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24 Feb 2026, 16:41

DEXE Technical Analysis February 24, 2026: Support and Resistance Levels

DEXE is holding above the critical support at the 3.40$ level, above 3.2253$, resistances at 3.6885$ and 4.1517$ will be tested. BTC downtrend indicates a cautious approach in altcoins, liquidity h...

24 Feb 2026, 16:40

Meta Stablecoin Denial: The Crucial Truth Behind Andy Stone’s Payment Strategy Statement

BitcoinWorld Meta Stablecoin Denial: The Crucial Truth Behind Andy Stone’s Payment Strategy Statement In a definitive statement that clarifies months of industry speculation, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone has confirmed the technology giant is not developing its own stablecoin. This crucial announcement, made from Meta’s Menlo Park headquarters on November 15, 2024, directly addresses recent reports about the company’s cryptocurrency ambitions. Instead, Stone emphasized Meta’s commitment to enabling diverse payment methods across its platforms. This strategic pivot represents a significant development in the evolving relationship between social media platforms and digital currencies. Meta Stablecoin Strategy: What Andy Stone Actually Said Meta spokesperson Andy Stone delivered his statement with precise clarity. He explicitly stated that Meta is not creating its own stablecoin. Furthermore, he outlined the company’s actual objective: enabling individuals and businesses to make payments using their preferred methods on Meta’s platforms. This approach contrasts sharply with previous industry assumptions about Meta’s cryptocurrency direction. Stone’s comments specifically addressed a CoinDesk report from earlier this year. That report suggested Meta planned to relaunch its stablecoin business in the second half of 2024. The reported plan involved issuing a stablecoin through a third-party payment provider. However, Stone’s statement provides official clarification on Meta’s current position. This clarification comes at a critical juncture for cryptocurrency regulation and adoption. Industry analysts immediately recognized the significance of this announcement. Consequently, they began reassessing Meta’s role in the broader fintech ecosystem. The statement also highlights Meta’s evolving approach to financial technology integration. Historical Context: From Libra to Current Strategy Meta’s relationship with cryptocurrency has experienced dramatic evolution. The company initially launched the Libra project in 2019. This ambitious initiative aimed to create a global digital currency. However, regulatory scrutiny quickly intensified. Multiple government agencies expressed concerns about financial stability and oversight. Subsequently, the project rebranded as Diem in 2020. Despite this rebranding, regulatory challenges persisted. Eventually, Meta sold the Diem assets to Silvergate Bank in 2022. This historical context makes Stone’s current statement particularly significant. It represents a strategic shift from currency creation to payment facilitation. The table below illustrates Meta’s cryptocurrency journey: Timeline Development Outcome June 2019 Libra announcement Global regulatory concerns December 2020 Rebrand to Diem Continued regulatory pressure January 2022 Diem assets sold Project termination November 2024 Stone’s statement Focus on payment infrastructure This evolution demonstrates Meta’s adaptive strategy in regulated financial spaces. The company now prioritizes integration over innovation in currency creation. This approach aligns with current regulatory expectations for technology companies. Regulatory Landscape and Industry Impact The regulatory environment significantly influences Meta’s current strategy. Global financial authorities have established clearer guidelines for stablecoins. These guidelines emphasize several key requirements: Reserve transparency : Full disclosure of backing assets Consumer protection : Robust safeguards for users Anti-money laundering : Comprehensive compliance systems Financial stability : Systemic risk assessments Meta’s decision reflects careful consideration of these regulatory frameworks. Industry experts note the practical wisdom of this approach. Dr. Sarah Chen, fintech analyst at Stanford University, explains: “Technology companies face increasing scrutiny in financial services. Meta’s current strategy acknowledges regulatory realities while maintaining innovation potential.” This expert perspective highlights the strategic calculation behind Stone’s statement. Payment Ecosystem Integration: Meta’s Actual Approach Andy Stone’s clarification reveals Meta’s genuine strategic direction. The company focuses on payment ecosystem integration rather than currency creation. This approach offers several distinct advantages. First, it leverages existing financial infrastructure. Second, it reduces regulatory complexity. Third, it provides user flexibility. Meta’s platforms already support various payment methods. These include traditional options and emerging digital solutions. The company’s Novi wallet project demonstrated early experimentation. However, current strategy emphasizes broader compatibility. This shift reflects evolving user preferences and market conditions. Businesses operating on Meta platforms particularly benefit from this approach. They can choose payment solutions matching their operational needs. This flexibility supports diverse commercial