Bitcoin's Performance and Market Dynamics

Global money supply surged to a fresh all-time high in December 2025, reinforcing a liquidity backdrop that has historically supported hard assets. Gold has responded accordingly, maintaining its upward trajectory despite sharp but brief drawdowns. Nonetheless, Bitcoin, often described as “digital gold,” has delivered choppier price action. Bitcoin’s Dual Identity Weighs on Price as Risk.

Bitcoin price has drifted lower in recent sessions, reflecting cautious sentiment across the crypto market. BTC continues to struggle beneath key resistance, limiting upside momentum. Despite the slow decline, structural signals show accumulation beneath the surface. Whether that conviction translates into price recovery is yet to be seen. Bitcoin Holders Near New Milestone Santiment data.

Bitcoin’s (BTC) downturn has spurred conspiracy theories around alleged market manipulation by firms. However, Bitwise’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Matt Hougan, argues that the primary reasons are more straightforward. This narrative highlights the ongoing debate about what drives major crypto market moves, whether it’s institutional strategies, technological threats, or fundamental market cycles.

Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales has delivered a stark forecast for Bitcoin, saying the pioneer crypto will likely survive as a network but is far from succeeding as money or a store of value. The remark aligns with sentiment from multiple analysts, who highlight Bitcoin’s failure to hold as a hedge against currency debasement.

Over $8.72 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options expire today, marking February’s largest derivatives event. The expiring options place the crypto market at a critical inflection point, with volatility elevated and sentiment fragile. February’s $8.72 Billion Expiry Crossroads: Will Bitcoin and Ethereum Face the Pain Trade? Bitcoin accounts for the lion’s share of the exposure.

South Korea’s National Pension Service (NPS), the world’s third-largest public pension fund managing over $1 trillion on behalf of the country’s retirees, expanded its position in Strategy Inc (MSTR) by 20% during the fourth quarter of 2025 — a period in which Bitcoin fell from a cycle high near $126,000 to roughly $88,000.

Institutional Adoption and Altcoin Activity

Morgan Stanley, a Wall Street bank managing nearly $9 trillion in assets, plans to offer clients Bitcoin (BTC) custody, trading, lending, and yield-generation services. The firm is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States. In addition, the client base spans retail investors, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional players.

Meme coins stole the show in early 2026 when the sector surged 23% in a single week, adding $8 billion and pushing the market cap to $47.7 billion. PEPE led with a 65% weekly gain, DOGE climbed 20%, and SHIB followed at nearly 20%. But while meme tokens cooled off, the spotlight quietly shifted.

Ripple is transforming how funding and support are distributed across the XRP Ledger ecosystem, shifting toward a more distributed model. The company announced the changes on February 26. It positions 2026 as a transition point in how builders access capital, mentorship, and technical support on XRPL. XRP Ledger Enters New Phase as Ripple Expands Funding.

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is a decentralized lending and borrowing protocol currently operating on the Sepolia testnet, where its core features are being tested ahead of a planned mainnet launch. The team has reported ongoing improvements to the protocol’s codebase, while total funds raised have surpassed $20.65 million, according to project disclosures.