VIRTUAL closed the week in a downtrend despite a strong rally; short-term momentum is positive but resistances and BTC weakness are risky. The critical $0.6478-$0.7128 range will determine the dire...
Prices in the United States climbed more slowly than predicted in January, providing Americans with a brief respite after years of high prices, but a top Federal Reserve official warn s th e fight against inflation is far from over. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said on February 13 that consumer prices climbed 2.4% in the 12 months through January 2026. That is down from 2.7% in December and came in below what most economists had predicted, around 2.5%. When you strip out food and energy, two categories that tend to swing wildly, prices were up 2.5% from a year ago. On a monthly basis, overall prices gained 0.2%, while that core measure rose 0.3%. Both figures either matched or came in under forecasts. Services inflation remains a stubborn problem The numbers come at a time when the broader economy is holding up. Employers added a healthy number of jobs in January, and the unemployment rate remained near 4.3%, steady, but not indicating any major trouble in the job market. Housing costs remained one of the bigger forces pushing inflation higher, while food prices were up 2.9% over the past year. In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee discussed the study on the same day it was released. He adde d th ere were some encouraging indicators, notably in goods pricing, which did not appear to be adversely affected by tariffs. However, he was keen to stress that inflation in services is a whole other issue. “Services inflation is not tamed in the CPI,” Goolsbee stated, describing it as a “danger sign.” He added that once service costs increase, they tend to stay high, and unlike products, they are not subject to the same trade constraints that tariffs bring. He noted that he will be keenly monitoring future Producer Price Index data on services for further information . Fe d in no rush to cut rates When it comes to interest rates, Goolsbee did not promise any near-term cuts. He said the Fed needs to see real, sustained improvement in inflation before it moves. “If we could get some more improvement on the inflation side, I think rates can still go down a fair bit more,” he said. However, he made clear that one encouraging report is not enough. He pointed out that inflation has been running above the Fed’s 2% goal for more than four and a half years, and the central bank needs solid evidence of progress before loosening policy further. He also said he is not certain how restrictive current rates actually are, and that there may be room to bring them down toward a level that neither speeds up nor slows down the economy too much. Goolsbee’s moderate attitude mirrors the Fed’s overall perspective. Goolsbee’s first opposing vote since arriving in 2023 came in December 2025, when he and Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid both voted against reducing interest rates (along with one other dissenter favoring a larger cut). Six other officials at the discussion urged against going too quickly. In January 2026, he went even further, saying that external pressure on the Fed’s independence may make inflation more difficult to manage. The markets mirrored this anxiety. According to CME FedWatch data from mid-February, traders expect a rate hold for the March 18, 2026, meeting (78% to 94%). Few saw a near-term drop, but long-term betting on incremental reductions remained if inflation continued to fall. As of February 14, 2026: 90.8% chance the Fed holds rates at the March 18, 2026 meeting, with 9.2% odds of a 25 bps cut. Source: CME FedWatch Tool January’s report offers some reason for optimism, but not enough for the Fed to change course just yet. Upcoming data on producer prices and employment will go a long way in shaping what happens in the months ahead. Get 8% CASHBACK when you spend crypto with COCA Visa card. Order your FREE card.
