Bitcoin Volatility Plunges to 8-Month Low in February

Bitcoin’s Calm Before the Storm

Imagine you’re on a roller coaster ride, and suddenly, it starts moving smoothly and steadily. That’s what’s happening in the world of Bitcoin right now. In February, something unusual happened – Bitcoin’s wild price swings became much less wild. This isn’t just a brief moment of calm; it’s a sign that something big might be about to happen.

What’s Volatility?

Volatility is like the ups and downs of that roller coaster ride. In simple terms, it’s how much the price of something, like Bitcoin, changes over time. Bitcoin is famous for its big price swings, but recently, those swings have become much smaller. This is what we mean by ‘low volatility’.

Realized and Implied Volatility

There are two types of volatility we’re looking at:

    • Realized Volatility: This is like looking at the past. It shows us how much the price of Bitcoin has changed over a specific period. Right now, Bitcoin’s realized volatility is at one of its lowest points in years. This means that Bitcoin’s price has been very stable lately.[2]
    • Implied Volatility: This is like looking into the future. It shows us what people expect the price of Bitcoin to do in the coming weeks. Right now, implied volatility is also very low, which means people expect Bitcoin’s price to stay stable.[2]

The Calm Before the Storm

When Bitcoin’s volatility gets this low, it’s like the calm before a storm. In the past, when Bitcoin was this calm, big things happened. For example, once Bitcoin’s volatility was low, its price went up by 20-30% in just a few weeks![4] This is because volatility has a way of ‘mean-reverting’, which means it tends to go back to its usual level after a period of being very low or very high.

What’s Next?

No one can say for sure what will happen next, but there are some things that might give us a clue:

    • US Dollar Strength Index (DXY): In the past, Bitcoin has moved in the opposite direction of the DXY. But recently, even though the DXY has gone up, Bitcoin has stayed strong.[4]
    • Institutional Demand: Bitcoin ETF inflows have slowed down during this low volatility period. This might mean that big players are waiting for a clear signal before they start buying more Bitcoin.[4]
    • Political Factors: In the past, political events have influenced Bitcoin’s price. For example, when Donald Trump became president in 2017, Bitcoin’s price went up a lot.[4]

The Future of Bitcoin

As Bitcoin’s volatility stays low, we’re waiting for something big to happen. Whether it’s a big jump or a big drop depends on many things, like what’s happening in the world and how people feel about investing. But one thing is for sure – this calm won’t last forever. When volatility builds up like this, it’s like a rubber band that’s about to snap. And when it does, the change in Bitcoin’s price could be big.[4]

So, investors and analysts are watching closely, waiting for the next big move in Bitcoin’s roller coaster ride.

Sources:

El Salvador’s Bukele: Bitcoin Buying to Continue Despite IMF Pressure

El Salvador Stands Firm on Bitcoin

In a strong move, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has declared that his country will keep buying Bitcoin, ignoring pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This choice is part of El Salvador’s unique strategy to include Bitcoin in its economy, a path it started in 2021 by making Bitcoin legal tender[1][3]. Even though the IMF wants El Salvador to stop buying Bitcoin for the public sector, President Bukele remains determined, showing a big difference between El Salvador’s economic dreams and the IMF’s financial rules[5].

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Plan: A Look Back

In September 2021, El Salvador made history by becoming the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender, along with the U.S. dollar[1]. This move was part of a bigger plan to boost economic growth and attract foreign investment. However, using Bitcoin hasn’t been easy, with many people not using it and some economic struggles[3]. Despite these challenges, President Bukele still supports Bitcoin, seeing it as a key part of the country’s financial future.

IMF Pressure and Rules

The IMF wants El Salvador to stop buying Bitcoin for the public sector as part of a $1.4 billion loan deal[3]. The IMF also wants El Salvador to stop supporting the Chivo Bitcoin wallet by July 2025 and to tell everyone how much Bitcoin it has[3]. But President Bukele doesn’t seem to be following these rules, showing his support for Bitcoin on social media[5].

