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23 Feb 2026, 07:00

IoTeX Delisting Shocker: Upbit and Bithumb Place IOTX on Watchlist After Security Breach

BitcoinWorld IoTeX Delisting Shocker: Upbit and Bithumb Place IOTX on Watchlist After Security Breach In a significant development for the Asian cryptocurrency market, South Korean exchanges Upbit and Bithumb have placed the IoTeX (IOTX) token on their delisting watchlists. This decisive action, announced in Seoul, South Korea, follows the confirmation of a security incident involving the IoTeX network or its associated infrastructure. Consequently, the move highlights the increasing regulatory and operational scrutiny applied to digital assets by major trading platforms. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of security and transparency within the blockchain ecosystem for maintaining exchange listing status. IoTeX Delisting Watchlist: The Core Announcement Upbit and Bithumb, two of South Korea’s largest and most influential cryptocurrency exchanges, made separate but coordinated announcements regarding IoTeX. Specifically, they designated IOTX for their respective “Investment Warning” or “Delisting Watchlist” categories. Bithumb provided explicit criteria for this designation, linking it directly to a confirmed security incident. According to the exchange’s policy, such incidents include hacks or breaches where the cause remains unconfirmed or unaddressed by the project team. Moreover, the incident must affect the virtual asset itself, a wallet managed by its issuer, or the underlying distributed ledger technology. This policy framework demonstrates a proactive approach to risk management, prioritizing user asset protection above all else. The watchlist status serves as a formal warning to investors. Typically, it initiates a review period where the project team must address the exchange’s concerns. Failure to provide satisfactory explanations or remediation can lead to full delisting. Therefore, this process creates substantial uncertainty for IOTX holders on these platforms, often triggering immediate market volatility. For context, South Korean exchanges have historically maintained stringent listing standards, often more rigorous than their global counterparts. This rigor stems from the country’s specific regulatory environment and a strong emphasis on investor protection following past market upheavals. Understanding the Security Incident Framework Exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb employ detailed internal criteria to evaluate project health and security. The cited reason for IoTeX’s watchlisting fits a common pattern observed in previous delistings. Security incidents are categorized by their scope and the response from the issuing team. A delayed, opaque, or ineffective response typically triggers the most severe actions from an exchange. For instance, the integrity of the distributed ledger—the blockchain itself—is paramount. Any compromise here represents a fundamental threat to the asset’s viability. To clarify the types of incidents, here is a brief comparison: Incident Type Potential Impact Typical Exchange Response Smart Contract Exploit Direct loss of user funds locked in contracts. Immediate suspension, watchlist, or delisting. Issuer Wallet Hack Loss of treasury or team funds, potential sell pressure. Watchlist pending explanation and proof of funds. Network Consensus Failure Chain halt or reorganization, undermining trust. Likely delisting if not resolved swiftly. While the specific details of the IoTeX incident were not fully disclosed in the initial announcements, Bithumb’s statement strongly suggests it falls into one of these serious categories. The exchange’s reference to an “unaddressed cause” indicates that the IoTeX team’s communication or remedial actions did not meet the required standard. This procedural aspect is as critical as the incident itself, demonstrating that exchanges now demand full accountability and transparency from listed projects. Expert Analysis on Exchange Risk Management Industry analysts note that such watchlisting decisions are not taken lightly. Exchanges conduct thorough technical and operational reviews before making public announcements. The primary goal is to mitigate systemic risk and protect their user base from assets that may become illiquid or worthless. A delisting from a major exchange like Upbit or Bithumb can severely impact a token’s liquidity, accessibility, and overall market perception. Historically, similar actions have led