Current Cryptocurrency News for Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Key Events in the Global Crypto Market, Major Trends, Institutional Interest, and the Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies for Investors.
As of the morning of February 11, 2026, the cryptocurrency market is showing signs of stabilisation following a period of heightened volatility. Bitcoin is trading around $70,000, maintaining its position above recent lows due to moderate interest from buyers who see an opportunity in the dip. Ethereum (ETH) has consolidated near the $2,100 mark after rebounding from a local bottom (~$1,750 last week). The total market capitalization of digital assets is estimated at approximately $2.5 trillion—almost $1.9 trillion below the historic peak of October 2025, reflecting the scale of the recent correction. Overall sentiment remains cautious: the "fear and greed" index for cryptocurrencies is still in the extreme "fear" zone (significantly below 20 out of 100), signalling prevailing investor caution.
The sharp decline in markets at the beginning of February was caused by a combination of negative factors—from hawkish signals from the US Federal Reserve to mass liquidations of positions on futures exchanges. However, the subsequent days brought a technical rebound: capital inflows from a number of investors looking to capitalise on falling prices supported a partial recovery. Bitcoin managed to return above the psychologically significant level of $70,000, although the appetite for risk remains weak. Market participants are now focusing on external signals and preparing for the release of key macroeconomic statistics in the US (inflation data for January will be released on February 11)—these figures could set the tone for the further dynamics of the crypto market.
Market Overview: Attempting Consolidation after Volatility
Just a couple of months ago—in late 2025—the crypto market was updating historical highs, but at the beginning of 2026, the trend sharply reversed downwards. Rapid tightening of monetary policy and other external factors reduced global risk appetite among investors. The January 2026 sell-off resulted in a significant decline in the value of crypto assets: in the first weeks of the year, the market collectively fell by tens of percentage points before finding local support. Compared to peak levels in autumn, the total cryptocurrency market capitalisation shrank by approximately 40–45%. Many participants hastily shifted their assets into stable investments—including stablecoins—or withdrew their capital entirely, waiting for the storm to pass outside the crypto market.
As the second week of February begins, tentative stabilisation is emerging. Prices of leading cryptocurrencies are consolidating in a narrow range following the shock. Some previously oversold altcoins are demonstrating notable growth amid a technical rebound, but widespread rallying is not observed. Overall sentiments remain uncertain: traders are wary of new waves of sell-offs and are reluctant to return to riskier positions. Until the macroeconomic situation clarifies, the market is likely to continue balancing between attempts to rise and fears of further declines.
Bitcoin: Maintaining a Key Level after the Crash
Last week, Bitcoin (BTC) experienced the deepest drop in over a year, plummeting to around ~$60,000 during panic selling on February 6. Since the record high of around ~$126,000 in early October 2025, the price of BTC has decreased by nearly 45–50%. This sharp decline was largely driven by profit-taking from large holders following a prolonged rally and diminishing overall market liquidity. Additional triggers included news about the nomination of hawkish monetary policy advocate Kevin Warsh as head of the US Federal Reserve, heightening concerns about further tightening of financial conditions. Consequently, this combination of factors triggered a chain reaction: selling pressure and large-scale liquidations of positions led to a short-term plunge in BTC to an annual low.
After reaching a bottom around $60,000, Bitcoin was able to rebound relatively quickly and is currently trading near $70,000. This return above the key psychological level was largely possible due to the emergence of buyers who saw the dip as an entry opportunity. However, resistance remains on the road to recovery—the $72,000–$73,000 range has proven unbroken during the recent bounce. Bitcoin's market dominance now exceeds 60% of total capitalisation, solidifying its status as the primary crypto asset and equivalent to "digital gold." Long-term investors and large "whales" are not rushing to part with their BTC, viewing the current decline as a temporary phenomenon. Moreover, some public companies—among the largest holders of Bitcoin—have expressed continued faith in its long-term potential and even hinted at a willingness to increase their reserves by taking advantage of the price dip. This interest from major players is helping the market from further declines. In the short-term, the key question for Bitcoin is whether ~$60,000 has established a solid bottom or if this level may be tested again. Some participants are hedging their risks, anticipating a scenario of further decline to $50,000–$60,000 if external conditions worsen, although positive macro signals could conversely spur further growth for BTC.
