Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin Remains Below $70,000 | ETF TrendsThis weekly update tracks some of the largest cryptocurrencies by market share: bitcoin and ether. While both are considered to be high-risk when it comes to investing, the two have foundational [differences that investors should know]. We've also included XRP, as it was one of the largest cryptocurrencies when this series began. According to [Wikipedia], a cryptocurrency is "a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses crypto ...

A wave of larger tax refunds is starting to land in U.S. bank accounts. Some strategists believe that cash could find its way into risk assets at a fragile moment for markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Feb. 13, “The average tax refund is 22% higher so far this season.” The larger refunds follow President Donald Trump signing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law in July 2025. The legislation extended and expanded several tax cuts, with the White House promoting the 2026 filing season as ...

Economic Data and Market Sentiment - Japanese exports rose for the fifth consecutive month in January, indicating a positive trend in trade [6][9] - Confidence among Japanese manufacturers improved in February for the first time in three months, as per the Reuters Tankan poll [6][9] - The International Monetary Fund urged Japan to continue raising interest rates and avoid further loosening of fiscal policy [7][9] Geopolitical Developments - Progress was reported in nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S., with an understanding on main "guiding principles" reached, although a deal is not imminent [5][8] - Peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are ongoing, with U.S.-mediated talks taking place in Geneva [6][8] U.S. Economic Indicators - The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee is set to release minutes from its January meeting, which may provide insights into future monetary policy [8] - The U.S. Commerce Department will issue its first estimate for GDP for the fourth quarter on Friday, which is a key economic indicator [8] Currency Market Movements - The dollar index remained stable at 97.11 after a two-day advance, reflecting mixed market sentiment [2][8] - The yen strengthened by 0.1% to 153.12 per dollar, while the euro held steady at $1.1852 [2][5] - The Australian dollar and kiwi remained steady at $0.7083 and $0.6047 respectively, with New Zealand's central bank expected to hold rates [8][9] U.S.-Japan Investment Initiatives - The Trump administration announced three projects valued at $36 billion to be financed by Japan, part of a larger $550 billion investment agreement aimed at reducing U.S. tariffs [7][9]

The total value of all cryptocurrencies in circulation just fell to $2.3 trillion, which is the lowest level since 2024, and practically every coin and token has been swept up in the latest sell-off. Ether (CRYPTO: ETH), which is the native cryptocurrency in the Ethereum network, is down by a whopping 57% from its 2025 peak as I write this. Ethereum is the world's leading platform for creating decentralized applications, which are popular in areas like financial services and gaming. Every time someone us ...

Economic Overview - The yen trimmed losses from the previous day amid thin trading conditions due to holidays in Asia and the U.S. [1] - Key economic events this week include the release of the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes and advance figures on U.S. GDP [1][10]. U.S. Economic Sentiment - Kristina Clifton, a senior currency strategist, expressed a positive outlook on the U.S. economy, anticipating a high chance of a June interest rate cut, with a follow-up cut expected in July [2]. - The dollar index remained stable at 97.12 after a 0.2% gain in the previous session, while the euro fell by 0.06% to $1.1843 [5][10]. Currency Movements - The yen strengthened by 0.15% to 153.28 per dollar, while the British pound weakened by 0.07% to $1.3616 [6][10]. - The Australian dollar decreased by 0.07% to $0.7064, and New Zealand's kiwi fell by 0.08% to $0.6026 ahead of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's policy meeting [8][11]. Inflation and Monetary Policy - U.S. consumer prices rose less than expected in January, providing the Federal Reserve with more flexibility for policy easing this year [6][10]. - Money market traders are pricing in 62 basis points of easing for the remainder of the year, indicating two quarter-point cuts and a 50% chance of a third cut [6][11]. - The next interest rate cut is likely in June, with an 80% chance of a 25-basis-point reduction [11]. Global Economic Indicators - Japan's economy showed minimal growth, with an annualized expansion of only 0.2% last quarter, which has implications for potential government stimulus [7][11]. - Minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia's board meeting indicated concerns over inflation and employment risks shifting materially [9][11]. Cryptocurrency Market - Bitcoin experienced a slight increase of 0.05% to $68,881.72, while ether remained stable at $1,999.11 [9].

