hodler

24 Feb 2026, 10:19

Ethereum Price Outlook for Feb 24: Will ETH Sweep Lows Before a Rebound?

Ethereum faces sustained selling pressure as weak demand raises the risk of a liquidity sweep before any rebound attempt emerges. Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $1,828, marking a 2.87% decline over the past 24 hours. Visit Website

24 Feb 2026, 10:19

Binance disputes media claims over $1.7B Iran-linked transactions

Binance has rejected allegations that it retaliated against members of its internal investigations team after they flagged roughly $1.7 billion in cryptocurrency transfers linked to Iranian networks, pushing back on claims published by both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The reports detail findings from a 2024 internal probe that traced funds moving through Binance accounts to wallets associated with Iranian entities, including those tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a US-designated terrorist organisation. Investigators identified more than 1,500 accounts that had been accessed from Iran, in some cases through software designed to mask users’ locations. According to the New York Times, approximately $1.7 billion flowed from two Binance accounts to Iranian-linked entities over 2024 and 2025. One of the accounts was held by Blessed Trust, a Hong Kong-based payments firm that served as a fiat on- and off-ramp partner for the exchange. Internal documents reviewed by the publications indicate that investigators presented their findings to senior leadership, including CEO Richard Teng and Chief Compliance Officer Noah Perlman. Leung Ka Kui, a director at Blessed Trust, told the Times that the company did not knowingly facilitate transactions that breached sanctions or make payments to sanctioned Iranian entities. He said its work with Binance was limited to routine operational disbursements such as invoices and payroll. Blessed has maintained that it operates in accordance with applicable sanctions-screening and compliance standards. The Wall Street Journal reported that the investigation also identified another Hong Kong entity, Hexa Whale Trading, which allegedly transferred about $500 million in USDT to a network of digital wallets referred to internally as “Entity A.” Law enforcement officials cited in the Journal described that network as part of a shadow banking corridor linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, used to facilitate payments related to sanctioned oil trade. Investigators concluded that the funds ultimately supported Iran-backed groups, including Yemen’s Houthi movement, according to documents cited in both reports. The Houthis have been designated by the United States as a terrorist organisation. A central point of contention concerns what happened after the findings were escalated. The Journal reported that executives dismantled the probe weeks after Binance founder Changpeng Zhao received a US presidential pardon in October, and that members of the investigative team were later dismissed. The Times said at least four investigators were suspended or fired, with the company citing alleged mishandling of confidential client data. Separately, Fortune has previously reported that several senior compliance officials have exited the company in recent months, including personnel involved in sanctions oversight, as Binance searches for a successor to Perlman, who is expected to depart later this year. Binance denies allegations In a statement to crypto media, a Binance spokesperson said the company “strongly disputes the assertions made in recent reports,” adding that its internal review did not find evidence of sanctions violations related to the transactions described. The spokesperson said Binance detected and reported suspicious activity to authorities and removed the accounts involved. The company also pointed to declining exposure metrics. In a recent post on X, Binance said it had reduced direct exposure to the four largest Iranian crypto exchanges by 97.3% between January 2024 and January 2026, from $4.19 million to $0.11 million. “Public blockchains are permissionless,” the exchange wrote, noting that exposure to sanctioned jurisdictions cannot be reduced to zero because anyone can send funds to an exchange address. Zhao, who stepped down as CEO following Binance’s 2023 settlement with US authorities, echoed that defence on X. “Some media uses negative narratives (from fired employees). Binance uses data. Best compliance program in the industry, by far!” Zhao wrote. The renewed scrutiny comes as Binance continues to operate under the terms of its 2023 plea agreement with the US Department of Justice. Binance admitted to anti-money-laundering and sanctions violations, agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties, and committed to enhanced compliance oversight, including cooperation with independent monitors. Subsequently, Zhao served four months in prison in 2024 before being pardoned by President Donald Trump last October. The post Binance disputes media claims over $1.7B Iran-linked transactions appeared first on Invezz

24 Feb 2026, 10:18

Bitcoin 2026 ETF sell-off is 'purification' of BTC bull case: Analysis

Bitcoin ETF investors joined an "institutional exit" this year, but analysis sees a new phase of bullish involvement from bigger players coming next.

24 Feb 2026, 10:16

Canaan buys Cipher’s 49% of West Texas mining venture for $39.75 million in stock

The transaction gives Cipher a major shareholding in the Singapore-based company.

