Crypto markets ended the week on shaky ground. Bitcoin slipped back under $90,000, ETF outflows picked up again, and a wave of leverage washed out across derivatives markets. On-chain data now shows something that hasn’t appeared in more than two years: holders are starting to realize net losses. For many traders, that’s a line in the sand and a possible sign that the cycle is shifting into an early bear phase.
At the same time, the industry continues to grow. Nasdaq is pushing to expand crypto ETF options, JPMorgan’s new on-chain yield fund pulled in nine figures on day one, and tokenized stocks are continuing to gain traction on Solana. Even payments saw progress, with WalletConnect moving crypto from theory to checkout counter.
Read the full recap to see where the real pressure points are forming.
Bearish Patterns Signal Possible Bitcoin Drop Toward $80K
Bitcoin is stuck below $98,000 and hovering near $89,500 as a cluster of bearish chart formations takes shape. Analysts point to a broken rising wedge, a developing bearish pennant, and weakening RSI and PPO momentum. BTC has also fallen under its 50-week EMA. Unless price can reclaim $100,000, traders say a slide toward the $80,000 zone remains a real possibility.
Nasdaq Seeks to Lift Caps on Bitcoin and Ether ETF Options
Nasdaq has filed with the SEC to remove the current 25,000-contract position limit on options linked to spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. The exchange says the cap no longer matches today’s market depth or liquidity. If approved, larger hedging and arbitrage strategies would be permitted, bringing crypto ETFs in line with other major commodity-based funds.
JPMorgan OnChain Fund Draws $100M as Ethereum Faces Bearish Setup
Ethereum dipped to around $2,957 even as JPMorgan’s My OnChain Net Yield Fund pulled in $100 million on its first day, pushing tokenized assets on Ethereum past $13 billion. Network usage and stablecoin supply remain strong after the Fusaka upgrade. Technically, though, ETH is forming a bearish flag, and analysts warn a move toward $2,620 or lower is possible if sellers stay in control.
U.S. Crypto Market Structure Bill Faces Weeks-Long Delay
The Senate’s CLARITY Act has been pushed back several weeks, with debate now expected in late February or March. Lawmakers are tied up with housing legislation, and disagreements over more than 100 amendments remain unresolved. The bill is meant to define when tokens are securities or commodities and clarify whether the SEC or CFTC has oversight.
ONDO Finance Trades Flat After Launch of 200+ Tokenized Stocks on Solana
Ondo Finance rolled out more than 200 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs on Solana, extending its lead in real-world asset tokenization. Despite the expansion and steady whale accumulation, ONDO is still trading near $0.34. On-chain data suggests large holders are absorbing sell pressure, but price action points to consolidation rather than a breakout.
TRON Integrates Blockaid for Real-Time On-Chain Security
TRON has integrated Blockaid’s real-time threat detection tools as the network surpasses 12 billion total transactions. The system adds transaction simulation and live authentication to help stop wallet-draining scams and malicious tokens before they execute. TRON says the move strengthens protection for its 358 million users.
Novogratz Warns Bitcoin Needs to Reclaim $100K to Turn Bullish
Bitcoin’s drop below $90,000 has billionaire investor Michael Novogratz urging caution. He says BTC must reclaim the $100,000–$103,000 range to shift sentiment back to bullish. Until then, he sees downside risks, pointing to rising U.S. debt and a weakening dollar as additional macro concerns.
XRP Slides Below $2 as XRPL RWA Activity Surges
XRP fell to about $1.89, its lowest level since early January. Under the surface, XRPL activity is growing: real-world asset TVL is up 43% to over $400 million, and stablecoin market cap has risen 11%, led by RLUSD. Technically, however, analysts warn XRP could test support near $1.77.
Vitalik Calls for Ethereum “Decentralization Renaissance” by 2026
Vitalik Buterin says Ethereum must refocus on decentralization, pushing for stronger DAO governance, simpler node operation, and better user privacy. He argues centralization has quietly crept into both infrastructure and decision-making. The next two years, he says, will determine whether Ethereum stays true to its original mission.
Cardano Eyes Major Breakout as Technical Setup Turns Bullish
Cardano is trading near long-term support at around $0.39 after losing more than 70% from its 2024 peak. Analysts cite megaphone and Elliott Wave structures that could target $1.32 if momentum turns. Catalysts include Hydra scaling adoption, the Midnight privacy chain, and upcoming performance upgrades.
WalletConnect Launches Crypto Payments in Coffee Shop Pilot
WalletConnect has launched its physical payment system at 94° Coffee in Lisbon, enabling low-fee, near-instant crypto and stablecoin payments at checkout. The pilot puts WalletConnect in direct competition with Visa and Mastercard on cost and settlement speed. A wider rollout across retail and hospitality is planned.
