Robinhood Markets released its operating data for February 2026. As of the end of February, the platform had 27.4 million users with money accounts, an increase of approximately 140,000 from January and approximately 1.74 million year-over-year; total assets on the platform were $314 billion, a 3% decrease month-over-month and a 68% increase year-over-year. In terms of trading, stock trading volume in February was $194.4 billion, a 14% decrease month-over-month and a 36% increase year-over-year; options trading volume was 180.3 million contracts, a 10% decrease month-over-month and a 9% increase year-over-year. Cryptocurrency trading volume was $25 billion, a 9% increase month-over-month and a 74% increase year-over-year. Of this, Robinhood App cryptocurrency trading volume was $9.4 billion, an 8% increase month-over-month, and Bitstamp trading volume was $15.6 billion, a 10% increase month-over-month. Furthermore, Robinhood's net deposits in February were $5.6 billion, with cumulative net deposits over the past 12 months reaching $67.8 billion. Margin financing balance reached $17.2 billion, a significant year-on-year increase of 98%. Overall data shows that although stock trading activity has declined somewhat, crypto trading volume continues to grow rapidly.

Germany has announced that it will not provide military assistance in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. According to Jin10, a government spokesperson clarified Germany's stance, emphasizing its commitment to diplomatic solutions rather than military involvement. This decision aligns with Germany's broader foreign policy approach, which prioritizes peaceful resolutions and international cooperation. The spokesperson reiterated Germany's dedication to working with international partners to address the situation through dialogue and negotiation.

Greece has no intention of participating in military operations in the Hormuz Strait, according to a Greek government official. According to Jin10, the official emphasized that Greece's current focus is on diplomatic efforts and maintaining regional stability. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with various countries expressing concerns over security in the strategic waterway. Greece remains committed to peaceful resolutions and is not considering any military involvement at this time.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed confidence in the country's strategy regarding the ongoing conflict. According to Jin10, Starmer stated that time will demonstrate the correctness of their approach in handling the war. The Prime Minister's remarks come amid ongoing debates and scrutiny over the government's policies and actions in the conflict. Starmer emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance, suggesting that the outcomes will validate their current strategy. The statement reflects the government's commitment to its course of action despite external pressures and criticisms.

A Chinese company has reportedly overcome a significant challenge associated with foldable smartphones, just months before Apple is anticipated to introduce its first foldable iPhone. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the breakthrough in eliminating the crease that typically appears on foldable screens. This development could potentially influence the competitive landscape in the foldable phone market, as manufacturers strive to enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of their devices. The advancement comes as Apple prepares to enter the foldable phone segment, which has been dominated by other tech giants. The Chinese firm's innovation may set a new standard for foldable technology, prompting industry leaders to reconsider their design strategies.

According to the announcement from Binance, the platform is set to expand its trading options by introducing new trading pairs on Binance Spot. Starting from 2026-03-17 08:00 (UTC), users will be able to trade AAVE/U, TAO/U, UNI/U, and WLFI/U pairs. In addition to these new trading pairs, Binance will also enable Trading Bots services for the same pairs at the same time. This move aims to enhance the trading experience for users by providing more choices and advanced trading tools. A zero fee promotion will also be introduced for eligible users trading on U spot and margin pairs. This promotion will commence on 2026-03-17 08:00 (UTC) and will remain in effect until further notice. During this period, zero maker fees will apply to the AAVE/U, TAO/U, UNI/U, and WLFI/U pairs, although standard taker fees will still be applicable. The trading volume from these pairs will contribute to users' VIP tier volume calculations. Once the promotion ends, standard trading fees will resume. Binance emphasizes that trading eligibility for these new pairs is subject to the user's country or region of residence. Currently, users from certain countries, including Canada, Cuba, Iran, and the United States, among others, will not be able to participate in trading these pairs. Binance reserves the right to modify the promotion terms or disqualify users involved in dishonest activities. Users are encouraged to complete account verification to participate in trading these new pairs. The list of restricted countries may change due to legal and regulatory updates. Binance retains the discretion to amend the promotion or its terms without prior notice.

According to Onchain Lens, BlackRock deposited 1,701 BTC, worth $124 million, into Coinbase.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the near future. According to Jin10, this meeting aims to discuss ongoing geopolitical issues and strengthen bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with both leaders expected to address key concerns impacting their countries. Further details on the agenda and exact timing of the meeting have yet to be disclosed.

Two U.S. Navy minesweepers, the USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara, have been observed in Malaysia, despite their prior deployment to Bahrain for mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Jin10, the presence of these vessels in Malaysia raises questions about their current mission and strategic objectives in the region. The USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara were initially assigned to ensure safe passage through the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil transportation. Their unexpected appearance in Malaysia suggests a potential shift in U.S. naval operations or a temporary reassignment. The U.S. Navy has not yet provided an official statement regarding the reasons for the minesweepers' presence in Malaysia or any changes to their original deployment plans.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that addressing the cost of living crisis is his primary focus. According to Jin10, Starmer highlighted the importance of tackling economic challenges that affect everyday citizens. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by many families and pledged to implement measures aimed at alleviating financial pressures. Starmer's commitment to addressing these issues comes amid growing concerns over inflation and rising expenses, which have been impacting households across the country. His administration is expected to prioritize policies that support economic stability and provide relief to those most affected by the current economic climate.

Renzo is a restaking protocol built on the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to easily stake their ETH and earn rewards from EigenLayer. Renzo has a strong founding team and is backed by Binance Labs, but its REZ token has experienced a recent price decline.