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23 Feb 2026, 12:23

Hyperliquid could rebound after a 7% dip: check forecast

Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP are all trading in the red after the cryptocurrency market recorded a bearish weekend. HYPE, the native token of the Hyperliquid DEX, is the worst performer among the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market cap. HYPE is down 7% in the last 24 hours and now trades at $27.7. It has retested the $27.4 support level and could experience a temporary rally in the near term. The bearish performance extends HYPE’s losses for the third consecutive week since early February. The falling Open Interest (OI), rising short bets, and negative funding rates all contribute to HYPE’s poor performance. Derivatives data back HYPE’s latest dip Hyperliquid is the worst performer in the top 20, and its performance is backed by derivatives data in the market. CoinGlass data shows that Hyperliquid futures Open Interest (OI) at the Binance exchange fell to $146.15 million on Monday. The OI has been declining since the end of January and is nearing the January 21 level of $135 million. The decline in OI suggests waning investor participation and projects a bearish outlook. Hyperliquid’s long-to-short ratio also stands at 0.76, the lowest level in 30 days. The ratio declining below one reflects bearish sentiment in the market, as more traders are betting on the asset’s price to fall. Furthermore, Coinglass’s OI-Weighted Funding Rate data shows a negative outlook. The metric flipped negative earlier today and now reads -0.032%, nearing the October 16 levels, when HYPE dropped sharply. In addition to the bearish sentiment from the derivatives markets, the market is cautious about the growing tariff concerns. During the weekend, US President Donald Trump said that he would increase global tariffs to 15% from 10%. The increase in tariffs came a day after the Supreme Court struck down a broad swath of the president’s trade agenda. Trump pointed out that the new tariffs will be “effective immediately,” adding that additional levies would follow. Hyperliquid price forecast: HYPE eyes temporary pump The HYPE/USD 4-hour chart is bearish after Hyperliquid’s price was rejected from the previously broken 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $30.55 on Saturday. It has since lost nearly 8% of its value since then. If the daily candle closes below the weekly support of $26.85, HYPE could extend its decline toward the next daily support at $23.91. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart is 45, below the neutral level of 50, pointing downward, indicating bearish momentum gaining traction. Also, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) showed a bearish crossover two weeks ago, which remains intact, further supporting the negative outlook. If the bulls hold the $27.4 support level, HYPE could rally towards the next major resistance at $30.55. The post Hyperliquid could rebound after a 7% dip: check forecast appeared first on Invezz

23 Feb 2026, 12:21

AI dominates capital allocation as $50M+ funding rounds fall below $500B 2021 peak

