The News Tribune Weekly!
Hello and cheers to a new edition of our weekly newsletter, where we explore the hottest and most relevant topics shaping our economic and digital world.
Without further ado, let’s move on to point 1!
Altcoins Build Momentum as Bitcoin Faces Ongoing Struggles
While Bitcoin continues to wrestle with price weakness, altcoins appear to be gaining strength during this period. Joao Wedson, the founder and CEO of Alphractal, stated that the Altcoin Season Index continues to rise.
Wedson acknowledged that this development may frustrate many Bitcoin maximalists. However, the Alphractal CEO stressed that altcoin cycles do not move in perfect sync with Bitcoin’s cycle. Their downturns follow a different rhythm, and understanding that difference is essential in the current environment.
Different Bear Market Cycles at Play
According to Wedson, altcoin bear markets typically last between seven and eleven months. Bitcoin’s bear phases, by contrast, usually extend to around one year. This variation in duration often creates periods where price behavior diverges between Bitcoin and the broader altcoin market.
He explained that during the middle stage of Bitcoin’s bear market, altcoins have historically displayed relative strength against BTC. In practical terms, this means that Bitcoin moving lower does not automatically require altcoins to fall deeper at the same time.
If Bitcoin were to register new price lows, the Alphractal CEO stated that roughly two-thirds of altcoins may avoid printing fresh cycle lows. Many of these assets are already heavily depressed after enduring extended downturns. Because of that, their downside exposure may be more limited compared to Bitcoin at this point in the cycle.
Wedson also pushed back against the argument that altcoins are simply speculative narratives.
He stated that, particularly in the present market conditions, altcoins can serve as an effective way to accumulate more BTC over time.
At the same time, he acknowledged that this approach can be complex for the majority of investors. Market makers often structure and guide the crypto market in ways that are not immediately obvious, which adds another layer of difficulty to navigating these cycles.
The core elements of this outlook include:
The Altcoin Season Index continues to trend upward
Altcoin bear markets last seven to eleven months
Bitcoin bear markets typically last around one year
Two-thirds of altcoins may avoid setting new lows
A break below 60k could accelerate a decline in BTC dominance
Further reinforcing this view, Wedson had previously remarked on February 27 that 40 percent of altcoins had shown stronger performance than Bitcoin over the previous 60 days.
Technical Signals Add Weight
Alongside these observations, analyst Ash Crypto highlighted that the Alt versus Bitcoin monthly MACD has remained green for three consecutive months, something not seen earlier in this cycle. He added that if Bitcoin manages to hold its current level, altcoins could perform well in the months ahead.
🌍 Geopolitical Shock: Oil Risk, High Inflation and BTC’s Crossroads
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated to a point where the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for about 20% of global oil exports—is effectively closed, contributing to soaring oil prices and renewed inflation pressures. With inflation in the United States near 5%, markets are grappling with the implications for economic growth, monetary policy, and risk assets like Bitcoin.
Amid this backdrop, Bitcoin has held relatively firm near $67,000, showing resilience even as broader markets price in conflict-driven supply shocks and inflation fears. Traders are closely watching key technical and macro levels for signs of breakout strength or renewed downside.
📊 Macro Forces Influencing Bitcoin
Oil supply shock potential: With oil shipments blocked through the Strait of Hormuz, historic estimates suggest crude could surge toward $120–$130 per barrel, pushing inflation higher.
Inflation near 5%: Elevated consumer price index figures could delay interest rate cuts or force tighter policy, historically weighing on risk assets.
BTC price sitting near $67K support: Bitcoin’s ability to maintain this range despite macro stress signals underlying demand resilience.
Key resistance at $74,000: A move above this area—aligned with the 21-day moving average—could signal a rebound phase; failure could extend sideways or downward pressure.
These intersecting dynamics show how energy markets, inflation, and investor behavior are increasingly linked to Bitcoin’s price action.
📊 What This Means for BTC’s Trajectory
Bitcoin finds itself at a major crossroads amid tightening macro conditions:
If oil-driven inflation persists and the Federal Reserve delays policy support, risk assets could face headwinds, potentially pushing Bitcoin lower.
On the flip side, Bitcoin’s appeal as a store of value and hedge might strengthen if inflation remains high and macro uncertainty continues.
A breakout above key resistance levels (e.g., the ~21-day moving average) could trigger renewed upside momentum toward $74,000.
Conversely, failure to hold critical support could expose Bitcoin to deeper downside risk, possibly below $60,000 if risk-off sentiment grows.
🤔 A Market at a Tipping Point
Bitcoin’s recent resilience suggests deeper underlying demand, but the collision of geopolitical risk, energy supply shocks, and inflation pressures means price action is far from settled. Traders and investors are watching both macro indicators and technical levels closely—a breakout in either direction could define Bitcoin’s trajectory for months to come.
Weekly Recap: The Headlines That Made a Splash!
Like every Monday, here’s your pick of last week’s crypto news that you absolutely shouldn’t have missed!
However, if you’re the type who likes to stay updated every day, we’ve got just the thing for you. We’ve set up a Daily on our Substack. In just five minutes, you’ll be fully in the loop on everything happening in the crypto world! 😎
👨💼 Former CEO Proposes Hard Fork to Reclaim Lost Mt. Gox Bitcoin
Mark Karpelès, former CEO of Mt. Gox, proposed modifying Bitcoin network rules to potentially recover 79,956 BTC lost in the 2011–2014 collapse. The plan involves moving dormant coins using a recovery address without accessing the original private keys. Reclaimed BTC would be overseen by trustee Nobuaki Kobayashi and distributed to verified creditors through the court-managed rehabilitation process. The coins have remained dormant for over 15 years and are among the most closely tracked in Bitcoin history.