Ethereum: Network Development Amid Market Correction
The second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, Ethereum (ETH) also experienced a significant price drop. Over the past few weeks, the ETH price has decreased by approximately half from its high (~$5,000 in autumn 2025) and briefly fell below $1,800 during the sell-off. The sharp daily drop in prices seen in early February (over 10% in one day) triggered a cascade of automatic liquidations on derivative exchanges, intensifying the downward momentum. Nevertheless, following the correction, Ethereum continues to play a key role in the industry as a fundamental platform, with network development not ceasing despite price dips.
In January, the Ethereum team successfully implemented another protocol upgrade (a hard fork code-named "BPO"), aimed at enhancing scalability and efficiency in the blockchain. Active expansion of layer-two solutions continues, which reduce the burden on the main network and lower transaction fees. A substantial portion of the issued ETH volume remains locked in staking mechanisms or held by long-term investors, limiting the supply of Ether in the market. Institutional interest in Ethereum remains high: in 2025, the first exchange-traded crypto funds linked to ETH emerged in the US, attracting several billion dollars in investments within the first months. Major investment funds and corporations continue to include Ether alongside Bitcoin in their core crypto portfolios, considering its technological value. Thus, even amid price declines, Ethereum maintains its fundamental positions, and the recent correction is viewed by many as a temporary phenomenon.
Altcoins: Volatility and Capital Reallocation
A wide range of altcoins has been at the epicentre of the recent volatility, bearing the brunt of the sell-off. Many secondary tokens, which were rapidly gaining ground at the beginning of 2026, have declined by 30–60% from their peaks over the past weeks. In a panic, investors reduced their most risky positions, leading to mass exit from altcoins. Capital flowed from volatile altcoins into more reliable instruments or completely exited the crypto market. This is confirmed by the increase in the share of stablecoins in the total capitalisation (investors parked funds in USDT, USDC, and similar assets) and the rise in Bitcoin's dominance above 60%. Essentially, a reallocation of funds is underway: amid the turbulence, money is shifting from the altcoin segment to the flagship crypto asset (BTC) and to dollar-backed stablecoins, which are viewed as a "safe haven."
Recently, some prominent altcoins had been market leaders, including XRP, Solana, and Binance Coin, which demonstrated superior dynamics in 2025 amid positive news. For instance, XRP (the Ripple network token) surged above $3 last summer following Ripple's legal victory in the US, once again placing it among the leading cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation. However, XRP has now retraced to approximately $1.4, roughly halving from those peaks and following the general market trend. A similar trajectory was seen with Solana (SOL): after an impressive growth in 2025 (where the price rose above $200 amid the ecosystem's recovery), SOL has retreated by more than 50% to around ~$85 at the moment, although this is still significantly higher than last year's minimum values. The Binance Coin (BNB), despite regulatory pressures on the Binance exchange, reached record levels of ~$880 in 2025; the subsequent decline brought it down to ~$500, but it has since recovered some losses and is currently trading near $640. BNB remains in the top five by market capitalisation due to its broad applicability in trading and DeFi services.
Other notable altcoins—such as Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Tron (TRX)—are also under pressure and trading significantly below their historical highs. Nevertheless, these projects remain among the market leaders due to still large market valuations and support from enthusiastic communities. In the face of high uncertainty, many market participants continue to adopt a wait-and-see approach, preferring to hold their funds in stable currencies until the situation clarifies. At the same time, occasional spikes of activity occur in altcoin markets: some niche tokens are showing double-digit growth over a single day, reflecting specific speculative interests. However, such episodes are more of an exception; until confidence returns, a substantial inflow of capital into altcoins is unlikely.
