Current Cryptocurrency News for Thursday, February 12, 2026: Key Market Events, U.S. Macroeconomic Data Reactions, Cautious Consolidation of Prices, Institutional Initiatives, and a Review of the Top 10 Most Popular Crypto Assets.
As of the morning of February 12, 2026, the global cryptocurrency market is attempting to stabilize following another wave of volatility. The day before, the release of inflation data in the U.S. triggered a brief intensification of sell-offs, although some of the losses were subsequently recovered. Bitcoin is trading at around $68,000–70,000, remaining above the extreme lows of last week thanks to the emergence of buyers at lower levels. Ethereum (ETH) is holding steady near the $2,000 mark after recent fluctuations, bouncing back from a local dip (~$1,750 in early February). The total capitalization of digital assets is estimated at approximately $2.4 trillion – nearly $2 trillion below the historical maximum of October 2025, highlighting the scale of the correction over the past weeks. Overall market sentiment remains cautious: the "Fear and Greed" index for cryptocurrencies continues to indicate "extreme fear" (less than 20 points out of 100), signaling a prevailing caution among investors.
The rapid decline of the market in early February was caused by the convergence of several negative factors – from strong signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve to mass liquidations on derivatives exchanges. Additional blows came from news of a potential tightening of monetary policy: the nomination of renowned monetary policy hawk Kevin Warsh to head the Fed heightened investor concerns. As a result, this combination of triggers led to panic selling on February 6, when Bitcoin suddenly plummeted to around $60,000, accompanied by a cascade of margin calls. In the following days, the market attempted a technical bounce. The influx of capital from some investors looking to take advantage of the dips provided partial recovery in prices. Bitcoin managed to rise above the psychologically important level of $70,000, although risk appetite remains weak. Market participants are now focused on external signals and are analyzing macroeconomic data: the inflation statistics released yesterday showed that price pressures remain elevated, and a labor market report is expected tomorrow. These indicators will largely set the tone for the future dynamics of the crypto market.
Market Overview: Cautious Consolidation Following Macroeconomic Upheavals
At the end of 2025, the cryptocurrency market was reaching historical highs, but as 2026 approached, the trend sharply reversed downward. Rapid tightening of monetary policy in major economies and other external factors triggered a global decrease in risk appetite. The massive sell-off in January 2026 led to a dramatic decline in the value of crypto assets: during the initial weeks of the year, total capitalization dropped by tens of percent before finding a local bottom. Compared to peak levels in the fall, total cryptocurrency capitalization has shrunk by approximately 40–50%. Many investors, in panic, withdrew capital from the most volatile assets – shifting to stablecoins or temporarily exiting the market entirely – looking to weather the storm outside the crypto space.
During the second week of February, tentative attempts at stabilization emerged. The prices of leading cryptocurrencies are consolidating within a narrower range following the recent shock. Some previously oversold altcoins are showing short-term growth amid a technical rebound; however, widespread rallies are not seen. Overall sentiment remains uncertain: traders fear new waves of selling and are hesitant to return to riskier positions. Until there is greater clarity in the external macroeconomic situation, the market is likely to continue balancing between cautious attempts at growth and fears of further declines.
Bitcoin: Volatility and Position Holding
The first cryptocurrency – Bitcoin (BTC) – experienced its steepest decline in over a year last week, plummeting to around $60,000 during the panic-selling episode of February 6. Since its October record (~$125,000 in 2025), the price of BTC has dropped nearly by half. The sharp decline was triggered by profit-taking from several large holders after an extended rally, as well as decreased overall market liquidity. An additional trigger was the increased expectation of Fed policy tightening – the news of the nomination of hawk K. Warsh heightened fears of further interest rate hikes. Together, these factors spurred a chain reaction: selling pressure and mass liquidations pushed BTC to a yearly low.
Recovering from the low around $60,000, Bitcoin quickly bounced back and is currently trying to hold above the $65,000–70,000 range. The breakthrough back above the key psychological $70,000 mark was made possible by the appearance of buyers who saw the price drop as a favorable entry point. Nevertheless, resistance remains on the path to recovery: the $72,000–73,000 range is still unbroken after the recent rebound. Bitcoin's market dominance has increased and now exceeds 60–62% of total capitalization, highlighting the capital flow into the flagship asset as more reliable. Long-term investors and large "whales" are not rushing to part with their BTC holdings, viewing the current decline as temporary. Moreover, some publicly traded companies that are among the largest Bitcoin holders express a firm belief in the long-term potential of the asset and even hint at the willingness to increase their reserves while prices are down. Such interest from major players helps the market avoid further crashes. The key question for the near future is whether the ~$60,000 area will serve as a solid "bottom" for the current cycle or if this level may be tested again. Several participants prefer to hedge risks, laying out a scenario for a new wave of declines to $50,000–60,000, should external conditions continue to worsen. Meanwhile, positive macroeconomic signals could, on the contrary, spur further growth in BTC from current levels.
