hodler

23 Feb 2026, 09:11

Bitcoin Price Today: BTC Crashes Below 65K as Over $360M Is Liquidated

Bitcoin slid back under 65,000 dollars today as a wave of forced liquidations and fresh macro worries hit the crypto market, dragging Ethereum and Solana lower alongside it. The move comes just days after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, injecting new uncertainty into the policy outlook and risk assets. Prices: BTC, ETH, SOL At intraday lows, Bitcoin fell toward 64,400-65,000 dollars after dropping more than 4 percent in a matter of hours, triggering a cascade of liquidations across major derivatives venues. One flash-crash style window alone saw roughly 230 million dollars in leveraged long positions wiped out within about an hour, underlining how fragile heavily margined positioning had become at these levels. Ethereum followed the benchmark lower, with traders reporting similar flush-outs in perpetual swaps and futures as risk appetite deteriorated across the majors. Solana, one of the cycle’s top performers, dropped another 308 percent on the day, trading around 78-83 dollars, extending a slide that has already cut the token by more than half compared to a year ago. In euro terms, SOL slipped to roughly 67 euros, down more than 8 percent versus the previous day. Tariffs, court shock and macro jitters The legal shock to Trump’s trade agenda is adding a new layer of macro uncertainty just as crypto traders were leaning heavily on leverage near local highs. By overturning the president’s emergency-based global tariffs, the Supreme Court effectively dismantled a core plank of his second-term economic strategy and forced markets to quickly reprice the outlook for global trade flows. Trump has already vowed to respond by pushing a fresh across-the-board import duty using alternative legal tools, openly floating a new double‑digit global tariff to replace the measures the court just invalidated. For risk assets like Bitcoin, that combination of legal ambiguity, tariff brinkmanship and the potential for renewed trade wars translates into higher volatility, thinner liquidity and pockets of outright panic selling when support levels break. Liquidations amplify the sell-off With sentiment already fragile after earlier billion‑dollar wipeouts in leveraged crypto positions this month, the latest break below 65,000 dollars quickly cascaded through order books. Once key derivatives funding and support levels gave way, exchanges saw a sharp spike in long liquidations, forcing automated selling into a falling market and accelerating the move lower. For now, traders are watching the 60,000–62,000 dollar area as the next major support band for Bitcoin, a zone that has repeatedly attracted dip‑buyers in previous corrections. Whether that level holds may depend less on on‑chain activity and more on what comes next from Washington’s tariff battles and the courts.​

23 Feb 2026, 09:10

XRP Futures Fire Up: 1.66B Signals Confidence Spiking and Rising Market Pressure

XRP Futures Open Interest Surges to 1.66B as Traders Position for Breakout — or Brace for Volatility XRP derivatives activity is heating up as the broader crypto market shows signs of stabilization. According to market analyst Z988 Crypto, futures open interest has surged to 1.66 billion XRP, marking a 2.56% jump in just 24 hours. This sharp rise signals renewed trader engagement and fresh capital entering the market. As a measure of all active, unsettled futures contracts, open interest provides a real-time gauge of conviction, leverage, and positioning, suggesting growing momentum in XRP’s derivatives landscape. Unlike trading volume, which reflects how much has changed hands, open interest reveals how much capital is still actively committed to the market. A rise in open interest during price stabilization typically signals fresh positions being opened, not just old ones being unwound. For XRP, the expanding derivatives activity suggests traders are positioning aggressively at a decisive technical inflection point. Meanwhile, XRP continues to defend a nine-year macro support level, with bulls eyeing an ambitious move toward the $10 zone, a target that, if momentum sustains, could redefine its long-term market structure. Well, February was a volatile month for XRP. Amid a broader market pullback, the token tumbled to $1.11 before rebounding to around $1.37, according to CoinCodex data. While the recovery appears modest, it aligns with a notable rise in futures positioning, signaling growing speculative activity and prompting fresh questions about whether traders are hedging risk or positioning for a breakout. XRP Open Interest Surge: Early Signal of Breakout or Volatility Ahead? Rising open interest during recovery phases often reflects strengthening trader conviction. As XRP stabilizes, derivatives participants appear to be building positions in anticipation of a potential breakout, particularly if broader crypto sentiment continues to improve. Historically, surging open interest during consolidation has preceded sharp directional moves, signaling that capital is positioning ahead of volatility rather than retreating from it. However, the critical question remains: does the 1.66 billion XRP in futures represent strategic institutional positioning, or is it predominantly retail-driven leverage amplifying short-term risk? The answer could determine whether this buildup fuels a sustainable rally, or sets the stage for heightened liquidation-driven volatility. Rising open interest isn’t automatically bullish. While it signals renewed participation, it also amplifies systemic leverage. When positioning becomes crowded on one side, the market grows vulnerable to cascading liquidations. Overloaded longs can spark sharp downside swings if momentum stalls, while aggressive shorts risk fueling explosive squeezes. XRP’s 2.56% jump in open interest may appear modest, but against the backdrop of recent volatility and fragile sentiment, it carries weight. Traders are clearly re-engaging, yet whether they’re building conviction longs or layering defensive hedges remains unclear. Adding to the intrigue, XRP’s weekly and monthly RSI have slipped below their 2020 lows, historically a zone associated with cycle bottoms. This raises a critical question: has XRP already bottomed, or is leverage quietly setting the stage for another volatility spike? Conclusion Rising XRP futures open interest marks a key inflection point. Growing trader confidence hints at potential upside, but overcrowded positions could fuel volatility. How XRP manages this balance will shape short-term momentum and broader market sentiment.

