Crypto Focus - February 18, 2026 (EOD)

 ## Crypto Market Recap Today, the cryptocurrency market experienced a modest recovery from recent downturns, with the total market capitalization rising slightly to $2.25 trillion, an increase of approximately 2.5% over the past 24 hours. **Bitcoin** continues to dominate the market, holding a dominance rate of 60.5%, reflecting a decrease in altcoin market share as investors increasingly flock to the perceived safety of Bitcoin amid macroeconomic uncertainties. The dominant narrative of the day revolves around the ongoing discussions about regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, particularly as major players in the finance sector, including Goldman Sachs, publicly express their support for clearer guidelines. The market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, bolstered by a slight uptick in institutional interest. Reports suggest that large investors are beginning to accumulate positions in anticipation of potential price movements, especially as discussions around Bitcoin ETFs gain traction. This shift in interest could play a pivotal role in stabilizing prices in the coming days. ## Bitcoin Performance **$BTC** end of day: - Closing Price: $68,000, with a daily range between $66,500 and $69,200. - ETF flow data showed significant inflows into Bitcoin-related products, particularly **GBTC**, which has seen a resurgence in interest as investors look to capitalize on potential price appreciation. - On-chain metrics indicate increased transaction volume, with a notable rise in the number of active addresses, signaling renewed interest among retail investors. - Key resistance levels for tomorrow are observed at $70,000, with support at $66,000, indicating a critical trading range as traders position themselves for the coming week. ## Ethereum & Layer 1s **$ETH** - Up 3.2%, driven by increased network activity as users engage with DeFi protocols and NFTs. The recent upgrade has also improved transaction speed, attracting more developers to the platform. **$SOL** - Saw a 4% increase, attributed to positive developments in its ecosystem, including the announcement of new partnerships that enhance its DeFi capabilities. **$ADA** - Remained stable with a slight uptick, as ongoing updates about smart contract functionality continue to generate interest. ## Altcoin Movers ### Winners **$COSMOS** +7% - Surge attributed to the announcement of new integrations with major DeFi platforms, enhancing cross-chain capabilities. **$MATIC** +5% - Gained traction after news of a significant partnership with a leading gaming platform that will utilize its blockchain technology. ### Losers **$XRP** -3% - Continued regulatory scrutiny has weighed on investor sentiment, leading to a pullback from recent highs. **$SHIB** -4% - Profit-taking following a strong rally last week contributed to the downward momentum. ## Tomorrow's Crypto Setup - Key levels to watch for **$BTC**: Resistance at $70,000 and support at $66,000. - Increased institutional interest may drive further price movements, particularly in Bitcoin-related ETFs. - Regulatory discussions remain a key risk factor, as any negative news could impact market sentiment. - Overall market positioning suggests a cautious approach, with traders remaining watchful for macroeconomic signals that could influence crypto prices.