Recent Bitcoin Purchases and Market Impact

Recently, El Salvador bought $1.5 million worth of Bitcoin, getting 30 Bitcoins at a price of $50,000 each[1]. This move shows how committed El Salvador is to Bitcoin and also had a big effect on the market. After the announcement, Bitcoin’s price went up by 2.5%, reaching $51,250, and there was a big increase in trading volume[1]. This shows how investments by governments can change how people feel about the market and maybe encourage other investors to do the same.

Challenges and What’s Next

Even though the IMF is putting pressure on El Salvador, the country’s choice to keep buying Bitcoin shows a bigger debate about the role of cryptocurrencies in national economies. El Salvador’s decision to keep buying Bitcoin shows the struggle between using new financial technologies and following traditional economic rules. As El Salvador faces these challenges, it will be important to watch how its Bitcoin plan changes and if it can get the economic benefits it wants.

Conclusion: A Path of Determination

In short, El Salvador’s choice to keep buying Bitcoin even when the IMF is pressuring it is a big moment in the country’s economic journey. It shows a commitment to innovation and a willingness to question traditional financial ideas. As the world watches to see how this plan works out, one thing is clear: El Salvador is setting an example for how governments can work with cryptocurrencies, even if some people around the world are skeptical.

Sources:
blockchain.news
namecoinnews.com
tradingview.com
coindesk.com

Hut 8’s Crypto Revenue Surges to $80.7M, Bitcoin Holdings Reach 10,171 BTC

Hut 8: A Shining Star in Bitcoin Mining

In the fast-changing world of cryptocurrency, Hut 8, a top North American Bitcoin miner, has been making big strides in 2024. Their latest financial report shows they’re doing really well, with a lot of money coming in and a big increase in their Bitcoin supply. Let’s look at the key things that made Hut 8 successful and what they’re planning for the future.

Money Matters: A Year of Success

Hut 8’s financial report for 2024 shows they made a net income of $331 million, with $162 million coming from the rise in Bitcoin prices[1]. But it’s important to know that only $80.7 million of that came from actually mining Bitcoin[5]. The rest came from other things like digital assets, which helped a lot in their overall earnings[4].

Hut 8’s success is also clear in how many Bitcoins they have. By the end of 2024, they had 10,171 Bitcoins[1], which is worth about $905 million at today’s prices. This shows that Hut 8 is smart about using Bitcoin to help their mining operations grow.

Big Plans for the Future

Hut 8 isn’t stopping now. They’re working hard to grow and have big plans for the future. They want to use their 12 GW power pipeline to help their mining operations get even bigger[3]. One place they’re focusing on is the Vega site, which they think will bring in about $125 million each year once it’s fully working[3]. This shows how serious Hut 8 is about getting bigger and better in the cryptocurrency mining world.

Ups and Downs in the Industry

The cryptocurrency market can be unpredictable, and Hut 8’s success depends on how the price of Bitcoin changes. But even with these challenges, Hut 8 is strong because they do many different things, like mining on their own, hosting, and providing data center services[2].

Hut 8 also goes to a lot of industry events and conferences, which helps them stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the digital asset world. This not only helps them work with others but also helps them find new opportunities in the crypto space.

A Bright Future for Hut 8

In short, Hut 8’s strong financial performance in 2024 and their big plans for the future look really good. As the cryptocurrency world keeps changing, Hut 8’s diverse operations and big Bitcoin supply put them in a good place to handle challenges and find new opportunities. With a focus on growth and innovation, Hut 8 is ready to stay a major player in the Bitcoin mining industry.

Sources:
Binance
Hut 8
Seeking Alpha
Morningstar

Bitcoin Faces Major Hurdle at $94K

Bitcoin’s Big Challenge: Trying to Reach $94,000 Again

Bitcoin, the most famous cryptocurrency, has been on a wild ride lately. After jumping past $94,000 when U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. would keep some Bitcoin in its reserves, Bitcoin now has a big challenge ahead: trying to reach that price again[1][3]. Let’s explore what’s making this so tough and what might happen next.

