Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin prices unmoved amidst increasing tensions in Iran. Analyst finds …
February 20, 2026
Digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Dogecoin remained steady as tensions escalated between the United States and Iran. Cryptocurrencies saw minimal movement, with Bitcoin registering a slight 0.75% gain at $67,156.46 and Ethereum hovering around the $1,900 mark, waiting for a break above $2,000. Other cryptocurrencies, including XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin, also experienced minor fluctuations in their prices during the day.
The broader cryptocurrency market showed signs of stagnation, with low trading volumes reflecting investor caution. Shares of companies related to the crypto sector, such as Strategy Inc. and Coinbase Global Inc., ended the day in positive territory, with gains of 3.39% and 1.15%, respectively. However, Coinglass reported liquidations exceeding $160 million over the past 24 hours, erasing about $105 million worth of bullish long positions. Additionally, Bitcoin long positions on Binance totaling $500 million were at risk if the leading cryptocurrency dropped to $60,000.
Despite an increase in open interest by 1.38%, indicating a rise in short positions, most retail and institutional investors on Binance remained bullish on Bitcoin. The overall global cryptocurrency market capitalization reached $2.30 trillion, having decreased by 0.95% in the last 24 hours. Among the top gainers were RaveDAO, Synthetix, and Akash Network, with impressive gains of over 10%.
On the traditional financial front, stock markets retreated, with the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all recording losses. Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran contributed to a rise in crude oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate reaching $66.50 per barrel, marking a 6% increase over the week. Gold prices also saw a modest uptick, reflecting demand for safe-haven assets amidst uncertainty.
CryptoQuant observed no selling behavior among Ethereum’s accumulating whales, a group of long-term holders with significant holdings of the cryptocurrency. These investors continued to accumulate ETH at lower prices, indicating strong conviction in the asset’s long-term prospects. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency expert Ali Martinez identified $67,000 as a crucial resistance level for Bitcoin’s potential breakout, as the digital asset consolidated within a descending channel.
As the global financial landscape remains uncertain, digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum maintain a sense of stability amidst geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations. The actions of key market participants, including institutional investors and accumulating whales, provide insight into the confidence and sentiment surrounding cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