to double-digit percentage price declines for the affected asset in the short term. However, they also serve a vital market hygiene function, removing vulnerable projects and incentivizing higher security standards across the industry. The timing of this action is also noteworthy. Global regulatory bodies are increasing pressure on exchanges to enhance their due diligence processes. South Korea, in particular, has implemented strict regulations under the Travel Rule and through financial authorities like the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Exchanges now face significant liability for listing assets that later cause investor losses due to preventable issues like security failures. Therefore, preemptive actions like watchlisting are a strategic necessity for compliant exchanges operating in 2025. Potential Impacts on the IoTeX Ecosystem The immediate consequence of the watchlist designation is market volatility. Trading volumes for IOTX on the affected exchanges may fluctuate wildly as investors react to the news. Typically, a token placed on watchlist sees increased selling pressure due to the risk of future delisting. Beyond price action, the reputation of the IoTeX project faces a serious test. The core team must now engage transparently with the exchanges and the broader community to explain the incident and their mitigation steps. Their response will be scrutinized by other global exchanges, which may consider similar actions. The long-term effects depend on several factors: Project Response: A swift, technical, and transparent post-mortem from the IoTeX team can rebuild trust. Exchange Verdict: The final decision by Upbit and Bithumb after their review period. Community Support: Whether developers and users continue to build and use the IoTeX network. Regulatory Attention: Whether financial authorities take additional note of the incident. For the broader cryptocurrency market, this event reinforces key lessons. First, exchange listings are conditional privileges, not permanent rights. Second, robust security practices and immediate crisis communication are non-negotiable for blockchain projects. Finally, investors must be aware of the specific policies of the exchanges they use, as these directly affect asset risk. Conclusion The placement of IoTeX (IOTX) on the delisting watchlists of Upbit and Bithumb marks a pivotal moment emphasizing the critical intersection of security, compliance, and market integrity. This action, driven by a confirmed but unspecified security incident, follows established exchange protocols designed to protect investors. The coming weeks will determine whether the IoTeX project can adequately address the concerns raised, potentially avoiding a full delisting. Ultimately, this event serves as a stark reminder to all market participants that in the evolving landscape of 2025, operational resilience and transparent communication are paramount for sustaining exchange support and community trust. FAQs Q1: What does being on a “delisting watchlist” mean for IoTeX (IOTX)? It means the exchange has identified a serious issue, like a security breach, and is giving the IoTeX team a review period to address it. Failure to do so satisfactorily will likely result in the permanent removal of IOTX trading pairs from the exchange. Q2: Can I still trade IOTX on Upbit and Bithumb? Typically, yes, trading continues during the watchlist period. However, the exchange may add warning labels, and users should be aware of high volatility and the risk of trading being suspended if delisting occurs. Q3: What kind of security incident would cause this action? Exchanges cite incidents affecting the asset’s blockchain, smart contracts, or official project wallets. The key factor is often an “unaddressed cause,” meaning the project has not sufficiently explained or fixed the problem. Q4: How does this affect IOTX holders on other exchanges? While the token remains listed elsewhere, the news can negatively impact its global price and reputation. Other exchanges may monitor the situation and could initiate their own reviews. Q5: What should the IoTeX team do now? The team should immediately publish a detailed, transparent report on the security incident, outline concrete steps taken to resolve it, and proactively communicate with all listing exchanges to reassure them of the network’s stability. This post IoTeX Delisting Shocker: Upbit and Bithumb Place IOTX on Watchlist After Security Breach first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Feb 2026, 06:55