What’s Happening in the Market Right Now

Bitcoin’s big jump was mostly because of Trump’s announcement. It made investors more confident and excited about Bitcoin[1][3]. But now, as Bitcoin gets close to $94,000 again, it’s facing some strong resistance, which could stop its momentum[5].

Important Price Levels

Resistance Levels: Right now, the main resistance for Bitcoin is at $94,500. If it breaks through that, it might reach $97,000. But there are also strong resistances at $95,000 and $100,000, which are like mental barriers for investors[3].
Support Levels: The important support levels for Bitcoin are $91,000, $87,500, and $84,000. If Bitcoin can’t stay above $91,000, it might drop to these lower levels again[1][2].

Technical Analysis and Market Signs

When we look at Bitcoin’s price changes, we can see that it’s influenced by short-term and long-term signs. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows that Bitcoin might pull back or pause for a bit before going up again[3]. Also, Bitcoin is trading above some important moving averages, which shows it’s in a bullish trend. But there’s a major support level at $86,000 that could stop it from falling[3].

Past Patterns and Future Hopes

In the past, Bitcoin has had big jumps after going through some corrections. Some analysts think that Bitcoin might do this again and break through $100,000 in the next few months[4]. But this depends on whether Bitcoin can keep its momentum and break through those key resistances.

Big-Picture Risks

Besides technical analysis, bigger things like the economy and world events also affect Bitcoin’s price. Trump’s trade policies and the Federal Reserve’s money decisions can make financial markets more volatile, which can affect Bitcoin[1]. Also, if there are security problems, like when some exchanges get hacked, it can hurt the market’s mood[1].

What’s Next for Bitcoin

A Big Test for Bitcoin

Right now, Bitcoin is at a crucial point. It’s trying to reach $94,000 again, but it’s facing a big challenge. Whether it can keep its momentum and break through those resistances will decide what happens next. While some patterns from the past suggest that Bitcoin could have a big breakout, bigger economic and world events could change that. For now, Bitcoin is in a high-risk, high-reward situation, and its future is still uncertain.

Sources:
TradingNews
NewsBTC
Bitcoin.com News

Ethereum’s Price Revival: Crucial Levels to Monitor After $2K Plunge

Ethereum Price: A Bumpy Road to Recovery

Ethereum, the second-biggest cryptocurrency, has had a tough time lately. After losing over $2,000, Ethereum is now trying to get back on track. This recovery is important for investors and traders because it could show a change in what people think about the market.

What’s Happening in the Market Right Now?

Ethereum’s price has been going down because of a few things. The supply of Ethereum has been increasing, and there are more Ethereum tokens on exchanges. In the last month, about 66,350 more ETH tokens, worth around $138 million at today’s prices, have been added to the supply[3]. This increase in supply, along with more tokens on exchanges, can make the price go down because it might mean that people are planning to sell.

Even with these challenges, Ethereum is expected to trade between $4,000 and $4,200 in March 2025. This shows a slow recovery as the market becomes more positive. Some technical indicators, like the MACD, suggest that buyers might be taking control again[1].

Important Levels to Keep an Eye On

Support Levels

    • $4,000: This is a very important support level, and Ethereum needs to stay above it to keep moving up[1].
    • $3,800: This was a strong support level in February 2025 and is also supported by the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA)[1].

Resistance Levels

    • $4,200: This is a big resistance level that could stop Ethereum’s upward momentum. If Ethereum can go above this level, it might start a new wave of growth[1].
    • $4,500: This is expected to be a key resistance in April 2025, and it might test the upper Bollinger Bands[1].

What People Think and the Future

People’s feelings about Ethereum are important for its recovery. Even though there are bearish pressures now, some analysts think that the current prices are a great chance to buy, especially for people who want to invest for a long time[3]. In the past, when many people were losing money, it often led to big price increases[3].

