On-chain data firm CryptoQuant reports that Ethereum's network activity has climbed to all-time highs, even as its price trades near $2,100 and remains over 50% below the last cycle peak. Research head Julio Moreno warns that if weak market conditions, elevated exchange inflows and negative realized capitalization persist, ETH could drift toward the $1,500 range by the end of the third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2026.

Patrick Witt, executive director of the President's Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, has voiced support for a CLARITY Act version that preserves stablecoin rewards through intermediaries. His stance comes as Polymarket markets put the probability of the bill becoming law in 2026 at around 71%, even while banking groups and some lawmakers continue to push for tighter limits on rewards and stronger safeguards.

US 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaged 6% in the week ended February 20, down from 6.17% and hitting the lowest level since early September 2022. Mortgage Bankers Association data showed total applications up 0.4% week over week, as refinancing rose 4% and 150% year over year, while purchase applications fell 5% amid persistent affordability pressures.