Fed Governor Notes Fading Crypto Euphoria; Chinese Exchanges Tighten Rules; Senators Query UAE Stake in WLFI

European Central Bank official: Digital euro network will be ready for use by private payment systems before 2029

PANews February 18 News, according to Jintiao, European Central Bank Executive Board Member Cippoloni stated that the digital euro network will be ready for use by private payment systems before 2029.

Arthur Hayes warns of a credit crisis caused by AI, Bitcoin could hit a new high

Arthur Hayes warns that the recent divergence between Bitcoin and Nasdaq 100 tech stocks signals a potential AI-driven credit crisis, prompting central banks to resume large-scale money printing. He argues Bitcoin acts as a liquidity indicator and predicts consumer debt defaults if 20% of US knowledge workers lose jobs, resulting in significant credit losses. Hayes anticipates regional banks will face immediate pressure, leading to a credit freeze and a Fed response that could push Bitcoin to new highs. His company may also invest in altcoins Zcash and Hyperliquid when the Fed changes its policy.

Black Swan Fund Founder Warns: S&P 500 May Surge to 8,000 Points Before Crashing! The Largest Bubble in Human History Has Entered Its Final Stage

Universa Investments founder Mark Spitznagel warns that the S&P 500 could surge to 8,000 points but then face a sharp crash. He points out that the current market is nearing the end of the bubble and advises investors to prepare for a potential 80% correction while remaining rational and not being swayed by market sentiment.

Investment bank TD Cowen: If Trump agrees to fill the Democratic vacancies at the SEC and CFTC, the progress of the "CLARITY Act" could be effectively advanced.

Investment bank TD Cowen指出, filling the Democratic vacancies at the SEC and CFTC could accelerate negotiations on the U.S. Crypto Market Structure Bill. The main obstacle is the political controversy over conflict of interest rules, with Democrats wanting to prevent senior officials and their families from participating in certain digital asset transactions, especially those involving Trump's crypto projects. Both parties need to reach a compromise to advance the bill.

The probability that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged in March is 92.1%

ChainCatcher News, according to Jinshi reports, CME "Federal Reserve Watch" shows that there is a 92.1% probability that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged until March, and a 7.9% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut. By April, the probability of a total 25 basis point rate cut is 23.6%, the probability of keeping rates unchanged is 75%, and the probability of a total 50 basis point rate cut is 1.5%. By June, the probability of a total 25 basis point rate cut is 50%.

BTC 15-minute oscillation downward -0.71%: Exchange platform abnormal selling combined with whale large transfers amplifying volatility

On February 17, 2026, from 17:30 to 17:45 (UTC), BTC experienced a sharp decline of -0.71% within just 15 minutes, with significant volatility attracting market attention. In terms of market performance, the price showed a rapid downward movement, reflecting short-term pressure and a temporary weakening of risk appetite. Trading volume also increased simultaneously, indicating intense disagreement between bullish and bearish funds during this window. The main driver of this anomaly was a sudden large-scale BTC sell-off event on a major mainstream trading platform. Due to a mistaken Bitcoin airdrop announcement by a leading platform in South Korea, the BTC/KRW trading pair on the platform briefly plummeted to a low of 17.