XRP could see significant gains as RLUSD usage grows on the XRP Ledger. Crypto enthusiast and XRP advocate Diana (@InvestWithD) shared a video from XRP Community Day where Jack McDonald, Ripple’s SVP of Stablecoins, explained how XRP powers RLUSD transactions. Her comments highlight a direct connection between stablecoin activity and XRP utility, which could influence market behavior. XRP as the Native Gas Token McDonald confirmed that “every time you mint RLUSD or do something with RLUSD on the XRP ledger, XRP is used as that native gas token.” This means all RLUSD transactions require XRP to process. Whether for payments, transfers, or treasury flows, XRP facilitates each operation on the XRPL. This system ensures that as RLUSD adoption grows, so does XRP usage. McDonald emphasized that “the more activity, the more utility for RLUSD on the XRPL, it’s a net positive for XRP.” Every interaction with RLUSD increases demand for XRP , reinforcing its role as an essential utility token within the Ripple ecosystem. BREAKING: Ripple SVP CONFIRMS “XRP Is the Native Gas Token for RLUSD” — More RLUSD Activity = Higher XRP Price During XRP Community Day, @Ripple ’s SVP of Stablecoins @_JackMcDonald_ explained how $RLUSD directly affects to $XRP price. “Every time you mint RLUSD or do… pic.twitter.com/73WPFzqVJJ — Diana (@InvestWithD) February 12, 2026 Stablecoin Growth Drives XRP Utility RLUSD is designed to run natively on the XRP Ledger. The stablecoin relies exclusively on XRP for transaction fees. This structure creates consistent demand for XRP whenever RLUSD activity rises. All stablecoin transactions consume XRP, directly tying stablecoin growth to XRP usage. As McDonald noted, the interaction with XRP happens daily. He stated, “We interact with XRP and the ledger every single day.” This routine engagement shows the recurring demand for XRP and the token’s integral role in enabling stablecoin operations. Positive XRP Price Dynamics The connection between RLUSD and XRP has clear market implications. Increased RLUSD activity creates higher demand for XRP, strengthen its utility and value. More transactions require more XRP, reinforcing its position as the ledger’s native gas token. This direct usage is likely to support XRP’s price as adoption grows. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 McDonald also highlighted that Ripple continues to offer XRP to its payments customers. By providing an alternative for stablecoin users, Ripple ensures ongoing XRP engagement. This approach reinforces the token’s utility while expanding use cases across payments and treasury management. Strategic Importance for Ripple XRP’s role as the gas token for RLUSD adds strategic value to Ripple’s ecosystem. Every increase in RLUSD activity translates into higher XRP engagement. This positions XRP as both a utility token and a stable mechanism for transaction processing. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently called XRP the North Star for Ripple . This design that drives demand to XRP reinforces that stance and strengthens the asset’s importance in the ecosystem. As Ripple expands RLUSD adoption, XRP will see increased demand, further solidifying its position in the market. 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 Ripple SVP Confirms: “XRP Is the Native Gas Token for RLUSD” appeared first on Times Tabloid .
Human.tech has integrated Wallet-as-a-Protocol (WaaP) onto the Sui blockchain, introducing a fully decentralized wallet execution layer that enables seedless, self-custodial wallets with familiar logins. Seamless Onboarding and Decentralized Infrastructure Privacy-first infrastructure provider Human.tech has announced the integration of Wallet-as-a-Protocol (WaaP) on the Sui blockchain. The rollout introduces a fully decentralized wallet execution layer on Sui,
Trump Media is launching two crypto ETFs centered on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cronos. The funds combine price tracking with staking income to attract active investors. Continue Reading: Trump Media Targets Crypto ETF Market with New Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cronos Funds The post Trump Media Targets Crypto ETF Market with New Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cronos Funds appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Soars: BTC Recovers to $70K as Fed Rate Cut Hopes Ignite Market Optimism NEW YORK, March 2025 – Bitcoin has staged a remarkable recovery, surging back to the $70,000 threshold as growing expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts reshape market sentiment. This significant rebound follows a sharp decline earlier this month, with the cryptocurrency gaining approximately 5% in just 24 hours. Market analysts attribute this Bitcoin price movement directly to recent economic data suggesting shifting monetary policy directions. Bitcoin Price Recovery and Market Dynamics The cryptocurrency market witnessed substantial volatility throughout early 2025. Bitcoin initially dropped to around $60,000, creating concern among investors. However, the digital asset demonstrated remarkable resilience. Consequently, it recovered most losses within a compressed timeframe. This recovery pattern reflects Bitcoin’s evolving correlation with traditional financial indicators. Market participants now closely monitor macroeconomic signals. Several technical factors supported this Bitcoin price recovery. Trading volume increased significantly during the rebound phase. Additionally, institutional buying pressure became evident across major exchanges. The $70,000 level represents a crucial psychological barrier for market sentiment. Breaking through this resistance required substantial capital inflow. Market data confirms this capital arrived following the economic announcements. Federal Reserve Policy Expectations Drive Sentiment The January Consumer Price Index (CPI) report delivered unexpected results. Specifically, inflation measurements came in lower than most economists predicted. This development immediately impacted interest rate forecasts. Financial markets began pricing in higher probabilities of monetary easing. The Federal Reserve faces complex decisions regarding economic management. Prediction markets provide clear evidence of shifting expectations. