hodler

23 Feb 2026, 03:30

Warren Presses Fed and Treasury to Block Crypto Bailouts After $2T Collapse

Elizabeth Warren is pressing U.S. financial regulators to rule out any taxpayer-funded rescue of cryptocurrency billionaires as $2 trillion collapse fuels fears of federal intervention in digital asset markets. Warren Demands No Bailout for Bitcoin Billionaires Concerns about potential federal intervention in cryptocurrency markets intensified as U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren on Feb. 18 urged Treasury

23 Feb 2026, 03:30

South Korean Police Enact Crucial New Guidelines After Devastating Bitcoin Seizure Loss

BitcoinWorld South Korean Police Enact Crucial New Guidelines After Devastating Bitcoin Seizure Loss SEOUL, South Korea – In a significant development for digital asset enforcement, South Korean police authorities announced plans to establish comprehensive new management guidelines for seized cryptocurrency. This decisive action follows a troubling incident where the Seoul Gangnam Police Station lost 22 Bitcoin it had secured during a criminal investigation. The case highlights growing challenges law enforcement agencies face worldwide as they navigate the complex technical landscape of digital currencies. South Korean Police Confront Bitcoin Security Failure The Seoul Gangnam Police Station initially reported the Bitcoin loss after discovering the digital assets had vanished from their custody. According to official statements, the station had received 22 BTC voluntarily submitted in connection with a criminal investigation around November 2021. Authorities stored the cryptocurrency on a physical cold wallet, specifically a USB-type hardware device designed for secure offline storage. However, during a subsequent inspection, investigators made a startling discovery. While the physical wallet remained physically secure and unbreached, the Bitcoin it contained had completely disappeared through an external transfer. This incident represents a significant operational failure within South Korea’s law enforcement framework. The country has positioned itself as a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption and regulation. Consequently, this security breach raises serious questions about institutional preparedness for handling digital evidence. Police officials confirmed the cold wallet showed no signs of physical tampering or theft. Therefore, investigators must consider alternative explanations for the asset disappearance. Technical Analysis of Cold Wallet Vulnerabilities Cryptocurrency security experts immediately began analyzing potential technical explanations for the Bitcoin disappearance. Hardware wallets, commonly called cold wallets, provide enhanced security by storing private keys offline. However, they remain vulnerable to several attack vectors despite this protection. Forensic specialists identified multiple possible scenarios that could explain the asset transfer without physical compromise. Private Key Compromise: Someone might have accessed the wallet’s recovery phrase or private key through social engineering, insider access, or digital interception during initial setup. Supply Chain Attack: The hardware wallet could have been tampered with before police acquisition, containing malicious firmware designed to leak private keys. Operational Error: Personnel might have inadvertently exposed the private keys through improper handling, photography, or digital storage of backup information. Advanced Malware: A compromised computer used to interface with the wallet could have captured transaction details during legitimate police operations. South Korean cybersecurity firms have previously documented sophisticated attacks targeting cryptocurrency holders in the region. The police investigation must now determine which vulnerability led to this substantial financial loss. Meanwhile, the incident’s timing proves particularly significant as South Korea implements stricter digital asset regulations. Comparative Analysis: Global Law Enforcement Crypto Practices International law enforcement agencies have developed varying approaches to seized cryptocurrency management. The United States Department of Justice maintains specialized protocols for digital asset seizures, often involving immediate transfer to government-controlled wallets. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency employs certified cryptocurrency custodians for high-value seizures. However, many agencies still struggle with technical implementation despite these established frameworks. Global Law Enforcement Cryptocurrency Handling Protocols Country Agency Primary Storage Method Notable Incidents United States Department of Justice Multi-signature institutional wallets Bitfinex hack recovery (2022) United Kingdom National Crime Agency Certified third-party custodians None publicly reported Germany Bundeskriminalamt Paper wallets with fragmented keys Minor procedural errors (2023) Japan National Police Agency Hardware wallets in evidence lockers One reported access issue (2021) South Korea National Police Agency Varied by station (now under review) Gangnam Station loss (2024) This comparative analysis reveals inconsistent practices across international jurisdictions. South Korea’s incident may prompt global reevaluation of digital evidence protocols. Furthermore, the financial implications prove substantial, with 22 Bitcoin representing approximately $1.5 million at current valuation. The loss affects police resources and potentially compromises judicial proceedings connected to the original investigation. Developing Comprehensive Cryptocurrency Guidelines South Korean police officials have committed to creating separate, detailed management guidelines specifically for seized cryptocurrency assets. This initiative represents a proactive response to evolving technological challenges in law enforcement. The new framework will likely address several critical areas currently lacking standardized protocols across police stations. First, the guidelines must establish secure chain-of-custody procedures for digital assets. Traditional evidence handling protocols inadequately address cryptocurrency’s unique characteristics. Second, authorities will implement technical training programs for investigators handling digital evidence. Many officers receive insufficient