The global financial markets witnessed a fresh surge of funding and touched new highs last year. However, the capital reportedly flowed into a smaller group of companies and a reshaped roster of investors. Funding into AI-led firms topped the list. The latest numbers suggest that total funding into rounds of $50 million or more reached roughly $300 billion last year. It is down from the more than $500 billion deployed at the height of the 2021 boom. Data shows that the number of companies raising at least $50 million fell sharply to 1,440. This was about half the cohort seen during the pandemic peak. Private equity pulls back According to a Crunchbase report, the makeup of lead investors in those large rounds has shifted just as massively. The year 2021 saw private equity and crossover funds dominate mega-rounds. The global venture funding doubled to $702 billion amid surging demand for digital services. Tiger Global Management and SoftBank Vision Fund topped the log in terms of deal count and dollar volume. It turns out that these two firms alone managed four times more activity by count in 2021 than the most active firms in 2025. However, both firms have cut back their activity in $50 million-plus financings by more than 95% over the last four years. This reflects a broader cutback among crossover investors. Crunchbase data shows that Insight Partners, Coatue, Temasek Holdings and General Atlantic reported a dip in the number of large rounds they led or co-led. In some cases, it was down by as much as 75% compared with 2021. Meanwhile, private equity remains present in big financings, but it is no longer the dominant force. Global venture $50M+ rounds: Source: Crunchbase data 2025 saw venture capital firms reclaim the top spots by deal count. Eight of the 10 most active leads in rounds above $50 million were traditional VC firms. The report mentions that General Catalyst led with 30 deals and Andreessen Horowitz followed with 24. Lightspeed Venture Partners and Accel stood next in the tally with 22 each. With so many deals flowing in the market, activity remains well below peak levels. The most active firm in 2025 led 30 large deals, compared with 182 at the top of the list in 2021. Meanwhile, Venture firms like Khosla Ventures, New Enterprise Associates and Google Ventures report a surge of more than double in their deal counts at this size compared with 2021. These numbers hint at a rotation back to core venture players. AI mega-rounds dwarf 2021’s biggest deals A shift can also be seen in dollar leadership. In 2021, 18 of the 21 most-active firms by total amount led or co-led in rounds north of $4.8 billion were private equity investors. In 2025, a tighter group of 10 firms each led or co-led $5 billion or more. There is a split between private equity, venture capital, and strategic corporate investors. The largest deals in 2025 were materially bigger than those seen in 2021. SoftBank Vision Fund went on to lead a $40 billion round in OpenAI . This deal propelled it to the top of the dollar league tables. On the other side, Meta led a $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, while Fidelity Investments, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Iconiq Capital co-led a $13 billion round in Anthropic. Data shows that 27 firms were the most active by dollar amounts in 2025. Out of 27, four were strategic corporate investors, nine were venture capital firms and 14 were private equity or alternative asset managers. The difference with 2021 stands pretty huge. That year’s largest deal was modest compared with 2025’s multi–billion AI rounds. In 2021, $3.6 billion in financing for Flipkart was led by SoftBank Vision Fund, GIC, CPP Investments, and Walmart. However, 2025 witnessed SoftBank Vision Fund going on to lead a $40 billion round in OpenAI. The data suggest that overall capital levels have not returned to 2021’s extremes. Meanwhile, control over large financings has shifted back to Silicon Valley’s traditional venture firms. Notably, this is all happening during the current AI-driven cycle. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

23 Feb 2026, 12:20

Everyone is Panicking But XRP Pumped 835% Last Time This Happened: Chartist

While sentiments have become fearful following the recent price downturn, history shows XRP might be preparing for an outsized upside move. This panic followed a sharp slide that erased much of the token’s gains earlier in the bull cycle. Visit Website

23 Feb 2026, 12:20

USD/JPY Stages Resilient Recovery as Investors Process US Supreme Court Ruling Implications