24 Feb 2026, 10:15

XRP faces drop below $1 as whales prepare to dump over 30 million tokens

XRP is likely to see further losses in the coming sessions as the asset’s whales signal potential selling pressure. In this regard, on-chain data indicates that more than 31 million XRP tokens flowed into Binance in a single day, with the surge driven almost entirely by large holders, according to CryptoQuant data shared on February 24. XRP Ledger exchange flows. Source: CryptoQuant The spike in exchange inflows suggests whales may be preparing to sell, increasing the risk of renewed downside pressure that could push XRP below the key $1 level. On February 21, XRP Ledger data showed deposits into the exchange exceeding 31 million XRP, driven almost entirely by wallets holding between 100,000 and 1 million XRP and over 1 million XRP. Retail participation was minimal, confirming the move was whale-led rather than broad-based. In the preceding days, inflows were relatively subdued. February 15 and 17 saw limited activity, while February 16 recorded a moderate increase, largely from 1 million-plus XRP holders, still far below the February 21 spike. Activity briefly rose on February 18 before easing again on February 19 and 20, when the price hit a short-term low. What’s next for XRP Historically, sharp whale inflows to exchanges have preceded volatility, as large transfers often signal intent to sell. If even part of the 31 million-plus XRP is offloaded, it could amplify selling pressure while the asset struggles to reclaim higher levels. This grim picture comes as XRP continues to trade in a volatile state, with recent losses tied to broader market sentiment led by Bitcoin ( BTC ). Despite the price pressure, positive developments persist, including Ripple’s planned 2026 XRPL upgrades to enhance tokenized assets and institutional features, alongside recent institutional products such as Japan’s SBI Holdings issuing blockchain-based bonds with XRP rewards. XRP price anaysis As of press time, XRP was trading at $1.33, well below both its 50-day SMA ($1.75) and 200-day SMA ($2.29). XRP seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold This positioning signals a clear bearish structure, considering that when price trades below the 50-day average, it reflects short- to medium-term weakness. Sitting beneath the 200-day average reinforces a longer-term downtrend. The wide gap between the current price and both moving averages suggests sustained selling pressure rather than a brief pullback. Meanwhile, the 14-day RSI stands at 36.85, which is in neutral territory but leaning toward oversold conditions. While it has not yet dipped below 30, it indicates weakening momentum and reduced buying strength. Featured image via Shutterstock The post XRP faces drop below $1 as whales prepare to dump over 30 million tokens appeared first on Finbold .

24 Feb 2026, 10:15

Bitcoin RSI Plunges to Historic 25.6: Unprecedented Oversold Signal Sparks Critical Market Analysis