Ethereum: Network Development Amid Market Correction
The second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, Ethereum (ETH), has also experienced a significant price drop over the past weeks. From its fall peak (~$5,000 in 2025), ETH has decreased by approximately 50% and briefly fell below $1,800 during the recent sell-off. The swift daily decline at the beginning of February (over 10% in 24 hours) triggered a wave of automatic liquidations on the futures market, intensifying the downward momentum. However, despite the price correction, Ethereum maintains a key role in the industry, and the fundamental development of its ecosystem continues unabated.
In January, the Ethereum development team successfully executed another protocol upgrade (a hard fork code-named "BPO"), aimed at enhancing the scalability and efficiency of the network. Parallel to this, the expansion of Layer-2 solutions continues, reducing the strain on the main blockchain and lowering transaction fees. A significant portion of the issued ETH remains locked in the staking mechanism or held by long-term investors, which limits the supply of Ether in the market. Institutional interest in Ethereum remains high: back in 2025, the first exchange-traded funds tied to ETH appeared in the U.S., attracting billions of dollars in just a few months. Major investment funds and corporations continue including Ether along with Bitcoin in their core cryptocurrency portfolios, considering its technological value. Thus, even amid the price drop, Ethereum retains strong fundamental positions, and the recent downturn is viewed by many as a temporary phenomenon.
Altcoins: Volatility and Capital Redistribution
A wide range of alternative cryptocurrencies found themselves at the epicenter of recent turbulence, bearing the brunt of the sell-offs. Many secondary tokens, which had shown impressive growth at the beginning of 2026, have depreciated by 30–60% from their highs over the past weeks. In panic conditions, investors primarily reduced their most at-risk positions, leading to mass exits from altcoins. Capital flowed from high-volatility alt-assets either into safer instruments or was completely withdrawn into fiat. This process is confirmed by the increasing share of stablecoins in the overall market capitalization (many temporarily "parked" funds in USDT, USDC, and similar assets) and Bitcoin dominance rising above 60%. In essence, a redistribution of funds is occurring: amid turmoil, money is being withdrawn from the altcoin segment into the flagship Bitcoin and dollar stablecoins, which are seen as relatively "safe havens."
Not long ago, specific large altcoins – including XRP, Solana, and Binance Coin – were the driving forces behind the growth of the crypto market, showing outperforming dynamics by the end of 2025. However, during the current correction, even these leaders have significantly retreated from their peaks. The market is now undergoing a phase of risk reassessment, and there has not yet been a widespread influx of new capital into the altcoin sector. Only select niche tokens occasionally show double-digit daily growth, attracting speculative attention, but such episodes are more of an exception. Until overall confidence returns and macro conditions improve, a large-scale rally in the "second tier" of cryptocurrencies seems unlikely.
Regulation: Integration of Cryptocurrencies and Diverse Approaches
Regulators around the world are gradually integrating cryptocurrencies into the financial system, although their approaches differ. In the U.S., lawmakers are promoting a comprehensive digital asset legislation (Digital Asset Market Clarity Act) to clarify the authority of agencies (SEC, CFTC, etc.) and establish clear "rules of the game" for the market, including 100% reserve requirements for stablecoins. Despite a temporary pause in discussions due to industry disputes (e.g., regarding DeFi regulation), it is expected that work on the legislation will resume shortly with high-level support. Simultaneously, the U.S. executive branch is demonstrating a favorable attitude towards the crypto industry: the president recently signed an order officially allowing the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement savings plans, expanding investment opportunities and bolstering the integration of digital assets into traditional finance. At the same time, regulators are not easing oversight: at the end of 2025, the SEC shut down a number of blatantly fraudulent schemes (such as the fake projects "AI Wealth" and "Morocoin"), and legal precedents are starting to clarify the legal status of crypto assets – a notable example being Ripple's court win, which recognized XRP as not a security and reduced legal risks for the industry.
