Invest ideasNews
14 Feb 2026, 12:32
Inflation dips to 2.4% in January, but services inflation remains a stubborn problem
Prices in the United States climbed more slowly than predicted in January, providing Americans with a brief respite after years of high prices, but a top Federal Reserve official warn s th e fight against inflation is far from over. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said on February 13 that consumer prices climbed 2.4% in the 12 months through January 2026. That is down from 2.7% in December and came in below what most economists had predicted, around 2.5%. When you strip out food and energy, two categories that tend to swing wildly, prices were up 2.5% from a year ago. On a monthly basis, overall prices gained 0.2%, while that core measure rose 0.3%. Both figures either matched or came in under forecasts. Services inflation remains a stubborn problem The numbers come at a time when the broader economy is holding up. Employers added a healthy number of jobs in January, and the unemployment rate remained near 4.3%, steady, but not indicating any major trouble in the job market. Housing costs remained one of the bigger forces pushing inflation higher, while food prices were up 2.9% over the past year. In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee discussed the study on the same day it was released. He adde d th ere were some encouraging indicators, notably in goods pricing, which did not appear to be adversely affected by tariffs. However, he was keen to stress that inflation in services is a whole other issue. “Services inflation is not tamed in the CPI,” Goolsbee stated, describing it as a “danger sign.” He added that once service costs increase, they tend to stay high, and unlike products, they are not subject to the same trade constraints that tariffs bring. He noted that he will be keenly monitoring future Producer Price Index data on services for further information . Fe d in no rush to cut rates When it comes to interest rates, Goolsbee did not promise any near-term cuts. He said the Fed needs to see real, sustained improvement in inflation before it moves. “If we could get some more improvement on the inflation side, I think rates can still go down a fair bit more,” he said. However, he made clear that one encouraging report is not enough. He pointed out that inflation has been running above the Fed’s 2% goal for more than four and a half years, and the central bank needs solid evidence of progress before loosening policy further. He also said he is not certain how restrictive current rates actually are, and that there may be room to bring them down toward a level that neither speeds up nor slows down the economy too much. Goolsbee’s moderate attitude mirrors the Fed’s overall perspective. Goolsbee’s first opposing vote since arriving in 2023 came in December 2025, when he and Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid both voted against reducing interest rates (along with one other dissenter favoring a larger cut). Six other officials at the discussion urged against going too quickly. In January 2026, he went even further, saying that external pressure on the Fed’s independence may make inflation more difficult to manage. The markets mirrored this anxiety. According to CME FedWatch data from mid-February, traders expect a rate hold for the March 18, 2026, meeting (78% to 94%). Few saw a near-term drop, but long-term betting on incremental reductions remained if inflation continued to fall. As of February 14, 2026: 90.8% chance the Fed holds rates at the March 18, 2026 meeting, with 9.2% odds of a 25 bps cut. Source: CME FedWatch Tool January’s report offers some reason for optimism, but not enough for the Fed to change course just yet. Upcoming data on producer prices and employment will go a long way in shaping what happens in the months ahead. Get 8% CASHBACK when you spend crypto with COCA Visa card. Order your FREE card.
14 Feb 2026, 12:17
Ripple Bulls Reveal Bold Price Predictions as XRP Surges to Weekly Highs
The ever-vocal Ripple community has taken the main stage on X again amid the underlying asset’s impressive price performance over the past day. Here are some of the biggest XRP price predictions, as well as some really mindblowing forecasts about the token’s role in global finance. Double Digits for XRP? The past 24 hours have been kinder to the cryptocurrency markets, with BTC going past $70,000 for the first time in a week, and ETH reclaiming the $2,100 resistance. Ripple’s cross-border token has solidified its position as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency with a 7.5% surge to $1.48. This has given the XRP Army wings to post some quite optimistic predictions once again, despite the token being 60% down from its all-time high of $3.65 marked in July last year. Cobb alleged that the current price slump looks “so fake and orchestrated.” They added that it could have the opposite effect and “end up being one of the greatest fakeouts of all time and then BOOM $10 out of nowhere.” In a separate tweet responding to John Squire’s $10,000 prediction, Cobb noted that the “real XRP trenchers” are actually hoping for a more modest target of $10-$30. ChartNerd agreed , actually, saying that the 1.618 Fibonacci extension sees the token skyrocketing to $27. real XRP trenchers are looking for $10-$30 https://t.co/s2mkdyLoHT — Cobb (@Cobb_XRPL) February 14, 2026 Needless to say, even the lowest of the aforementioned targets – $10 – sounds more than just far-fetched at the moment. Despite XRP’s positive momentum in the past 24 hours, the asset would have to surge by 580% to reach $10 and by a whopping 1,950% to tap $30. XRP to Bridge Global Finance? But, for the sake of argument, let’s assume that XRP could indeed surge to $10 or beyond anytime soon. It would need some sort of a major catalyst, right? The SEC legal case conclusion and the hope of spot XRP ETFs in the US managed to send it to as high as $3.65, so there must be something big for a double-digit price target. Squire, perhaps the most vocal bull within the XRP Army, made another shocking claim, saying the token “will become the bridge asset for global finance.” He believes banks won’t opt for BTC, and would go for XRP because of its speed, liquidity, and compliance. XRP will become the bridge asset for global finance. Banks won’t choose Bitcoin. They will choose speed, liquidity and compliance. Agree or disagree? — John Squire | Global Finance & Crypto (@TheCryptoSquire) February 14, 2026 The post Ripple Bulls Reveal Bold Price Predictions as XRP Surges to Weekly Highs appeared first on CryptoPotato .