education about blockchain technology and cryptocurrency security fundamentals. Third, the framework will define secure storage methodologies, potentially including multi-signature wallets and fragmented key storage. Additionally, the guidelines should address audit procedures and regular verification processes for seized assets. Regular blockchain verification could have detected the Gangnam Station Bitcoin transfer earlier. Finally, the framework must establish clear accountability measures and reporting requirements for any irregularities. These comprehensive measures aim to prevent future incidents while maintaining public trust in law enforcement capabilities. Expert Perspectives on Institutional Crypto Security Cryptocurrency security specialists emphasize that institutional digital asset management requires fundamentally different approaches than individual storage. Dr. Min-ji Park, a blockchain forensics expert at Seoul National University, explains the technical challenges. “Law enforcement agencies face unique vulnerabilities when handling seized cryptocurrency,” she notes. “Unlike financial institutions, police must secure assets obtained through unpredictable circumstances, often without proper technical documentation or preparation.” Professor Park further highlights the human factor in digital asset security. “Technical solutions alone cannot prevent losses,” she continues. “Comprehensive training and procedural safeguards must accompany any hardware or software implementations. The Gangnam incident demonstrates how procedural gaps can undermine even basic security measures.” Her analysis aligns with global security best practices emphasizing layered protection strategies. Meanwhile, international law enforcement consultants observe broader implications. “This incident will likely accelerate cryptocurrency protocol development worldwide,” suggests Interpol digital assets advisor Michael Chen. “As cryptocurrency becomes increasingly prevalent in criminal investigations, standardized handling procedures become essential for cross-border cooperation and evidence integrity.” His perspective underscores the incident’s potential global impact on law enforcement practices. Broader Implications for Cryptocurrency Regulation The Bitcoin loss incident occurs during significant regulatory evolution in South Korea’s cryptocurrency sector. The country implemented the Virtual Asset User Protection Act in 2023, establishing comprehensive consumer safeguards. However, this legislation primarily addresses exchange operations and consumer transactions rather than law enforcement procedures. Consequently, the Gangnam Station incident reveals a regulatory gap in institutional digital asset management. This development may influence several ongoing policy discussions. First, legislators might consider expanding regulatory frameworks to include public sector cryptocurrency handling. Second, the incident could accelerate central bank digital currency development as governments seek more controllable digital alternatives. Third, insurance and liability considerations for seized digital assets require clarification. Current policies inadequately address loss scenarios involving law enforcement custody. Moreover, the incident affects public perception of institutional cryptocurrency competence. South Korea maintains one of the world’s highest cryptocurrency adoption rates, with approximately 10% of the population holding digital assets. Consequently, citizens expect authorities to demonstrate technical proficiency comparable to private sector institutions. The Bitcoin loss undermines this confidence and may prompt increased scrutiny of government digital asset initiatives. Conclusion The South Korean police decision to create new cryptocurrency seizure guidelines represents a necessary response to evolving digital enforcement challenges. The Gangnam Station Bitcoin loss incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in current institutional digital asset management practices. Furthermore, this development carries implications for global law enforcement protocols as agencies worldwide increase cryptocurrency seizures. The forthcoming guidelines will likely establish comprehensive standards for secure storage, chain of custody, personnel training, and audit procedures. Ultimately, this incident may catalyze improved digital evidence handling across international law enforcement communities, strengthening institutional capacity in an increasingly digital world. FAQs Q1: How much Bitcoin did the South Korean police lose? The Seoul Gangnam Police Station lost 22 Bitcoin that had been voluntarily submitted in connection with a criminal investigation around November 2021. At current valuations, this represents approximately $1.5 million in digital assets. Q2: What type of wallet stored the missing Bitcoin? Authorities stored the cryptocurrency on a physical cold wallet, specifically a USB-type hardware device designed for secure offline storage of digital assets. The physical device showed no signs of tampering despite the Bitcoin disappearance. Q3: Why are cold wallets vulnerable despite offline storage? Cold wallets remain vulnerable to several attack vectors including private key compromise through social engineering or digital interception, supply chain attacks with pre-tampered devices, operational errors exposing recovery information, and malware on connected computers during transactions. Q4: How will the new police guidelines improve cryptocurrency security? The forthcoming guidelines will establish secure chain-of-custody procedures, implement technical training programs, define secure storage methodologies, create audit procedures for regular verification, and establish clear accountability measures for seized digital assets. Q5: What broader implications does this incident have for cryptocurrency regulation? This incident may influence expansion of regulatory frameworks to include public sector cryptocurrency handling, accelerate central bank digital currency development, clarify insurance and liability considerations for seized assets, and affect public perception of institutional technical competence. This post South Korean Police Enact Crucial New Guidelines After Devastating Bitcoin Seizure Loss first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Feb 2026, 03:28