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin RSI Plunges to Historic 25.6: Unprecedented Oversold Signal Sparks Critical Market Analysis In a stunning technical development that has captured global cryptocurrency attention, Bitcoin’s weekly Relative Strength Index (RSSI) has plummeted to an unprecedented 25.6, marking the most oversold condition in the digital asset’s entire trading history. This remarkable milestone, first highlighted by Coin Bureau CEO Nic Puckrin through his analysis of the BTC/USD pair on Bitstamp, represents a watershed moment for market analysts and investors worldwide. The current reading not only surpasses previous crisis levels but also signals potential market dynamics that could shape Bitcoin’s trajectory through 2025 and beyond. Bitcoin RSI Reaches Historic Oversold Territory The Relative Strength Index, developed by J. Welles Wilder in 1978, serves as a momentum oscillator measuring the speed and change of price movements. Traditionally, readings below 30 indicate oversold conditions, while readings above 70 suggest overbought markets. However, Bitcoin’s descent to 25.6 on the weekly timeframe establishes a new benchmark for extreme market sentiment. This development becomes particularly significant when considering the historical context of previous market crises. Nic Puckrin’s analysis reveals that the current RSI reading falls below levels recorded during several major cryptocurrency market events: Terra/Luna Collapse (May 2022): The ecosystem collapse that erased approximately $40 billion in market value Three Arrows Capital Crisis (June 2022): The hedge fund’s implosion that triggered widespread contagion FTX Bankruptcy (November 2022): The exchange collapse that shook institutional confidence COVID-19 Market Crash (March 2020): The pandemic-induced global financial panic Technical analysts emphasize that weekly RSI readings provide more reliable signals than daily measurements because they filter out short-term market noise. The extended timeframe offers a clearer picture of sustained market trends and investor sentiment. Consequently, the current reading suggests a fundamental shift in market dynamics rather than temporary volatility. Understanding RSI Mechanics in Cryptocurrency Markets The Relative Strength Index calculates momentum by comparing recent gains to recent losses over a specified period, typically 14 days for standard settings. The formula generates values between 0 and 100, with the 30 and 70 levels serving as traditional boundaries for oversold and overbought conditions respectively. However, cryptocurrency markets often exhibit more extreme volatility than traditional financial markets, requiring adjusted interpretations of these signals. Several factors contribute to the significance of Bitcoin’s current RSI reading: Bitcoin RSI Historical Comparison Market Event Weekly RSI Low Subsequent 6-Month Performance Current Reading (2025) 25.6 To be determined Terra/Luna Collapse 27.8 +18% recovery Three Arrows Capital 28.3 +22% recovery FTX Bankruptcy 29.1 +85% recovery COVID-19 Crash 26.4 +160% recovery Market technicians note that extreme RSI readings often precede significant trend reversals, though timing remains challenging to predict. The indicator measures momentum rather than price direction, meaning oversold conditions can persist during extended bear markets. However, historical data suggests that readings below 30 on weekly charts frequently correspond with intermediate-term buying opportunities. Expert Analysis and Market Implications Nic Puckrin’s observation carries particular weight given his platform’s reach of approximately 2.73 million subscribers and his established reputation in cryptocurrency education. His analysis emphasizes that while further price declines remain possible, the extreme RSI reading increases the probability of a market bottom formation. This perspective aligns with traditional technical analysis principles that view extreme readings as potential reversal signals. Several market dynamics contribute to the current oversold condition: Institutional Positioning: Large investors have reduced exposure amid regulatory uncertainty Market Sentiment: Fear dominates trading psychology despite improving fundamentals Technical Factors: Multiple support levels have failed during the recent decline Macroeconomic Environment: Rising interest rates and inflation concerns affect risk assets Seasoned analysts caution that RSI readings alone should not dictate investment decisions. Instead, they recommend considering additional technical indicators, fundamental factors, and market structure analysis. The convergence of multiple signals provides stronger evidence than any single indicator in isolation. Historical Context and Previous Market Cycles Bitcoin has experienced several major bear markets since its inception, each characterized by distinct technical patterns and recovery trajectories. The 2014-2015 bear market saw prices decline approximately 86% from peak to trough, while the 2018 correction involved an 84% drawdown. The current market phase, while significant in RSI terms, remains within historical parameters for cryptocurrency volatility. Previous extreme RSI readings have typically coincided with: Increased accumulation by long-term investors Reduced exchange balances as holders move to cold storage Declining trading volume as speculative activity diminishes Media narratives shifting from hype to skepticism Market historians note that cryptocurrency cycles often follow patterns of euphoria, denial, fear, and capitulation. The current RSI reading suggests the market may be approaching the latter stages of this emotional progression. However, each cycle exhibits unique characteristics influenced by evolving market structure, regulatory developments, and technological advancements. Risk Considerations and Market Realities While extreme RSI readings often signal potential turning points, they do not guarantee immediate reversals. Markets can remain oversold for extended periods during structural bear markets. Several factors could prolong the current condition: Regulatory Developments: Unfavorable policy decisions could extend market uncertainty Macroeconomic Pressures: Persistent inflation or recession could suppress risk appetite Technical Breakdowns: Failure of key support levels could trigger additional selling Market Structure Changes: Evolving derivatives markets affect spot price dynamics Professional traders typically employ risk management strategies when trading oversold signals, including position sizing, stop-loss placement, and portfolio diversification. They recognize that technical indicators provide probabilities rather than certainties, requiring disciplined execution regardless of signal strength. Conclusion Bitcoin’s descent to a 25.6 weekly RSI reading represents a historic technical development with significant implications for cryptocurrency market participants. This unprecedented oversold condition, confirmed through analysis of the BTC/USD pair on Bitstamp, suggests extreme market sentiment that has historically preceded important trend changes. While further volatility remains likely, the current Bitcoin RSI reading provides valuable data for investors navigating complex market conditions. As always, comprehensive analysis incorporating multiple technical indicators, fundamental factors, and risk management principles offers the most robust framework for investment decision-making in dynamic cryptocurrency markets. FAQs Q1: What does a 25.6 RSI reading mean for Bitcoin? The 25.6 weekly RSI indicates Bitcoin is in its most oversold condition ever recorded, suggesting extreme selling pressure that has historically often preceded market recoveries, though timing remains uncertain. Q2: How reliable is RSI as a cryptocurrency indicator? RSI provides valuable momentum information but works best alongside other indicators. Weekly readings generally offer more reliable signals than daily measurements by filtering short-term noise in volatile cryptocurrency markets. Q3: Has Bitcoin’s RSI been this low before? No, the current 25.6 reading establishes a new historic low, falling below levels seen during previous major market crises including the Terra/Luna collapse and Three Arrows Capital implosion. Q4: Does an oversold RSI guarantee a price rebound? No technical indicator guarantees price movements. Extreme readings increase reversal probabilities but markets can remain oversold during extended bear trends, requiring additional confirmation from other indicators. Q5: How should investors respond to this RSI signal? Investors should consider the RSI reading within a comprehensive strategy including fundamental analysis, risk management, and portfolio diversification rather than making decisions based solely on one technical indicator. This post Bitcoin RSI Plunges to Historic 25.6: Unprecedented Oversold Signal Sparks Critical Market Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .