XRP News Today: SEC Disbands Crypto Unit – What It Means for Ripple; BTC Eyes $100K
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Bitcoin Eyes $100K Return on Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) News
While investors monitor SEC activity and Ripple case-related news, bitcoin (BTC) is eying a return to $100K.
On Wednesday, February 19, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) Chairman and Founder Michael Saylor announced a $2 billion public offering of convertible senior notes. The announcement comes at a pivotal time for BTC, which has failed to break above $100k for twelve consecutive sessions.
Supply-demand trends have recently shifted as investors await fresh catalysts to influence BTC price action.
US BTC-Spot ETF Market Eyes Three-Day Outflow Streak
Recent US BTC-spot ETF market flows suggest a shift in sentiment toward BTC’s price trajectory. On February 19, the US BTC-spot ETF market registered $64.1 million in net outflows. US BTC-spot ETFs faced outflows for the third straight day on February 20. According to Farside Investors, February 20 ETF flows were as follows:
- ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) saw net outflows of $98.3 million.
- Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC) reported net outflows of $61.1 million.
- Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) had net outflows of $33.5 million.
Excluding iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), the US BTC-spot ETF market reported total net outflows of $168.8 million, continuing a gloomy February.
As of February 19, the US BTC-spot ETF market had net outflows of $501.2 million for the month, potentially marking the first monthly outflows since August 2024.
Key Factors Influencing BTC-Spot ETF Demand:
- US Tariffs: BTC dropped from $105.993 to a February low of $91,274 after President Trump announced tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico. Tariffs could increase US import costs, fueling inflation concerns.
- Fed Rate Path: Fed Chair Powell, the FOMC Meeting Minutes, and US economic data signal a more hawkish Fed stance.
- Slow progress toward a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR).
Despite the silence on a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR), markets remain optimistic that BTC could become a US strategic reserve asset, cushioning BTC’s downside. If the Bitcoin Act passes through Congress, the US government could tilt the supply-demand balance back in BTC’s favor.
The Bitcoin Act proposes the US government acquire one million BTC over five years, with a 20-year mandatory holding period.
Bitcoin Price Outlook
On February 20, BTC advanced by 1.93%, adding to Wednesday’s 0.79% gain, closing at $98,251.
In Friday’s session, US services PMI data could influence sentiment toward the Fed rate path and BTC-spot ETF demand.
Key BTC Price Scenarios:
- Bearish: Higher US Services PMI, rising tariff threats, and government resistance to a US SBR could drag BTC toward $90,000.
- Bullish: Softer US services sector data, easing trade tensions, and progress toward a US SBR may push BTC toward its all-time high of $109,312.