GRT Technical Analysis February 23, 2026: Weekly Strategy

GRT is in a narrow range consolidation within the weekly downtrend, $0.0254 support is critical. MACD shows bullish divergence with accumulation potential, BTC movements will determine the direction.

23 Feb 2026, 03:25

Crypto Futures Liquidations: $341 Million Wiped in 24 Hours as Market Volatility Intensifies

BitcoinWorld Crypto Futures Liquidations: $341 Million Wiped in 24 Hours as Market Volatility Intensifies Global cryptocurrency markets experienced significant turbulence on March 15, 2025, as leveraged futures positions faced massive liquidations totaling approximately $341 million across major digital assets. This substantial crypto futures liquidation event primarily affected long positions, revealing critical insights about current market sentiment and risk management practices among traders worldwide. Understanding the 24-Hour Crypto Futures Liquidations Cryptocurrency perpetual futures markets witnessed dramatic movements during the recent trading session. Specifically, Bitcoin (BTC) experienced $210.56 million in liquidations, with an overwhelming 97.9% affecting long positions. Meanwhile, Ethereum (ETH) saw $111.91 million liquidated, with 94.99% impacting long traders. Additionally, Solana (SOL) recorded $19.07 million in liquidations, with 98.05% affecting bullish positions. These figures represent estimated volumes from major exchanges including Binance, Bybit, and OKX. Market analysts immediately noted several important patterns from this data. First, the extreme skew toward long liquidations suggests traders maintained overly optimistic positions despite emerging market pressures. Second, the concentration in BTC and ETH demonstrates their continued dominance in derivatives markets. Third, the timing coincided with broader macroeconomic announcements affecting digital asset valuations globally. Mechanics of Futures Liquidations in Cryptocurrency Markets Perpetual futures contracts represent derivative instruments without expiration dates. Traders utilize leverage to amplify potential returns, but this practice simultaneously increases risk exposure. When positions move against traders, exchanges automatically close them to prevent negative balances. This process, known as liquidation, protects both traders and platforms from cascading failures. Key Factors Driving Recent Liquidations Several interconnected factors contributed to the recent liquidation wave. Regulatory developments in major economies created uncertainty about digital asset classifications. Additionally, traditional market movements influenced cryptocurrency correlations more strongly than anticipated. Furthermore, technical indicators showed overbought conditions across multiple timeframes, suggesting correction probabilities were elevated. Market data reveals important context about position sizing and leverage ratios. The average leverage employed before liquidations exceeded 25x on many platforms. This aggressive positioning left minimal margin for price fluctuations. Moreover, liquidation cascades occurred as initial liquidations triggered further price movements against remaining positions. Consequently, the event demonstrated classic characteristics of leveraged market corrections. Historical Context and Market Impact Analysis Comparing current liquidations to historical events provides valuable perspective. The $341 million total represents a moderate event relative to extreme volatility periods in previous years. For instance, the May 2021 market correction saw single-day liquidations exceeding $8 billion. Similarly, the November 2022 FTX collapse triggered approximately $3 billion in liquidations within 24 hours. However, the current event’s significance lies in its composition rather than absolute magnitude. The extreme concentration in long positions indicates specific market conditions. Typically, balanced markets show more even distributions between long and short liquidations. The current 97% average for long liquidations suggests traders collectively misjudged market direction despite available warning signals. 