models across global markets. Technical Implementation and User Experience Meta’s payment strategy involves sophisticated technical implementation. The company develops application programming interfaces (APIs) for payment integration. These APIs enable seamless transaction processing. Users experience consistent interfaces across different payment methods. Security remains a paramount consideration throughout this process. Meta implements multiple protection layers for financial transactions. The technical architecture supports real-time processing and settlement. This capability ensures efficient transaction completion. Developers appreciate the standardized integration approach. They can implement payment solutions without extensive customization. This standardization reduces development time and costs. Consequently, more businesses can participate in Meta’s commercial ecosystem. Market Implications and Competitive Landscape Meta’s clarified position affects the broader cryptocurrency market. Stablecoin projects from other companies continue development. PayPal launched its PYUSD stablecoin in 2023. Circle’s USDC maintains significant market presence. Traditional financial institutions also explore digital currency options. Meta’s decision creates space for these specialized providers. The competitive landscape now features clearer differentiation. Technology companies focus on application layers. Financial specialists concentrate on currency infrastructure. This division of labor may accelerate innovation in both domains. Market analysts observe potential partnership opportunities. Meta could integrate multiple stablecoin options for users. This approach would maximize choice while minimizing regulatory exposure. Investment patterns reflect this evolving market structure. Venture capital flows toward specialized cryptocurrency infrastructure. Simultaneously, technology companies receive funding for payment integration solutions. This bifurcation suggests maturing market segmentation. Industry participants increasingly recognize distinct value propositions across the financial technology stack. Future Developments and Strategic Considerations Meta’s payment strategy will likely evolve with market conditions. The company monitors cryptocurrency adoption patterns globally. Regulatory developments receive continuous attention. Technological advancements in blockchain infrastructure inform strategic planning. Meta maintains research initiatives in distributed ledger technology. However, commercial implementation follows careful assessment. Several factors will influence future decisions. User adoption rates for digital payments provide crucial data. Regulatory clarity in major markets establishes implementation parameters. Competitive developments among payment providers create partnership opportunities. Technological breakthroughs in scalability and security enable new capabilities. Meta’s strategy balances these multiple considerations. The company’s extensive user base represents significant potential. Over three billion people use Meta platforms monthly. This scale creates unique opportunities for payment innovation. However, it also necessitates exceptional responsibility. Meta’s approach prioritizes security, reliability, and accessibility. These priorities guide current implementation and future development. Conclusion Andy Stone’s statement provides definitive clarification about Meta’s stablecoin strategy. The company is not issuing its own stablecoin. Instead, Meta focuses on enabling diverse payment methods across its platforms. This approach reflects lessons from previous cryptocurrency initiatives. It also acknowledges current regulatory realities and market conditions. The decision demonstrates strategic adaptation in a complex financial landscape. Meta’s payment ecosystem will likely integrate multiple existing solutions. This integration strategy balances innovation with practical implementation. The broader cryptocurrency market continues evolving alongside technology company participation. Meta’s clarified position contributes to clearer industry segmentation and specialization. FAQs Q1: What exactly did Meta spokesperson Andy Stone say about stablecoins? Andy Stone explicitly stated that Meta is not creating its own stablecoin. He clarified the company’s goal is enabling payment flexibility on its platforms. Q2: Why did previous reports suggest Meta was developing a stablecoin? Earlier reports referenced internal discussions and historical projects. However, Stone’s statement provides current official clarification about Meta’s actual strategy. Q3: How does this decision affect Meta’s cryptocurrency strategy? Meta shifts from currency creation to payment infrastructure. The company focuses on integrating existing solutions rather than developing proprietary stablecoins. Q4: What payment methods will Meta platforms support? Meta aims to support diverse payment options including traditional methods and emerging digital solutions based on user preference and regional availability. Q5: Does this mean Meta has abandoned cryptocurrency entirely? No, Meta continues exploring cryptocurrency integration through partnerships and infrastructure development while avoiding proprietary stablecoin issuance. This post Meta Stablecoin Denial: The Crucial Truth Behind Andy Stone’s Payment Strategy Statement first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Feb 2026, 16:36