23 Feb 2026, 09:05

MEXC investigates complaints from users alleging frozen funds

MEXC received another wave of user reports, claiming accounts were locked without recourse. The exchange renewed its investigation to give a reason for the locked accounts. MEXC, one of the most widely used global exchanges, is once again receiving social media reports of locked user accounts. Traders have complained that once they achieved a more significant sum in their account, their funds were held, and withdrawals were banned. One user claimed MEXC held $300,000 in a locked account, requiring a 40% haircut to release the funds. “ MEXC locked my account holding approx. $300,000. I fully complied with their verification process and submitted every document they requested.” “ Days later, their support lead contacted me directly on my registered phone number and demanded 40% of my funds in exchange for unfreezing my account,” showed a recent post on X. However, MEXC denied the event happened, calling the news a tactic for farming traffic. The original user also shared their experience, claiming MEXC was deliberately rug-pulling successful traders by refusing withdrawals. I got rugged by @MEXC_Official pic.twitter.com/KTZAKEGrLi — 🏴‍☠️Cepi (@CepeGRS) February 21, 2026 The exchange has responded to Cryptopolitan, claiming that they could not identify the user ID based on the social media posts. Crypto investigator ZachXBT also warned that the user reports may be a tool to drive engagement and possibly inject crypto scams. Alongside the reports of frozen funds, scammers posted fake links on behalf of MEXC. The exchange is currently investigating the claims and seeking to determine if they correspond to a real user. “ We are actively attempting to contact the user mentioned in these reports to investigate the claims. However, to date, no verifiable UID or concrete evidence has been provided by the individual to support these allegations,” responded MEXC in a statement. MEXC also held funds for alleged theft Another user who complained about locked funds reported $20,999 in USDT. The user ID was discovered by investigators. In this case, the user ID was only used as a screenshot by the investigator. A further check by MEXC showed the ID was related to funds with a suspicious origin. “ Our team has verified that this account is involved in the theft of funds. This matter has been escalated to, and is being managed by, the relevant compliance and risk control departments,” stated MEXC. MEXC has received multiple social media reports of withholding user funds. The problems are sometimes caused by users from blocked jurisdictions or by the internal process of MEXC. As Cryptopolitan reported , one of the high-profile cases came from the trader White Whale. He called out MEXC on multiple occasions until the funds were released. His biggest complaint was that the account was fully verified, yet MEXC required an in-person visit to release funds. Other users have reported making deposits, which were then not reflected in their accounts. The White Whale has also expressed skepticism about the actual reserves of MEXC. MEXC currently reports over 9,087 BTC in its reserves after significant inflows in the past few weeks. The exchange is still facing skepticism, as it is one of the few remaining unregulated markets, working for an international audience of traders, and potentially posing more significant risks. MEXC also has until the end of June to become MiCAR compliant, or face limits to its EU operations. Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.