24-Hour Liquidation Comparison Across Major Cryptocurrencies Asset Liquidation Volume Long Position Percentage Notable Exchanges Bitcoin (BTC) $210.56M 97.9% Binance, Bybit, OKX Ethereum (ETH) $111.91M 94.99% Binance, Deribit, FTX Solana (SOL) $19.07M 98.05% Binance, Bybit, Kraken Expert Perspectives on Market Implications Financial analysts emphasize several important takeaways from this liquidation event. First, leverage management remains a critical challenge for cryptocurrency traders. Second, market sentiment indicators failed to predict the sudden shift despite available data. Third, exchange risk management systems performed adequately under pressure, preventing more severe cascades. Industry observers note that liquidations serve essential market functions despite their disruptive nature. They remove excessively leveraged positions that could create systemic risks. Additionally, they provide liquidity during volatile periods. Furthermore, they establish clearer price discovery by eliminating unsustainable positions. Consequently, while painful for affected traders, liquidations contribute to long-term market health. Risk Management Strategies for Futures Traders Professional traders employ multiple techniques to mitigate liquidation risks. Position sizing represents the most fundamental defense against volatility. Experts recommend limiting leverage to 5-10x maximum during normal market conditions. Additionally, stop-loss orders provide automated exit points before liquidation thresholds activate. Moreover, portfolio diversification across uncorrelated assets reduces systemic exposure. Advanced traders utilize several additional protective measures. Hedging with options creates defined-risk positions regardless of market direction. Monitoring funding rates provides early warning signals about market sentiment shifts. Maintaining excess margin beyond minimum requirements creates buffers against volatility. Finally, avoiding emotional trading during high-volatility periods prevents reactionary decisions. Position Sizing: Limit individual positions to 1-2% of total portfolio value Leverage Management: Use conservative leverage ratios below 10x Risk Tools: Implement stop-loss orders and take-profit targets Market Monitoring: Track funding rates and open interest changes Portfolio Construction: Diversify across assets with different risk profiles Conclusion The recent 24-hour crypto futures liquidations event highlights ongoing volatility in digital asset markets. With $341 million eliminated from leveraged positions, traders received another reminder about risk management importance. The extreme skew toward long liquidations suggests collective over-optimism despite warning signals. Moving forward, market participants must balance opportunity-seeking with prudent position management. Ultimately, sustainable trading practices will determine long-term success more than short-term speculation. This crypto futures liquidation analysis provides valuable lessons for navigating increasingly sophisticated derivatives markets. FAQs Q1: What causes cryptocurrency futures liquidations? Liquidations occur when leveraged positions move against traders, triggering automatic closures by exchanges to prevent negative account balances. This happens when maintenance margin requirements are no longer met due to adverse price movements. Q2: Why were most liquidations long positions in this event? The overwhelming majority were long positions because traders collectively expected price increases. When prices moved downward instead, these bullish positions faced margin calls and subsequent liquidations from exchanges. Q3: How do liquidations affect cryptocurrency prices? Liquidations can create downward pressure as exchanges sell assets to close positions. This selling can trigger further liquidations in a cascade effect, potentially amplifying price movements in either direction. Q4: What’s the difference between isolated and cross margin for futures? Isolated margin limits risk to specific positions, while cross margin uses entire account balance as collateral. Isolated margin prevents account-wide liquidations but offers less flexibility during volatility. Q5: Can traders avoid liquidation completely? While impossible to eliminate risk entirely, traders can minimize liquidation probability through conservative leverage, proper position sizing, stop-loss orders, and continuous market monitoring for changing conditions. Q6: How do exchanges calculate liquidation prices? Exchanges use complex formulas considering entry price, leverage, maintenance margin requirements, and current market conditions. Most platforms provide liquidation price calculators for trader planning. This post Crypto Futures Liquidations: $341 Million Wiped in 24 Hours as Market Volatility Intensifies first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Feb 2026, 03:20

