Market Overview
The crypto market faces bearish sentiment following the LIBRA token controversy, with the CoinDesk 20 Index down 2.3% over 24 hours. Bitcoin (BTC) remains stable at ~$95,800 (-0.7%), while Solana (SOL) and Ethereum (ETH) show volatility amid FTX’s creditor repayments launching today.
Key Developments:
- LIBRA Token Fallout: Allegations of fraud surround Argentina’s President Javier Milei, sparking market uncertainty.
- FTX Repayments: Bahamas-based FTX Digital Markets begins distributing **$16B in stablecoins** to creditors, starting with claims under $50,000 (119% payout + 9% annual interest).
- ETH ETF Inflows: U.S. spot ETH ETFs see **$393M net inflows** this month, outpacing Bitcoin ETFs ($376M outflows).
What to Watch
Crypto Events:
- Feb 18: FTX creditor repayments commence.
- Feb 19: Monad blockchain public testnet goes live.
- Feb 21: Telegram Mini Apps adopts TON blockchain exclusively.
- Feb 24: Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade testing begins on Holesky testnet.
Macro Highlights:
- Fed Speeches: San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly (10:20 a.m. ET) and Vice Chair Michael Barr (1:00 p.m. ET) address AI’s economic impact.
- FOMC Minutes: Release expected Feb 19 (2:00 p.m. ET).
👉 Stay updated on market-moving events
Token Insights
Governance Updates:
- Compound DAO: Proposes upgrading to V4 for cross-chain rewards.
- Aave DAO: Debates adding AAVE collateral to Base network.
- Uniswap DAO: Considers incentives for V4 liquidity providers.
Derivatives Trends:
- SOL Perpetuals: Open interest up 5% with negative CVD, signaling sell pressure.
- BTC/ETH Options: Put premiums exceed calls; bullish spreads noted post-Feb expiry.
FAQ Section
Q: How will FTX repayments affect SOL?
A: Analysts speculate funds may flow into Solana due to FTX’s historical ties, but impacts remain uncertain.
Q: Why are ETH ETFs gaining traction?
A: Anticipation of Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade and institutional interest drive inflows.
Q: Is LIBRA’s crash a market risk?
A: Yes—regulatory scrutiny and lost investor trust could prolong bearish sentiment.
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Technical Analysis
- BTC Dominance: 61.17% (+0.85%).
- USDT Dominance: Potential double bottom pattern suggests rising stablecoin demand during corrections.
- Nasdaq-BTC Correlation: Tech rally hints at possible BTC breakout if historical trends hold.
Market Data (As of Feb 18, 2025)
| Metric | Value | Change (24h) |
|-----------------------|---------------------|--------------|
| BTC Price | $95,802.76 | -0.57% |
| ETH Price | $2,698.31 | -1.89% |
| CoinDesk 20 Index | 3,161.95 | -3.03% |
| DXY Index | 106.94 | +0.36% |
Final Notes
Institutional Caution: Trade war fears and delayed Fed rate cuts weigh on risk appetite. However, retail bearishness often precedes market reversals—monitor macro cues closely.
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