Pound Sterling Defies Gravity: Holds Firm Above 1.3500 on Robust UK Data and US Tariff Turmoil

BitcoinWorld Pound Sterling Defies Gravity: Holds Firm Above 1.3500 on Robust UK Data and US Tariff Turmoil LONDON, January 2025 – The Pound Sterling demonstrates remarkable resilience, maintaining its position firmly above the 1.3500 psychological threshold against the US Dollar. This sustained strength emerges from a confluence of surprisingly robust UK economic indicators and escalating uncertainty surrounding potential US trade tariffs. Consequently, currency traders are recalibrating their positions, leading to a notable shift in the GBP/USD dynamic during the first trading weeks of the year. Pound Sterling Strength Anchored by UK Economic Fundamentals Recent data releases from the Office for National Statistics have provided substantial support for the British currency. Notably, the latest GDP revision for Q4 2024 showed a stronger-than-expected expansion of 0.4%, avoiding the technical recession many analysts had feared. Furthermore, the UK services PMI for January registered at 52.8, firmly remaining in expansion territory and indicating continued resilience in the dominant sector of the economy. These figures collectively suggest underlying economic momentum that the Bank of England must consider in its policy deliberations. Simultaneously, labor market data reveals a complex picture. While unemployment has ticked up slightly to 4.3%, wage growth remains stubbornly elevated at 5.2% year-on-year. This persistent wage pressure continues to be a primary concern for monetary policymakers focused on returning inflation to the 2% target. Market participants now assign a lower probability to aggressive interest rate cuts in the first half of 2025, a reassessment that directly bolsters the Pound Sterling’s yield appeal. US Dollar Wavers Amid Tariff Policy Uncertainty On the other side of the Atlantic, the US Dollar faces headwinds from political and trade policy ambiguity. The new administration in Washington has sent mixed signals regarding its approach to international trade, with particular focus on the Atlantic alliance. Reports suggest the White House is reviewing a broad package of tariffs on European goods, including automobiles and agricultural products. This potential shift towards a more protectionist stance introduces significant volatility and risk into currency markets. Historically, trade tensions and tariff threats create a ‘risk-off’ environment that typically benefits the US Dollar as a safe-haven asset. However, the current scenario is nuanced. Analysts note that tariffs could also hurt US economic growth and complicate the Federal Reserve’s task of managing inflation. This dual-edged nature of the policy is causing hesitation among dollar bulls. The USD Index (DXY) has consequently struggled to find decisive direction, trading in a narrow range and allowing currencies like the Pound Sterling to capitalize on their own positive narratives. Expert Analysis: A Technical and Fundamental Crossroads Market strategists point to the 1.3500 level as a critical technical and psychological barrier for GBP/USD. “Holding above 1.3500 is technically significant,” notes a senior FX analyst at a major London investment bank. “It represents not just a round number, but also the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level from the 2023 decline. A sustained break and hold above here opens the path toward testing the 1.3700 resistance zone.” From a fundamental perspective, the divergence in central bank expectations is key. While the market has pushed back its timeline for Bank of England rate cuts, expectations for Federal Reserve easing have been brought forward slightly due to softer US retail sales and industrial production data. The interplay between these forces creates the current market equilibrium. The table below summarizes the key drivers affecting both currencies: Factor Impact on GBP Impact on USD Strong UK GDP & PMI Data Positive (Supports rate hold) N/A Sticky UK Wage Growth Mixed (Hawksih for BoE, inflationary risk) N/A US Tariff Uncertainty Indirectly Positive (USD weakness) Negative (Trade risk, growth concerns) Fed vs. BoE Policy Path Positive (Less dovish than Fed) Negative (Easing expectations firm) Broader Market Context and Historical Parallels The current standoff evokes memories of previous periods of transatlantic trade friction. However, today’s economic backdrop is distinct. Global supply chains, still recovering from prior disruptions, are highly sensitive to new tariff threats. European officials have already hinted at prepared countermeasures, raising