BitcoinWorld USD/JPY Stages Resilient Recovery as Investors Process US Supreme Court Ruling Implications TOKYO, March 15, 2025 – The USD/JPY currency pair demonstrated remarkable resilience today, recovering early session losses as global investors shifted focus from immediate political developments to underlying economic fundamentals. Market participants initially reacted to the US Supreme Court’s ruling on regulatory authority, but subsequently recalibrated positions based on monetary policy trajectories and comparative economic strength between the United States and Japan. USD/JPY Technical Recovery and Market Dynamics The currency pair opened the Asian trading session with notable weakness, briefly testing support levels near 148.50. However, the pair staged a decisive recovery throughout the European and early North American sessions, ultimately trading at 149.85 by midday New York time. This represents a 0.9% recovery from the session low and maintains the pair within its established three-month trading range. Market analysts attribute this recovery to several key factors. First, investors recognized that the Supreme Court ruling, while significant for regulatory frameworks, would not immediately alter Federal Reserve policy decisions. Second, underlying economic data continues to favor dollar strength against the yen. Third, technical indicators suggested oversold conditions at the session lows, triggering algorithmic buying programs. Technical Analysis Perspective Technical analysts highlight several important levels. The 200-day moving average at 149.20 provided crucial support during the early sell-off. Additionally, Fibonacci retracement levels from the recent rally indicate strong buying interest at the 61.8% retracement level. Volume analysis shows institutional participation increased during the recovery phase, suggesting conviction behind the move. US Supreme Court Ruling: Context and Market Interpretation The Supreme Court’s decision addressed regulatory authority concerning financial oversight mechanisms. While the ruling generated initial uncertainty, market participants quickly assessed its limited immediate impact on monetary policy. The Federal Reserve maintains its independence in setting interest rates, and the ruling does not affect upcoming Federal Open Market Committee decisions. Historical precedent shows that Supreme Court rulings rarely cause sustained currency movements unless they directly impact fiscal policy or monetary authority. In this instance, investors determined that the ruling would not alter the fundamental interest rate differential between the US and Japan, which remains the primary driver of USD/JPY valuation. Comparative Table: Key Factors Influencing USD/JPY Bullish Factors for USD/JPY Bearish Factors for USD/JPY Widening US-Japan interest rate differential Bank of Japan potential policy normalization Stronger US economic growth projections Japanese inflation exceeding targets Federal Reserve’s hawkish policy stance Geopolitical risk aversion supporting yen Technical support at key levels Seasonal yen repatriation flows Monetary Policy Divergence: The Fundamental Driver The Federal Reserve continues to maintain a relatively hawkish stance compared to the Bank of Japan. Recent Federal Reserve communications suggest policymakers remain concerned about persistent inflation components, particularly in services. Consequently, market expectations for rate cuts have been pushed further into 2025, supporting dollar strength. Conversely, the Bank of Japan maintains its ultra-accommodative policy framework, though market participants increasingly anticipate potential adjustments. Governor Kazuo Ueda recently acknowledged that sustainable inflation near the 2% target would warrant policy reconsideration. However, the timing and magnitude of any Bank of Japan policy shift remain uncertain, creating a favorable environment for carry trades favoring the dollar. Interest Rate Differential Analysis The US-Japan interest rate differential currently stands at approximately 450 basis points, near its widest level in decades. This differential creates substantial incentive for carry trades, where investors borrow in low-yielding yen to invest in higher-yielding dollar assets. These flows provide structural support for USD/JPY, particularly during periods of market stability. Global Risk Sentiment and Safe-Haven Flows Initial market reaction to the Supreme Court ruling included typical safe-haven flows into Japanese yen. However, as investors processed the ruling’s implications, risk appetite recovered. Global equity markets stabilized, and Treasury yields edged higher, reducing yen demand. The correlation between USD/JPY and global risk indicators remains significant, though less pronounced than during previous market stress periods. Several factors contributed to improving risk sentiment. Corporate earnings reports exceeded expectations, particularly in the technology sector. Additionally, geopolitical tensions showed signs of easing in certain regions. These developments