Current Cryptocurrency News for Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Key Events from 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 stabilization following a period of heightened volatility. Bitcoin is trading around $70,000, holding above recent lows due to moderate interest from buyers who see an opportunity in the dip. Ethereum (ETH) has stabilized near $2,100 after a rebound from a local bottom (~$1,750 last week). The total market capitalization of digital assets is estimated at approximately $2.5 trillion—nearly $1.9 trillion below the historical peak in 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), signaling prevailing investor caution.
The sharp market decline at the beginning of February was driven by a combination of negative factors—from the Federal Reserve's tough signals to mass liquidations of positions on futures exchanges. Nevertheless, the following days brought a technical bounce: capital inflows from a number of investors who decided to take advantage of falling prices supported a partial recovery. Bitcoin managed to return above the psychologically important level of $70,000, although risk appetite remains weak. Market participants are now focused on external signals and preparing for the publication of key macroeconomic data in the U.S. (January inflation data will be released on February 11)—these indicators could set the tone for the further dynamics of the crypto market.
Market Overview: Attempting to Consolidate After Volatility
Just a couple of months ago—at the end of 2025—the cryptocurrency market was hitting historical highs, but as 2026 commenced, the trend shifted sharply downward. Rapid tightening of monetary policy and other external factors decreased global risk appetite among investors. The January sell-off of 2026 led to a significant drop in the value of crypto assets: in the first weeks of the year, the market collectively declined by tens of percentage points before finding a local bottom. Compared to peak levels in the autumn, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization has shrunk by approximately 40-45%. Many participants hastily reallocated funds into stable assets—including stablecoins—or withdrew capital entirely to ride out the storm outside the crypto market.
By the beginning of the second week of February, a tentative stabilization has emerged. Prices of leading cryptocurrencies are consolidating within a narrow range following the shock experienced. Some previously oversold altcoins are showing increased growth due to a technical bounce, but a broad rally is not observed. Overall sentiment remains uncertain: traders fear new waves of sell-offs and are hesitant to return to riskier positions. Until macroeconomic conditions clarify, the market is likely to continue balancing between attempts at growth and concerns over further decline.
Bitcoin: Holding Key Level After Plunge
Last week, Bitcoin (BTC) experienced its most profound drop in over a year, plunging to approximately $60,000 during panic sales on February 6. Since the October record (~$126,000 in early October 2025), the price of BTC has declined nearly 45-50%. Such a sharp decrease was largely due to profit-taking by large holders after an extended rally and a drop in overall market liquidity. An additional trigger was the news regarding the nomination of Kevin Warsh, a proponent of stricter monetary policy, to head the U.S. Federal Reserve, which heightened concerns about further tightening of financial conditions. As a result, this combination of factors led to a chain reaction: selling pressure and large-scale liquidation of positions caused a short-term plunge of BTC to its annual minimum.
After hitting a low around $60,000, Bitcoin managed to rebound relatively quickly and is now trading near $70,000. This return above the key psychological mark has been largely possible due to the emergence of buyers who saw the drop as an entry opportunity. However, resistance remains on the path to recovery—the $72,000-$73,000 range was not breached during the recent bounce. Bitcoin’s market dominance now exceeds 60% of total capitalization, solidifying its status as the primary crypto asset and a form of "digital gold." Long-term investors and large "whales" are reluctant to part with their BTC, viewing the current downturn as a temporary phenomenon. Moreover, some publicly traded companies—among the largest holders of Bitcoin—express confidence in its long-term potential and hint at a willingness to increase their reserves while taking advantage of the price drop. Such interest from major players is helping the market avoid further declines. In the short term, a key question for Bitcoin is whether ~$60,000 has become a solid bottom or if this level may be tested again. Some participants are hedging risks, predicting a scenario where prices may drop back to $50,000-$60,000 if external conditions worsen, whereas positive macro signals could stimulate further growth in BTC.
Ethereum: Network Development Amid Market Correction
The second-largest cryptocurrency, Ethereum (ETH), has also witnessed a significant drop in price. Over the past weeks, the ETH price has halved from its peak (~$5,000 in autumn 2025) and briefly dipped below $1,800 during the sell-off. A sharp daily price drop at the beginning of February (over 10% in a day) triggered a cascade of automatic liquidations on derivatives exchanges, exacerbating the downward momentum. Nevertheless, despite the price drop, Ethereum continues to play a crucial role as the key platform in the industry, and fundamental network development has not ceased.
