February 20, 2026

Trading Desk Insights

Bitcoin traded back above $67.5K by mid-afternoon Friday, recovering from the earlier headline-driven drop and stabilizing after a volatile morning session. BTC initially spiked on news that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s tariffs but quickly gave back gains, only to grind higher again as dip buyers stepped in. The move back toward the upper end of the day’s range suggests underlying demand remains present, though follow-through buying has been limited and momentum remains fragile.

Macro conditions continue to shape short-term flows. Mixed U.S. data pointing to slower growth alongside firmer inflation has reinforced expectations for a patient Federal Reserve, keeping traders cautious and positioning light. That backdrop has produced choppy, range-bound trading rather than sustained directional moves, with bitcoin oscillating within the mid-to-upper $67K area despite multiple intraday swings.

Traditional markets are showing a clearer rebound. Equities, particularly tech-heavy indices, have pushed higher into the afternoon session, helping risk sentiment stabilize and supporting crypto’s recovery. The relative strength in stocks contrasts with bitcoin’s more hesitant advance, underscoring that digital assets remain highly reactive to macro headlines but slower to establish sustained upside momentum.

Across crypto, price action remains measured. ETH continues to hover near the $2,000 level, while major altcoins are trading modestly without strong leadership. For now, bitcoin appears supported on dips and able to reclaim lost ground, but the broader market remains in consolidation mode as traders look for a more definitive macro catalyst to drive the next sustained move.

Crypto Charts

ETF Flow

Disclaimer

This research is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Secure Digital Markets this research is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our research as appropriate.

Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from, certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this research.

The information on which the analysis is based has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable such as, for example, the company’s financial statements filed with a regulator, company website, company white paper, pitchbook and any other sources. While Secure Digital Markets has obtained data, statistics, and information from sources it believes to be reliable, it does not perform an audit or seek independent verification of any of the data, statistics, and information it receives.

Unless otherwise provided in a separate agreement, Secure Digital Markets does not represent that the report contents meet all of the presentation and/or disclosure standards applicable in the jurisdiction the recipient is located. Secure Digital Markets and their officers, directors and employees shall not be responsible or liable for any trading decisions, damages or other losses resulting from, or related to, the information, data, analyses, or opinions within the report.

Crypto and/or digital currencies involve substantial risk, are speculative in nature and may not perform as expected. Many digital currency platforms are not subject to regulatory supervision, unlike regulated exchanges. Some platforms may commingle customer assets in shared accounts and provide inadequate custody, which may affect whether or how investors can withdraw their currency and/or subject them to money laundering. Digital currencies may be vulnerable to hacks and cyber fraud as well as significant volatility and price swings.

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