Looking ahead, Ethereum’s price is expected to keep going up, maybe even reaching between $4,500 and $4,700 by May 2025[1]. This is because of an ascending triangle pattern on the daily chart and more activity from big investors[1].

Conclusion: A Road to Recovery

Summary and Outlook

Ethereum’s recovery depends on overcoming supply and sentiment challenges. While the current market conditions are tough, they also offer chances for long-term investors. As Ethereum faces these challenges, it’s important for it to stay above key support levels and break through resistance for its future price path.

In the coming months, Ethereum’s ability to keep its rally above important levels will decide if it enters a new phase of growth. With more network activity and better macroeconomic conditions, Ethereum has the potential to grow and is a cryptocurrency to watch closely.

Sources:
coindcx.com
thecurrencyanalytics.com

Pokémon Z-A: Turn-Based Combat Evolves to Real-Time Action

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Brings Real-Time Battles!

Get ready for a big change in the world of Pokémon! A new game called Pokémon Legends: Z-A is coming, and it’s doing something we’ve never seen before – it’s changing how Pokémon battles work!

Say Goodbye to Turns!

In most Pokémon games, battles happen one move at a time, with each Pokémon taking turns. But in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, battles will happen in real-time, just like in the Pokémon anime! You and your Pokémon will move around the battlefield at the same time, attacking and dodging as you go[1][3].

This means you’ll need to think fast and time your moves just right. Some moves might take a while to use, or they might only hit certain areas. You’ll also be able to dodge attacks by leading your Pokémon, adding a new action RPG element to the game[1][3].

Timing is Everything!

In this new real-time system, switching Pokémon or using moves will take careful timing. Each move will have different effects, like setting up obstacles to block or hurt enemies[5]. It’s like playing a game where you have to be in the right place at the right time, like Xenoblade Chronicles!

Mega Evolutions and Catching Pokémon

Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings back Mega Evolutions, but with a twist. This time, Mega Evolutions will only last for a short time, making you choose when and how to use them[5]. The game also keeps the catching mechanics from Legends: Arceus, letting you catch Pokémon with or without battling them. There’s even a new stun animation that might make catching easier[5]!

Coming Soon!

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is coming out late in 2025, and it will be available on the Nintendo Switch and maybe even the Switch 2, with backward compatibility[5]. This new way of battling could even change how we play Pokémon competitively, maybe even starting a new era of Pokémon esports[5]!

A New Chapter for Pokémon!

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a big change for Pokémon games, bringing real-time action and more strategy. It’s making the games feel more like the Pokémon anime, and it’s sure to be exciting for both new and veteran players!

Sources:
Nintendo Life
GamesRadar
Sports Illustrated

Kwon’s US Hearing Delayed: Prosecutors Review New Evidence

Do Kwon’s US Court Hearing Delayed: A Simple Explanation

Do you remember the big trouble with the cryptocurrency called TerraUSD last year? The man behind it, Do Kwon, is now in a legal battle. Recently, a US court postponed an important hearing in his case because there’s so much new evidence. Let’s break down what’s happening.

The Problem with TerraUSD

TerraUSD was an algorithmic stablecoin, which means its value was supposed to stay the same as the US dollar. But in 2022, it crashed, and many people lost a lot of money – about $40 billion[1]. The US government thinks Do Kwon lied about how stable TerraUSD was, which led to this big loss. But Kwon says it wasn’t his fault.

The Delay and New Evidence

The court hearing was delayed because the prosecutors gave the defense team a huge amount of new evidence. They sent 600 gigabytes of data, including messages from Do Kwon’s phones, emails, and crypto transactions[2][3]. They even said they’ll send four more terabytes soon! This is why the hearing was postponed from March 10 to April 10[1][2].

What Does This Mean?

The delay makes the case even more complicated. The defense team has to go through all this new evidence. But it also shows that both sides want to make sure everything is looked at carefully before the trial[1][2].