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket show dramatic changes. For instance, the probability of an April rate cut increased substantially. This shift occurred within hours of the CPI data release. Market participants now anticipate more accommodative policies. Such expectations typically benefit risk assets like cryptocurrencies. Market Probability Shifts for Fed Rate Cuts Time Period Probability Before CPI Probability After CPI April 2025 Meeting 35% 68% June 2025 Meeting 72% 89% 2025 Total Cuts 2.5 expected 3.5 expected Expert Analysis on Monetary Policy Impacts Financial analysts emphasize the historical relationship between interest rates and Bitcoin. Lower interest rates generally reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. This dynamic makes cryptocurrencies relatively more attractive. Furthermore, easier monetary policy often weakens the U.S. dollar. Bitcoin frequently demonstrates an inverse correlation with dollar strength. Market strategists point to several key indicators: Real yields: Declining real yields enhance Bitcoin’s appeal as an alternative store of value Liquidity conditions: Expected Fed actions could increase systemic liquidity Risk appetite: Lower rates typically encourage greater risk-taking across financial markets Institutional positioning: Major funds adjust portfolios based on rate expectations The current situation mirrors previous cycles where monetary policy shifts preceded cryptocurrency rallies. However, analysts caution that correlation doesn’t guarantee future performance. Multiple factors influence Bitcoin’s price trajectory simultaneously. Cryptocurrency Market Structure Evolution The cryptocurrency ecosystem has matured significantly since previous rate cycles. Institutional participation now represents a substantial market segment. Regulatory frameworks continue developing across major jurisdictions. Market infrastructure improvements enhance price discovery mechanisms. These structural changes potentially amplify monetary policy transmission effects. Bitcoin’s recovery to $70,000 demonstrates several important characteristics: First, the cryptocurrency maintains sensitivity to macroeconomic developments. Second, market participants quickly incorporate new information into pricing. Third, technical levels remain relevant despite fundamental drivers. Fourth, volatility persists but within increasingly defined parameters. These observations suggest evolving market maturity. Comparative Analysis with Traditional Assets Bitcoin’s recent performance contrasts with traditional asset classes during the same period. While equities showed moderate gains, cryptocurrency returns proved substantially higher. This divergence highlights Bitcoin’s unique risk-return profile. Fixed-income securities experienced price increases as yields declined. However, their percentage gains remained below cryptocurrency returns. The recovery also demonstrates Bitcoin’s resilience following corrections. Previous declines of similar magnitude required longer recovery periods. The accelerated rebound suggests stronger underlying demand. Market depth indicators support this interpretation. Order book analysis reveals robust support at key technical levels. Global Economic Context and Implications The Federal Reserve operates within a complex global economic environment. Other central banks face similar policy decisions. International coordination remains limited but influential. Currency markets react to relative policy expectations. Bitcoin increasingly functions within this global framework. Several international developments merit attention: European Central Bank maintains cautious stance on rate adjustments Bank of Japan continues ultra-accommodative policies Emerging market central banks monitor capital flow implications Global debt levels influence policy flexibility across jurisdictions These factors create interconnected market dynamics. Bitcoin responds to both domestic and international developments. The cryptocurrency’s borderless nature amplifies these connections. Investors must consider this global context when analyzing price movements. Technical Analysis and Market Psychology Technical indicators provide additional insights into Bitcoin’s recovery. The $70,000 level previously acted as both support and resistance. Reclaiming this threshold represents a significant psychological victory. Momentum indicators show strengthening bullish signals. Volume patterns confirm institutional participation in the move. Market sentiment surveys reveal shifting attitudes. Fear and greed indices moved from extreme fear to neutral territory. Social media analysis indicates renewed optimism among retail investors. Derivatives markets show rebalancing of positions. Options activity suggests expectations for continued upward movement. Risk Factors and Market Vulnerabilities Despite the positive developments, several risk factors warrant consideration. Inflation could reaccelerate, altering Fed policy