Ethereum’s Recovery Struggles as Key Resistance Stays Intact
Welcome to the Daily for February 20, 2026. ☕️
Hello Cointribe! 🚀
What’s up, crypto crew! 🚀 It’s Friday, February 20, 2026—here’s the latest from the past 24 hours.
But first…
✍️ Cartoon of the day:
A quick look at the market…
🌡 Weather:
☁️ Cloudy
24h crypto recap! ⏱
🤖 Starboard Presses Riot to Unlock AI-Driven Value
Starboard Value is urging Riot Platforms to explore artificial intelligence infrastructure as a way to unlock additional shareholder value. The activist investor argues that Riot’s energy assets and data center capabilities could support AI-related operations beyond bitcoin mining. The proposal suggests diversification at a time when mining profitability faces cyclical pressures. Market observers are evaluating whether integrating AI services could materially enhance Riot’s long-term revenue profile.
👉 Read the article
💵 Strong Dollar Adds Pressure to Crypto Markets
A strengthening U.S. dollar is exerting additional pressure on cryptocurrency markets, amplifying existing volatility. As the dollar gains against major currencies, risk assets including bitcoin and altcoins have faced renewed selling. Analysts note that tighter financial conditions and shifting rate expectations often weigh on speculative investments. The currency’s momentum is prompting investors to reassess global liquidity trends and capital flows.
👉 Read the article
💰 $490 Million Bet on Bitcoin Drop Sparks Debate
Traders have placed approximately $490 million in positions anticipating a bitcoin decline toward $40,000. The sizable bearish exposure has drawn attention amid ongoing market uncertainty. Derivatives data indicate heightened speculative activity, with leveraged bets amplifying potential volatility. Analysts caution that such positions can accelerate price swings in either direction if liquidations occur. Market participants are monitoring whether sentiment shifts could trigger rapid reversals.
👉 Read the article
👩💼 Christine Lagarde May Leave ECB Before 2027
Reports suggest Christine Lagarde could step down from the European Central Bank before the end of her mandate in 2027. The speculation, cited by the Financial Times, has prompted discussions about leadership succession and policy continuity. Any early departure could influence monetary strategy at a delicate time for the eurozone economy. Analysts are considering how potential transitions might affect market expectations and institutional stability.
👉 Read the article
📉 Solana Confronts Capital Outflows and Cooling Network Activity
Solana is experiencing capital outflows alongside a slowdown in on-chain activity, signaling reduced momentum across its ecosystem. Data indicates declining transaction volumes and softer investor engagement compared to previous growth phases. The shift comes amid broader market volatility affecting major cryptocurrencies. Analysts are assessing whether the downturn reflects temporary consolidation or deeper structural challenges.
👉 Read the article
🚀 Crypto of the Day: Terra Classic (LUNC)
Our crypto for the day is LUNC, which continues to display short-term bullish momentum after posting gains for three consecutive sessions. This steady advance suggests that buyers are gradually reclaiming control, shifting sentiment after a quieter phase. The recent upside move appears supported by strong participation, reinforcing the credibility of the recovery rather than pointing to a temporary bounce.
Price is currently trading near $0.00003619, hovering just above immediate support at $0.00003600. This level now acts as a key defensive line for bulls. Holding above it keeps the recent upward structure in place and preserves the potential for continuation. At the same time, three straight green sessions often attract short-term momentum traders, which can fuel further upside—though it also increases the risk of exhaustion if resistance blocks progress.
Key Levels to Watch
Immediate support stands at $0.00003600
Sustained positioning above $0.00003650 strengthens the bullish case
A firm push higher increases the probability of testing resistance
A drop below $0.00003600 may open the door to a deeper retracement
What Comes Next?
Bullish continuation depends on LUNC defending $0.00003650 while maintaining strong follow-through. If buyers sustain pressure, the probability of a move into the resistance zone rises, potentially setting up a breakout attempt.
On the other hand, failure to protect $0.00003600 would signal fading momentum and could invite a pullback toward lower support. Going forward, consistent participation and clear follow-through will be the decisive confirmation signals for the next directional move.
📊 Real-time Performance (CMC)
💵 Current Price: $0.00003619
📉 24h Change: 5.83%
💰 Market Capitalization: $199.9M
🏅 CoinMarketCap Rank: #133
🪙 Circulating Supply: 5.46T LUNC
📊 Trading Volume (24h): $22.64M
⬆️ Ethereum’s Recovery Struggles as Key Resistance Stays Intact
Ethereum’s price has been trying to recover after recent declines, but rally attempts have lacked conviction. Each rebound has been met by sellers near key resistance levels, leaving ETH stuck in a range rather than breaking out. Rather than showing bullish momentum, price action reflects hesitation and limited buying pressure, suggesting that bulls are not yet ready to resume a sustained uptrend.
Despite occasional upward moves, the market structure still looks weak. Resistance around the $2,100–$2,150 zone has repeatedly stopped advances, indicating that stronger conviction from buyers is needed before a breakout can take place. Until that happens, Ethereum is vulnerable to continued sideways or downward pressure.
📊 Key Technical Signals for Ethereum
Immediate resistance $2,100–$2,150: This zone has repeatedly capped upside, signalling sellers are defending it.
Lower highs forming: Each recovery attempt has failed to reach a previous peak, pointing to weakening momentum.
Support near $1,800: This level has held recent lows, acting as a short-term floor for price action.
Volume contraction on rallies: Upward moves have been accompanied by shrinking trading volume, which weakens the validity of rebounds.
🔍 Why the Market Still Looks Tentative
Technical factors paint a picture of limited buying commitment. When rallies occur without increasing volume, it suggests that participation is thin and that resistance holds psychological or structural weight. Traders may also be hesitant to add exposure until broader macro signals—such as clearer momentum in Bitcoin or macroeconomic catalysts—provide a more supportive backdrop.
At the same time, some on-chain indicators show long-term holders remaining patient rather than selling in panic. This kind of behavior can limit downside pressure, but it does not inherently trigger a new uptrend unless fresh demand enters the market.
🧠 What Traders Are Watching Next
Ethereum’s immediate outlook hinges on whether it can break above the entrenched resistance around $2,100–$2,150 with convincing volume. A sustained move above this zone could shift sentiment and attract more buyers, potentially opening the door to higher resistance levels.
Conversely, if ETH fails to break through this barrier and slips below short-term support near $1,800, sellers could gain control again, pushing the price toward deeper support zones and reinforcing the bearish case.