the specter of a tit-for-tat trade dispute that could dampen growth on both continents. For currency markets, this translates into heightened volatility and a premium on economic data surprises. Investors are also monitoring capital flows. The relative stability and improved growth outlook in the UK is attracting inbound investment into Gilts and UK equities, creating natural demand for the Pound Sterling. Meanwhile, the looming US election cycle adds another layer of political uncertainty that can cap the Dollar’s upside potential. In this environment, the Pound’s performance is not merely a story of domestic strength but also one of relative advantage in an uncertain global landscape. The Road Ahead: Key Data Points to Watch The sustainability of the Pound’s gains above 1.3500 will hinge on upcoming data and events. Key releases for the UK include the next inflation (CPI) report and the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee minutes, which will provide clues on the voting split and future guidance. For the US, all eyes will be on the core PCE price index—the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—and any official announcements regarding trade policy from the White House. Market technicians identify immediate support for GBP/USD around the 1.3480 level, with stronger support at the 200-day moving average near 1.3400. On the upside, a clear break above the early January high of 1.3580 could trigger further momentum buying. The overall risk sentiment, often driven by equity market performance, will also play a crucial role in determining whether the US Dollar can regain its safe-haven bid or continue to cede ground to currencies backed by improving fundamentals. Conclusion The Pound Sterling’s ability to hold gains above the critical 1.3500 level against the US Dollar underscores a market narrative shifting in its favor. Robust UK economic data has tempered expectations for imminent Bank of England rate cuts, while political uncertainty and potential trade wars are applying downward pressure on the Greenback. This confluence of events places the GBP/USD pair at a significant juncture. While near-term volatility is assured due to the unpredictable nature of trade policy, the fundamental underpinnings for the Pound Sterling appear firmer than they have in several quarters. The currency’s trajectory will ultimately depend on the continued flow of hard economic data from the UK and the clarity—or lack thereof—emerging from Washington on the future of transatlantic trade relations. FAQs Q1: Why is the 1.3500 level so important for GBP/USD? The 1.3500 level is a major psychological round number and a key technical resistance point. It also aligns with significant Fibonacci retracement levels from past price moves. A sustained break above it is often seen as a bullish signal, potentially triggering further algorithmic and momentum buying. Q2: How do US tariffs affect the Pound Sterling? US tariffs, particularly if aimed at European allies, can weaken the US Dollar by introducing economic uncertainty and potential growth headwinds for the US economy. A weaker Dollar relative to other currencies, all else being equal, means a higher GBP/USD exchange rate. It also may disrupt global trade flows, impacting UK exporters and importers differently. Q3: What UK data is most influential for the Pound right now? Wage growth data and services sector PMI are currently paramount. Strong wage growth complicates the Bank of England’s fight against inflation, supporting a ‘higher for longer’ interest rate stance which is Pound-positive. The services PMI is a key real-time indicator of economic health in the UK’s largest economic sector. Q4: Could the Pound’s strength hurt the UK economy? Potentially, yes. A stronger Pound makes UK exports more expensive for foreign buyers, which could hurt manufacturing and export-oriented sectors. However, it also makes imports cheaper, helping to lower input costs and consumer inflation—a key goal for the Bank of England. The net effect depends on the balance of these forces. Q5: What would likely cause the Pound to fall back below 1.3500? A significant downside surprise in UK inflation or growth data, a decisive shift to a dovish tone from the Bank of England, a resolution of US trade uncertainty that strengthens the Dollar, or a broad surge in global risk aversion that triggers safe-haven demand for US assets could all pressure GBP/USD back below the 1.3500 support level. This post Pound Sterling Defies Gravity: Holds Firm Above 1.3500 on Robust UK Data and US Tariff Turmoil first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Feb 2026, 06:55