23 Feb 2026, 09:05

US Dollar Outlook 2025: Critical Trade Risks and Iran Tensions Weigh Heavily – ING Analysis

BitcoinWorld US Dollar Outlook 2025: Critical Trade Risks and Iran Tensions Weigh Heavily – ING Analysis LONDON, March 2025 – The US dollar faces mounting pressure as intersecting trade policy uncertainties and escalating tensions with Iran create a complex risk matrix for global currency markets, according to a detailed analysis by ING’s global head of markets, Chris Turner. This confluence of factors challenges the dollar’s traditional safe-haven status and influences Federal Reserve policy calculus. US Dollar Outlook 2025: Navigating a Dual Threat Environment Financial analysts closely monitor the US dollar’s trajectory. The currency’s strength often reflects global risk sentiment and relative economic stability. In 2025, however, two primary forces exert significant downward pressure. Firstly, renewed trade tensions between major economic blocs threaten supply chains and growth. Secondly, the volatile situation in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, injects a potent dose of geopolitical risk. Consequently, investors must reassess traditional currency hedges. ING’s research team highlights the nuanced impact of these risks. “While geopolitical strife typically boosts the dollar,” Turner notes, “the specific nature of Iran-related tensions, combined with domestic trade policy shifts, creates a more ambiguous outcome.” The bank’s models suggest that prolonged uncertainty could dampen foreign investment flows into US assets, thereby softening dollar demand despite initial safe-haven bids. Decoding the Impact of Global Trade Risks on Currency Valuation Trade policy remains a cornerstone of forex market volatility. The post-2024 landscape features several unresolved disputes and potential tariff escalations. Key flashpoints include US-EU negotiations on digital services and ongoing discussions regarding Asian manufacturing dependencies. These tensions directly affect currency valuations through several channels: Growth Expectations: Trade barriers can lower projected GDP growth for involved economies, weakening their currencies. Supply Chain Inflation: Disruptions often import inflation, forcing central banks like the Fed to adjust interest rate paths. Corporate Hedging: Multinational corporations increase forex hedging activities, amplifying market movements. For instance, a potential escalation in tariffs against specific Chinese technology imports could simultaneously hurt US tech sector earnings and spur inflationary pressures. This scenario complicates the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate, potentially leading to a more cautious stance that limits dollar appreciation from rate differentials. Expert Insight: The Fed’s Dilemma in a Risk-Filled Climate Central bank policy serves as the primary driver for medium-term currency trends. The Federal Reserve’s 2025 meeting minutes reveal a heightened awareness of external risks. “Committee participants broadly noted that increased geopolitical and trade-related uncertainties warranted close monitoring,” stated the January FOMC report. This acknowledgment signals that external factors now directly influence domestic monetary policy. Historical data supports this cautious approach. During the 2019 trade disputes, the Fed paused its hiking cycle despite strong domestic data, leading to a 3% depreciation in the dollar index (DXY) over the subsequent quarter. A similar pattern could emerge if current risks materialize, limiting the dollar’s upside even if US economic indicators remain robust. Market pricing, as of March 2025, shows futures traders assigning a lower probability to rate hikes in Q3 and Q4 compared to start-of-year forecasts. Geopolitical Tensions with Iran: A Persistent Wildcard for the USD The Middle East, particularly Iran, presents a persistent geopolitical risk. Recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic stalemates over nuclear inspections have elevated regional tensions. Such events typically trigger a “flight to safety,” benefiting the US dollar and Treasury bonds. However, the 2025 dynamic contains unique complications. Firstly, elevated oil prices resulting from regional instability act as a tax on global growth, including the US economy. Secondly, specific escalations could directly embroil US military assets, raising fiscal expenditure concerns. ING’s analysis suggests the net effect on the dollar is now less predictable. A brief, contained incident may provide a short-term boost. Conversely, a protracted crisis that threatens global energy supplies and US involvement could ultimately weigh on the currency due to growth and fiscal implications. Scenario Likely USD Impact Primary Channel Contained Naval Incident Short-term strengthening Safe-haven flows Prolonged Strait Closure Initial strength, then weakening Growth shock & inflation Diplomatic Breakthrough Moderate weakening Risk-on, sell USD Comparative Currency Performance and Market Sentiment Indicators Market sentiment provides real-time insight into the dollar’s standing. The DXY index, which measures the dollar against a basket of six major currencies, has shown increased volatility but limited directional trend in Q1 2025. This sideways movement indicates a market in equilibrium, weighing positive US yield differentials against negative risk sentiment. Key pairs tell a more detailed story: EUR/USD: The euro has found support near 1.0850, benefiting from a more predictable ECB policy path and reduced immediate energy risks. USD/JPY: The pair remains sensitive to US Treasury yields. Any Fed dovishness triggered by external risks could catalyze a sharp yen rally. USD/CHF: The Swiss franc continues to attract bids during risk-off periods, sometimes outperforming the dollar as a pure safe-haven play. Commitments of Traders (COT) reports from the CFTC show leveraged funds have reduced their net long dollar positions for three consecutive weeks. This data suggests professional traders are gradually pricing in a less favorable environment for the US currency, aligning with ING’s cautious outlook. Conclusion The US dollar outlook for 2025 hinges on the interplay between tangible trade risks and volatile Iran tensions. While the currency retains deep liquidity and safe-haven attributes, the specific nature of current challenges introduces headwinds. ING’s analysis concludes that sustained dollar strength requires either a rapid de-escalation of geopolitical friction or a clear demonstration of US economic decoupling from global trade woes—neither of which appears imminent. Therefore, investors should prepare for a period of elevated volatility and range-bound trading for the US dollar, with risks skewed towards gradual weakness if current pressures persist. FAQs Q1: Why do trade risks typically weaken a currency? Trade risks, like tariff threats, create uncertainty for businesses, potentially lowering economic growth forecasts and export prospects. This reduces foreign investment appeal, decreasing demand for the nation’s currency. Q2: Doesn’t geopolitical tension usually make the US dollar stronger? Historically, yes, due to its safe-haven status. However, if tensions severely disrupt global growth or directly increase US fiscal/military burdens, the long-term effect on the dollar can become negative, as seen in prolonged conflict scenarios. Q3: What is the main channel through which Iran tensions affect the USD? The primary channel is oil prices. Iran tensions threaten Middle Eastern oil supply, spiking prices. This can cause global inflation and growth slowdowns, complicating the Fed’s job and potentially weakening the dollar over the medium term. Q4: How does ING’s 2025 view compare to other major banks? ING’s stance is cautiously bearish, focusing on dual headwinds. Some banks with a more domestic focus see stronger US data supporting the dollar, while others with a more global view align closely with ING’s risk assessment. Q5: What key data should I watch to track this USD outlook? Monitor the DXY index, CFTC COT reports for USD positioning, oil prices (Brent Crude), the US Trade Balance report, and statements from the Federal Reserve regarding external risks. This post US Dollar Outlook 2025: Critical Trade Risks and Iran Tensions Weigh Heavily – ING Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Feb 2026, 09:05

