# **Bitcoin Plunges Below $66K as Standard Chartered Warns of Further Declines; Ethereum ETFs See Significant Outflows!**
**February 13, 2026** – The cryptocurrency market is bracing for further turbulence today as Bitcoin (BTC) has slipped below the crucial $66,000 mark, extending its weekly losses and painting a grim picture for investors. This downturn is amplified by a stark warning from Standard Chartered, a prominent global financial institution, predicting more price declines for Bitcoin in the coming months. Adding to the bearish sentiment, Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have recorded substantial outflows, signaling a potential shift in institutional sentiment.
## The Precipitous Drop: Bitcoin Under Pressure
Bitcoin, the flagship cryptocurrency, has been trading with significant weakness today, failing to hold the $67,000 level and dipping to lows near $65,000. This downward pressure is palpable, and analysts are flagging the possibility of further capitulation. As of 09:30 AM UTC, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $66,802, marking a 0.70% decrease over the last 24 hours according to Binance market data. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at a subdued $2.29 trillion, down 1.04% in the same period.
The failure of Bitcoin bulls to sustain the $70,000 level has triggered this latest decline, reinforcing bearish sentiment among both institutional and retail investors who fear a potential deeper price fall. On-chain analytics platform Glassnode has highlighted structural weaknesses in the Bitcoin market, suggesting that current price movements might be defensive within the $60,000-$72,000 range, with a possibility of collapsing to touch the “realized price” around $55,000. Bitcoin spot volumes are reportedly structurally weak and declining, creating a demand vacuum and accelerating the realization of losses. These conditions are being compared to the bear market patterns observed in early 2022 and 2018, driven by forced liquidations of futures positions, falling ETF inflows, and a heightened demand for downside protection via BTC options.
## Standard Chartered’s Dire Forecast
Adding a layer of significant concern to the already volatile market, Standard Chartered has issued a cautionary note regarding Bitcoin’s future price trajectory. Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, anticipates further price declines in the coming months, citing outflows from exchange-traded funds and a weakening macroeconomic environment as key contributing factors.
In a move that has sent ripples through the market, Standard Chartered has revised its year-end 2026 Bitcoin forecast downwards. The new target is now set at $100,000, a considerable reduction from previous estimates of $150,000 and $300,000. More alarmingly, the bank cautioned that Bitcoin could potentially fall to $50,000 before finding a stabilizing point. This forecast is particularly impactful given Bitcoin’s significant drop from its October 2025 peak of just over $126,000, having already fallen more than 45%. The repeated failures to sustain rebounds signal a noticeable decline in speculative demand.
## Ethereum ETFs Face the Exodus: A Sign of Institutional Caution?
The bearish narrative extends to the Ethereum market, with significant outflows reported from spot Ethereum ETFs. According to SoSoValue data, these ETFs recorded net outflows of $129.18 million in yesterday’s trading, with Fidelity’s FETH ETF being the most aggressive seller, offloading around $67.99 million. While cumulative inflows for Ethereum ETFs remain positive at $11.75 billion, this recent spike in outflows suggests that institutional players may be reducing their exposure rather than capitalizing on price weakness for accumulation.
Ethereum itself is also under pressure, trading around $1,945, marking a 0.89% decline over the past 24 hours. Its market capitalization stands at approximately IDR 3,953 trillion, with a daily trading volume that has fallen 17% to about IDR 323.77 trillion. The total crypto market capitalization has dipped to $2.29 trillion, reflecting a broader market downturn.
## Market Impact: Bitcoin Dominance and Altcoin Vulnerability
In the face of this widespread selling pressure, Bitcoin’s dominance in the crypto market has climbed to 56.53%. While this could be interpreted as a sign of Bitcoin’s resilience as a perceived safe haven, some analysts suggest it also highlights the vulnerability of altcoins. The broader market, with a capitalization of $2.34 trillion and a 24-hour trading volume of $111.87 billion, shows both liquidity and volatility.
Ethereum holds a 9.98% dominance, and Binance Coin (BNB) is also under pressure, with declines of 1.09% and 1.60% respectively over the same period. Other notable market movers include XRP down 1.37%, Solana (SOL) down 2.33%, and Dogecoin (DOGE) showing a slight gain of 0.89%. The overall sentiment remains firmly in the “extreme fear” zone, as indicated by the Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index, which has dropped to level 5.
## Expert Opinions and Market Sentiment
The prevailing sentiment among market participants is one of caution and apprehension. Standard Chartered’s bearish outlook is echoed by other analysts who point to macroeconomic headwinds as a significant concern. JPMorgan, in a recent report, suggests that while Bitcoin’s dominance is a sign of strength, persistent macroeconomic challenges could cap near-term gains, further exacerbating the struggles of assets like Ethereum due to network congestion.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), discussions revolve around the implications of these price drops and the potential for a further market correction. Whales, large holders of cryptocurrency, are reportedly observing the market closely, with some indicating a strategic approach to accumulation during dips, while others express concern over the increasing outflows from institutional products. The derivatives market also reflects this elevated tension, with short-dated BTC and ETH implied volatility escalating to levels not seen since the FTX collapse in November 2022, as demand for downside protection reaches multi-year highs.
## Price Predictions: Navigating the Uncertainty
The immediate future for Bitcoin appears challenging. Analysts surveyed by CoinDesk suggest Bitcoin could oscillate between $65,000 and $68,000 in the short term as it consolidates. A sustained break below the $60,000/$58,000 zone could trigger a more significant pullback towards the high $40,000s, according to market analyst Tony Sycamore.
However, if Bitcoin can remain above its 200-week moving average near $58,000, there remains potential for a recovery towards resistance levels between $73,000 and $75,000. Longer term, the outlook is cautiously optimistic, with some analysts positing that Bitcoin could reach $80,000 by the end of 2026 if institutional adoption continues.
For Ethereum, the path forward is also uncertain. Given the significant ETF outflows and ongoing network pressures, a continued consolidation or further downside correction seems plausible in the immediate future. The next 24 hours will be critical in determining whether the bearish sentiment prevails or if a short-term bounce can materialize.
## Conclusion: A Test of Resilience
The cryptocurrency market is currently navigating a complex landscape characterized by bearish pronouncements from major financial institutions, significant outflows from institutional products, and persistent macroeconomic uncertainties. Bitcoin’s struggle to maintain key support levels, coupled with Standard Chartered’s grim forecast, paints a cautious picture for the short to medium term. While the long-term prospects for digital assets remain a topic of debate, the immediate focus for investors will be on how the market absorbs this wave of negative sentiment and whether any significant catalysts emerge to shift the prevailing trend. The current environment underscores the importance of diligent research and a strategic approach, especially for those looking to navigate the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. For those seeking to understand the intricacies of market movements and make informed decisions, resources that provide AI-powered insights can be invaluable in dissecting these complex dynamics.