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7 Feb 2026, 07:24
Solana Slips Under $80 as $69 Fib Zone and $75 Liquidations Take Over
Solana fell below $80 after a sharp weekly selloff pushed price into the 0.786 Fibonacci retracement zone near $69 to $70. Meanwhile, Binance liquidation data shows heavy leverage clustered near $75 on the downside and $85 to $90 overhead. Solana hits 0.786 retracement as price sinks below $80 Solana's weekly chart shows price falling into a major Fibonacci retracement zone, after the latest selloff pushed SOL below the $80 level on Coinbase. A TradingView snapshot shows SOL trading near the $75 area, with price under the 50 week and 100 week simple moving averages. The 200 week average sits higher, near the low $100s, and now acts as overhead resistance. The chart also marks the 0.786 Fibonacci retracement near the $69 to $70 area, where price briefly tested support during the recent drop. Solana U.S. Dollar Weekly Chart. Source: Bluntz on X In a post on X, market analyst Bluntz said the 0.78 retracement from the all time high has now been hit and described the current zone as a long term buying area. The chart highlights a full retracement move from the prior peak near $295 to the recent low near $67, which reflects a drawdown of more than 70% from the cycle high. Momentum indicators on the weekly chart remain weak. The relative strength index trends near oversold levels, while volume expanded during the selloff. At the same time, the failure to hold prior support near the 100 week average confirms a broader breakdown in structure, with price now consolidating near long term support levels. Binance SOL/USDT liquidation heatmap shows dense clusters near $75 and $85 Solana’s SOL/USDT liquidation heatmap on Binance shows large bands of forced liquidation interest stacked above and below current price over the past 24 hours, which points to crowded leverage around key levels. Binance SOL/USDT Liquidation Heatmap (24 Hour). Source: CoinGlass A CoinGlass heatmap shows SOL sliding from the high $80s toward the low $70s before stabilizing near the mid $70s to low $80s range. The brightest liquidity bands sit near the $75 area on the downside and around $85 to $90 on the upside. Those zones mark where concentrated leveraged positions face liquidation risk if price moves into them. After the sharp drop toward the low $70s, price rebounded and moved back into the $75 to $80 range. The rebound coincided with the clearing of downside liquidity, which often follows a fast liquidation sweep. At the same time, overhead heatmap bands remain intact above $85, which shows that short term upside moves could run into fresh liquidation clusters. The structure on the heatmap reflects two sided leverage. Downside pools thinned after the flush, while upper bands stayed dense, which suggests that the near term path of least resistance remains capped by overhead liquidation zones.
7 Feb 2026, 07:20
Ethereum Whales Scoop Up Supply as MVRV Stays Above Bottom Signal
Ethereum’s holder data shows big wallets adding Ether while mid tier cohorts cut balances, tightening supply among top holders. Meanwhile, ETH’s MVRV ratio sits near 0.96, staying above the 0.80 level that historically marked major bottoms. Whale cohort grows as mid tier Ethereum wallets cut holdings Ethereum balance data from CryptoQuant pointed to a rotation in who holds Ether, with larger wallets adding while two mid tier groups reduced balances. On Aug. 18, 2025, wallets holding 100 to 1,000 ETH controlled 9.79 million ETH, while the 1,000 to 10,000 cohort held 14.51 million ETH. At the same time, the 10,000 to 100,000 group held 17.18 million ETH, and 100,000 plus wallets held 2.75 million ETH. Ethereum Balance by Holder Value. Source: CryptoQuant By Wednesday, the 100 to 1,000 cohort fell to 8.32 million ETH, and the 1,000 to 10,000 cohort dropped to 12.26 million ETH. Those declines mean the two groups together shed about 3.72 million ETH compared with Aug. 18. In contrast, wallets holding 10,000 to 100,000 ETH increased balances to 19.77 million ETH, while the 100,000 plus cohort expanded to 3.68 million ETH. Together, those top cohorts added about 3.52 million ETH over the same period. The move shows Ether becoming more concentrated among the biggest holders. In practical terms, the data suggests that mid sized wallets distributed or moved coins out, while larger wallets absorbed a large part of that supply. On the chart, this shift happened during a period when the black price line trended down into early 2026, so accumulation by the largest cohorts occurred while price weakened rather than during a clear uptrend. Ethereum MVRV stays above historical bottom zone