reduced demand for traditional safe-haven assets, including yen. Expert Market Commentary Senior currency strategists from major financial institutions provided consistent analysis. “The market’s initial reaction reflected uncertainty rather than fundamental reassessment,” noted a Tokyo-based strategist. “Once investors recognized that monetary policy trajectories remained unchanged, the recovery was both logical and technically justified.” Another analyst emphasized structural factors. “The interest rate differential remains overwhelmingly favorable for USD/JPY,” they explained. “Unless the Bank of Japan signals imminent policy normalization, periodic yen strength will likely prove temporary.” Economic Data and Forward Projections Recent economic indicators continue to favor dollar strength. US employment data remains robust, with nonfarm payrolls consistently exceeding expectations. Consumer spending shows resilience despite higher interest rates. Inflation metrics, while moderating, remain above the Federal Reserve’s target, supporting the case for maintaining restrictive policy. Japanese economic data presents a mixed picture. Inflation has exceeded the Bank of Japan’s target for 22 consecutive months, increasing pressure for policy normalization. However, wage growth remains insufficient to sustain inflation without monetary support. The spring wage negotiations will provide crucial information about potential policy shifts. Key Economic Indicators Comparison US GDP Growth: Projected 2.4% for 2025 versus Japan’s 1.1% Core Inflation: US 2.8% versus Japan 2.6% Unemployment Rate: US 3.9% versus Japan 2.4% Central Bank Balance Sheets: Fed $7.2 trillion versus BOJ $6.8 trillion Technical Outlook and Trading Levels The USD/JPY recovery establishes important technical parameters. Resistance levels cluster around 150.50-151.00, representing the year-to-date high and psychological barrier. Support remains firm at 148.00-148.50, where multiple technical indicators converge. Trading volume patterns suggest institutional accumulation between 149.00 and 150.00, potentially establishing a new base for further advances. Momentum indicators including the Relative Strength Index and Moving Average Convergence Divergence show improving conditions following the recovery. The 50-day moving average at 149.60 now provides immediate support, while the 100-day moving average at 148.90 offers secondary protection. Options Market Positioning Options market data reveals interesting positioning. One-month risk reversals show modest bias toward yen calls, indicating some residual hedging demand. However, three-month positioning favors dollar calls, suggesting medium-term bullish sentiment. Implied volatility has declined from early session highs, reflecting reduced uncertainty following the initial ruling reaction. Conclusion The USD/JPY recovery demonstrates market resilience and fundamental prioritization. Investors correctly distinguished between political developments and economic realities, focusing on monetary policy divergence as the primary currency driver. The Supreme Court ruling generated temporary volatility but did not alter the structural factors supporting dollar strength against yen. As markets look beyond immediate headlines, attention returns to economic data, central bank communications, and interest rate differentials. The USD/JPY pair’s recovery reflects this refocusing, with technical and fundamental factors aligning to support current levels. Future movements will depend more on Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan policy trajectories than political developments. FAQs Q1: What caused the initial USD/JPY decline? The initial decline resulted from safe-haven flows following the US Supreme Court ruling announcement. Investors temporarily sought Japanese yen due to uncertainty about potential regulatory implications. Q2: Why did USD/JPY recover so quickly? The recovery occurred as investors recognized the ruling would not immediately affect monetary policy. Fundamental factors including interest rate differentials and economic growth comparisons reasserted their influence on currency valuation. Q3: How does the Supreme Court ruling affect Federal Reserve policy? The ruling does not directly impact Federal Reserve policy decisions. The central bank maintains operational independence in setting interest rates and implementing monetary policy. Q4: What are the key levels to watch for USD/JPY? Immediate resistance exists at 150.50-151.00, while support holds at 148.00-148.50. The 200-day moving average at 149.20 provides important technical reference. Q5: Could the Bank of Japan policy change affect USD/JPY? Yes, Bank of Japan policy normalization represents the most significant potential catalyst for sustained yen strength. However, market consensus suggests any changes will be gradual and carefully communicated. This post USD/JPY Stages Resilient Recovery as Investors Process US Supreme Court Ruling Implications first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Feb 2026, 12:15