👉 Read the article
🐕 Shiba Inu Faces Pressure as 531B SHIB Hit Exchanges
Shiba Inu experienced over 531 billion SHIB transferred to exchanges within 24 hours, significantly increasing sell-side supply. The surge shifts short-term control toward sellers, with technical indicators remaining weak. Trading volume for rebounds is limited, and thin weekend liquidity may amplify volatility. SHIB trades near $0.00000571, below key moving averages, maintaining bearish momentum. On-chain data reflects substantial active supply now available for sale, signaling increased downside risk for the weekend.
👉 Read the article
📉 Centralized Crypto Spot Volumes Slide as Binance Share Falls
Centralized crypto spot trading has declined for five consecutive months following a major liquidation event in October 2025. Binance’s market share dropped to 20% as activity shifted toward smaller exchanges. The altcoin season index fell to 35, signaling renewed Bitcoin dominance. Although stablecoin supply increased, both spot trading and derivatives activity remain weak. Order books are thinner and retail participation lower, reflecting sustained reduction in speculative engagement across major centralized platforms.
👉 Read the article
💳 MetaMask Launches Crypto Mastercard Debit Card in the U.S.
MetaMask has launched a crypto-backed Mastercard debit card across all U.S. states, including New York. The metal card offers 3% cashback on the first $10,000 spent annually. Unused balances automatically generate yield via integration with the Aave protocol. The card follows prior pilot programs in Europe and the U.K., and now enables direct crypto spending for U.S. residents while earning rewards and passive yield, bridging wallet functionality and traditional payment infrastructure.
👉 Read the article
💥 Bitcoin Drops Below $64,000 After U.S. and Israel Strike Iran
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, hitting cities including Tehran, Isfahan, and Qom. Bitcoin fell sharply from $66,000 to $63,500 within minutes. Liquidations totaled $450 million, including $185 million within one hour. The operation was justified by Israeli authorities as targeting an Iranian “existential threat.” The rapid market reaction reflected heightened geopolitical risk impacting crypto trading and derivatives positions.
👉 Read the article
💵 Kraken Offers $200 Fee Credits for Futures Trading
Kraken launched a promotion providing up to $200 in fee credits (KFEE) for futures trading on Kraken Pro. The credits are automatically applied to fees and valid for 30 days after allocation. To claim, users must have a verified account, activate futures trading, and register via the dedicated form before March 5, 2026. The offer comes amid rising volumes, expansion of derivative products, and integration with NinjaTrader, reinforcing Kraken’s presence in the futures market.
👉 Read the article
🏢 MARA Reports $1.7 Billion Q4 2025 Loss Amid Bitcoin Decline
MARA reported a net loss of $1.71 billion in Q4 2025 due to a valuation drop in Bitcoin, which fell from $114,300 on September 30 to $88,800 on December 31. The company mined 2,011 BTC in Q4, totaling 8,799 BTC for 2025, down from 9,430 BTC in 2024. MARA retains 53,822 BTC and continues pivoting to AI/HPC initiatives. Share prices declined 46% over six months.
👉 Read the article
🏛️ Sovereign Adoption Expands with 23 Governments Holding Bitcoin
Twenty-three governments currently hold a total of 432,000 BTC, representing 2.1% of total supply. Holdings originate from asset seizures, direct purchases, state-backed mining, and sovereign wealth allocations. The United States leads with 328,372 BTC, primarily via confiscations. Bitcoin exposure now spans North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Thirty-four countries have approved Bitcoin ETFs or ETP products, reflecting growing integration of digital assets into state infrastructure and treasury strategies.
👉 Read the article
🤖 Paolo Ardoino Unveils Tether’s Local AI, QVAC
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino posted a brief, wordless video on X that created widespread speculation. The video revealed QVAC, a sovereign artificial intelligence project developed over several months. QVAC operates locally, privately, and autonomously, giving users control over data without reliance on Big Tech. The AI is part of Tether’s broader strategy to expand its stablecoin infrastructure and strengthen technological and financial capabilities on a global scale.
👉 Read the article
✨ End of 10 AM Bitcoin Dump Raises Jane Street Questions
For months, Bitcoin experienced systematic sell-offs at 10 AM New York time. Small traders faced liquidations, while certain large participants benefited. Following the February 23, 2026, announcement of a lawsuit against Jane Street for insider trading during the May 2022 Terra collapse, this daily 10 AM dump ceased. Within two days of the halt, Bitcoin’s market capitalization rose by $200 billion. The previous routine coincided with U.S. market openings, reflecting a structured, repeated pressure pattern.
👉 Read the article
That’s the end of our weekly roundup! 😄
A big thank you for reading. We’ll see you next Monday with even more juicy news from the crypto world!
The Newsletter does not provide investment advice, nor does it offer recommendations to buy or sell financial securities. Any opinions or views that the Newsletter may express in the course of its research activities, particularly regarding markets and/or financial instruments, cannot be held financially liable. Any paid promotions will always be clearly indicated so as not to mislead the reader.
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