News
26 Feb 2026, 14:51
Bitcoin’s Recovery Isn’t Here Yet – Here’s What Still Needs to Flip

Bitcoin climbed back to $68,000 after several days of decline, as markets reacted positively to Donald Trump’s State of the Union remarks. The crypto asset added fresh 4% gains on Thursday. But data shows that BTC is still trapped in a structurally defensive consolidation, as the price oscillates between the $60,000 and $69,000, which is being deemed as the main demand zone. In fact, Glassnode experts stated that the market is stabilizing but not yet recovering. Key Market Conditions At a 46% drawdown from the all-time high, Bitcoin sits at a depth historically associated with mid-to-late bear market phases, where time itself often becomes a risk factor rather than a catalyst for upside. Nearly 9.2 million BTC are currently held at a loss. This means that half of the circulating supply is underwater, a condition that aligns with prior late-stage bear environments. However, it does not, on its own, point to renewed strength. Despite the scale of unrealized losses, accumulation behavior remains muted, as evidenced by an Accumulation Trend Score persistently below 0.5 since early February. This indicates a lack of conviction-driven buying, particularly among larger entities whose participation is typically required to form a durable bottom. Liquidity conditions further validate this fragility. Glassnode found that the 90-day Realized Profit/Loss Ratio has slipped below the critical 1.0 threshold, which appears to be a transition into an excess loss regime where realized losses dominate profits – a state that can persist for months and is associated with impaired capital rotation and higher downside risk. Market breadth continues to deteriorate as fewer assets sustain positions above long-term trend baselines. Meanwhile, off-chain data mirrors these on-chain signals. For instance, spot markets have flipped decisively into sell-side dominance since cumulative volume delta across major venues plunged to cycle lows, thereby indicating active distribution rather than passive liquidity gaps. In derivatives markets, leverage has largely reset, as perpetual funding rates compressed back toward neutral. This not only reflected reduced speculative excess but also highlighted the absence of renewed bullish conviction. A similar defensive posture was echoed by the options markets. Additionally, dealer positioning suggested that while sharp moves can be mechanically amplified, the broader structure remains one of consolidation rather than directional resolution. As such, Bitcoin’s current regime is characterized by stabilization amid structural weakness, where neither sellers nor buyers have seized decisive control. According to Glassnode, a durable upside recovery will require a clear reversal in these conditions – renewed spot absorption to counter active distribution, sustained accumulation from large entities to restore conviction, and a meaningful shift in institutional flows to reestablish a structural bid. Until such signals emerge, range-bound price action between established valuation anchors remains the dominant theme governing Bitcoin’s market structure. Macro and Geopolitical Risks In the near term, macro and liquidity factors may continue to dictate price behavior within this structurally defensive range. In a statement to CryptoPotato , Bitunix analysts said, “If safe-haven flows strengthen the dollar, price could come under pressure and retest the 65–64K liquidity band below. Conversely, if capital rotates toward an anti-inflation narrative, short-term inflows could drive a sweep of overhead short liquidity near 69K. The core variable remains whether geopolitical risks escalate materially.” The post Bitcoin’s Recovery Isn’t Here Yet – Here’s What Still Needs to Flip appeared first on CryptoPotato .
26 Feb 2026, 14:51
Solana Price Prediction: Bluntz Dunks on Bears as Ali Charts Eyes $90.97

Solana drew fresh attention after trader Bluntz Capital blasted bearish calls following what he described as a 77% peak to trough drop. Meanwhile, analyst Ali Charts laid out key levels, saying a break above 83.44 could open moves toward 87.11 and 90.97. Bluntz Targets Solana Bears After 77% Drawdown Crypto trader Bluntz Capital attacked traders betting against Solana after what he described as a 77% peak to trough drop, arguing that bearish positioning at this point ignores how sharp sell offs often reset markets. In a post on X, Bluntz used profanity and an insult while rejecting the idea of turning bearish on SOL at current levels. Solana/TetherUS Weekly Chart. Source: TradingView / X The chart he shared showed SOL/TetherUS on Binance’s weekly timeframe closing near 89.95 after trading between 75.63 and 92.10 during the week. It also showed the 200 week simple moving average near 103.55, while the 14 period RSI sat in the mid 30s, a level traders often read as weak momentum rather than a confirmed reversal. Bluntz framed the decline as a capitulation style move that can clear positioning, then pointed to past cycles where large drawdowns preceded rebounds. He also shared a separate Bitcoin weekly chart that marked a steep historical decline, using it to support his view that deep pullbacks can happen before a broader uptrend resumes. The post landed as Solana traders keep debating whether the recent bounce signals a base or a temporary recovery inside a wider downtrend. For now, the weekly view shows SOL trying to stabilize below its long term moving average, while momentum stays subdued and price action remains sensitive to broader crypto risk moves. Ali Charts Flags Solana Levels After Reclaim Attempt Meanwhile, Crypto analyst Ali Charts outlined near term resistance levels for Solana, saying price strength above a key zone could open the path to higher targets. In a post on X, the analyst pointed to 83.44 as the level to clear, then marked 87.11 and 90.97 as upside areas if momentum holds. The call framed the move as a technical reaction to recent range trading on lower time frames. Solana 4 Hour Chart. Source: TradingView / X The chart shared with the post mapped repeated reactions around the same horizontal bands, showing price rotating between support and resistance before a rebound from the lower boundary. As a result, the 83.44 area stands out as a decision point. If buyers sustain acceptance above that band, then the next two levels come into view as potential resistance zones where sellers previously stepped in. At the same time, the setup leaves room for failure at resistance if follow through fades. Price structure on the four hour view shows recent swings clustering near the same zones, which keeps the market sensitive to short term liquidity runs. For now, the map highlights how Solana trades inside a defined range, while the next directional move depends on whether price can hold above the marked breakout level.
26 Feb 2026, 14:44
Analysts reject Jane Street ‘10 am dump’ claims, say Bitcoin isn’t easily manipulated