Regulation: Integrating Cryptocurrencies and Diverse Approaches
The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is rapidly developing worldwide, as authorities strive to adapt to the industry’s turbulent growth. In the US, work continues on comprehensive legislation concerning digital assets (the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act), aimed at clearly delineating the powers of regulatory bodies (SEC, CFTC, etc.) and establishing clear rules for the crypto market. This bill, along with initiatives to regulate stablecoins (including a requirement for 100% reserve backing of digital dollar issuances), is intended to end the practice of "regulation by enforcement" and provide legal clarity for legitimate crypto companies. Although the new bill's consideration by Congress has been temporarily delayed this year due to discussions within the industry (particularly concerning DeFi yield regulation), it is expected that debates will resume in the coming months with support at the highest levels. In parallel with legislative activities, the US executive branch is demonstrating support for the crypto industry: recently, the US president signed an executive order officially allowing cryptocurrencies to be included in 401(k) retirement savings plans. This unprecedented measure aims to expand investment opportunities for citizens and demonstrates a desire to integrate digital assets into the traditional financial system.
While legislators discuss new rules, US regulatory bodies continue to closely monitor the market and clamp down on violations. At the end of 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initiated a series of high-profile cases against overtly fraudulent crypto schemes (for instance, pseudo-investment projects such as "AI Wealth," "Morocoin," etc.), showcasing determination to cleanse the market of scams. Simultaneously, court rulings are starting to clarify the legal status of key crypto assets. A notable precedent is Ripple's victory, where a court ruled that the XRP token is not a security. This outcome reduced legal uncertainty for market participants in the US and laid the groundwork for further industry development within a legal framework.
In Europe, a unified regulation (MiCA) came into force at the beginning of 2026, introducing transparent rules for the circulation of crypto assets across all EU countries. The European Union is also preparing to implement tax reporting standards for cryptocurrency transactions (the DAC8 regulatory package, planned for implementation in 2026)—these measures are aimed at increasing transaction transparency and combating tax evasion. The Asian region is also witnessing progress: Japan has announced a softening of the tax regime for the crypto sphere (reducing the tax rate on trading digital assets to about 20%) and is considering launching the first exchange-traded crypto ETFs, seeking to strengthen the country's status as a digital finance hub. Meanwhile, China, maintaining a more conservative stance, effectively banned the use of yuan-pegged stablecoins this week due to fears of uncontrolled capital outflows—this step underscores ongoing differences in approaches among global regulators. Overall, the global trend is gradually shifting from prohibition to integration: more and more countries are moving towards the establishment of clear regulations and licensing for market participants. As clearer and more uniform rules emerge, institutional investors' trust in the crypto industry is likely to increase, opening new opportunities for its expansion.
Institutional Trends: A Waiting Pause and Strategic Initiatives
After a record influx of institutional capital into cryptocurrency funds and products throughout 2025, the beginning of 2026 has been marked by a pause. Sharp price fluctuations in January and February prompted a temporary outflow of funds from some crypto ETFs and trusts: many managers took profits and reduced risky positions, awaiting stabilisation of the situation. However, the strategic interest of major players in digital assets has not disappeared. Traditional financial institutions continue to gradually integrate cryptocurrencies into their businesses. Notably, in January 2026, the exchange operator Nasdaq lifted previous limits on the maximum size of positions in options on crypto ETFs (including bitcoin and Ethereum funds), aligning requirements with those for commodity ETFs. This move expands hedging and trading opportunities for institutional investors and signals further adaptation of crypto products into the mainstream. Additionally, the largest global derivatives exchange, CME Group, stated that it is exploring the possibility of launching its digital token based on blockchain and plans to shift trading in crypto instruments to a 24/7 mode (continuously, without weekends)—of course, subject to regulatory approval. Such initiatives from conservative exchange players indicate a growing demand for crypto assets and a desire for the infrastructure to adapt to the unique aspects of this market.
Many public companies that invested in Bitcoin and other coins continue to hold their positions, despite the recent price declines. One of the largest corporate holders of BTC (with many thousands of Bitcoins on its balance sheet) indicated that it remains confident in the long-term growth of the cryptocurrency even as its market price temporarily fell to about its average purchase price. Moreover, the company's management hinted that it may increase its crypto holdings by taking advantage of the current decline. This approach underscores the strategic perspective with which institutions view cryptocurrencies: short-term volatility is not a reason to abandon an asset class with high potential.