In January, the Ethereum team successfully executed another protocol upgrade (a hard fork codenamed "BPO"), aimed at improving the scalability and efficiency of the blockchain. The active expansion of Layer-2 solutions that reduce the burden on the main network and lower transaction fees continues. A substantial portion of the issued ETH volume remains locked in staking mechanisms or held by long-term investors, limiting Ethereum supply in the market. Institutional interest in Ethereum remains high: in 2025, the U.S. witnessed the launch of the first exchange-traded crypto funds linked to ETH, collectively attracting several billion dollars in investments in the early months. Major investment funds and corporations continue to incorporate Ethereum alongside Bitcoin into their base crypto portfolios, recognizing its technological value. Thus, even amid price declines, Ethereum maintains its fundamental position, and the recent correction is regarded by many as a temporary setback.
Altcoins: Volatility and Capital Redistribution
A wide range of altcoins has been at the epicenter of recent volatility, bearing the brunt of the sell-off. Many secondary tokens, which were rapidly gaining ground at the start of 2026, have declined by 30-60% from their peaks over the past weeks. Investors, in a panic, have cut their most risky positions, leading to mass exits from altcoins. Capital has flowed from volatile altcoins to more reliable instruments or has completely exited the crypto market. This is confirmed by the increase in the share of stablecoins in overall capitalization (investors parked funds in USDT, USDC, and similar assets) and the rising dominance of Bitcoin above 60%. There is indeed a redistribution of funds occurring: amidst the turbulence, capital is shifting from the altcoin segment to the flagship crypto asset (BTC) and to dollar stablecoins, which are perceived as a "safe haven."
Until recently, some major altcoins—such as XRP, Solana, and Binance Coin—were leading the market growth, showcasing robust performance on positive news in 2025. For instance, XRP (the token of the Ripple network) soared above $3 last summer after its legal victory in the U.S., once again placing it among the leading cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. However, following the overall market trend, XRP has since retraced nearly half of its peaks and is currently trading around $1.4. Solana (SOL) has demonstrated a similar trajectory: after impressive growth in 2025 (the price climbed above $200 as the ecosystem recovered), SOL has retraced over 50% to around ~$85 at present, although this is still significantly above last year's minimum values. Despite regulatory pressure on the Binance exchange, the Binance Coin (BNB) reached record levels of ~$880 in 2025; a subsequent decline brought it down to ~$500, but the coin has since regained some losses and is currently near $640. BNB remains in the top 5 by market capitalization due to its wide range of applications in trading and DeFi services.
Other notable altcoins—such as Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Tron (TRX)—are also under pressure, trading significantly below their historical highs. Nonetheless, these projects remain among the market leaders thanks to their still substantial market valuations and support from enthusiast communities. Amid high uncertainty, many market participants continue to adopt a wait-and-see approach, preferring to hold funds in stable currencies until the situation clarifies. Nevertheless, isolated bursts of activity in altcoin markets still occur: some niche tokens demonstrate double-digit growth over a day, reflecting targeted speculative interest. However, such episodes are more the exception—before confidence returns, a large influx of capital into altcoins is unlikely.
Regulation: Integration of Cryptocurrencies and Varying Approaches
The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is rapidly evolving worldwide—governments are attempting to adapt to the industry's turbulent growth. In the U.S., work continues on comprehensive legislation for digital assets (the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act), aimed at clearly delineating the authorities of regulatory bodies (SEC, CFTC, etc.) and establishing clear ground rules for the crypto market. This bill, alongside initiatives for regulating stablecoins (including the requirement for 100% reserve backing for the issuance of digital dollars), aims to end the practice of "regulation by enforcement" and provide legal clarity for legally operating crypto companies. Although the consideration of the new law in Congress has temporarily stalled at the beginning of the year due to industry discussions (particularly regarding DeFi yield regulations), debates are expected to resume in the coming months with support from the highest levels. Concurrently, the U.S. executive branch has demonstrated support for the crypto industry: the U.S. President recently signed an executive order officially allowing the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement savings plans. This unprecedented measure aims to expand investment opportunities for citizens and reflects a desire to integrate digital assets into the traditional financial system.
While lawmakers discuss new rules, U.S. regulatory bodies continue to closely monitor the market and crack down on violations. At the end of 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initiated a series of high-profile lawsuits against blatantly fraudulent crypto schemes (such as the pseudo-investment projects “AI Wealth,” “Morocoin,” and others), demonstrating a commitment to cleaning up the market from scams. Simultaneously, judicial rulings are beginning to clarify the legal status of key crypto assets. A notable precedent is the case won by Ripple, where the court ruled that the XRP token is not a security. This outcome has reduced legal uncertainty for market participants in the U.S. and laid the groundwork for further development of the industry in the legal realm.