Bitcoin: This Key Support Could Decide Near-Term Direction

23 Feb 2026, 09:02

Analyst Says XRP Biggest Move Is Loading. Here’s the Signal

Crypto analyst CryptoBull has stated that XRP’s “biggest move is loading,” sharing a monthly XRP/U.S. Dollar chart from Bitstamp to support his view. The post was brief, but the attached chart provided context for his outlook. By using the one-month timeframe, CryptoBull focused attention on XRP’s long-term structure rather than short-term volatility. The chart highlights two key periods. The first boxed region captures a historic expansion phase in which XRP recorded a strong upward surge, followed by consolidation. The second boxed region, positioned on the right side of the chart, appears to mirror the earlier setup. Price action in the current structure shows XRP consolidating near prior range highs while maintaining an upward trajectory along a curved trendline drawn from earlier lows. CryptoBull’s post implies that the current consolidation resembles the conditions preceding a previous large upward movement. His statement, “XRP biggest move is loading,” suggests he expects a significant breakout to follow the present structure. #XRP biggest move is loading. pic.twitter.com/MolDSJ7xRz — CryptoBull (@CryptoBull2020) February 21, 2026 Chart Structure and Historical Comparison In the earlier highlighted phase, XRP experienced a sharp expansion after an extended period of compression . The chart illustrates a strong vertical move, after which the price retraced and stabilized before entering a consolidation phase. CryptoBull appears to be comparing that historical pattern to the present setup. The current monthly candles show XRP holding above a long-term ascending curve, which visually represents sustained structural support. Price action is clustered tightly within the upper boxed region, indicating compression near resistance. The arrow drawn within that box points upward, reinforcing the analyst’s expectation of a breakout continuation rather than rejection. By selecting the monthly timeframe, CryptoBull emphasized macro positioning. Monthly charts are typically used to identify major structural shifts rather than short-term fluctuations. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Community Reactions and Follow-Up Questions Following the post, other market participants asked for clarification. An X user identified as cryptonite questioned the trigger and invalidation levels behind the bullish call. He stated that XRP has been consolidating for an extended period and emphasized the importance of a clean break and hold above prior range highs, supported by genuine spot volume rather than derivatives-driven activity. He also referenced Bitcoin dominance as a factor to monitor before committing to a directional bias. CryptoBull did not provide explicit price targets, entry points, or invalidation levels in the tweet. Instead, his message centered on structural comparison and the suggestion that XRP may be approaching a significant breakout phase. Whether the anticipated move materializes will depend on how the price reacts around the highlighted resistance zone in the months ahead. 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 Says XRP Biggest Move Is Loading. Here’s the Signal appeared first on Times Tabloid .