Overall, major financial organisations have adopted a wait-and-see position regarding new investments in crypto assets, but interest in the sector remains high. The largest banks and asset managers continue to develop and launch crypto products, anticipating that with an improving macroeconomic situation and clearer rules, client demand for digital assets will rise again. In fact, the infrastructure for the influx of institutional capital into the crypto market is already being created—from custodial services and futures to specialised investment funds. As soon as external conditions become more favourable—for instance, if volatility decreases and regulatory risks become more predictable—institutional investors may swiftly increase their presence in the crypto market.
Macroeconomics: Tight Central Bank Policies and Inflation Expectations
The external macroeconomic backdrop at the beginning of 2026 remains challenging for risk assets, and cryptocurrencies are acutely feeling this pressure. In the US, a leadership change at the Federal Reserve is anticipated: nominee Kevin Warsh, a well-known economist, adheres to a hawkish monetary line. Markets are pricing in a scenario of sustained high interest rates and further reductions in the Federal Reserve's balance sheet for an extended period—according to estimates from several major banks, policy easing is not expected until the end of 2026. Such expectations were reinforced after recent data continued to indicate persistently high inflation. Given that excess liquidity in previous years significantly fueled the rally of crypto assets, the prospect of "expensive money" is prompting investors to reassess their strategies in relation to Bitcoin and altcoins. Additional nervousness in late January stemmed from political uncertainty: budget disagreements nearly led to the shutdown of the US government. Although Congress managed to reach an agreement at the last moment and avoid a funding halt, the very fact of such shocks temporarily undermined risk appetite in the markets.
On the international stage, serious challenges are also present. The United States has threatened to impose new tariffs on the European Union, reviving concerns about escalating trade wars between the largest economies. In Japan, a sharp jump in government bond yields destabilised local financial markets and led to an outflow of some global capital from risky assets. These events triggered the classic "flight to quality" process: investors sought out safe instruments, shedding volatile positions. The price of gold surged to new historical highs, surpassing $5,000 per troy ounce, while the US dollar strengthened significantly against other currencies. Against this backdrop, Bitcoin and other crypto assets temporarily lost their status as "digital gold" in the eyes of some investors, who urgently sought more reliable havens for their capital.
Nevertheless, should macroeconomic uncertainty begin to wane, interest in the cryptocurrency market may quickly be revived. Currently, market participants are cautiously optimistic, awaiting fresh signals: today, February 11, inflation data for the previous month will be released in the US, and a labour market report is due at the end of the week. These figures could significantly impact expectations regarding the Federal Reserve's further actions. Any signs of inflation deceleration or a softening of regulatory rhetoric may rekindle risk appetite and push crypto asset prices higher. Conversely, if the data disappoint and signal the need for further tightening, the period of caution in the markets may extend. Analysts stress that fundamentally, global imbalances (including inflationary risks and geopolitical tensions) have not disappeared, and it is these factors' developments that will determine how soon investors will again be willing to actively invest in risky assets like cryptocurrencies.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – The first and largest cryptocurrency, accounting for approximately 60% of the entire market by capitalisation. BTC is currently trading around $70,000 and remains the foundation of most crypto portfolios, serving as the "digital gold" and a store of value in the crypto world.
- Ethereum (ETH) – The second-largest digital asset by capitalisation and the leading smart contract platform. The price of ETH is around $2,100; Ethereum is the basis for the decentralised finance (DeFi) ecosystem and numerous dApps, playing a key role in the crypto economy.
- Tether (USDT) – The largest stablecoin, pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. Widely used by traders for convenient trading and preserving capital between operations; capitalisation of approximately $80 billion makes USDT one of the main sources of liquidity in the crypto ecosystem.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – The native token of the global crypto exchange Binance and the BNB Chain. BNB holders receive discounts on fees and access to various products within the ecosystem. The coin is currently trading around $640 after a recent correction. Despite regulatory pressures on Binance, BNB remains in the top five thanks to its wide use in trading and DeFi services.
