BlockPulse_Updates

Deribit's weekly options expiration on February 27 will see approximately $8.4 billion in BTC and ETH options settle. The key interest areas are at the $75,000 strike for Bitcoin and the $2,200 strike for Ethereum. Recently acquired by Coinbase, Deribit remains the world's largest crypto options exchange, handling over 85% of global trading volume.

Financial sector stocks are the worst-performing in the S&P 500 so far this year, while oil stocks have led the gainers.

The U.S. Secret Service shot a man attempting to breach former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. Authorities discovered the individual armed with a pistol, shotgun, and a gasoline canister. mt in max

U.S. negotiators are set to meet with Iran in Geneva on February 27, contingent upon Iran submitting a comprehensive nuclear deal proposal within 48 hours, Axios reports. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi indicated on February 20 that Iran plans to finalize its nuclear proposal within two to three days for U.S. review. Analysts suggest this development could be a prelude to a potential U.S. strike on Iran, possibly during the weekend of February 28 or March 1, to mitigate the risk of a market downturn.

Short interest in the ETF for U.S. tech stocks (XLK) hits highest level in over six years amid rising short-squeeze speculation. Traders eye a potential rebound in big tech stocks as outlook for market correction persists. mt in max

Global managers are now the most bearish on the US dollar in 14 years, driven by concerns over Donald Trump's policies and anticipation of a Federal Reserve rate cut, according to a report from the Financial Times. More details can be found at mt in max

Despite a sharp correction, a group of traders has initiated active purchases of December call spreads on gold futures at the Comex, positioning for a potential tripling of the metal’s price to $15,000 to $20,000 by year's end. The positions have grown to 11,000 contracts, surprising some market participants given the high open interest in these distant expiration options. — BBG Read more mt in max

Ray Dalio at Munich Security Conference declares post-1945 world order dead, aligns with global leaders' consensus. He describes current phase as the "6th stage" of a major cycle, marked by rising power clashes and the assertion that might makes right. Dalio warns that economic conflicts often lead to armed conflicts; citing the 1930s, he points to a decade of trade, technology, capital, and geopolitical tensions before the outbreak of World War II in 1939. mt в max

Apple announced a new integrated video podcast feature for Apple Podcasts set to launch this spring, aiming to enhance its position against rivals such as Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix, all of which are shifting focus toward video podcasts. Additionally, the company disclosed plans to host a product presentation on March 4 in New York. Read more here. More info at mt in max.

The U.S. non-farm payrolls figure for 2025 has been revised downward by 1,029,000 jobs, marking the largest annual revision in at least two decades. The downward trend has persisted for two consecutive years, an unprecedented scale not seen since the 2008 financial crisis, according to MT at MAX.

Bitcoin surpasses $70,000 as cryptocurrency continues upward momentum. Investors are closely monitoring market trends amid ongoing developments.

Crypto products saw further outflows last week, totaling $173 million in losses, according to CoinShares data.

Russian President Vladimir Putin remains in regular contact with negotiators over Ukraine developments. Russia’s chief negotiator, Medinsky, continues to lead the delegation in talks. Although he did not participate in recent Abu Dhabi security-focused discussions, upcoming sessions are expected to address a wider array of topics, including territorial issues. Peskov has stated that Medinsky’s presence is considered essential for these discussions. MT in MAX

Currency traders indicate activity in Mosbirge's USDRUB_TOM, suggesting preparations for the US dollar's return to Russia. Experts point to the potential for a broad economic partnership with Trump, according to MAX. On February 14, Peskov told TASS that conducting trade with the US in US dollars aligns with Russia's move toward using national currencies.

California State Public Employees Retirement Fund, the largest U.S. pension fund, has resumed purchasing shares of MicroStrategy (MSTR). Last week, it bought 22,000 shares, according to a disclosure. More details can be found on MT in MAX

Senator Rubio rules out Trump pulling back from Ukraine negotiations in near term, Bloomberg reports. Separately, Witkoff and Kushner scheduled to join Ukraine talks in Geneva on February 17. MT in MAX

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at the Munich Security Conference that he is open to talks about establishing a free economic zone but ruled out territorial concessions. "This is our territory. It must remain ours. We cannot simply leave," Zelensky said. He also proposed a two-month ceasefire to allow infrastructure preparations and enable military personnel to vote. MT in MAX

President Donald Trump plans to unveil a multi-billion dollar initiative to restore the Gaza Strip at the inaugural meeting of the "Peace Council" on February 19, according to RTRS. Russia and Belarus have indicated they will not participate. The Peace Council could potentially be Trump’s post-presidency venture, as suggested by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee in an interview with the New York Times. MT in MAX

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed skepticism about former President Trump's likelihood of striking a favorable deal with Iran, citing concerns beyond Iran's nuclear program, including ballistic missiles and regional proxies. Experts suggest that allegations of Epstein’s ties to Mossad may be influencing Israel’s stance, potentially increasing pressure on Trump concerning Iran. MT в MAX

President Trump plans to visit China in April, according to a recent announcement. Meanwhile, Chinese President is scheduled to travel to the United States later this year.