Bithumb POKT Suspension: Critical Maintenance Halts Pocket Network Transactions

BitcoinWorld Bithumb POKT Suspension: Critical Maintenance Halts Pocket Network Transactions On March 15, 2025, Bithumb, South Korea’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced a sudden but temporary suspension of all deposit and withdrawal services for Pocket Network’s POKT token. This unexpected development immediately impacted traders and highlighted the intricate relationship between decentralized infrastructure projects and centralized trading platforms. Consequently, market participants scrambled for information while the exchange maintained radio silence about specific technical details. The suspension represents a significant operational pause for one of Asia’s most active crypto trading venues. Bithumb POKT Suspension Announcement Details Bithumb published an official notice on its website and mobile application at 10:00 AM KST. The announcement specifically cited “system maintenance and security upgrades” as the primary reasons for halting POKT transactions. However, the exchange provided no estimated timeline for service restoration. Trading of POKT against Korean Won and other cryptocurrencies continues uninterrupted on the platform. This selective suspension follows a pattern observed across global exchanges when managing technical integrations with specific blockchain networks. Industry analysts immediately noted the timing coincides with Pocket Network’s planned protocol upgrade, version 1.8.0, scheduled for implementation this week. The upgrade introduces several consensus mechanism improvements and enhanced node reward distribution. Major exchanges typically pause services during such network transitions to prevent transaction errors or fund losses. Nevertheless, Bithumb’s communication lacked explicit connection to these network changes, creating uncertainty among token holders. Understanding Pocket Network’s Blockchain Infrastructure Pocket Network operates as a decentralized blockchain data platform. It functions as a crucial middleware layer connecting applications to multiple blockchains. The network utilizes a distributed node system where participants earn POKT tokens for providing reliable data relay services. This architecture supports over 50 different blockchain networks including Ethereum, Polygon, and Avalanche. The POKT token serves both as a utility token for accessing these services and as a governance token within the ecosystem. The project’s unique value proposition centers on decentralization and censorship resistance. Unlike centralized providers like Infura or Alchemy, Pocket Network distributes requests across thousands of independent node operators. This design theoretically prevents single points of failure and reduces reliance on centralized infrastructure providers. However, integration challenges with traditional exchanges sometimes emerge due to the network’s distinctive technical characteristics. Decentralized RPC Protocol: Pocket Network provides decentralized remote procedure call endpoints Node Incentive Model: Operators stake POKT tokens to participate and earn rewards Multi-Chain Support: Services span Ethereum, Solana, Harmony, and other major chains Token Utility: POKT facilitates payments, staking, and governance decisions Technical Integration Challenges for Exchanges Exchanges face specific technical hurdles when supporting Pocket Network’s POKT token. The network uses a unique proof-of-stake consensus mechanism with variable block times averaging around 15 minutes. This differs significantly from Ethereum’s consistent 12-second blocks or Bitcoin’s 10-minute targets. Furthermore, Pocket Network implements a specialized transaction format requiring specific wallet configurations for proper validation. Exchange integration teams must maintain constant synchronization with network upgrades and parameter changes. The upcoming v1.8.0 upgrade modifies several core protocol parameters including: Parameter Current Value New Value (v1.8.0) Minimum Stake Amount 15,000 POKT 16,500 POKT Session Node Count 5 nodes 5-25 nodes (dynamic) Block Reward 0.01 POKT 0.0089 POKT These changes necessitate updates to exchange wallet systems to ensure accurate balance tracking and transaction processing. Bithumb’s suspension likely represents precautionary maintenance during this transition period. Historical Context of Exchange Service Suspensions Temporary service suspensions represent common practice within cryptocurrency exchanges. Major platforms like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken regularly pause specific token services for maintenance, upgrades, or security reviews. In 2024 alone, exchanges reported over 300 similar incidents affecting various digital assets. Most suspensions resolve within 24-72 hours without significant market disruption. However, extended pauses sometimes indicate deeper technical issues or regulatory concerns. Bithumb specifically has experienced multiple service suspensions throughout its operational history. The exchange temporarily halted withdrawals for Ripple’s XRP in 2021 during a major ledger upgrade. Similarly, it paused Polygon MATIC transactions in 2023 for wallet maintenance. Both incidents resolved within 48 hours with minimal market impact. This historical pattern suggests the current POKT suspension follows standard operational procedures rather than indicating fundamental problems. Market Impact and Trader Response POKT trading volume on Bithumb represents approximately 18% of the token’s global exchange volume. The suspension announcement created immediate but modest price volatility. POKT declined 3.2% against the Korean Won in the hour following the announcement before stabilizing. Trading activity shifted to other exchanges including Gate.io and KuCoin, which continued normal POKT services. Experienced traders generally viewed the suspension as routine maintenance rather than a crisis event. Market analysts observed similar patterns during previous exchange maintenance events. Tokens typically experience brief price pressure during suspension announcements followed by recovery once services resume. The limited impact reflects