- XRP (Ripple) – The token of the Ripple payment network, designed for fast cross-border transfers. XRP is trading around $1.4, approximately half of its recent local peak (summer 2025, when the price exceeded $3 following a legal win in the US). Despite the retracement, XRP remains among the largest cryptocurrencies and attracts the attention of the banking sector due to its fast payment technology.
- USD Coin (USDC) – The second most popular stablecoin, issued by Circle and fully backed by reserves in US dollars. Known for its high transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements. USDC is widely used for transactions, trading, and within DeFi applications (market capitalisation of around $30 billion).
- Solana (SOL) – A high-performance blockchain platform known for low fees and transaction speed. In 2025, SOL climbed above $200, reviving investor interest in the project, and is now trading at approximately half that (~$85) following the overall market correction. Due to its scalability, Solana is considered a potential competitor to Ethereum in the realms of DeFi and Web3.
- Cardano (ADA) – The cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain platform, developed on scientific research principles. ADA consistently ranks among the top ten due to its large market capitalisation (tens of billions of tokens in circulation) and active community. However, its current price (~$0.30) remains significantly below historical highs, reflecting the overall market correction.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – The most well-known "meme" cryptocurrency, created as a joke but evolving into one of the largest digital assets. DOGE is trading around $0.10; it is supported by a dedicated community and periodic interest from celebrities. Despite high volatility, Dogecoin maintains its position in the upper rankings, demonstrating remarkable resilience in investor interest.
- Tron (TRX) – The token of the Tron blockchain platform, aimed at decentralised applications and digital content. TRX (~$0.28) is in demand for issuing and moving stablecoins (a substantial portion of USDT circulates in the Tron network due to low fees). This allows Tron to remain among the market leaders alongside other top assets by capitalisation.
Prospects and Expectations
In the short term, sentiments in the crypto market remain quite cautious. Investor sentiment indicators are signalling "extreme fear," sharply contrasting with the euphoria that was observed just a few months ago at the market's peak. Many analysts warn that if external risks do not recede, the recent correction may develop into a more protracted decline. In a negative scenario, Bitcoin may re-test the ~$60,000 area or drop below, especially if new macroeconomic or geopolitical shocks shake investor confidence, or regulators tighten their rhetoric concerning the industry. Recent price crashes serve as a reminder of the necessity for diligent risk management—those who excessively leveraged or viewed cryptocurrencies as only a growing asset have clearly been shown the downside of high volatility by the market.
In the medium- and long-term, most experts maintain a more positive outlook towards cryptocurrencies. The industry continues to evolve: technological innovations are being implemented, new promising projects are launching, and major players are not losing interest in digital assets. Many professional investors view the current price slump as an opportunity to strengthen positions, particularly in fundamentally strong assets. Historically, after periods of explosive growth (like in 2025), the market often transitions into a phase of cooling and consolidation before resuming an upward trend. Today's fundamental drivers—from widespread blockchain technology adoption across various sectors to the integration of cryptocurrencies into the traditional financial system—have not vanished. Thus, the foundations for future market growth remain intact, and several observers remain optimistic despite the current downturn.
Some investment firms and banks, even in the present conditions, are voicing ambitious forecasts. Opinions suggest that as the macroeconomic situation improves, Bitcoin could once again surpass the $100,000 mark and aim for new records within the next year or two. Of course, the realisation of such a scenario largely depends on the actions of regulators and central banks: if, for example, the Federal Reserve shifts toward policy easing amid inflation deceleration, and legislative clarity reduces legal risks for the industry, capital inflow into cryptocurrencies could resume at an accelerated pace. In the meantime, experts advise investors to maintain a balance between vigilance and strategic vision. Volatility remains an inherent part of the cryptocurrency market's development—this is the flip side of its high potential returns. Therefore, it is important to adhere to risk management principles while keeping an eye on the long-term prospects that the further maturation of the digital asset market offers.