In Europe, a unified MiCA regulation came into force at the beginning of 2026, introducing transparent rules for cryptocurrency transactions across all EU countries. The EU is also preparing to implement tax reporting standards for cryptocurrency transactions (the DAC8 rules package, set for implementation in 2026)—these measures aim to enhance transaction transparency and combat tax evasion. In the Asian region, significant movements are also noted: Japan announced a softening of the tax regime for the crypto sphere (reducing the tax rate on trading digital assets to around 20%) and is considering launching the first exchange-traded crypto-ETFs, aiming to strengthen the country’s status as a hub for digital finance. Meanwhile, China, adhering to a more conservative stance, effectively banned the use of yuan-pegged stablecoins this week, fearing uncontrolled capital outflows—this step underscores the ongoing differences in approaches among global regulators. Overall, the global trend is gradually shifting from prohibition to integration: more countries are moving toward establishing clear regulations and licensing market participants. As clearer and more uniform rules are developed, institutional investors' trust in the crypto sector is likely to grow, opening up new opportunities for its expansion.
Institutional Trends: A Wait-and-See Pause and Strategic Initiatives
Following 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 triggered a temporary outflow of funds from some crypto-ETFs and trusts: many managers took profits and reduced risky positions while awaiting stabilization 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, the exchange operator Nasdaq lifted previous restrictions on the maximum position sizes for options on crypto-ETFs (including those for Bitcoin and Ethereum) in January 2026, aligning the requirements with those for commodity ETFs. This move expands hedging and trading opportunities for large investors and signals further adaptation of crypto products into the mainstream. Furthermore, the world's largest derivatives exchange, CME Group, has reported that it is exploring the possibility of launching its own blockchain-based digital token and plans to transition crypto-instrument trading to a 24/7 mode (around the clock, without weekends)—of course, pending regulatory approval. Such initiatives from conservative exchange players underscore the growing demand for crypto assets and a desire for infrastructure to adapt to the nuances of this market.
Many publicly traded companies that have invested in Bitcoin and other coins, despite the recent price drop, are holding onto their positions. One of the largest corporate BTC holders (with many thousands of Bitcoins on its balance sheet) has indicated that it remains confident in the long-term growth of the cryptocurrency, even as its market price has temporarily dropped to roughly their average purchase price. Moreover, the management of this company hinted that it might increase its crypto holdings, taking advantage of the current downturn. This approach highlights the strategic perspective from which institutional players view cryptocurrencies: short-term volatility is insufficient reason to abandon an asset class with high potential.
Overall, large financial organizations have taken a wait-and-see approach regarding new investments in crypto assets; however, interest in the sector remains high. Major banks and asset managers continue to develop and launch crypto products, anticipating that as the macroeconomic situation improves and clearer rules emerge, client demand for digital assets will rise again. In reality, the infrastructure for an influx of institutional capital into the crypto market is already being established: from custodial services and futures to specialized investment funds. Once external conditions become more favorable—such as a reduction in volatility and better predictability of regulatory risks—institutional investors may rapidly increase their presence in the crypto market.
Macroeconomics: Central Banks' Tough Course 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 U.S., a change in Federal Reserve leadership is anticipated: the candidate for the chair position, well-known economist Kevin Warsh, adheres to a tough monetary line. Markets are pricing in a scenario of sustained high interest rates and further reductions in the Federal Reserve's balance sheet over an extended period—as assessed by several large banks, easing of policy may not be anticipated before the end of 2026. Such expectations have strengthened after recent data continued to indicate persistent inflation. Given that excess liquidity in recent years has largely fueled the rally in crypto assets, the prospect of "expensive money" is forcing investors to reassess their strategies regarding Bitcoin and altcoins. Additional nervousness was introduced in late January by political uncertainty: budget disputes nearly led to a U.S. government shutdown. Although Congress managed to reach an agreement at the last moment and avoid funding stasis, the mere fact of such upheavals temporarily undermined risk appetite in the markets.
Significant challenges are also present on the international stage. The United States has threatened to impose new trade tariffs on the European Union, reviving concerns about an escalation of the trade war between major economies. Japan has experienced a sharp spike in the yield of government bonds, destabilizing local financial markets and prompting a flow of some global capital out of risk assets. These events have triggered a classic "flight to quality" process: investors rushed into safe-haven instruments, shedding volatile positions. The price of gold soared to new historic highs, surpassing $5,000 per troy ounce, while the U.S. dollar noticeably strengthened 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 shelters for their capital.
However, if macroeconomic uncertainty begins to diminish, interest in the cryptocurrency market could quickly rebound. Currently, market participants are cautiously optimistic, awaiting fresh signals: today, February 11, inflation data for the previous month will be released in the U.S., and closer to the end of the week, a labor market report will be published. These indicators could significantly impact expectations for further actions by the Federal Reserve. Any signs of slowing inflation or a softening of regulators' rhetoric could reignite risk appetite and push crypto asset prices upward. Conversely, if the data disappoints and indicates a need for further policy tightening, the period of caution in the markets may drag on. Analysts emphasize that globally, fundamental imbalances (including inflation risks and geopolitical tensions) remain unresolved, and it is the development of these factors that will determine how quickly investors will once again demonstrate a willingness to actively invest in risky assets like cryptocurrencies.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC) – The first and largest cryptocurrency, with around 60% of the total market capitalization. BTC is currently trading around $70,000 and remains the foundation of most crypto portfolios, acting for investors as "digital gold" and a means of saving in the crypto world.
