On February 18, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:15 (UTC), BTC dropped 0.60% within just 15 minutes, fluctuating around $67,800. Along with a shift toward a more cautious overall market sentiment, short-term volatility intensified, trading activity increased, and market attention continued to heat up.
The primary driver of this movement was macroeconomic pressure. Recent U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate policies have heightened risk aversion in global financial markets, putting collective pressure on risk assets, with the crypto market also weakening accordingly. At the same time, the EU’s latest compliance framework was introduced, and increased regulatory expectations added uncertainty to the market, shaking investor confidence in the short term. Additionally, the key technical support at $68,000 was directly broken, triggering a large number of stop-loss orders and automated trading, which amplified selling pressure.
Meanwhile, on-chain data shows that in the 48 hours prior to the crash, exchange net inflows of BTC increased by 22%, with many holders actively transferring coins to exchanges, creating substantial selling pressure. Short-term trading volume surged by 35%, indicating that both institutional and retail funds responded simultaneously to the downward signals, further fueling the sell-off. From a technical perspective, RSI broke below 50 and MACD bullish signals weakened, confirming that the technicals are in a correction phase. In terms of capital flow, some funds rapidly moved into stablecoins and safe-haven assets like gold, indicating continued outflows of risk capital. On-chain activity decreased by 15% week-over-week, further reflecting waning market participation.
In the short term, BTC still faces increased volatility and downside risk, especially around the key support level of $65,000. If this level is broken, it could trigger a larger correction. Investors should closely monitor on-chain fund flows, trading volume, and macro policy transmission effects. Future focus should be on the $65,000–$68,500 range for volatility, as well as the latest policy developments and market sentiment changes to mitigate short-term risks. For more real-time market information, please stay tuned for updates.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
American Bitcoin Powers On 11,298 Additional ASIC Miners
Gate News message, April 22 — American Bitcoin, a Bitcoin mining company backed by the Trump family, announced it has brought 11,298 additional ASIC miners online.
The company distinguishes between total mining hardware holdings, which
GateNews10m ago
$78,000 BTC Price Support Level Reclaimed, Bitcoin Could Be Entering Bullish Reversal Stage
Bitcoin reclaiming $78k fuels a bullish reversal narrative and potential altseason, with bulls eyeing new ATHs up to $126k–$140k while bears warn of a fake pump before a cycle bottom.
Abstract: The article discusses Bitcoin reclaiming the $78,000 level as a potential bullish reversal that could spur altcoin rallies, outlining bullish and bearish forecasts, possible new ATHs, and rising market optimism.
CryptoNewsLand2h ago
Abraxas Capital Adds 54 BTC, Expanding Long Position to $5M on Hyperliquid
Abraxas Capital boosted its BTC long by 54 BTC (~$4.2M) in two hours, taking longs to $5M at $77,450 avg. After closing shorts on April 12, it began a rolling long build-up.
Abraxas Capital increased BTC exposure on Hyperliquid by 54 BTC in two hours, signaling a rolling long build-up after closing shorts.
GateNews3h ago
Bitcoin Breaks Through $78,000, Ethereum Hits $2,390: Market Panic Eases
Bitcoin breaks through $78,000, while Ethereum climbs above $2,390. This article reviews the V-shaped reversal trend from April 13 to 22, analyzing the evolution of liquidation data and the Fear and Greed Index.
GateInstantTrends4h ago
Arthur Hayes Sets $500K Bitcoin Target for End of 2026
Bitcoin hits $78k as institutions accumulate; Hayes bets $500k BTC and $200 HYPE, centering Bitcoin as his top conviction amid macro uncertainty and potential policy shifts.
Abstract: This article reports Bitcoin’s rise to about $78,000 amid rising institutional accumulation, with roughly 45,000 BTC bought in the past week and more than 1 million BTC added by long-term holders over three months. It notes BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes’ end-of-2026 targets—$500,000 for Bitcoin and $200 for HYPE—reflecting Bitcoin as his top conviction and the influence of macro uncertainty and potential liquidity shifts on crypto demand. It also highlights the wildcard of monetary policy moves that could accelerate or derail these targets.
CryptoFrontier4h ago
ZachXBT Warns Against Bitcoin Depot ATM Over 44% Bitcoin Markup
ZachXBT warns Bitcoin Depot ATMs impose steep premiums—$25k fiat at $108k/BTC vs ~$75k market (about 44%), leading to ~ $7.5k loss on 0.232 BTC; also notes a $3.26M security breach.
This article summarizes ZachXBT's warnings about Bitcoin Depot's pricing practices and a recent security breach, highlighting risks from inflated rates and security lapses for users.
GateNews4h ago
