European Central Bank official: Digital euro network will be ready for use by private payment systems before 2029

European Central Bank President considers early resignation, digital euro prospects draw attention

ChainCatcher News, The Financial Times of the UK, citing sources, reports that European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is considering resigning early before the end of her term so that French President Macron and German Chancellor Merz can reach an agreement on her successor. The timing may coincide with the French presidential election in April 2027. A European Central Bank spokesperson later responded that Lagarde is "fully focused on her duties and has not made any decisions regarding the end of her term."

BTC drops 0.60% in 15 minutes: Federal Reserve policy uncertainty and exchange selling pressure resonate to exert downward force

On February 18, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:15 (UTC), BTC dropped 0.60% within just 15 minutes, with the price fluctuating around $67,800. As the overall market sentiment turned more cautious, short-term volatility intensified, trading activity increased, and market attention continued to heat up. The main driver of this movement was macroeconomic pressure. The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate policies have fueled risk aversion in global financial markets, putting collective pressure on risk assets, and the crypto market also weakened accordingly. At the same time, the EU's latest compliance framework was introduced, and increased regulatory expectations added to market uncertainty.

The European Central Bank plans to launch the digital euro by mid-2029, with a pilot program scheduled for 2027.

ChainCatcher reports that, according to market sources, the European Central Bank plans to issue a digital euro by mid-2029, with a pilot program scheduled for 2027.

Arthur Hayes warns of a credit crisis caused by AI, Bitcoin could hit a new high

Arthur Hayes warns that the recent divergence between Bitcoin and Nasdaq 100 tech stocks signals a potential AI-driven credit crisis, prompting central banks to resume large-scale money printing. He argues Bitcoin acts as a liquidity indicator and predicts consumer debt defaults if 20% of US knowledge workers lose jobs, resulting in significant credit losses. Hayes anticipates regional banks will face immediate pressure, leading to a credit freeze and a Fed response that could push Bitcoin to new highs. His company may also invest in altcoins Zcash and Hyperliquid when the Fed changes its policy.

Black Swan Fund Founder Warns: S&P 500 May Surge to 8,000 Points Before Crashing! The Largest Bubble in Human History Has Entered Its Final Stage

Universa Investments founder Mark Spitznagel warns that the S&P 500 could surge to 8,000 points but then face a sharp crash. He points out that the current market is nearing the end of the bubble and advises investors to prepare for a potential 80% correction while remaining rational and not being swayed by market sentiment.

Investment bank TD Cowen: If Trump agrees to fill the Democratic vacancies at the SEC and CFTC, the progress of the "CLARITY Act" could be effectively advanced.

Investment bank TD Cowen指出, filling the Democratic vacancies at the SEC and CFTC could accelerate negotiations on the U.S. Crypto Market Structure Bill. The main obstacle is the political controversy over conflict of interest rules, with Democrats wanting to prevent senior officials and their families from participating in certain digital asset transactions, especially those involving Trump's crypto projects. Both parties need to reach a compromise to advance the bill.