expectations. Geopolitical tensions might disrupt financial markets. Regulatory actions could impact cryptocurrency accessibility. Technological developments may introduce new variables. Market participants should monitor these potential challenges: Upcoming economic data releases that could shift rate expectations Regulatory announcements from major jurisdictions Technical developments in blockchain infrastructure Macroeconomic indicators beyond inflation measurements Prudent investment strategies account for these uncertainties. Diversification remains important despite Bitcoin’s strong recovery. Risk management practices should adapt to evolving market conditions. Conclusion Bitcoin’s recovery to $70,000 demonstrates the cryptocurrency’s ongoing sensitivity to monetary policy expectations. The Federal Reserve’s potential rate cuts, signaled by January’s CPI data, provided crucial momentum for this Bitcoin price movement. Market structure evolution and global economic context further influenced this development. While risks persist, the current trajectory highlights Bitcoin’s maturing relationship with traditional finance. This Bitcoin recovery illustrates how digital assets increasingly respond to macroeconomic fundamentals alongside their unique technological attributes. FAQs Q1: What caused Bitcoin to recover to $70,000? The primary driver was growing expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts following lower-than-expected January CPI inflation data, which made risk assets like Bitcoin more attractive to investors. Q2: How does Federal Reserve policy affect Bitcoin prices? Potential rate cuts typically weaken the U.S. dollar and reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets, creating favorable conditions for Bitcoin appreciation as investors seek alternative stores of value. Q3: What percentage gain did Bitcoin achieve during this recovery? Bitcoin rose approximately 5% over 24 hours to trade above $70,000, recovering from a drop to around $60,000 earlier in the month. Q4: How reliable are prediction markets for forecasting Fed rate decisions? Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket provide real-time probability assessments based on trader sentiment, offering useful indicators though not guarantees of actual Fed actions. Q5: Could Bitcoin’s recovery reverse if economic conditions change? Yes, Bitcoin remains sensitive to macroeconomic developments; if inflation reaccelerates or the Fed maintains higher rates, market sentiment and Bitcoin prices could adjust accordingly. Q6: How does this recovery compare to previous Bitcoin market cycles? The accelerated rebound suggests stronger institutional participation and market maturity compared to previous cycles, though volatility remains characteristic of cryptocurrency markets. This post Bitcoin Soars: BTC Recovers to $70K as Fed Rate Cut Hopes Ignite Market Optimism first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Ethereum Foundation has welcomed a new co-executive director as Tomasz Stanczak steps down.
The ever-vocal Ripple community has taken the main stage on X again amid the underlying asset’s impressive price performance over the past day. Here are some of the biggest XRP price predictions, as well as some really mindblowing forecasts about the token’s role in global finance. Double Digits for XRP? The past 24 hours have been kinder to the cryptocurrency markets, with BTC going past $70,000 for the first time in a week, and ETH reclaiming the $2,100 resistance. Ripple’s cross-border token has solidified its position as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency with a 7.5% surge to $1.48. This has given the XRP Army wings to post some quite optimistic predictions once again, despite the token being 60% down from its all-time high of $3.65 marked in July last year. Cobb alleged that the current price slump looks “so fake and orchestrated.” They added that it could have the opposite effect and “end up being one of the greatest fakeouts of all time and then BOOM $10 out of nowhere.” In a separate tweet responding to John Squire’s $10,000 prediction, Cobb noted that the “real XRP trenchers” are actually hoping for a more modest target of $10-$30. ChartNerd agreed , actually, saying that the 1.618 Fibonacci extension sees the token skyrocketing to $27. real XRP trenchers are looking for $10-$30 https://t.co/s2mkdyLoHT — Cobb (@Cobb_XRPL) February 14, 2026 Needless to say, even the lowest of the aforementioned targets – $10 – sounds more than just far-fetched at the moment. Despite XRP’s positive momentum in the past 24 hours, the asset would have to surge by 580% to reach $10 and by a whopping 1,950% to tap $30. XRP to Bridge Global Finance? But, for the sake of argument, let’s assume that XRP could indeed surge to $10 or beyond anytime soon. It would need some sort of a major catalyst, right? The SEC legal case conclusion and the hope of spot XRP ETFs in the US managed to send it to as high as $3.65, so there must be something big for a double-digit price target. Squire, perhaps the most vocal bull within the XRP Army, made another shocking claim, saying the token “will become the bridge asset for global finance.” He believes banks won’t opt for BTC, and would go for XRP because of its speed, liquidity, and compliance. XRP will become the bridge asset for global finance. Banks won’t choose Bitcoin. They will choose speed, liquidity and compliance. Agree or disagree? — John Squire | Global Finance & Crypto (@TheCryptoSquire) February 14, 2026 The post Ripple Bulls Reveal Bold Price Predictions as XRP Surges to Weekly Highs appeared first on CryptoPotato .