In Europe, the unified MiCA regulation came into effect in January 2026, establishing transparent rules for crypto assets across all EU countries. The European Union is also preparing new reporting standards for crypto transactions (the DAC8 package), aimed at increasing transparency and tax compliance. In Asia, Japan announced a reduction in tax on cryptocurrency trading income (~20%) and is considering launching the first crypto-ETFs, aiming to strengthen the country's status as a hub for digital finance. Meanwhile, China is adhering to a strict policy – this week, authorities effectively banned stablecoins pegged to the yuan, fearing uncontrolled capital outflow. Overall, the global trend is shifting from bans to regulation and integration: as clear rules emerge, institutional investors' trust in the crypto industry will grow, creating new opportunities for its development.
Institutional Trends: A Waiting Game and New Moves by Major Players
Following a record influx of institutional investments into crypto funds in 2025, the start of 2026 has been marked by a pause. The volatility of January and February triggered an outflow of funds from a number of crypto ETFs and trusts: many managers secured profits and reduced risk positions in anticipation of stabilization. Nevertheless, the strategic interest of major players in digital assets remains. Traditional financial institutions continue to explore cryptocurrencies. Notably, in January, the exchange operator Nasdaq lifted previous position size limits on options for cryptocurrency ETFs (such as BTC and ETH funds), equating them to the requirements for commodity ETFs. This move expands hedging and trading opportunities for large investors and demonstrates further adoption of crypto products in the mainstream. The largest derivatives exchange, CME Group, also reported that it is considering the launch of its own blockchain-based token and moving to 24/7 trading of crypto derivatives in compliance with regulators. Even conservative players are striving to adapt their infrastructure to meet the demand for crypto assets.
The crypto sphere is attracting attention from the banking sector as well. Denmark's largest bank, Danske Bank, recently announced that it will provide its clients access to investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum through exchange products, effectively lifting a long-standing ban on dealing with cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, international bank Standard Chartered has partnered with liquidity provider B2C2 to simplify institutional access to crypto markets. Many public companies that previously invested in Bitcoin and other coins are also maintaining their positions despite falling prices, emphasizing long-term confidence. Overall, the largest banks and asset managers are taking a wait-and-see approach with new investments but are actively developing crypto products and infrastructure. They anticipate that with improving macro conditions and the emergence of clear regulations, customer demand for digital assets will rise again, and the foundation for a new influx of institutional capital has already been laid.
Macroeconomics: Central Bank Tightening and Inflation Challenges
At the beginning of 2026, the external macroeconomic backdrop remains challenging for risky assets, and cryptocurrencies are feeling this pressure. A change of leadership at the Fed is on the horizon: the main candidate, Kevin Warsh, is known for his commitment to a strict monetary policy. Markets expect that high-interest rates will remain for an extended period, and the Federal Reserve's balance sheet will continue to shrink – a number of experts do not anticipate any easing of policy until the end of 2026. These expectations were reinforced by fresh data: inflation remains high. Since excess liquidity in previous years stimulated the rally of crypto assets, the prospect of "expensive money" is forcing investors to reevaluate strategies regarding Bitcoin and altcoins. By the end of January, political factors added to the uncertainty: a budget crisis in the U.S. nearly led to a government shutdown, temporarily undermining risk appetite.
On the international front, there are also significant risks. Trade tensions between the U.S. and the EU and a spike in government bond yields in Japan in February prompted a "flight to quality": investors flocked to safe assets. The price of gold soared to a record $5,000 per ounce, and the U.S. dollar strengthened noticeably. Against this backdrop, some investors temporarily ceased to view Bitcoin as "digital gold," favoring more reliable instruments instead.
Nonetheless, any signs of decreased macroeconomic uncertainty could quickly reignite interest in cryptocurrencies. Market participants are currently cautiously awaiting new signals: U.S. inflation data for January (released on February 11) showed only a moderate slowing of price growth, and ahead lies a key labor market report. These indicators will significantly influence forecasts regarding central bank policies. Signs of easing inflation or softened rhetoric from regulators could restore risk appetite and support the growth of crypto assets. Conversely, if the statistics disappoint, indicating the need for further tightening, the cautious period in the markets may extend. Analysts note that inflationary risks and geopolitical tensions remain, and the readiness of investors to actively return to volatile assets like cryptocurrencies directly depends on the development of these factors.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and largest cryptocurrency, accounting for about 60% of the total market capitalization. BTC is currently trading around $70,000 and remains the cornerstone of most crypto portfolios, serving for investors as "digital gold."