14 Feb 2026, 10:53
Is Trump Media Good for Crypto After All? Files for Bitcoin, Ether, and Cronos ETFs
Trump Media is stepping deeper into crypto, and this time it is not subtle. The company just filed with the SEC to launch two new crypto linked ETFs tied to Bitcoin, Ether, and even Cronos. This is not just about tracking price either. The plan targets active traders who want exposure plus potential yield through staking rewards. It is an expansion of the so called America First strategy straight into digital assets. TMTG filed for a blended Bitcoin/Ether fund and a specialized Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF. Both funds propose a 0.95% management fee, with Crypto.com providing custody and liquidity services. The move defies current trends, as Bitcoin ETFs recently saw heavy outflows totaling over $360 million. Truth Social Expands Crypto ETFs Footprint Amid Desperate Market The new ETFs would be managed by Yorkville America Equities and offered through Foris Capital. More interesting though is the deeper link with Crypto.com. Back in September, they teamed up to build a treasury vehicle focused on accumulating CRO. So this is not random. The timing is intersting. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen four straight weeks of outflows. That tells you institutions are cautious right now. Trump Media is basically a crypto fund now. These new SEC filings for BTC/ETH staking and a "Cronos Yield Maximizer" ETF prove the real strategy is that $6.4B partnership with https://t.co/1C3jP5l6fB . It’s a bet that political brand power can force a mid-cap like CRO into the… — Murtuza J Merchant (@murtuza_merc) February 13, 2026 Big asset managers are not leaving the space. Some are still quietly increasing exposure, treating this dip as a longer term opportunity. Trump Media seems to be doing exactly that. Staking Rewards and The Cronos Surprise These are not basic spot ETFs. The structure is built for yield. The Truth Social Bitcoin and Ether ETF would hold roughly 60% BTC and 40% ETH, with a clear plan to stake the ETH portion and generate rewards. Then there is the Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF. Pretty sound name if you ask me. It is designed to track CRO while also earning income through staking on the Cronos network. That puts a direct spotlight on Crypto.com ecosystem exposure, not just Bitcoin and Ethereum. Source: United States Securities and Exchange Commission With a projected 0.95% management fee, these funds are positioning themselves as more active, premium vehicles rather than low cost, passive spot trackers. The post Is Trump Media Good for Crypto After All? Files for Bitcoin, Ether, and Cronos ETFs appeared first on Cryptonews .
