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Bitcoin gains, is still 'signficantly undervalued,' Bitwise says. 'Extreme fear' dominates.

February 20, 2026
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Bitcoin gains, is still 'signficantly undervalued,' Bitwise says. 'Extreme fear' dominates.

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By Francisco Rodrigues (All times ET unless indicated otherwise)

Bitcoin BTC$67,801.44 has gained 2% in the past 24 hours, scrambling to top $68,000 after a selloff earlier this month. That's done little to ease sentiment, with the "Fear and Greed" index remaining at the “extreme fear” level for a 20th straight day.

André Dragosch, the head of research in Europe at Bitwise, said consolidation is expected after the crash, which saw bitcoin drop to a $60,000 low.

“Apart from Covid, bitcoin doesn't usually show V-shaped recoveries after strong capitulations,” he told CoinDesk. “The most likely case is that we continue to move sideways to down.”

Still, Dragosch pointed to signs for optimism. Prediction markets now place the odds of the U.S.'s Clarity Act passing in 2026 near 80%. He described the bill as a major catalyst for alternative tokens such as ether (ETH) and solana (SOL). Bitwise’s internal Cryptoasset Sentiment Index registered neutral, he added.

“On the macro front, bitcoin continues to exhibit significant 'discounts' with respect to global money supply, gold, and the overall macro growth outlook. Bitcoin also exhibits a significant undervaluation relative to global Bitcoin ETP flows,” Dragosch said. “ETP flows are still relatively weak, but once risk appetite and flows return, this suggests we could see a significant catch-up in bitcoin.”

Caution lingers, however. Data from CryptoQuant shows large bitcoin holders have moved coins onto Binance at record levels. Such transfers often signal intent to sell, increasing the supply on spot markets and potentially weighing on prices.

Dragosch rejected concerns bitcoin may be a “canary in the macro coal mine,” signaling tighter liquidity and rising recession risk. The U.S. yield curve and other forward indicators suggest continued money supply growth, he said. Global liquidity is expanding at more than 10% a year, a backdrop that has not typically aligned with extended bitcoin bear markets, he added.

Indeed, prediction markets have reduced the odds of a recession in the U.S. this year. The chance of that happening plunged from over 40% in mid-2025 to just above 20%.

The crypto market may nevertheless see volatility rise into the weekend. Later today, U.S. core PCE index data is released, which could provide clues on future Fed policy direction.

Traders are bracing for a tight rise from previous figures. While higher inflation traditionally supports the case for scarce assets, a hawkish reaction from the Fed could drive the dollar higher, further pressuring risk assets into the weekend. Stay alert!

Read more: For analysis of today's activity in altcoins and derivatives, see Crypto Markets Today

For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk's "Crypto Week Ahead".

For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk's "Crypto Week Ahead".

For a more comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk's "Crypto Week Ahead".

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Source: Farside Investors

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Tracking the blockchain revolution since 2013. HODLing through the highs and lows.