NZD/USD Defies Gravity Near 0.6000 as New Zealand’s Q4 Retail Sales Show Remarkable Resilience

BitcoinWorld NZD/USD Defies Gravity Near 0.6000 as New Zealand’s Q4 Retail Sales Show Remarkable Resilience WELLINGTON, New Zealand – February 20, 2025 – The NZD/USD currency pair demonstrates notable strength, trading firmly near the psychologically significant 0.6000 level following Statistics New Zealand’s release of better-than-expected fourth-quarter retail sales data. This development occurs against a complex global economic backdrop, providing crucial insights into New Zealand’s domestic economic health and its implications for monetary policy. Market participants globally now scrutinize whether this retail resilience signals sustainable momentum or represents a temporary reprieve for the New Zealand dollar. NZD/USD Technical Analysis and Immediate Market Reaction The NZD/USD pair currently trades at 0.5995, maintaining its position just below the critical 0.6000 resistance barrier. This level represents a three-week high for the currency pair, marking a significant recovery from January’s lows near 0.5850. Trading volumes increased by approximately 18% following the data release, indicating substantial market engagement with the new information. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY) shows minimal movement at 104.20, suggesting the NZD’s strength stems primarily from domestic factors rather than broad USD weakness. Technical indicators reveal several important developments. The 50-day moving average at 0.5950 now provides immediate support, while the 200-day moving average at 0.6050 looms as the next major resistance level. Furthermore, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 58, indicating bullish momentum without reaching overbought conditions. Market analysts note that a sustained break above 0.6020 could trigger further buying interest toward the 0.6100 handle. Conversely, failure to hold above 0.5970 might signal a retracement toward previous support zones. Quarterly Retail Performance Breakdown Statistics New Zealand’s detailed report reveals sector-specific performances that collectively drove the overall growth. The data indicates particularly strong showings in discretionary spending categories, suggesting consumer confidence may be more resilient than previously assumed. Retail Category Q4 Growth (%) Year-over-Year Change Supermarket & Grocery Stores +1.2 +3.8% Hardware, Building & Garden Supplies +2.8 +5.1% Hospitality (Food & Beverage Services) +3.1 +7.2% Electrical & Electronic Goods +1.9 +4.3% Clothing, Footwear & Accessories +2.5 +6.0% Economic Context and Historical Comparisons New Zealand’s retail sector operates within a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by elevated interest rates and persistent inflationary pressures. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) maintains the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 5.50%, representing its highest level since 2008. Historically, such restrictive monetary policy typically dampens consumer spending, making the current retail resilience particularly noteworthy. Comparatively, Australia’s retail sales grew by just 0.3% in the same quarter, while the United Kingdom reported a 0.5% contraction. Several structural factors potentially explain this outperformance. New Zealand’s labor market remains exceptionally tight, with unemployment at 4.0% and wage growth averaging 4.2% annually. Additionally, strong migration inflows continue supporting population growth, thereby expanding the consumer base. Tourism recovery also contributes significantly, with international visitor spending reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels during the quarter. These combined factors create a unique economic ecosystem where consumption demonstrates unexpected durability despite monetary headwinds. Central Bank Policy Implications The stronger-than-expected retail data carries important implications for monetary policy. The RBNZ’s most recent Monetary Policy Statement emphasized data-dependent decision-making, specifically highlighting household spending as a key monitoring indicator. Consequently, today’s figures may influence the timing and magnitude of future policy adjustments. Market pricing for OCR cuts in 2025 has shifted modestly, with the probability of a June reduction decreasing from 65% to 52% following the release. Economists highlight the nuanced interpretation required for this data. While strong retail sales typically suggest economic resilience, they also potentially signal persistent inflationary pressures in the services sector. The RBNZ must therefore balance supporting economic activity against its inflation containment mandate. Most analysts anticipate the central bank will maintain its current cautious stance, awaiting further data on wage growth and non-tradable inflation before committing to policy changes. Global Forex Market Dynamics and Correlations The NZD’s performance occurs within broader foreign exchange market movements. The currency shows positive correlation with commodity prices, particularly dairy exports which represent approximately 25% of New Zealand’s merchandise exports. Global Dairy Trade auction prices have increased by 