Crypto Focus - February 18, 2026 (Morning)

 ## Crypto Market Overview Overall, the overnight sentiment in the cryptocurrency market appears to be cautiously optimistic, with a risk-on approach prevailing among traders. Bitcoin's price has stabilized around the **$68,000** mark, following a period of heightened volatility. The total cryptocurrency market cap has seen a slight uptick, reflecting renewed interest from investors. Bitcoin dominance remains steady, hovering around **45%**, as altcoins continue to exhibit mixed performance amid varying narratives that are driving the market today. Key narratives influencing the market include the ongoing discussions surrounding Bitcoin ETFs, particularly as institutions like BNY Mellon and other significant players maintain or increase their positions in Bitcoin, signaling confidence in the asset class. Additionally, the recent concerns about altcoin sell pressure reaching a five-year extreme highlight potential buying opportunities, suggesting that some investors are positioning for a rebound. ## Bitcoin Analysis **$BTC** has experienced a relatively stable trading range overnight, with key levels establishing around **$68,000**. The resistance level is noted at **$70,000**, while support appears to be holding at **$65,000**. Notably, whale activity has picked up slightly, indicating that larger holders are accumulating, which may support price stability. There have been no significant ETF flows reported for products such as IBIT, FBTC, or GBTC overnight, but the market remains hopeful for upcoming regulatory clarity, which could positively influence institutional investments moving forward. On-chain metrics reveal a slight uptick in exchange inflows, which may indicate profit-taking among some traders, yet overall, the trend suggests accumulation rather than distribution. ## Ethereum & Layer 1s **$ETH** has been trading in a narrow range, reflecting investor caution ahead of potential market-moving events. The price is currently around **$4,200**, maintaining a crucial support level at **$4,000**. There are no notable network upgrades or developments reported today that would impact Ethereum directly. In Layer 1 developments, **$SOL** has received attention due to its recent ecosystem upgrades and partnerships aimed at enhancing transaction speeds and reducing costs. However, **$ADA**, **$AVAX**, and **$DOT** have not reported significant news that would impact their market positions. ## Altcoin Watch In the altcoin sector, **$XRP** has seen a price retreat to **$1.48** as sellers fade rallies below **$1.50**. This decline comes amidst ongoing legal battles that continue to cloud its future. Meanwhile, meme coins like **$DOGE** and **$SHIB** have experienced minor fluctuations but lack significant news to drive trading volumes. In the DeFi space, **$LINK** continues to see interest with increasing utility in decentralized finance applications, while **$UNI** remains stable, reflecting broader market trends without any major catalysts reported. ## Regulatory & Institutional Recent headlines indicate that prominent institutions are doubling down on their Bitcoin positions despite market volatility. Reports of BNY Mellon increasing its Bitcoin exposure suggest a strengthening institutional interest, which could bode well for market sentiment. Additionally, discussions surrounding Bitcoin ETFs remain critical, as expectations build for potential approvals that could further institutional adoption. ## Crypto Trading Game Plan - Key levels to watch today: Bitcoin resistance at **$70,000** and support at **$65,000**. - Momentum observed in **$BTC** and **$ETH**, with institutional interest returning. - Risk factors include potential sell-offs from profit-taking and regulatory updates affecting market sentiment. - Positioning for a rebound could be advantageous, particularly in altcoins showing signs of accumulation amidst sell pressure.