- Ethereum (ETH) – The second-largest digital asset by capitalization and the leading smart contract platform. The ETH price is around $2,100; Ethereum underpins decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems and numerous dApp applications, playing a key role in the crypto economy.
- Tether (USDT) – The largest stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar at a 1:1 ratio. It is widely used by traders for convenience in trading and preserving capital between transactions; with a capitalization of around $80 billion, USDT is one of the main sources of liquidity in the crypto ecosystem.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – The native token of the world’s cryptocurrency exchange Binance and the BNB Chain blockchain. 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 pressure on Binance, BNB remains in the top 5 due to its extensive use in trading and DeFi services.
- XRP (Ripple) – The token of the Ripple payment network, designed for fast cross-border transfers. XRP trades around $1.4, which is about half its recent local peak (over $3 in summer 2025 following a legal victory in the U.S.). Despite the pullback, XRP remains among the largest cryptocurrencies and attracts attention from the banking sector due to its technology for quick payments.
- USD Coin (USDC) – The second most popular stablecoin, issued by Circle and fully backed by reserves in U.S. dollars. Known for its high transparency and regulatory compliance. USDC is widely used for transactions, trading, and in DeFi applications (with a market capitalization of about $30 billion).
- Solana (SOL) – A high-performance blockchain platform known for low fees and transaction speeds. In 2025, SOL rose above $200, reigniting investor interest in the project, and is now trading at roughly half that price (~$85) after the overall market correction. Due to its scalability, Solana is viewed as a potential competitor to Ethereum in the realms of DeFi and Web3.
- Cardano (ADA) – The cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain platform, developed on research-based principles. ADA consistently ranks among the top 10 due to its large market capitalization (tens of billions of tokens are in circulation) and an active community. However, its current price (~$0.30) remains significantly below historical highs, mirroring the overall market correction.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – The most well-known "meme" cryptocurrency, created as a joke but has since become one of the largest digital assets. DOGE trades around $0.10, supported by a dedicated community and periodic interest from celebrities. Despite high volatility, Dogecoin holds a place in the upper echelon of rankings, demonstrating remarkable investor interest resilience.
- Tron (TRX) – The token of the Tron blockchain platform, focused on decentralized applications and digital content. TRX (~$0.28) is utilized for issuing and moving stablecoins (a significant part of USDT circulates in the Tron network due to low fees). This enables Tron to maintain its position among market leaders alongside other top cap assets.
Prospects and Expectations
In the short term, sentiment in the crypto market remains quite cautious. Investor sentiment indicators signal "extreme fear," a stark contrast to the euphoria observed just a few months ago at the market peak. Many analysts warn that if external risks do not retreat, the recent correction could lead to a more prolonged decline. In a negative scenario, Bitcoin might re-test the ~$60,000 area or drop lower, especially if new macroeconomic or geopolitical upheavals shake investor confidence, or if regulators intensify their rhetoric towards the industry. The recent price collapses serve as a reminder of the need for careful risk management—those who excessively leveraged or deemed cryptocurrencies as "just rising" assets have been vividly shown the other side of high volatility.
In the medium and long term, however, most experts maintain a more positive outlook towards cryptocurrencies. The industry continues to evolve: technological innovations are being implemented, new promising projects are launched, and major players remain interested in digital assets. Many professional investors view the current price decline as an opportunity to strengthen their positions, especially in fundamentally strong assets. Historically, after periods of rapid growth (such as in 2025), the market often transitions to a phase of cooling and consolidation before resuming an upward trend. Today’s fundamental drivers—from the mass adoption of blockchain technology across various sectors to the integration of cryptocurrencies into the traditional financial system—have not disappeared. Thus, the foundations for future market growth remain in place, and several observers continue to be optimistic despite the current downturn.
Some investment firms and banks are even positing ambitious forecasts amid the current conditions. Proposals are emerging suggesting that, as macroeconomic conditions improve, Bitcoin could once again surpass the $100,000 mark and head towards new records within the next couple of years. Naturally, the realization of such a scenario largely depends on the actions of regulators and central banks: if, for instance, the Fed shifts towards easing policies in response to slowing inflation, and legislative clarity reduces legal risks for the industry, a capital influx into cryptocurrencies could resume at an accelerated pace. Meanwhile, experts advise investors to maintain a balance between vigilance and strategic vision. Volatility remains an inherent part of the crypto 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 advancing digital asset markets offer.
