The crypto sky this week feels like a quiet dusk—soft, uncertain, and full of questions. Bitcoin (BTC) slipped back into the red zone on Thursday afternoon (February 19th, 2026). According to CoinMarketCap trading data, BTC weakened 1.95% in the last 24 hours, falling to US$66,834 (around Rp 1.12 billion with an exchange rate of Rp 16,910).
Previously, the digital king had stood proudly at US$68,332 (approximately Rp 1.15 billion). But markets, like human hearts, can change direction quickly.
So… what really happened? And more importantly—what should smart investors do now?
Let’s walk through the story together.
First of All: Why Did Bitcoin Suddenly Drop?
To understand Bitcoin’s recent decline, we must listen carefully to the whispers of global finance.
The primary trigger came from the latest minutes of the Federal Reserve (The Fed) meeting. According to Tokocrypto analyst Fyqieh Fachrur, the tone of the meeting was more hawkish than the market expected.
In simple words:
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The market hoped for interest rate cuts soon
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The Fed signaled no urgency to cut rates
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Some officials even suggested possible rate hikes if inflation stays above 2%
And when hopes fade… risk assets often tremble.
Fyqieh explained:
“The hawkish tone of the minutes has market participants recalculating the chances of an interest rate cut in the near future. When expectations of a rate cut recede, risky assets like Bitcoin tend to come under pressure.”
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) ultimately kept benchmark rates at 3.5%–3.75%, but the message was clear enough to shake crypto sentiment.
However, the story doesn’t stop there.
Meanwhile: Geopolitical Tensions Add More Pressure
Beyond monetary policy, the world stage also played its part.
Rising tensions between the United States and Iran have pushed oil prices up more than 4%. And history teaches us a quiet truth:
When global uncertainty rises, investors often move into “risk-off” mode.
In this mode:
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Investors reduce exposure to volatile assets
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Crypto markets typically become more unstable
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Short-term selling pressure increases
As Fyqieh noted, when geopolitical risks climb and oil surges, crypto volatility usually follows.
Then came another catalyst.
Additionally: Asian Market Liquidity Returns After Lunar New Year
After the Lunar New Year holiday, Asian markets reopened with renewed energy. Liquidity returned—and with it, sharper price movements.
Higher trading volume and turnover have likely:
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Increased short-term selling pressure
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Amplified volatility
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Accelerated BTC’s pullback
Think of it like a river after rain: more water means stronger currents.
Yet despite the recent drop, the bigger picture is still forming.
From a Technical Perspective: Bitcoin Is Still Consolidating
According to Fyqieh’s analysis, Bitcoin is currently moving within a crucial consolidation zone.
Key Levels to Watch
Support zone:
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US$66,200 – US$67,800
Upside targets (if breakout occurs):
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US$69,250 – US$70,800
As long as BTC holds above support, upside potential remains open—though limited.
However, there is also a shadow on the horizon.
If selling pressure intensifies and support breaks, further correction risk remains real.
And this is where smart investors begin to act—not react.
So, What Should Investors Do Right Now?
Moments like this separate emotional traders from strategic investors.
Instead of panic selling, consider a more thoughtful approach:
✅ 1. Monitor the Support Zone Carefully
If BTC holds above US$66.2K, the market structure remains intact.
✅ 2. Avoid Overleveraging
Hawkish Fed signals mean volatility may persist in the coming weeks.
✅ 3. Consider Gradual Accumulation
Many experienced investors use consolidation phases to build positions slowly.
✅ 4. Use Professional Crypto Services
Navigating volatile markets alone can feel like walking through fog at night. The right crypto platform, analytics tools, or portfolio management service can help you:
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Track real-time market signals
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Manage risk automatically
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Execute smarter entry and exit strategies
👉 If you’re serious about growing your crypto portfolio safely, now is the time to consider using trusted crypto trading and portfolio management services.
Because in crypto, preparation often beats prediction.
Final Thoughts: A Red Day Is Not the End of the Story
Bitcoin’s dip to US$66,834 is not a collapse—it is a market reaction to:
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Hawkish Fed expectations
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Rising geopolitical tensions
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Surging oil prices
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Returning Asian liquidity
The market is breathing, adjusting, recalibrating.
And like the quiet wisdom often found in life’s hardest moments:
Not every fall is a failure—sometimes it is simply a pause before the next climb.
If BTC successfully defends its support zone, the path toward US$69K–US$70K could reopen.
But if support breaks… patience and risk management will become your best allies.
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