Crypto traders blame Jane Street for a daily 10 am Bitcoin dip after a Terraform lawsuit claimed dubious trading practices, but analysts say timing matches broader risk repricing.
26 Feb 2026, 14:41
Shiba Inu Open Interest Down 5% Despite SHIB Price Relief Rally

Shiba Inu price and open interest record deviation as futures demand stalls.
26 Feb 2026, 14:40
Decibel Perpetual Futures Exchange Launches Groundbreaking Platform on High-Speed Aptos Blockchain

BitcoinWorld Decibel Perpetual Futures Exchange Launches Groundbreaking Platform on High-Speed Aptos Blockchain The decentralized finance landscape has welcomed a significant new player as the on-chain perpetual futures exchange Decibel officially launches its mainnet service on the high-performance Aptos blockchain. This strategic move, confirmed by the Decibel Foundation, follows a remarkably successful public testnet phase that demonstrated substantial user demand and technical robustness for a new generation of derivatives trading. Consequently, the launch represents a pivotal moment for both the Aptos ecosystem and the broader market for decentralized perpetual contracts. Decibel Perpetual Futures Exchange Marks a New Era for Aptos Decibel’s transition from testnet to mainnet on Aptos is a major technical and market milestone. The Aptos blockchain, known for its parallel execution engine and Move programming language, provides a foundational layer designed for high throughput and low latency. These attributes are critically important for a perpetual futures exchange, where trade execution speed and network reliability directly impact user experience and market efficiency. Therefore, Decibel’s choice of Aptos is a deliberate alignment with infrastructure capable of supporting high-frequency, on-chain derivative products. Previously, the platform operated a public testnet to stress-test its systems. During this phase, Decibel secured an impressive over 700,000 unique accounts and consistently attracted 132,000 daily active users . Furthermore, daily trading volume reliably exceeded one million transactions , according to data reported by CoinDesk. These testnet metrics provided strong evidence of market interest and validated the underlying technology before the full public launch. Understanding the Surge in On-Chain Derivatives The launch of Decibel occurs within a rapidly expanding sector of decentralized finance. Perpetual futures contracts, which allow traders to speculate on asset prices without an expiry date, have become one of the most popular products in crypto. Traditionally dominated by centralized exchanges, the demand for transparent, non-custodial, and on-chain versions of these instruments has grown exponentially. Decibel’s entry directly addresses this demand by leveraging Aptos’s technical advantages. Transparency: All trades and liquidity reside on-chain, visible for public audit. Self-Custody: Users maintain control of their assets via personal wallets. Composability: On-chain contracts can integrate with other DeFi protocols. This shift towards decentralized derivatives is part of a broader industry trend seeking to mitigate counterparty risk and enhance market integrity. Several other blockchain networks host similar protocols, but Aptos’s architecture offers a distinct proposition for scalability. Technical Architecture and Market Differentiation Analysts point to the Move programming language as a key differentiator for Aptos-based applications like Decibel. Move’s resource-oriented model inherently enhances security for financial applications by preventing common vulnerabilities like reentrancy attacks. For a derivatives platform managing leveraged positions and collateral, this built-in safety is a substantial advantage. Moreover, Aptos’s ability to process transactions in parallel, rather than sequentially, allows Decibel to potentially offer lower fees and faster confirmations during periods of high market volatility compared to some older blockchain networks. The Decibel Foundation’s Ambitious Roadmap Beyond Launch The mainnet launch is merely the first step in a comprehensive expansion plan announced by the Decibel Foundation. While establishing a robust perpetual futures market is the immediate priority, the foundation has outlined a multi-phase strategy to build a full-spectrum financial ecosystem. This forward-looking plan aims to diversify the platform’s offerings and attract a wider user base. Specifically, the roadmap includes planned expansions into several key areas: Spot Market Trading: Introducing immediate asset exchange to complement derivative products. Multi-Collateral Accounts: Allowing users to collateralize positions with a variety of assets, increasing capital efficiency. Tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAs): Exploring the integration of traditional financial instruments like commodities or bonds onto the blockchain for use as collateral or underlying assets. This evolution from a single-product exchange to a multi-faceted financial hub mirrors the growth trajectory of leading centralized exchanges but within a decentralized framework. The inclusion of RWAs, in particular, could bridge decentralized and traditional finance, opening new avenues for institutional participation. Assessing the Impact on the Aptos Ecosystem and DeFi The successful launch of a major application like Decibel provides significant value to the Aptos network. High-volume financial applications drive transaction activity, increase demand for the native APT token for gas fees, and attract developers and liquidity to the ecosystem. A thriving derivatives exchange can act as a cornerstone application, encouraging the development of complementary services such as lending protocols, liquidity aggregators, and advanced analytics tools. For the wider DeFi sector, Decibel’s performance will be a test case for next-generation Layer 1 blockchains hosting complex financial products. Its ability to maintain performance, security, and low costs under real trading load will be closely watched by developers and investors across the industry. Success could accelerate migration of other sophisticated DeFi protocols to newer, high-performance chains. Conclusion The mainnet launch of the Decibel perpetual futures exchange on the Aptos blockchain marks a substantive advancement in decentralized derivatives trading. Backed by strong testnet metrics and built on a high-performance technical foundation, Decibel is poised to capture growing demand for transparent, on-chain trading. Furthermore, the Decibel Foundation’s expansive roadmap, targeting spot markets, multi-collateral systems, and real-world assets, signals an ambitious vision to create a comprehensive DeFi hub. As the platform scales, its success will serve as a critical benchmark for the capability of next-generation blockchains to support the future of global, decentralized finance. FAQs Q1: What is the Decibel perpetual futures exchange? Decibel is a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Aptos blockchain that specializes in perpetual futures contracts, allowing users to trade derivatives with leverage without surrendering custody of their assets. Q2: Why did Decibel choose the Aptos blockchain for its launch? Decibel selected Aptos for its high throughput, low latency capabilities, and the security features of its Move programming language. These traits are essential for a smooth and secure derivatives trading experience. Q3: What were the key results from Decibel’s public testnet? During its testnet phase, Decibel attracted over 700,000 unique accounts, sustained 132,000 daily active users, and consistently processed over one million transactions daily, indicating strong preliminary demand. Q4: What are the Decibel Foundation’s future plans for the platform? The foundation plans to expand beyond perpetual futures into spot trading, enable multi-collateral accounts for greater flexibility, and explore the integration of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). Q5: How does a decentralized perpetual futures exchange differ from a centralized one? A decentralized exchange like Decibel operates on-chain, meaning all transactions are transparent and settled by smart contracts. Users retain custody of their funds in their own wallets, eliminating the counterparty risk associated with entrusting assets to a centralized custodian. This post Decibel Perpetual Futures Exchange Launches Groundbreaking Platform on High-Speed Aptos Blockchain first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
26 Feb 2026, 14:35
Ripple Price Analysis: XRP’s Next Critical Levels to Watch After 20% Bounce