Ethereum’s market value to realized value ratio remained above levels that previously aligned with major cycle lows, based on Glassnode data shared by Ali Charts. The chart tracks ETH price alongside the MVRV ratio, with prior market bottoms forming when the ratio moved below 0.80. In the latest reading, the MVRV ratio stood near 0.96, which places the metric above that historical bottom zone. Ethereum MVRV Extreme Values. Source: Glassnode/X The chart shows repeated periods where the MVRV ratio dipped under 0.80 during deep drawdowns, followed by later price recoveries. Those instances marked points where market value fell below the realized value held on chain. In contrast, current readings show the ratio hovering closer to the neutral band rather than the extreme low area seen at prior cycle lows. As a result, on chain positioning reflects a market that has not reached the same valuation stress seen during past bottoming phases. Price has pulled back from prior highs, yet the MVRV ratio remains elevated compared with earlier troughs on the chart, which suggests the metric has not entered the zone that previously aligned with broad capitulation.
7 Feb 2026, 07:20
Bithumb Ghost Bitcoin Incident Sparks Urgent Regulatory Scrutiny Over Exchange Accountability
BitcoinWorld Bithumb Ghost Bitcoin Incident Sparks Urgent Regulatory Scrutiny Over Exchange Accountability SEOUL, South Korea – February 7, 2025 – South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party has launched a forceful demand for accountability following Bithumb’s controversial ‘ghost Bitcoin’ incident, triggering what experts describe as a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency regulation in one of Asia’s most active digital asset markets. Consequently, this event exposes critical vulnerabilities in exchange infrastructure that could potentially affect millions of investors globally. Bithumb Ghost Bitcoin Incident Reveals Systemic Vulnerabilities The so-called ‘ghost Bitcoin’ incident at Bithumb represents more than a simple technical glitch. According to party spokesperson Kim Ji-ho, the event reveals fundamental structural flaws in the exchange’s internal control systems. Specifically, the platform recorded Bitcoin transactions involving assets it did not actually hold. This discrepancy caused noticeable price fluctuations and created significant confusion among investors. Moreover, the incident raises serious questions about ledger management practices across the cryptocurrency industry. South Korea maintains one of the world’s most sophisticated cryptocurrency ecosystems. The country’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act, implemented in 2024, established comprehensive guidelines for exchange operations. However, this incident suggests potential gaps between regulatory frameworks and practical implementation. For instance, exchanges must maintain real-time reserve verification systems under current regulations. The Bithumb situation indicates possible failures in this critical requirement. Cryptocurrency Exchange Regulation Intensifies in South Korea South Korean authorities have progressively tightened cryptocurrency regulations since the 2022 Terra-Luna collapse. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) now mandates regular audits and real-time monitoring for all registered exchanges. Additionally, exchanges must maintain 1:1 reserves for all customer deposits. Despite these measures, the Bithumb incident demonstrates how technical or operational failures can circumvent even robust regulatory frameworks. The table below outlines key regulatory requirements for South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges: Requirement Description Implementation Date Real-Time Reserve Verification Exchanges must prove 1:1 backing of customer assets July 2024 Regular External Audits Quarterly audits by certified accounting firms March 2024 Internal Control Systems Mandatory separation of customer and operational funds January 2024 Transaction Monitoring Real-time tracking of all ledger entries September 2024 Industry analysts note that Bithumb’s situation mirrors similar incidents at international exchanges. For example, in 2023, a European exchange faced penalties for ledger discrepancies affecting Ethereum transactions. Similarly, Japanese regulators suspended an exchange in 2024 for reserve verification failures. These global precedents suggest systemic challenges in cryptocurrency exchange operations worldwide. Expert Analysis of Exchange Infrastructure Weaknesses Cryptocurrency security experts identify several potential failure points in exchange infrastructure. First, reconciliation systems between hot and cold