Welcome to February 2026, where the geopolitical landscape looks less like a traditional map and more like a game of Monopoly played by someone who refuses to read the rulebook but insists on buying the utilities anyway. As of February 16, the “Trump Trade” has evolved from simple deregulation fantasies into a complex web of Arctic land grabs, Middle Eastern reconstruction pledges, and a sudden, passionate embrace of digital currency ETFs. If you thought the markets were volatile in 2024, the current atmosp ...

Smartphone showing a plunging red crypto chart with a green up arrow, beside a Bitcoin coin on a desk. Key Points The price of Bitcoin is down almost a quarter year-to-date as a long-standing, if uneven, rally has faltered. Two dedicated exchange-traded funds, BITI and SBIT, provide -1x and -2x daily exposure to the price of Bitcoin, respectively, although they are highly risky trades. An alternative, SETH, mimics BITI's -1x approach but focuses on the price of Ether instead. Interested in ProShares S ...

Trump Media and Technology Group is expanding its push into digital assets, filing for two new cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds tied to Bitcoin, Ether and the Cronos ecosystem. Key Takeaways: Trump Media filed for two crypto ETFs tracking Bitcoin, Ether and the Cronos token. The Cronos fund would include staking rewards with Crypto.com providing custody and services. The move deepens ties between US politics and the growing crypto investment sector. Truth Social Funds, the ETF arm of the comp ...

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the 1099-DA tax form for cryptocurrency investors is expected to create challenges for taxpayers, as it requires them to provide their own cost basis to avoid overpaying taxes on capital gains [5][20]. Group 1: Tax Reporting Changes - The IRS is implementing a new tax form, the 1099-DA, for the 2026 filing season, which will report proceeds from cryptocurrency transactions but will not include the cost basis [5][19]. - This new reporting method aims to standardize how crypto exchanges report user profits to the IRS, potentially generating approximately $28 billion in revenue over a decade [14][15]. - The 1099-DA form is part of the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, despite pushback from the cryptocurrency industry [14]. Group 2: Investor Responsibilities - Investors must provide their own cost basis to avoid the IRS marking it as $0, which could lead to significantly higher tax bills [2][3]. - The fragmentation of transactions across different exchanges and wallets complicates the ability to track cost basis, leaving many investors with incomplete records [8][20]. - Taxpayers are still required to report income, gains, or losses even if they do not appear on the 1099-DA form, emphasizing the need for diligent record-keeping [12][18]. Group 3: Industry Response - Cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase and Robinhood are preparing to assist users with the new reporting requirements, although they cannot provide tax advice [16][17]. - Experts in crypto tax strategy anticipate an increase in demand for services to help investors determine their initial cost basis as the 1099-DA forms are distributed [17]. - The transition to the new reporting system is seen as a test year for exchanges, which are working to improve their reporting capabilities [16].

Core Insights - Coinbase is actively purchasing Bitcoin during a market downturn, indicating a bullish stance despite current price struggles [1] - Standard Chartered Bank has revised its year-end price target for Bitcoin downward, predicting further price declines in the near future [1] Group 1: Coinbase's Strategy - Coinbase announced its intention to "buy the dip" in Bitcoin and its own stock, reflecting confidence in the long-term potential of digital assets [1] - The exchange has repurchased $1.7 billion in shares since October, with an additional $2.3 billion available for future buybacks [1] - Despite the current volatility, Coinbase believes that the underlying technological advancements and adoption of crypto products remain strong [1] Group 2: Market Outlook - Bitcoin prices are currently struggling to stay above the $70,000 mark, with altcoins like Ethereum and Solana facing similar challenges [1] - Standard Chartered forecasts Bitcoin could drop to a low of $50,000, representing a potential decline of over 25% from recent levels, while Ethereum may fall to $1,400 [1] - The bank emphasizes the need for renewed ETF inflows to support a market recovery, suggesting that further capitulation is likely before new buyers emerge [1]