What’s Next?

The trial is still scheduled for January 26, 2026[1][3]. People who lost money can still submit their claims until April 30[2]. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also involved. They already said Kwon and Terraform Labs cheated investors and fined them $4.5 billion[1].

A New Chapter in Crypto Rules

This delay is a big moment in the story of how cryptocurrency is ruled. As the legal system tries to understand digital money better, cases like this show we need clearer rules and stricter watching. The result of this case will not just decide Do Kwon’s future, but also set an example for other crypto legal battles. So, the future of cryptocurrency is being shaped by these legal fights happening now.

Sources:
Cryptoslate
Protos
PANewsLab
ChainCatcher

Senate Kills IRS’s ‘Unworkable’ DeFi Broker Rule

US Senate Votes to Scrap IRS’s Tough DeFi Rule: A Big Win for Crypto!

What’s the Big Deal?

The U.S. Senate recently voted to scrap a rule by the IRS that would have made life tough for decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. This is a huge deal for the world of cryptocurrencies because it shows that the government is starting to understand how these new technologies work.

So, What Was This Rule About?

The IRS wanted to make DeFi platforms report user data for tax purposes, just like banks do. But here’s the thing: DeFi platforms don’t hold funds or keep customer data like traditional banks do. So, this rule was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole![1][3]

What Happened in the Senate?

On March 4, 2025, the Senate voted 70-27 to scrap the rule. Both Democrats and Republicans agreed that this rule was not a good idea. Senator Ted Cruz, who sponsored the resolution to scrap the rule, said it was a silly idea that didn’t make sense.[5]

Why Is This a Big Deal?

Scrapping this rule is not just a win for DeFi platforms. It’s a sign that the government is starting to understand that cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology need special rules. This could lead to better laws for stablecoins and crypto markets in the future.[1]

What’s Next?

Now, the House of Representatives needs to vote on this too. Luckily, the House Financial Services Committee has already said they’re okay with scrapping the rule. After that, President Donald Trump just needs to sign it into law.[5]

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Crypto!

What’s the Bottom Line?

The Senate’s vote to scrap the IRS’s DeFi rule is like turning a new page in the story of cryptocurrencies in the U.S. It shows that the government is starting to get how DeFi works and wants to help it grow. This could lead to better laws for crypto in the future, helping the U.S. become a leader in the global crypto market.

Sources:
Crypto News
Cointelegraph
CoinDesk

Reddit Co-Founder Eyes Blockchain TikTok Buy

Reddit 创始人大胆举动:将 TikTok “上链”

Reddit 创始人之一亚历克斯·奥汉尼安(Alexis Ohanian)最近与弗兰克·麦考特(Frank McCourt)联手,竞标收购 TikTok 的美国业务。他们的野心计划是将流行的社交媒体应用程序“上链”,整合区块链技术,让用户控制自己的数据[1][3][5]。这一举动可能会改变社交媒体平台的运作方式,将权力从企业转移到用户手中。让我们深入了解这一具有里程碑意义的提议。

愿景:去中心化的社交媒体

亚历克斯·奥汉尼安参与此次竞标并不只是为了收购社交媒体巨头;而是为了改变互联网的基础结构。通过整合区块链技术,特别是通过项目 Liberty 的 Frequency 平台,用户将拥有自己的个人数据和内容所有权[3][5]。这种去中心化的方法旨在解决 TikTok 由于中国所有权而面临的数据隐私和国家安全问题[3][5]。

关键参与者及其角色

    • 亚历克斯·奥汉尼安(Alexis Ohanian): 作为战略顾问,亚历克斯·奥汉尼安带来了他在社交媒体和区块链领域的专业知识。他的过去项目,包括 Reddit 的社区令牌,展示了他对分散技术的承诺[5]。
    • 弗兰克·麦考特(Frank McCourt): 此前拥有洛杉矶道奇队的弗兰克·麦考特领导“人民竞标”,强调通过区块链整合用户隐私和控制[3][5]。
    • 项目 Liberty: 由古根海姆证券和基德兰-埃利斯律师事务所支持的这个倡议旨在通过以用户为中心的数据管理重建社交媒体平台[3]。