wallets can create timing discrepancies. Second, automated trading algorithms might execute transactions based on incorrect ledger data. Third, human error during system updates or maintenance could introduce phantom entries. Finally, sophisticated attacks could exploit these vulnerabilities for market manipulation. Dr. Lee Min-woo, a blockchain forensics specialist at Seoul National University, explains the technical implications. “When an exchange records transactions for assets it doesn’t possess, it creates artificial market signals. This can trigger cascading effects across connected trading platforms. Furthermore, such incidents undermine the fundamental trust required for cryptocurrency adoption.” Investor Protection and Market Impact Considerations The Bithumb ghost Bitcoin incident directly affects investor confidence in several ways. Initially, price fluctuations caused by phantom transactions can lead to substantial financial losses. Subsequently, the revelation of internal control failures may trigger withdrawal requests, potentially creating liquidity challenges. Additionally, regulatory investigations often result in trading restrictions or platform suspensions during examinations. Key investor protection concerns include: Asset Verification: How can investors verify exchange reserves independently? Compensation Mechanisms: What recourse exists for losses from technical errors? Transparency Requirements: What level of operational disclosure should exchanges provide? System Redundancies: How many verification layers prevent single-point failures? Market data from similar incidents shows predictable patterns. Typically, affected exchanges experience temporary trading volume reductions of 15-25%. Meanwhile, competitor platforms often see increased deposits as investors diversify risk. Regulatory responses usually follow within 30-45 days, resulting in either corrective measures or punitive actions. Global Context for Cryptocurrency Exchange Oversight The South Korean situation reflects broader international trends in cryptocurrency regulation. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, fully implemented in 2024, establishes similar reserve requirements. Likewise, Singapore’s Payment Services Act mandates real-time audit trails for all digital payment token services. These parallel developments indicate a global convergence toward stricter exchange oversight. Comparative analysis reveals interesting distinctions in regulatory approaches. South Korean regulations emphasize technological compliance through automated systems. Conversely, European frameworks prioritize organizational governance and risk management procedures. Japanese regulations focus on consumer protection through insurance requirements. Despite different emphases, all major jurisdictions now recognize the necessity of robust exchange oversight. Technological Solutions and Industry Responses Blockchain technology itself offers potential solutions to the problems exposed by the Bithumb incident. Proof-of-reserve protocols, using cryptographic techniques like Merkle trees, allow exchanges to verify holdings without compromising security. Additionally, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) eliminate single points of control entirely. However, these solutions present their own challenges regarding scalability and user experience. Industry responses have been notably proactive. Major exchanges now publish monthly proof-of-reserve reports. Some platforms implement real-time verification portals for customer access. Furthermore, industry consortiums develop shared security standards and incident response protocols. These collective efforts demonstrate the cryptocurrency sector’s maturation toward institutional-grade reliability. Conclusion The Bithumb ghost Bitcoin incident represents a critical inflection point for cryptocurrency regulation and exchange accountability. South Korea’s ruling party demands rigorous investigation and responsibility clarification, reflecting growing societal expectations for digital asset security. This event underscores the essential need for robust internal controls, transparent ledger management, and verifiable reserve systems across all cryptocurrency exchanges. As regulatory frameworks evolve globally, such incidents provide valuable lessons for strengthening the entire digital asset ecosystem. Ultimately, the industry’s response will determine whether cryptocurrency exchanges can achieve the reliability expected of mainstream financial institutions. FAQs Q1: What exactly was the Bithumb ghost Bitcoin incident? The incident involved Bithumb recording Bitcoin transactions for assets the exchange did not actually