NEW YORK, Feb 18, 2026, 16:23 (EST) — Trading after the bell.
Bitcoin dropped roughly 2% to $66,301 during late trading in New York on Wednesday, stretching out a volatile run for February as traders contended with an increasingly complex U.S. rate picture. Ether slid 2.6% to $1,943. Throughout the session, bitcoin fluctuated between $65,907 and $68,389.
This decline hits harder these days, with crypto once again moving nearly in lockstep with other risk assets on macro shifts. As rate expectations solidify and the dollar gains strength, demand typically fades for assets lacking cash flow.
The Federal Reserve’s Jan. 27-28 meeting minutes, made public Wednesday, reflected a divided policy committee. Some officials indicated they’d consider raising rates if inflation remains high. The Fed kept its key rate steady at 3.50%-3.75%. (Reuters)
Stocks in the U.S. ended in positive territory, though off their earlier highs, with investors weighing meeting minutes alongside new geopolitical developments. “Tech has obviously struggled year-to-date,” said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group, noting what he called a cautious return to big growth stocks. (Reuters)
Bitcoin has taken a heavier hit as U.S. money pulls back. Bloomberg reported that about $8.5 billion has exited U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs since Oct. 10 — those are the funds holding the actual token on behalf of investors. CME bitcoin futures exposure isn’t immune either, falling off steeply from where it stood in late 2024. (Bloomberg)
After hours, crypto-tied U.S. stocks saw uneven moves. Strategy dropped roughly 2.7%, Coinbase lost 1.2%. Miner Riot Platforms jumped 5.7%. Marathon Digital barely budged, while Robinhood ticked down.
Beyond the crypto space, classic safe havens drew fresh interest. “There is some nervousness about the existing geopolitical tensions both with Iran and the U.S.,” said Edward Meir, an analyst at Marex, as gold picked up momentum. Traders are now eyeing Friday’s U.S. personal consumption expenditures report, the inflation measure the Fed favors. (Reuters)
The risk is hardly one-sided. If inflation runs hotter, that could keep yields and the dollar supported, possibly sending bitcoin sliding toward its lows from earlier this month. On the other hand, a softer number might settle the rate debate and take some of that pressure off.
Traders, at this point, are keeping an eye on ETF flow data for signs of steadying. The question: will buyers step in on the dips, and do it without piling on leverage? Lately, that’s exactly what’s been lacking.
Investors are watching the Fed’s March 17-18 policy meeting, set to bring fresh economic projections with the rate decision. (Federalreserve)