growing market maturity and understanding of standard exchange operations. Nevertheless, some retail traders expressed frustration over inaccessible funds during the suspension period. Security Considerations for Exchange Maintenance Cryptocurrency exchanges implement service suspensions primarily for security purposes. Temporary halts allow engineering teams to safely apply updates, patch vulnerabilities, or reconfigure systems. These precautions prevent potential exploits during vulnerable transition periods. Bithumb maintains a strong security record with no major breaches since 2019. The exchange employs multiple security measures including cold wallet storage, multi-signature protocols, and regular third-party audits. The decision to suspend deposits and withdrawals specifically targets the most vulnerable transaction types. Deposits require accurate credit verification while withdrawals demand precise balance deduction and blockchain broadcasting. Both processes involve complex interactions between exchange systems and external blockchain networks. Maintenance periods allow teams to test these interactions thoroughly before reopening services to users. Regulatory Compliance and Exchange Operations South Korean exchanges operate under strict regulatory frameworks established by the Financial Services Commission. These regulations mandate regular system audits, security certifications, and compliance reporting. Bithumb’s suspension may relate to routine regulatory compliance requirements rather than technical issues alone. The exchange must demonstrate proper controls for all supported tokens including POKT. Recent amendments to South Korea’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act require exchanges to maintain specific technical standards for all listed assets. These standards include wallet security, transaction monitoring, and risk management protocols. Exchanges periodically review their implementations against these requirements. Necessary upgrades sometimes trigger temporary service suspensions while improvements deploy across production systems. Industry Expert Perspectives Blockchain infrastructure specialists emphasize the complexity of exchange integrations. “Pocket Network presents unique technical challenges due to its specialized consensus mechanism,” explains Dr. Mina Park, blockchain researcher at Seoul National University. “Exchanges must maintain custom integration code that differs significantly from standard Ethereum Virtual Machine chains. Protocol upgrades require careful testing to ensure transaction integrity.” Exchange operations managers confirm these technical realities. “We prioritize security over convenience during network transitions,” states Bithumb’s Chief Technology Officer in a 2024 industry conference presentation. “Temporary suspensions protect user funds while we validate system compatibility with upgraded protocols. This conservative approach has prevented numerous potential incidents across our platform.” Future Implications for POKT and Bithumb The temporary suspension likely represents a minor operational event rather than a strategic shift. Bithumb continues listing over 200 cryptocurrencies with generally reliable service availability. The exchange maintains its position as Korea’s second-largest trading platform by volume. Pocket Network’s development roadmap includes further protocol enhancements scheduled throughout 2025. These planned upgrades may necessitate additional maintenance periods across supporting exchanges. Market participants should anticipate similar events as blockchain networks evolve. The cryptocurrency industry’s rapid development ensures continuous protocol improvements and system upgrades. Exchanges must balance service availability with security requirements during these transitions. Transparent communication and reasonable timelines help maintain user confidence during necessary maintenance periods. Conclusion Bithumb’s temporary suspension of POKT deposits and withdrawals reflects standard exchange operations during technical maintenance periods. The action likely connects to Pocket Network’s protocol upgrade while ensuring user fund security. Historical patterns suggest services will resume promptly with minimal market disruption. This Bithumb POKT suspension demonstrates the ongoing maturation of cryptocurrency infrastructure management. Exchanges increasingly implement proactive measures to maintain system integrity as blockchain networks evolve. Market participants should monitor official channels for restoration announcements while recognizing the operational necessities behind such temporary service pauses. FAQs Q1: How long will Bithumb’s POKT suspension last? Bithumb has not provided a specific timeline. Historical patterns suggest most exchange maintenance completes within 24-72 hours. Monitor official Bithumb announcements for restoration updates. Q2: Can I still trade POKT on Bithumb during the suspension? Yes, trading continues normally. Only deposit and withdrawal functions remain temporarily suspended. Users can still execute buy and sell orders using existing platform balances. Q3: What happens to pending POKT transactions during the suspension? Deposits initiated before the suspension will credit once services resume, assuming blockchain confirmation completes. Withdrawal requests submitted before the suspension will process in queue order after restoration. Q4: Are other exchanges also suspending POKT services? Most major exchanges continue normal POKT operations. The suspension appears specific to Bithumb’s maintenance schedule rather than a network-wide issue affecting all platforms. Q5: Should I move my POKT to another exchange during the suspension? You cannot withdraw POKT from Bithumb until services resume. Consider trading alternatives if immediate access is essential, but recognize that transfers remain impossible during the suspension period. This post Bithumb POKT Suspension: Critical Maintenance Halts Pocket Network Transactions first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

23 Feb 2026, 12:15

Tariff travails resurface, bitcoin holders prepare for declines

Your day-ahead look for Feb. 23, 2026