possess in its reserves, creating phantom or ‘ghost’ entries in its ledger that affected market prices and investor decisions. Q2: How does this incident affect ordinary cryptocurrency investors? Investors may experience unexpected price fluctuations, potential liquidity issues if exchanges face withdrawals, and reduced confidence in exchange security. However, regulatory investigations aim to prevent recurrence and strengthen protections. Q3: What are proof-of-reserve systems in cryptocurrency exchanges? Proof-of-reserve systems use cryptographic methods to allow exchanges to prove they hold sufficient assets to cover all customer deposits without revealing sensitive operational details, enhancing transparency and trust. Q4: How does South Korea’s cryptocurrency regulation compare to other countries? South Korea has implemented comprehensive regulations through its Virtual Asset User Protection Act, featuring strict reserve requirements and regular audits, placing it among the world’s most regulated cryptocurrency markets alongside the EU and Japan. Q5: Can similar incidents happen on decentralized exchanges (DEXs)? Decentralized exchanges operate differently, with users trading directly from their wallets without depositing funds on the platform, fundamentally eliminating the reserve verification issue though presenting different technical challenges. This post Bithumb Ghost Bitcoin Incident Sparks Urgent Regulatory Scrutiny Over Exchange Accountability first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
7 Feb 2026, 07:19
XRP rebounds 12% as crypto markets stage broad recovery
Crypto markets staged an impressive recovery on Friday, but XRP outpaced the rest of the top 10 coins by market cap, posting an initial 18% rebound before a slight correction pared its gains to a 24-hour 12% profit. Ripple’s premier token sank to as low as $1.14 at around 1:00 AM GMT Friday, off of a dreadful market selloff that also dragged down the rest of the crypto market. However, a lack of selling pressure helped the coin bounce back strongly during US trading hours. Bitcoin also rose back above $70,000, reversing part of Thursday’s decline ahead of the weekend. XRP prices climbed back above $1.40 in less than 24 hours, the largest price recovery among large-cap digital assets. According to data from CoinGecko, XRP reached an intraday high of $1.53, a gain of more than 17% over 24 hours. The move followed intense volatility that had briefly made it the weakest performer among the top valued cryptos. XRP sellers regret as gains topple BTC comeback The rebound came after a wave of forced liquidations swept through the market late Thursday. XRP’s drop to the $1.14 area unwound $30 million worth of long positions in the period. Per CoinGlass’ latest update, a price reversal has taken away $17 million from short bets over the past day. Furthermore, derivatives data revealed a split between smaller traders and larger accounts. On Binance, the overall account-based short/long ratio stood at 2.31 as of Saturday morning trading hours. That meant the number of short bets was twice as many as long positions, suggesting most retail traders had banked on a continued price fall. Binance’s top trader long/short ratio for positions was around 0.992 because more traders on the platform were net short during the drop. The divergence suggested the downturn ran into a market where smaller players held their downward predictions longer, while long-term traders defended XRP’s support. According to market analyst EGRAG Crypto, the selloff seen earlier in the week was caused by mechanical position clearing, with buyers waiting for a market bottom to jump in. Once leveraged longs were forced out, selling pressure thinned in the classic “post-washout” snapback that provided a pathway for XRP bulls to thrive. XRP whales also helped actualize the price comeback, with wallets containing between 100 million and 1 billion XRP taking more than 230 million tokens for $335 million over 48 hours. The scale of accumulation spells a strong conviction among large amount token holders during the downturn. Moreover, first-time transacting addresses on the XRP Ledger jumped 51.5% during the same 48-hour window to reach 5,182, the highest percentage uptick in the last two and a half months. Market sentiment platform Santiment had tracked discussions among traders during the decline, noting unusually high activity on the XRP Ledger as prices stabilized. 📈 Crypto markets are rebounding, but $XRP 's price has been on a particularly huge tear. Since bottoming out below $1.15 just under 18 hours ago, the #4 market cap has now recovered to back above $1.50. 