On Tuesday, Matrixport reported that its Bitcoin sentiment gauge has sunk to extremely depressed levels, with its fear and greed index indicating a potential durable bottom as the 21-day moving average turns higher from below zero. The firm noted that similar readings in June 2024 and November 2025 followed sharp market declines, while Alternative.me's index now shows extreme fear at 10 out of 100 and Bitcoin trades roughly two standard deviations below its 20-day norm, a setup some analysts say has historically preceded short-term bounces.

SHIB's attempted rebound faded as structure turned corrective, while ETH began printing higher lows near the $2,000 zone. After a move around Feb. 13, BTC advanced toward the $70,000 threshold. Key moving averages remain overhead, and resistance levels still need to be reclaimed for a more durable uptrend.

On February 16, 2026, Tokyo-based bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet reported a 95 billion yen ($619 million) net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31 due to a substantial markdown on its bitcoin holdings, while revenue jumped 738% to 8.91 billion yen ($58 million). The company finished 2025 with 35,102 BTC and maintained an equity ratio of 90.7%, and it is targeting a long-term bitcoin position of 210,000 BTC.

Under draft rules from the European Commission, new electric vehicles, hybrids and fuel cell cars would need at least 70% of their non-battery components produced in the EU and final assembly within the bloc in order to qualify for state support. The proposal, linked to a wider effort to protect Europe's €2.6 trillion manufacturing sector, also sets minimum EU production shares for aluminium and plastics used in construction. Automakers are split, with some warning of higher costs while others back a "made in Europe" approach similar to local content requirements seen in the United States.

Steak 'n Shake reports that same-store sales climbed 18% in 2026 after it began accepting Bitcoin payments in May 2025 and building a dedicated Bitcoin reserve. The fast-food chain says it now holds about $15 million in Bitcoin, has nearly halved its transaction fees compared to credit cards, and plans to launch a vesting Bitcoin bonus for hourly staff while expanding into El Salvador.

Nexo relaunched its U.S. crypto lending and exchange services on February 16–17, 2026 after leaving the market in 2022. Operations run through licensed partners, with trading infrastructure powered by Bakkt, and select services offered via an SEC‑registered investment adviser. The company says the lineup includes yield programs, spot trading and crypto‑backed credit, while the prior Crypto Earn product remains off the U.S. roster.

Logan Paul sold a Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card graded PSA 10 for $16,492,000 at Goldin Auctions, setting an auction record for trading cards as of February 16, 2026. The card's scarcity, Gem Mint condition, and provenance fueled bidding, with the record verified by Guinness World Records and the grade provided by PSA. Observers cautioned the sale may represent a singular liquidity event rather than a broad market reset.

Market sentiment slid into Extreme Fear with the fear-gauge reading at 12. Over the past week, Bitcoin hovered near $67,950, down 4.28% yet still above $65,000, while majors such as Ethereum (-7.45% to about $1,975), Solana (-3.64% to roughly $84.70), and BNB (-3.86% to near $617) lagged. Select gains in XRP, TRX, and BCH did not offset the broader risk-off tone.