- Ethereum (ETH) – the second-largest digital asset and leading smart contract platform. The price of ETH hovers around $2,100; Ethereum is the backbone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem and numerous dApp applications.
- Tether (USDT) – the largest stablecoin, pegged at a 1:1 ratio to the U.S. dollar. It is widely used by traders for ease of trading and capital preservation between transactions; with a capitalization of about $80 billion, USDT is one of the main sources of liquidity in the crypto ecosystem.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the native token of the global cryptocurrency exchange Binance and the BNB Chain blockchain network. BNB holders receive discounts on trading fees and access to various ecosystem products. The coin is currently trading around $640 after a recent correction. Despite regulatory pressure on Binance, BNB remains in the top 5 due to widespread use in trading and DeFi services.
- XRP (Ripple) – the token of the Ripple payment network, designed for fast cross-border transfers. XRP is holding around $1.40, approximately twice below its recent local peak (in the summer of 2025, the price exceeded $3 amid a legal victory in the U.S.). Despite the pullback, XRP is still among the largest cryptocurrencies and attracts the banking sector's attention due to its fast payment technology.
- USD Coin (USDC) – the second most popular stablecoin, issued by Circle, fully backed by reserves in U.S. dollars. It is known for high transparency and regulatory compliance. USDC is widely used for transactions, trading, and in DeFi applications (market capitalization around $30 billion).
- Solana (SOL) – a high-performance blockchain platform known for low fees and transaction speed. In 2025, SOL rose above $200, rekindling investor interest in the project, and is currently trading at about half that price (~$85) after the general market correction. Due to its scalability, Solana is seen as a potential competitor to Ethereum in DeFi and Web3 sectors.
- Cardano (ADA) – the cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain platform, developed based on scientific research principles. ADA remains consistently among the top 10 due to its large market capitalization (tens of billions of tokens in circulation) and active community. However, its current price (~$0.30) is still significantly below historical highs, reflecting the overall market correction.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – the most well-known "meme" cryptocurrency, created as a joke, but over time grew into one of the largest digital assets. DOGE trades at around $0.10; the coin is supported by a dedicated community and occasional interest from celebrities. Despite high volatility, Dogecoin maintains a place in the upper echelons of rankings, demonstrating sustained investor interest.
- Tron (TRX) – the token of the Tron blockchain platform, focused on decentralized applications and digital content. TRX (~$0.28) is in demand for the issuance and movement of stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT circulates on the Tron network due to low fees). This helps Tron to remain among market leaders alongside other top assets by capitalization.
Outlook and Expectations
In the short term, sentiment in the crypto market remains very cautious. Indicators show a state of "extreme fear," sharply contrasting with the euphoria of several months ago. If external risks do not diminish, the recent correction could develop into a more prolonged decline. In a negative scenario, Bitcoin could revisit the ~$60,000 level or drop below – particularly if new macroeconomic or geopolitical shocks undermine investor confidence or regulators tighten pressure on the industry. Recent price collapses have served as a reminder of the importance of sound risk management: players taking excessive risk or believing that crypto assets "only go up" faced the other side of high volatility.
On a medium to long-term horizon, many experts are more optimistic. The industry continues to technologically evolve, new projects are being launched, and major companies are not losing interest in digital assets. Many investors view the current price drop as an opportunity to strengthen positions, especially in fundamentally strong assets. Historically, after periods of aggressive growth (such as in 2025), there tends to be a phase of cooling and consolidation that precedes the next upward swing. Current fundamental drivers – from the mass adoption of blockchain technologies across sectors to the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional finance – remain intact, creating a foundation for future market growth. Some forecasts even suggest that as macro conditions improve, Bitcoin might not only reclaim the $100,000 level but also set new records within the next year or two. Of course, the realization of such a scenario largely depends on the actions of regulators and central banks: if the Fed moves towards easing policy as inflation slows, and legislative clarity reduces the legal risks for the industry, the influx of capital into crypto assets could sharply accelerate. In the meantime, analysts advise investors to combine vigilance with strategic vision. Volatility is an inherent feature of the crypto market and the other side of its high potential returns. It is crucial to adhere to risk management principles, but not to lose sight of the long-term opportunities that arise as the digital asset market matures.