XRP remains in a corrective phase across both USD and BTC pairs. The recent bounce from locally oversold conditions has eased immediate downside pressure, but the broader structure still reflects a dominant downtrend, with rallies so far failing to reclaim major resistance zones or longer-term moving averages. Ripple Price Analysis: The USDT Pair On the USDT chart, XRP continues to trade within a descending channel that has governed the price action since late last year. The market recently reacted from the $1.20 support band, producing a short-term rebound toward the mid-channel area around $1.45–$1.50. This move has not yet challenged the primary resistance cluster between $1.75 and $1.90, where prior breakdown support, the local channel ceiling, and the key 100-day moving average (yellow) converge. As long as the asset holds above the $1.20 demand region, the structure allows for further relief toward the $1.80 zone; a decisive rejection there would confirm the downtrend, while a loss of the $1.30 short-term low would expose the next major support in the $1.10–$1.20 area. The BTC Pair Against Bitcoin, XRP is consolidating near the lower half of its multi-month range around the 2,000 sats after an extended period of underperformance. The pair remains capped by layered resistance between 2,200 and 2,300 sats, reinforced by the downward-sloping 100-day (yellow) and 200-day (orange) moving averages, while a broader supply zone sits higher in the 2,400–2,500 sats region. Recent stability above 2,000 sats and a modest improvement in momentum indicators point to short-term mean reversion potential, but the relative trend stays bearish as long as XRP/BTC trades below the 2,400–2,500 sats band, where a sustained breakout would be required to signal a more durable shift in market leadership. The post Ripple Price Analysis: XRP’s Next Critical Levels to Watch After 20% Bounce appeared first on CryptoPotato .
































