Feb 18, 2026: Bitcoin at $68K, ETH & XRP Under Pressure

The crypto market is navigating a challenging period on February 18, 2026. Specifically, Bitcoin is trading around $68,000. Meanwhile, major altcoins remain under selling pressure. Here is a full breakdown of today’s key developments.

Bitcoin: Tight Range, Cautious Sentiment

Bitcoin (BTC) is up approximately 0.9% today, trading near $68,000. In addition, the world’s largest cryptocurrency has been stuck between $65,100 and $72,000 since early February. Funding rates have cooled significantly. As a result, on-chain firm Glassnode notes that BTC trades well below its “true market mean” near $79,000. That is a clear sign the market remains defensive.

Furthermore, some analysts warn that Bitcoin may be entering a Phase 2 bear market. They point to deteriorating liquidity and declining volatility as key signals. The loss of the $70,000 level is therefore seen as a bearish warning sign. According to Bloomberg, Bitcoin has fallen more than 40% from its peak. Moreover, around $8.5 billion has flowed out of US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs as institutional money retreats.

Ethereum and Altcoins: Struggling to Find Support

Ethereum (ETH) is consolidating just below the $2,000 resistance level, trading around $1,977. In fact, ETH is down roughly 32% year-to-date. It is one of the hardest-hit large-cap assets in this downturn. However, renewed buying interest is emerging near $2,000. Consequently, some analysts see a potential breakout if sentiment improves.

Similarly, XRP is trading around $1.45, down approximately 19% year-to-date. The token has faced consistent selling pressure in recent weeks. As a result, the $1.00 level is now a key support zone to watch. Although some predictions target the $5 level by summer, the near-term outlook stays cautious.

Also worth noting, Solana (SOL) trades near $85, BNB holds above $615, and Dogecoin continues to consolidate at lower levels.

Macro Backdrop: Fed Policy and Market Uncertainty

The broader macro environment continues to weigh on crypto markets. In particular, markets are pricing in roughly 2.5% in total rate cuts for 2026. That is the most aggressive expectation since the Fed’s last meeting in December. Additionally, AI sector concerns and equity market uncertainty are adding to a risk-off mood. This has historically pushed crypto prices lower. However, the WLFI token was an outlier today, as it rallied ahead of an upcoming crypto forum event.

Outlook: What Comes Next?

Despite the current bearish pressure, long-term institutional sentiment remains constructive. For example, Tom Lee predicts Bitcoin could reach $200,000 in 2026. He also forecasts Ethereum could surge to between $7,000 and $9,000. Similarly, analysts at The Motley Fool project Bitcoin could hit $150,000 by year end. They cite the halving cycle and institutional accumulation as key drivers.

For now, traders are watching key support levels closely. Bitcoin must hold above $65,000 to avoid a deeper correction. In addition, Ethereum needs to reclaim $2,000 to signal a momentum shift. Overall, crypto markets remain highly volatile. Therefore, stay informed and manage your risk carefully.