14 Feb 2026, 10:28
US crypto policy deadlock is weighing on Bitcoin price
Progress around key crypto legislations in the US remains stuck in limbo, effectively capping price action as institutional capital remains on the sidelines. After a year of blistering gains that saw Bitcoin soar from under $70,000 to an all-time high of $126,000 in October, the flagship crypto has crashed to multi-month lows. Bitcoin’s rally last year was primarily fueled by President Trump’s return to office and a renewed political mandate to make the United States “the crypto capital of the world.” Subsequently, a string of pro-industry appointments and legislative efforts, including the GENIUS Act for stablecoins, initially buoyed sentiment. But market euphoria has collided with the entrenched complexities of US policymaking. Bitcoin price is now trading below its re-election baseline, and briefly dipped to a 16-month low near $60,000 this week before stabilising in the $65,000–$68,000 range. Key legislations stall in the US The GENIUS Act, signed into law in mid-2025, established baseline standards for fiat-backed stablecoins and was hailed as the sector’s first meaningful regulatory win. But with enforcement rules still pending finalisation from the Treasury and banking regulators, expected no sooner than July 2026, their market impact remains partial. Meanwhile, broader efforts to define the contours of US crypto oversight have stalled outright. The CLARITY Act, designed to resolve the long-standing jurisdictional battle between the SEC and CFTC, cleared the House in 2025 but hit a wall in the Senate Banking Committee at the start of 2026. The bill’s demise followed criticism from major industry players, including Coinbase, which withdrew support over controversial amendments targeting stablecoin yield programs. Banks, led by voices like Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, warned that such products could drain trillions from traditional deposits and destabilise smaller lenders. Crypto firms, in turn, accused lawmakers of caving to TradFi pressure. Senators Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren, though ideologically distant, have found common ground in opposing the current draft , albeit for vastly different reasons. A recent closed-door White House summit on Feb. 10, between banking titans and crypto executives, despite being described as “productive,” ultimately failed to resolve the issue of stablecoin yield, leaving the CLARITY Act’s markup indefinitely postponed. The situation has left policymakers paralysed, with bipartisan factions now sceptical of any bill that has simultaneously alienated both Wall Street and Web3. Crypto market impact With no functional framework to regulate or expand crypto infrastructure in the US, capital has begun to migrate elsewhere. According to data from SoSovalue, roughly $3 billion in net outflows from US-based crypto funds have occurred since the start of 2026. Meanwhile, more than $800 billion in market cap has evaporated from the digital asset sector since January 1, according to industry trackers. Institutional investors, particularly pension funds and endowments, are now sitting on the sidelines, unwilling to engage with a market that remains in a regulatory grey zone. Analysts have described the current environment as directionless, a result of the disappearance of the regulatory premium that once pushed prices higher on anticipation of a mature US market. Until lawmakers resolve key points of contention, Bitcoin is expected to remain range-bound. For now, Bitcoin and the broader crypto market are trading more on global macro signals and liquidity flows. The post US crypto policy deadlock is weighing on Bitcoin price appeared first on Invezz
14 Feb 2026, 09:23
Dutch Lawmakers Advance 36% Capital Gains Tax on Crypto
Lawmakers in the Netherlands have taken a major step toward reshaping how digital assets are taxed. The country’s House of Representatives voted Thursday to advance legislation introducing a 36% capital gains tax on savings and most liquid investments, including cryptocurrencies. Key Takeaways: Dutch lawmakers advanced a 36% tax on savings, equities and crypto, including unrealized gains. Critics warn the proposal could trigger investor relocation and capital outflows. The bill still requires Senate approval before a planned 2028 implementation. The proposal cleared the chamber comfortably, receiving 93 votes, well above the 75 required to move forward, according to the official tally. Netherlands Targets Unsold Crypto Profits in New Tax Proposal If adopted, the measure would apply broadly. Bank savings, crypto holdings, most equities and returns generated from interest-bearing instruments would all fall under the levy. Notably, the tax would be assessed regardless of whether investors actually sell their assets, meaning unrealized gains could still be taxed. The Dutch Senate must still approve the bill before it can become law. Implementation is targeted for the 2028 tax year, but reaction from investors has already been swift. Critics argue the policy risks pushing wealth out of the country. Some investors warn that higher-net-worth individuals could relocate to jurisdictions with lighter tax regimes, particularly within the European Union where cross-border movement is relatively straightforward. Entrepreneur Denis Payre pointed to historical precedent, saying France experienced a wave of business departures after imposing similar policies in the late 1990s. Crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe was even more blunt, calling the plan deeply misguided and predicting significant relocation by investors. The Netherlands has gone insane. The government wants to tax unrealized gains on #Bitcoin from 2028 onwards. I simply don't understand why people are blindly accepting this and not going all-in to demonstrate against this particular law. The amount of tax being paid each… pic.twitter.com/HIJhLl6qHq — Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) January 23, 2026 Financial projections circulating among market participants illustrate the concern. According to data shared by Investing Visuals, an investor starting with €10,000 and contributing €1,000 monthly over 40 years could accumulate roughly €3.32 million without the tax. Under the proposed 36% levy, the ending value would drop to about €1.885 million, a reduction of roughly €1.435 million. The debate echoes similar disputes elsewhere. In the United States, technology leaders and crypto industry figures pushed back strongly against California’s proposed wealth tax on billionaires, with some entrepreneurs openly discussing relocation. While supporters argue the Dutch plan modernizes taxation across financial assets, opponents say it could discourage long-term investment and weaken the country’s position as a destination for fintech and digital asset businesses. The Senate’s decision will determine whether the proposal becomes one of Europe’s strictest crypto tax regimes. Dutch Indirect Crypto Investments Hit €1.2B As reported, Dutch exposure to cryptocurrency through financial securities has grown rapidly over the past five years, reaching about €1.2 billion by October 2025, according to De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). The increase largely reflects rising prices of major digital assets rather than a surge of new investor money. Holdings stood at roughly €81 million at the end of 2020, showing how valuation gains have expanded crypto-linked investments across households, institutions and companies. Despite the jump, direct ownership of cryptocurrencies remains relatively limited for many investors. Even with the growth, crypto securities represent only about 0.03% of the Netherlands’ overall investment market, indicating traditional assets still dominate portfolios. Last year, Dutch crypto firm Amdax raised €30 million ($35 million) to launch Amsterdam Bitcoin Treasury Strategy (AMBTS), a dedicated Bitcoin treasury company that plans to accumulate up to 1% of the total BTC supply, or roughly 210,000 Bitcoin. The post Dutch Lawmakers Advance 36% Capital Gains Tax on Crypto appeared first on Cryptonews .