8% year-to-date, providing fundamental support for the New Zealand dollar. Additionally, risk sentiment remains a crucial driver, with the NZD often acting as a proxy for global growth expectations in Asia-Pacific trading sessions. Several key currency pairs demonstrate related movements. The AUD/NZD cross trades at 1.0720, reflecting the relative strength of New Zealand’s economic data compared to Australia’s. Meanwhile, the NZD/JPY pair reaches 88.50, benefiting from both NZD strength and ongoing Bank of Japan policy divergence. These cross-currency movements provide additional context for the NZD/USD performance, illustrating how domestic factors interact with global monetary policy differentials. Consumer Behavior and Demographic Insights Demographic analysis reveals important spending pattern variations. Younger consumers (aged 18-35) demonstrate the strongest spending growth at 4.2% quarterly, primarily driven by experiences and technology purchases. Conversely, older demographics (55+) show more modest growth at 1.8%, focusing increasingly on essential goods and services. Regional variations also emerge, with Auckland recording 3.1% growth while Canterbury shows 2.4% expansion. These patterns suggest that New Zealand’s consumption recovery remains uneven across different population segments and geographic areas. Digital commerce continues transforming retail dynamics. Online retail sales grew by 4.5% during the quarter, representing 12.8% of total retail spending. This digital acceleration particularly benefits smaller retailers who leverage e-commerce platforms to reach national and international markets. The integration of digital and physical retail experiences appears increasingly central to New Zealand’s consumption ecosystem, potentially explaining some resilience despite economic headwinds. Forward Outlook and Market Expectations Market participants now focus on several upcoming data releases that will determine whether the current NZD strength represents a sustainable trend. Key indicators include first-quarter employment figures, March quarter inflation data, and business confidence surveys. Additionally, global developments, particularly Federal Reserve policy signals and Chinese economic data, will significantly influence the NZD/USD trajectory through risk sentiment channels. Analysts identify several potential scenarios for the coming quarters: Bullish Scenario: Continued retail resilience combined with easing inflation enables gradual RBNZ policy normalization while supporting growth. Base Case: Moderate consumption slowdown aligns with gradual disinflation, allowing measured policy adjustments. Bearish Scenario: Persistent inflation forces prolonged monetary restriction, eventually triggering sharper consumption contraction. Most institutional forecasts project NZD/USD trading within a 0.5900-0.6200 range through mid-2025, with outcomes heavily dependent on the interplay between domestic consumption strength and global risk conditions. The currency’s sensitivity to both local data and international developments ensures continued volatility and trading opportunities. Conclusion The NZD/USD pair’s strength near 0.6000 following New Zealand’s Q4 retail sales data highlights the complex interplay between domestic economic resilience and global market forces. While the retail figures demonstrate unexpected consumer durability, their implications for monetary policy and inflation remain nuanced. Market participants must now monitor subsequent data releases to determine whether this represents sustainable momentum or temporary strength. The New Zealand dollar’s trajectory will ultimately reflect both local economic fundamentals and broader risk sentiment, maintaining its position as a barometer for Asia-Pacific economic health within global foreign exchange markets. FAQs Q1: What specific Q4 retail sales figure caused the NZD/USD movement? Statistics New Zealand reported a 1.8% increase in total retail sales volume for the December 2024 quarter, significantly exceeding market expectations of 0.9% growth and the previous quarter’s 0.4% contraction. Q2: How does this retail data affect Reserve Bank of New Zealand policy decisions? Stronger retail sales may delay anticipated interest rate cuts by suggesting persistent consumer demand and potential inflationary pressures, though the RBNZ considers multiple indicators before policy adjustments. Q3: What are the main technical levels to watch for NZD/USD? Key resistance sits at 0.6020 and 0.6050, while support levels exist at 0.5970 and 0.5950. A sustained break above 0.6020 could signal further upward momentum. Q4: Which retail sectors showed the strongest performance? Hospitality (food and beverage services) led with 3.1% growth, followed by hardware and building supplies at 2.8%, and clothing and footwear at 2.5%. Q5: How does New Zealand’s retail performance compare internationally? New Zealand’s 1.8% quarterly growth outperforms most developed economies, including Australia (0.3%), Canada (0.6%), and the United Kingdom (-0.5%) for the same period. This post NZD/USD Defies Gravity Near 0.6000 as New Zealand’s Q4 Retail Sales Show Remarkable Resilience first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Feb 2026, 03:18