Analyst Predicts Two Shiba Inu Price Targets by Late 2026

An on-chain analytics platform has issued a bullish outlook for Shiba Inu, projecting that the token could erase a zero by the end of this year. Shiba Inu has been trading in bearish territory for several months. Visit Website

23 Feb 2026, 06:48

Bitcoin Utility Debate Heats Up as Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan Pushes Back

Key Highlights: Bloomberg analysts question the real-world purpose of Bitcoin (BTC). Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, pushed back this narrative in an X post. Bitcoin price hovering around $65,000 as of February 23, 2026. People who have been against Bitcoin are back at attacking it after the cryptocurrency’s price dropped below $70,000, sparking debate in crypto circles. Critics are now questioning the core use of BTC. A narrative has come up that it is not a strong inflation hedge, not the most efficient way to pay and not even the best option for speculation. To this narrative, Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise disagreed and said that BTC is still growing as a store of value and is in its early “teenage” stage, not as stable or established as gold yet. He shared these views through social media platform X, today, February 23, 2026. These are terrible takes. Bitcoin is an emerging store of value. You cannot ask it to emerge from nothing as mature as gold. Imagine it in 2009 as a newborn. It is 100% speculation. Now imagine it in 2050 or whenever, when every central bank owns it, and it’s as normal as… https://t.co/lTbMuGeWnG — Matt Hougan (@Matt_Hougan) February 23, 2026 Isabelle Tan Lee and Vidana Hajric from Bloomberg highlighted crypto’s main challenge, showing it has real purpose beyond just price swings. Another critic Tom Essaye said Bitcoin doesn’t have the practical value gold has and called it mostly speculation, especially when better hedging options exist and questioned whether BTC even belongs to investors who usually avoid risk. “The defining struggle of this crypto era isn’t about price. It’s about purpose.” Bloomberg asking questions on bitcoin. “If it isn’t the best hedge, the best payment rail or the best speculation – what, exactly, is it for?” via @isabelletanlee @VildanaHajric pic.twitter.com/PWlABF6UpB — Nate Geraci (@NateGeraci) February 23, 2026 Hougan’s Defense: A Journey, Not a Snapshot Matt Hougan rejected the criticism, calling them “terrible take,” and compared Bitcoin to a newborn in 2009, completely speculative back then, but likely far less so by 2050 if central banks start holding it regularly. According to his post, he thinks that the cryptocurrency is going through a natural phase, very volatile now, but as the time passes, it will become more and more stable due to its limited supply and its increase in demand within the institutions. According to Hougan, the cryptocurrency is stuck in an uncomfortable phase and it does not fit into traditional categories yet because it is still in a transitional phase, evolving into a stable store of value. His perspective reflects increasing institutional confidence, even as short-term factors like AI-driven liquidity shifts create market noise. Market Context and Road Ahead Bitcoin saw a great fall in 2026 as its competitor (gold) rose to glory and hit the $5,500 mark due to tariffs and global tensions. These global tensions are also one of the reasons why Bitcoin lagged and started to behave like a risk asset. At press time, the price of the token stands at $65,046.37 with a dip of 4.3% in the last 24-hours as per CoinGecko. BTC 24-hours chart New regulations like the CLARITY Act could help bring stability, making Bitcoin more appealing as a hedge during high inflation. Matt Hougan believes that as adoption grows, Bitcoin will gradually become less risky, encouraging investors to focus on a long-term view. Also Read: Bitcoin Price Risks Drop to $55k as Retail Activity Hits Bear Market Levels

23 Feb 2026, 06:44

TWT Technical Analysis February 23, 2026: Support, Resistance, and Market Commentary

TWT is under downtrend pressure at the 0.50$ level, carrying bounce potential with an RSI oversold signal. While Bitcoin's decline affects altcoins, critical support at 0.4526$ and resistance at 0....

23 Feb 2026, 06:39

4 Things That May Move Further Crypto Markets This Week

Crypto markets have tanked again, with Bitcoin dropping more than $3,000 in an hour or so, wiping out all weekend gains. Donald Trump has been on the tariff warpath again, imposing a 15% global tariff after the Supreme Court found on Friday that his sweeping tariffs exceeded his authority. “Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions remain elevated between the US and Iran, with oil markets on edge,” commented the Kobeissi Letter. Economic Events Feb. 23 to 27 Markets are already digesting the latest round of tariffs in addition to the increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with crypto markets tanking 4% on Monday morning. Tuesday will see the release of February’s Consumer Confidence data, which sheds light on consumer sentiment and potential spending patterns. Sentiment fell to its lowest level since 2014 in January as people were mostly concerned about employment conditions during the first month of the new year. Thursday will see initial jobless claims, which paint a clear picture of pressures on the labor market, one of the Federal Reserve’s two mandates for monetary policy. Friday will see the release of the January Producer Price Index (PPI), which is a measure of wholesale Inflation, the Fed’s other mandate. However, it is unlikely to move the Fed off its wait-and-see approach. Key Events This Week: 1. Markets React to Trump’s 15% Global Tariff – Monday 2. February Consumer Confidence data – Tuesday 3. Nvidia, $NVDA , Reports Earnings – Wednesday 4. Initial Jobless Claims data – Thursday 5. January PPI Inflation data – Friday 6. Total of 11 Fed… — The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) February 22, 2026 Wednesday’s Nvidia earnings report could also rattle the AI sector if demand for the firm’s chips appears to be waning, though this is unlikely. Crypto Markets Tank Again A red Monday morning has seen total capitalization erase weekend gains with a 4% decline to $2.31 trillion. Bitcoin tanked from $67,600 to just below $65,000 in a couple of hours and remains around the $65,000 level at the time of writing. The asset is now down more than 5% on the week and at support at the bottom of its range-bound channel. Ether prices saw similar losses, tanking to $1,860, its lowest level since February 6. Meanwhile, altcoins continue to bleed out with larger losses for Solana, Cardano, Hyperliquid, and Chainlink. The post 4 Things That May Move Further Crypto Markets This Week appeared first on CryptoPotato .