2026-02-19 17:00 UTC | ⛏️ 937424

₿ $66,268 | 🥇 $4,977

1. Bitcoin crashes 47% from peak
-- Bitcoin fell 47% from $126,000 October high to ~$67,000 amid deleveraging and volatility spikes; Ethereum dropped over 50% to ~$1,980.
-- Signals crypto market bottom but risks persist with Fed hawkishness curbing liquidity.

2. Fed minutes signal rate hikes
-- FOMC minutes show officials wary of cuts, some eye hikes if inflation sticky above 2%; yields rose, VIX near 20.
-- Dashes rate-cut hopes, pressures equities, crypto, boosts USD amid PCE data await.

3. Altman urges AI regulation now
-- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls for urgent global AI rules like nuclear safeguards at Delhi summit.
-- Aims to ensure safe development as AI surges in enterprise, amid security concerns.

4. Corporate AI spending accelerates
-- Gartner survey shows CFOs boosting tech/AI budgets in 2026 despite lower pay raises.
-- Drives market demand for AI stocks like Nvidia amid Nasdaq gains.

5. Russia-Ukraine infrastructure attacks
-- Russian strikes prompt Ukraine-wide emergency power outages; attacks kill dozens in Congo.
-- Heightens energy crisis risks, potential NATO escalation.