The cryptocurrency market enters a pivotal week filled with macroeconomic events and project-specific developments that could significantly influence price action. After a weekend decline pulled Bitcoin back below $70,000, analysts like Il Capo of Crypto remain bullish, suggesting the recent correction is temporary and the bull run will continue. However, the market faces a dense calendar of potential catalysts.
Monday, February 16 sees KBC, Belgium's second-largest bank, launching Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services, a notable step for institutional adoption in Europe. Concurrently, Eurozone finance ministers will discuss issuing euro-denominated digital assets, and the UK High Court holds a hearing on asset disposal in the "Qian Zhimin 60,000 Bitcoin money laundering case."
Tuesday, February 17 marks the start of the Denver Event for Ethereum, a key gathering for the Ethereum community running until February 21. On the same day, 21Shares will distribute staking rewards to Solana ETF holders, and the Jupiter (JUP) community begins voting on a proposal to achieve net-zero emissions, which includes measures like indefinitely suspending team token releases.
The focus sharpens on Wednesday, February 18 with the release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate meeting at 22:00 UTC+3. This document is scrutinized for clues on the future path of monetary policy, a primary driver for risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
Friday, February 20 is the most critical day, packed with high-stakes data and a legal ruling. At 16:30 UTC+3, a trio of major U.S. economic indicators will be released: Core PCE Price Index (the Fed's preferred inflation gauge), GDP figures for Q4, and Initial Jobless Claims. Market expectations are set for a monthly Core PCE of 0.3% (up from 0.2%) and an annual rate of 3.0% (up from 2.8%).
Simultaneously, the U.S. Supreme Court will issue its opinion on tariffs, specifically examining the legality of additional tariffs imposed by the former Trump administration using "emergency powers." A ruling against the administration could invalidate these tariffs, impacting trade policy and market sentiment. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has publicly credited tariffs for the strong economic performance, citing positive indicators and the Dow Jones crossing 50,000 points.