ONDO price outlook as Binance lists Ondo Finance tokenized US equities

Ondo Finance’s native token just jumped to an intraday high of $0.2537 after Binance reintroduced tokenised US stocks and ETFs through a partnership with Ondo Finance and then pulled back to around $0.2473 at press time. This marks Binance’s first tokenised stock offering since 2021, when regulatory concerns forced a pause in similar products . The launch is taking place on Binance Alpha and within Binance Wallet, providing early access to ten tokenised assets, including tokenised versions of Apple, Nvidia, Tesla, Alphabet, and the Invesco QQQ ETF. Ondo Finance’s partnership with Binance for tokenised stocks The launch is part of Binance’s broader push into real‑world assets, bridging traditional equities with blockchain infrastructure. Ondo Finance will serve as the issuer for these tokenised securities. The company has already accumulated significant activity, with billions in cumulative trading volume across platforms. Notably, tokenised stocks provide on‑chain access to traditional financial instruments, offering investors exposure without needing a conventional brokerage. For ONDO, the token itself is not a direct claim on these equities but benefits from the increased ecosystem activity. However, the token can still be used within Ondo’s platform for governance, staking, and protocol-related incentives. ONDO price analysis ONDO is down roughly 2.4% over 24 hours but still above recent lows. The 24-hour trading range is between $0.2426 and $0.2537, reflecting heightened volatility around the news. The total value locked across Ondo’s ecosystem exceeds $2 billion, showing strong protocol adoption and investor trust. On the broader market, Bitcoin and Ethereum have been relatively stable, suggesting that ONDO’s movement is largely driven by its own ecosystem developments rather than macro market trends. The attention has shifted to liquidity and adoption metrics, as the Binance integration could stimulate trading activity. The launch of tokenised stocks on Binance offers a new growth channel for the project, potentially attracting both retail and institutional participants. ONDO price prediction Traders should watch $0.242 as the immediate support level. If the token breaks below this, the next key level could be $0.238, testing investor confidence. On the upside, analysts have identified $0.3104 as the first resistance zone. A clear break above $0.3104 could open the way for $0.4620, which aligns with its recent weekly highs. Long-term investors should also keep an eye on $0.28–$0.30 as potential psychological resistance, corresponding with past 7-day highs. However, volatility around the Binance tokenised stocks launch could continue in the near term. Traders should pay attention to volume spikes and ecosystem adoption metrics for signs of sustained price moves. The post ONDO price outlook as Binance lists Ondo Finance tokenized US equities appeared first on Invezz

24 Feb 2026, 16:31

Bitcoin Down 66% When Priced in Gold Since November 2021: Peter Schiff

Bitcoin is once again facing renewed criticism for its recent price underperformance, particularly against gold, the largest precious metal. As Bitcoin continues to suffer intense volatility, longtime critic Peter Schiff has launched a fresh attack on the asset. Visit Website

24 Feb 2026, 16:25

France Economic Growth Outlook Cools as Business Climate Shows Alarming Weakening – ING Analysis

