AI Systems Data centers powering AI systems have become significant electricity consumers. Recent studies indicate AI-related computation could account for 3-5% of global electricity by 2030. Unlike traditional computing, AI requires specialized hardware and continuous operation for both training and inference phases. Training large language models like GPT-4 involves thousands of specialized processors running for months. Inference—the process of generating responses to user queries—requires constant computational resources across global server networks. Despite these demands, efficiency improvements have been substantial. Modern AI chips deliver 10-100 times more computation per watt than those from just five years ago. Comparative Energy Analysis: AI Versus Human Intelligence Altman introduced a novel perspective during his Mumbai presentation. He argued that comparing AI energy consumption to human energy use provides more meaningful context. “It takes like 20 years of life and all of the food you eat during that time before you get smart,” Altman noted. He extended this comparison to humanity’s evolutionary development, suggesting that assessing AI’s efficiency requires considering the complete energy investment in human education and biological development. According to this framework, AI might already demonstrate superior energy efficiency for specific cognitive tasks once initial training costs are amortized across billions of queries. The Renewable Energy Imperative Regardless of efficiency debates, Altman stressed the urgent need for cleaner energy infrastructure. “The world needs to move towards nuclear or wind and solar very quickly,” he declared. This position aligns with growing industry consensus. Major technology companies increasingly power data centers with renewable sources. Microsoft and Google have committed to 100% renewable energy for their cloud operations by 2025. Nuclear energy, particularly next-generation small modular reactors, has gained attention as a potential solution for providing reliable, carbon-free power to energy-intensive computing facilities. Transparency Challenges in Tech Energy Reporting A significant obstacle in assessing AI’s environmental impact involves limited corporate transparency. No legal requirements currently mandate technology companies to disclose detailed energy and water consumption data. Consequently, researchers must rely on estimates and reverse engineering. Independent studies suggest AI model training can consume electricity equivalent to hundreds of homes for a year. However, companies rarely release specific figures, making accurate assessment difficult. This opacity fuels both exaggerated claims and genuine uncertainty about AI’s ecological footprint. The Data Center Electricity Price Connection Beyond environmental concerns, data center expansion affects electricity markets. Regions with concentrated computing infrastructure sometimes experience upward pressure on local electricity prices. This occurs because data centers represent large, consistent electricity demands that can strain grid capacity. Utility companies must invest in additional generation and transmission infrastructure, costs often passed to all consumers. Some municipalities now consider special electricity rates for data centers to mitigate community impacts while encouraging economic development. Historical Context: Evolving Data Center Efficiency Data center energy efficiency has improved dramatically over the past decade. The industry transitioned from traditional evaporative cooling to advanced systems using outside air, liquid cooling, and AI-optimized temperature management. Power usage effectiveness—a metric comparing total facility energy to IT equipment energy—has decreased from averages above 2.0 to approximately 1.2 for state-of-the-art facilities. These improvements mean modern data centers deliver substantially more computation per unit of energy and water than their predecessors. However, absolute consumption continues rising due to exponential growth in computing demand. Expert Perspectives on AI Energy Debates Energy researchers offer nuanced views on AI’s environmental impact. Dr. Emma Strubell, a computer scientist specializing in AI sustainability, notes that while individual query energy might be minimal, aggregate effects matter. “We must consider scale,” she explains. “If ChatGPT serves billions of queries daily, even efficient systems consume significant energy.” Other experts emphasize that AI could indirectly reduce energy consumption by optimizing logistics, transportation, and industrial processes. The net environmental impact thus depends on both direct energy use and efficiency gains enabled by AI applications. The Bill Gates Comparison Clarified During his Mumbai appearance, Altman addressed a specific comparison suggesting a single ChatGPT query uses energy equivalent to 1.5 iPhone battery charges. He dismissed this estimate, stating, “There’s no way it’s anything close to that much.” While precise figures remain undisclosed, available data suggests typical AI queries consume energy comparable to several minutes of smartphone use rather than multiple full charges. This clarification highlights the challenge of communicating technical energy concepts through accessible analogies that sometimes oversimplify complex realities. Future Directions: Sustainable AI Development The technology industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability alongside capability improvements. Research focuses on several approaches: Algorithmic efficiency: Developing AI models that achieve similar performance with fewer computations Hardware specialization: Designing processors optimized specifically for AI workloads Renewable integration: Locating data centers near renewable energy sources Carbon-aware computing: Scheduling intensive computations when renewable generation peaks Lifecycle assessment: Considering environmental impacts across hardware manufacturing, operation, and disposal Conclusion Sam Altman’s Mumbai remarks highlight the complex relationship between artificial intelligence development and environmental sustainability. While dismissing exaggerated claims about AI’s resource consumption, Altman acknowledges legitimate concerns about aggregate energy use. His call for accelerated renewable energy adoption reflects growing industry recognition that technological progress must align with ecological responsibility. The debate continues about appropriate metrics for comparing AI and human efficiency, but consensus emerges around the need for greater transparency, continued efficiency improvements, and cleaner energy infrastructure to support AI’s expanding role in society. FAQs Q1: How much energy does a single ChatGPT query actually use? OpenAI hasn’t released exact figures, but estimates suggest typical queries consume minimal energy—likely equivalent to several minutes of smartphone use rather than the exaggerated claims of 17 gallons of water or multiple device charges. Q2: What did Sam Altman say about AI’s water consumption? Altman called viral claims about ChatGPT’s water usage “totally fake” and explained they’re based on outdated cooling methods. Modern data centers use advanced cooling systems with dramatically reduced water requirements. Q3: Why does Altman compare AI energy use to human energy consumption? He argues this provides fairer context, noting humans require decades of food, education, and evolutionary development. Comparing trained AI systems to educated humans might show AI’s superior energy efficiency for specific tasks. Q4: What energy solutions does Altman recommend for AI development? He advocates rapid adoption of nuclear, wind, and solar power to meet growing AI energy demands sustainably, aligning with broader industry moves toward renewable-powered data centers. Q5: How have data centers improved their energy efficiency? Modern facilities achieve power usage effectiveness ratings around 1.2 (compared to 2.0+ a decade ago) through advanced cooling, AI-optimized management, specialized hardware, and renewable energy integration. This post Sam Altman AI Energy Debate: The Surprising Truth About ChatGPT’s Environmental Footprint first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