14 Feb 2026, 09:02
Virginia lawmakers move forward with crypto ATM oversight bill
Virginia is progressing the bill to regulate cryptocurrency ATM kiosks across the state. According to reports, the legislation has passed both the state Senate and House and has now been moved to the governor’s desk. If signed, the bill would create rules for operators and add a new layer of consumer protection against scams. In addition, the legislation is expected to include other licensing and reporting requirements that would help residents carry out transactions safely across Virginia. The legislation will also prevent operators of the kiosk from marketing them as ATMs or using language that recognizes them as ATMs. Other protections include daily and monthly transaction limits, a 48-hour hold for new users, so that refunds can be possible after suspected fraud. ID verification for all transactions and clear warning notices branded at the kiosks are also some other measures highlighted in the bill. Virginia set to pass bill to regulate crypto ATMs The bill was sponsored by Delegate Michelle Maldonado, who claimed that it was prompted by the increased scams across Virginia. She highlighted a situation where a resident in Southwest Virginia lost about $15,000 to scammers as a result of the machine, and another case in Fairfax County. She added that the machines are confusing people. Maldonado said that they are shaped to look like regular ATMs, which is not supposed to be the case. Maldonado mentioned that instead of taking money out of the machines, people are required to deposit funds to buy digital assets that are often moved to broader exchanges in the country or abroad. She claimed that in several cases, people are being deceived into sending money using the machines. She highlighted some cases, including that of debt repayment by an offspring, payment to get out of legal problems, and the major aspect, the romance scams. Crypto scams being facilitated using the crypto ATMs have been on the rise, with Maldonado noting that people in other parts of the country have lost as much as $250,000 to similar scams. “The thing about crypto is that once it goes into the exchange, which is in the blockchain environment, there’s no way to trace it. There’s no way to get it back,” Maldonado said. The legislation requires kiosks to register their business, pay fees, put a limit on fees charged to use the machines, and provide avenues to refund available portions of money. What are other states saying about crypto ATM regulation? Maldonado added that the approach shows a proactive regulatory strategy, noting that about 7% of the scams being carried out in the crypto industry are facilitated using the kiosks. She highlighted that the small figure doesn’t mean there are no issues, noting that it is the best time to put the safeguards in place to ensure that the 7% figure doesn’t blow up in the future. Maldonado added that Virginia wants people to be educated, which is why they are producing tools to keep the industry accountable. Virginia is not the only state looking to keep tabs on crypto ATMs and kiosks, with other states also pushing regulations towards that effect. In 2025, about 14 States passed laws to protect users from crypto ATM scams, bringing the total to 17 states. While the contents of the regulations and thresholds varied, the regulations were pushed towards combating the rising menace. The highlight of most regulations required setting daily transaction limits and brandishing fraud warning signals near the location of the kiosks. Lt. Eric Calendine, a fraud investigator for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, spoke about the legislation being developed by states. Calendine has been working with lawmakers in the state to pass crypto ATM legislation. He noted that he has been tracking fraud in Beaufort County and discovered that many cases involved jury duty, tech support, romance, and impostor scams. He mentioned that funds are typically hard to recover because they are sent to countries that do not cooperate with US authorities. Earn 8% CASHBACK in USDC when you pay with COCA. Order your FREE card.