😱 Panic sellers should have stopped to notice the massive activity on the… pic.twitter.com/3y0eyGxpo2 — Santiment (@santimentfeed) February 6, 2026 “Panic sellers should have stopped to notice the massive activity on the XRP Ledger as speculators were discussing whether the coin would fall below $1.00,” Santiment said in a recent X post. XRP resistance levels in focus, $1.80 next target On Saturday morning, XRP traded near $1.46, just under the $1.49 resistance area it had previously breached the previous day. According to several chartists on Crypto Twitter, a failure to clear $1.58 before Monday could restart a selling spree in the coming week. Ripple and its ecosystem just recently launched permissioned domains, as Cryptopolitan reported earlier this week. But traders are now focused on whether XRP can hold above the mid-$1.40 range after one of its sharpest recent reversals. XRP could slip back below $1.37 and slide toward $1.28 in that scenario, weakening the recovery structure and undermining recent bullish momentum. However, a successful charge above $1.6 could take the fifth-ranked coin by market cap back to its January 2026 highs. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
7 Feb 2026, 07:19
Ether's recent crash below $2,000 leaves $686 million gaping hole in trading firm's book
The firm’s looped ETH long position unraveled this week as ether's price crashed, resulting in an estimated $686 million loss.
7 Feb 2026, 07:17
Black Swan Capitalist to XRP Holders: This Is What a Healthy Correction Looks Like
On February 4, 2026, XRP dumped sharply from around $1.5 to $1.15. This drop followed broader market losses, with major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB also registering declines. Despite the sudden move, Versan Aljarrah, founder of Black Swan Capitalist, emphasized that this type of correction is a healthy market response. He noted that such events flush leverage and remove weaker positions , allowing stronger participants to enter at favorable levels. Aljarrah described the decline as a natural reset within market dynamics. He stated, “This is what a healthy correction looks like. Leverage gets flushed, weak hands exit, and institutions step in to accumulate at better levels.” According to him, the shakeout allows professional investors to acquire XRP at lower prices , improving overall market stability. This is what a healthy correction looks like. Leverage gets flushed, weak hands exit, and institutions step in to accumulate at better levels. It’s how markets reset before pushing higher. pic.twitter.com/7mZ9bpcd8t — Black Swan Capitalist (@VersanAljarrah) February 5, 2026 Institutional Participation Increases The recent drop in XRP appears to have prompted institutional actors to evaluate accumulation opportunities. Aljarrah highlighted that these market participants often view temporary price declines as a chance to secure assets at reduced costs. The correction, while significant in magnitude, has created favorable conditions for institutionally structured buying . The presence of professional buyers can help XRP maintain price stability. By entering during periods of market weakness, these participants reduce volatility and create a foundation for future growth. Aljarrah’s perspective suggests that such activity is a deliberate step in market preparation, not a signal of prolonged downturns. A Notable Market Shift The decline in XRP coincided with a broader market correction, in which leading digital assets experienced similar losses. Bitcoin fell roughly 7.3%, Ethereum 7.5%, and BNB 8.65%. XRP’s 14% drop was the most pronounced movement among major tokens. Analysts view this type of contraction as part of normal market cycles, where temporary setbacks allow for rebalancing of positions and the removal of overextended trades. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Aljarrah emphasized that these conditions often lead to stronger market foundations. By clearing excessive leverage, XRP can attract more disciplined investors and create an environment where growth is supported by sustainable buying rather than speculative momentum. Will XRP Recover? The shakeout also ensures that participants holding positions are committed, reducing the likelihood of extreme volatility in the immediate term. Following the correction, XRP is positioned for potential stabilization and recovery. Aljarrah sees the decline as a strategic opportunity for institutions to enter the market at advantageous levels. He also believes this is a temporary reset, and expects a sharp upward move to follow. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Black Swan Capitalist to XRP Holders: This Is What a Healthy Correction Looks Like appeared first on Times Tabloid .