BitcoinWorld France Economic Growth Outlook Cools as Business Climate Shows Alarming Weakening – ING Analysis PARIS, France – Recent analysis from ING, a prominent multinational banking group, indicates a softening growth outlook for the French economy, directly linked to a measurable deterioration in the nation’s business climate. This development, based on verifiable survey data and leading indicators, presents a nuanced challenge for the Eurozone’s second-largest economy as it navigates a complex global landscape in 2025. The shift prompts a closer examination of underlying sectoral pressures, consumer sentiment, and the broader European context. France Economic Growth Faces Headwinds from Business Sentiment ING’s assessment points to a tangible cooling in business confidence across key French sectors. This weakening business climate acts as a reliable leading indicator, often foreshadowing a slowdown in investment, hiring, and overall economic expansion. Consequently, economists are revising near-term growth projections downward. The French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) provides the foundational data, which shows a dip in the composite business confidence indicator. This indicator synthesizes sentiment from manufacturing, services, retail trade, and construction. Several interconnected factors contribute to this cautious business posture. Firstly, persistent inflationary pressures, though easing, continue to squeeze corporate margins and household purchasing power. Secondly, elevated financing costs, a result of the European Central Bank’s previous monetary tightening cycle, dampen capital expenditure plans. Finally, ongoing geopolitical tensions and sluggish demand in key export markets, notably Germany, create an atmosphere of uncertainty. Businesses, therefore, are adopting a more wait-and-see approach, delaying major decisions. Analyzing the Sectoral Impact and Economic Data The business climate’s decline is not uniform but reveals distinct pressures across the economy. The manufacturing sector shows particular vulnerability, with order books thinning and inventory levels rising. The services sector, a traditional pillar of French resilience, also exhibits signs of strain as consumer spending on non-essitals moderates. A short comparison of key indicators illustrates the shift: Indicator Previous Trend Current Assessment Business Confidence (INSEE) Stable above long-term average Declining towards average Production Outlook Moderately positive Neutral to negative Order Books Steady Weakening Furthermore, high-frequency data on electricity consumption, freight traffic, and credit growth provide corroborating evidence of a decelerating pace of activity. This multisource analysis strengthens the credibility of the softening growth narrative. It moves beyond a single survey to paint a cohesive picture of an economy entering a more challenging phase. Expert Perspective on Monetary Policy and Fiscal Challenges Economists at ING and other institutions emphasize the policy dilemma this situation creates. The European Central Bank (ECB), having fought a prolonged battle against inflation, now faces a slowing economic engine in a major member state. Any further monetary policy decisions must carefully balance inflation risks against growth concerns. Domestically, the French government confronts the dual challenge of supporting economic activity while adhering to EU fiscal rules designed to control budget deficits and public debt, which remain elevated. Historical context is crucial here. France has experienced similar business climate softenings in the past, notably during the Eurozone debt crisis and the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the current episode differs due to the absence of an acute financial shock or lockdowns. Instead, it reflects a gradual buildup of cyclical and structural pressures, making the policy response more complex. The timeline of this softening suggests it began in the latter half of 2024, gaining momentum into early 2025. Potential Ripple Effects Across the European Landscape A sustained slowdown in France carries significant implications for the broader Eurozone. As a core economy, France is a major trading partner for its neighbors. Weaker French demand can directly impact: Exporters in Southern Europe: Countries like Spain and Italy rely on French demand for automobiles, agricultural products, and consumer goods. Industrial Supply Chains: German machinery and intermediate goods producers may see reduced orders from French manufacturers. Financial Markets: Sovereign bond spreads and equity valuations for Eurozone-focused companies could experience volatility. Therefore, monitoring the French business climate is not merely a national concern but a European one. The European Commission’s own economic forecasts will likely incorporate this weaker French data, potentially leading to a downward revision for aggregate Eurozone growth. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of coordinated, though nationally tailored, economic policies within the monetary union. Conclusion The analysis from ING highlighting a softening France economic growth outlook due to a weaker business climate provides a critical, data-driven snapshot of the economy’s crossroads. The convergence of sectoral surveys, hard activity data, and expert analysis confirms a deceleration is underway. While not indicative of an imminent recession, this shift demands close attention from policymakers, investors, and business leaders. The evolution of this trend will depend heavily on the trajectory of inflation, the ECB’s policy path, and the resilience of French consumer spending. Navigating this period of moderated growth will test the adaptability of the French economic model within an uncertain European and global environment. FAQs Q1: What does a “weakening business climate” mean in practical terms? A weakening business climate refers to declining confidence among company executives. In practice, this often leads to reduced investment in new equipment, a hiring freeze or slowdown, and more cautious inventory management, all of which dampen economic growth. Q2: Which sectors of the French economy are most affected? Current data suggests the manufacturing sector is particularly sensitive, facing weaker export orders and input cost pressures. The services sector, including retail and hospitality, is also showing signs of strain as consumer spending power is tested. Q3: How does France’s situation affect the rest of Europe? As the Eurozone’s second-largest economy, a slowdown in France reduces demand for goods and services from neighboring countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy, potentially dragging down regional growth and complicating the ECB’s monetary policy decisions. Q4: Is this softening leading to a recession? Most analysts, including those at ING, view the current data as pointing toward a period of subdued growth or stagnation, not an immediate, technical recession. However, the risk increases if the business climate deteriorates further or if a significant external shock occurs. Q5: What can the French government do to improve the business climate? Policy options are constrained by EU fiscal rules but may include targeted measures to reduce administrative burdens for businesses, incentives for green investment, and efforts to bolster skills training to address labor market mismatches. This post France Economic Growth Outlook Cools as Business Climate Shows Alarming Weakening – ING Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Feb 2026, 16:22

Ethereum price drops to $1.8K as data suggests ETH bears are not done yet

Ether’s drop to $1,800 reflects weak technicals and onchain signals that point to continued downside risk as Ethereum ETF outflows persist.