挑战和机遇

竞标面临重大挑战,包括来自其他竞标者的竞争和字节跳动的不愿出售[3]。然而,如果成功,这将为社交媒体平台设定新标准,优先考虑用户隐私和数据所有权。

区块链优势

区块链技术提供了一种安全且透明的方式来管理数据,允许用户控制谁可以访问他们的信息。这将有助于缓解数据滥用的担忧,并增强对社交媒体平台的信任[5]。

经济和政治影响

收购可能会产生更广泛的经济和政治影响。它与日益增长的数据隐私和安全关注问题保持一致,特别是在美国,TikTok 因与中国的联系而受到审查[3][5]。基于区块链的 TikTok 可能会缓解这些担忧,从而开辟新的社交媒体监管和创新途径。

结论:社交媒体的新前景

总结和未来展望

总之,收购 TikTok 并将其“上链”的竞标代表着去中心化社交媒体的大胆一步。通过赋予用户对数据的控制权,这一倡议可能会重新定义互联网交互的未来。虽然挑战重重,但潜在的好处很大,为我们提供了一个更透明和用户中心的互联网的前景。

亚历克斯·奥汉尼安表示,“TikTok 已经是创作者的游戏改变者,它的未来应该由他们建立”[1]。如果实现,这一愿景可能会开创一个新时代,社交媒体平台服务于用户而不是企业。

参考资料:

NC Lawmakers Question Bitcoin Pension Bill, Despite Powerful Backer

Investing in Bitcoin: A Risky Bet for NC Pension Plan?

Bitcoin in the Spotlight

You might have heard about Bitcoin, a type of digital money that’s been making waves in the financial world. Some people think it’s a great way to make money, while others are worried about its wild price changes. Now, North Carolina is thinking about putting some of its pension plan money into Bitcoin. Let’s look at the pros and cons of this idea.

NC’s Big Idea: Investing in Volatility

Some states, including North Carolina, are considering putting up to 10% of their pension funds into cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin[2]. The plan is to spread out investments and maybe make some big profits. But remember, Bitcoin’s value can go up and down a lot, which could be risky for pension funds that need steady investments to pay out to retirees.

Risks and Worries

    • Wild Price Changes: Bitcoin’s value can drop a lot in just one night, which could be a big problem for pension funds that need stable investments[2].
    • Lack of Rules: The cryptocurrency market isn’t very well regulated, which can make it easier for people to cheat and cause other problems[4].
    • Market Fluctuations: Bitcoin’s value can be affected by many things, like what people think about it and how the global economy is doing, making it hard to guess how it will do in the future[4].

Potential Good Sides

    • Mixing Investments: Putting money into Bitcoin could be a new way to mix up investments, which might help pension funds rely less on things like stocks and bonds.
    • Big Profits: In the past, Bitcoin has sometimes given big returns, which could help pension funds do better overall[2].

Doubts from the Public and Lawmakers

Even though there are some good things about investing in Bitcoin, many lawmakers and financial experts are still worried. They don’t like the idea of using public money for risky investments, especially when it comes to things like pensions that need to be stable and predictable. They’re also concerned about whether it’s right to use public money for such risky bets[2].

Thinking Carefully

What We’ve Learned

Investing in Bitcoin is like playing a high-stakes game. It could give big profits, but it’s also very risky. Pension funds need steady and predictable returns, so this might not be the best idea. Lawmakers should think carefully about this and consider other, safer investment options for pension funds.

Looking Ahead

As the debate goes on, it’s important for people making decisions to think about the good and bad sides of this idea. They should also think about other ways to invest that might be safer and better for the people who rely on these funds for their lives in retirement.

Sources:
www.seanc.org
www.pionline.com