Crypto Focus - February 22, 2026 (Morning)

 ## Crypto Market Overview Overnight, the cryptocurrency market exhibited a cautious risk-off sentiment, as global macroeconomic concerns lingered amid recent volatility in traditional markets. The total crypto market cap remains around **$2.6 trillion**, reflecting a slight decrease as investors remained apprehensive and liquidity appeared reduced. Bitcoin dominance held steady at approximately **45%**, indicating that investors are gravitating towards the leading cryptocurrency as a safe haven amidst market uncertainty. Key narratives shaping the crypto landscape today include ongoing discussions around regulatory clarity, especially in the U.S., and the anticipation of potential Bitcoin ETF approvals. Despite the mixed signals from macroeconomic indicators, the ongoing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to bolster the market, with a focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum as primary assets. ## Bitcoin Analysis **$BTC** has seen a moderate price action, currently trading near **$68,000**, maintaining a tight range after a brief dip. Key support levels to watch are around **$66,500**, while resistance is observed at **$70,000**. ETF flows have been somewhat mixed, with reports of increased interest in Bitcoin ETFs such as **GBTC** and others, suggesting that institutional investors are still keen on gaining exposure to Bitcoin. On-chain metrics indicate a rise in whale activity, with significant movements of Bitcoin to exchange wallets, suggesting potential profit-taking or accumulation strategies. This behavior reflects an ongoing cautious stance among larger holders, which could influence short-term price movements. ## Ethereum & Layer 1s **$ETH** has been relatively stable, trading around **$4,500** amid network upgrades and increased transaction volumes. Recent developments in the Ethereum ecosystem include the successful implementation of EIP-1559, which has led to a deflationary model for ETH, attracting more users to the network. In the Solana ecosystem, **$SOL** has received attention following its recent plunge of 67%, sparking debates about buying opportunities. The Solana community is focusing on strengthening its DeFi infrastructure to regain investor confidence. No significant updates were reported for **$ADA**, **$AVAX**, or **$DOT** at this time. ## Altcoin Watch **$XRP** is making headlines as Ripple's CEO indicated a high probability of a U.S. crypto bill passing by April, which could significantly impact regulatory clarity for the altcoin market. This news could potentially drive momentum for **$XRP** in the coming weeks. Among meme coins, **$DOGE** and **$SHIB** are experiencing increased community engagement, but with no substantial news driving their prices. In the DeFi sector, **$LINK** and **$UNI** have seen stable trading, with liquidity provision trends remaining consistent as users leverage decentralized finance protocols. ## Crypto Trading Game Plan - Key levels to watch for **$BTC**: Support at **$66,500** and resistance at **$70,000**. - **$ETH** continues to show strength; monitor for potential breakout above **$4,600**. - **$XRP** could gain momentum if regulatory news progresses favorably. - Risk factors include potential backlash from regulatory bodies and macroeconomic impacts on market liquidity. - Maintain a diversified approach; focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum for stability while considering strategic entries in altcoins like **$XRP**.