Ethereum Price Crashes 6%, Downtrend Signals Strengthen Sharply

Ethereum price started a fresh decline below $1,900. ETH is now consolidating losses and might struggle to recover above $1,920 or $1,950. Ethereum failed to stay above $1,950 and started a fresh decline. The price is trading below $1,920 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $1,950 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken). The pair could start a fresh decline if it stays below the $1,920 zone. Ethereum Price Dips Sharply Ethereum price failed to stay above $1,920 and started a fresh decline, like Bitcoin . ETH price traded below the $1,900 and $1,880 levels to enter a bearish zone. Finally, the bulls appeared near $1,850. A low was formed at $1,845, and the price started a minor recovery wave. There was a move above the $1,865 level, but the price is still well below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $1,994 swing high to the $1,845 low. Ethereum price is now trading below $1,900 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average . If the bulls remain in action above $1,850, the price could attempt another increase. Immediate resistance is seen near the $1,880 level. The first key resistance is near the $1,920 level and the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $1,994 swing high to the $1,845 low. The next major resistance is near the $1,950 level. There is also a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $1,950 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. A clear move above the $1,950 resistance might send the price toward the $2,000 resistance. An upside break above the $2,000 region might call for more gains in the coming days. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $2,050 resistance zone or even $2,120 in the near term. Another Decline In ETH? If Ethereum fails to clear the $1,920 resistance, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $1,850 level. The first major support sits near the $1,825 zone. A clear move below the $1,825 support might push the price toward the $1,780 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $1,740 region. The main support could be $1,720. Technical Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is gaining momentum in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now below the 50 zone. Major Support Level – $1,850 Major Resistance Level – $1,920