Southeast Asian gangs involved in human trafficking have now kicked up their money laundering activities, relying on cryptocurrencies to move illegal funds and conceal profits. The move signals a shift in how these groups operate across borders, with a new report showing that digital assets have become the most preferred channel. According to the report, these illicit funds are tied to forced labor, operations carried out in scam compounds , and other criminal activities. The trend shows how easy criminal networks adapt to technology while expanding their global reach. In a report released by Chainalysis, crypto transactions linked to suspected trafficking operations jumped by 85% to hit $260 million. The metric was released in its 2026 crypto crime report, which tracks illicit activities across public blockchains. Why are Southeast Asian gangs adopting crypto? In the report released by investigators, Southeast Asian gangs are now favoring crypto. Tom McLouth, an intelligence analyst at Chainalysis, explained that the adoption of digital assets by these gang networks is because using digital assets provides them with faster remittance. He noted that transactions are carried out within seconds, and funds are moved into exchanges that are abroad at the same time. He tied most of these transactions to forced labor in scam centers. In addition, some funds were also linked to international escort services and child sexual abuse material networks. The growth is in line with the expansion of scam compounds and digital gambling platforms across the region. Aside from using digital assets for its speed, it helps them reduce their dependence on traditional banking systems. Criminals tend to avoid the delays and regulatory oversight that come with using traditional cross-border transfer systems, and scaling their operations faster. Over the past few years, Southeast Asia has seen a rise in online scam hubs and digital casinos. These operations rely on trafficked workers who have been forced to leave their countries to seek greener pastures. These networks usually advertise several fake roles to entice workers and end up holding them against their will in these compounds. The workers help the masterminds behind the operation run their scams, where they target victims worldwide and take payments using crypto wallets. Investigators report scam growth tied to crypto In the report, investigators mentioned that the criminals have been able to grow their operations using crypto. As scam centers in Southeast Asia continue to rise, crypto transactions associated with them are also increasing. In addition, these trafficking groups use multiple wallets for transactions. However, blockchain technology creates a record of every transaction. Unlike cash exchanges, digital transactions leave a trail on the blockchain. In addition, investigators are now using blockchain analytics and traditional intelligence to investigate these transactions. As a result of this, authorities can disrupt networks faster than in previous years. While trafficking networks take advantage of the speed and global reach of crypto, transparency provides an edge to investigators. Cooperation between regulations and analytics firms has also been helping enforcement efforts. In a recent update released by Interpol last November, it announced that it has designated the criminal scam compounds built in the region as a transnational criminal threat. The resolution was approved at a General Assembly meeting in Marrakech, where authorities claimed that the scam compounds have targeted victims from more than 60 countries. They claimed that these criminals target victims using voice phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, and other forms of crypto scams. Get 8% CASHBACK when you spend crypto with COCA Visa card. Order your FREE card.
CAKE at $1.34 is at a critical threshold; while an upward rebound is possible with RSI oversold, downtrend resistances could trigger a decline. Trigger levels for both scenarios and BTC correlation...