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.

The end of January witnessed the most significant silver sell-off in history, driven by the increasing involvement of retail investors in leveraged exchange-traded funds. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the impact of these investors on the market dynamics. The surge in retail participation has been a notable factor in the volatility experienced in the silver market, as these investors often engage in high-risk trading strategies. This trend underscores the shifting landscape of commodity trading, where individual investors are playing a more prominent role alongside traditional institutional players. The sell-off has raised concerns about the stability of the market and the potential for further disruptions as retail investors continue to influence trading patterns.

European companies are reportedly in a stronger position to handle the current energy crisis compared to 2022, according to analysts from ING. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, energy demand across various industries has decreased. According to Jin10, companies have implemented measures to mitigate energy risks by investing in renewable energy, adopting more energy-efficient production processes, electrifying production, and securing longer-term energy contracts. The chemical industry, in particular, has shown significant progress. Even energy-intensive sectors like aviation and shipping have achieved notable improvements in energy efficiency, although these gains are sometimes offset by volatile trading patterns. Analysts believe that companies are now better prepared for higher energy prices than they were in 2022.

Wall Street banks, spearheaded by JPMorgan, have initiated a $5.75 billion cross-border leveraged loan to support the acquisition of video game company EA. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting that this transaction ranks among the largest of its kind. The loan is part of a broader strategy to finance the buyout, reflecting the significant interest and investment in the gaming industry. This move underscores the ongoing trend of substantial financial deals in the sector, as major banks continue to play a pivotal role in facilitating such transactions.

South Korean regulators have fined cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb 36.8 billion won (approximately US$24.6 million) and ordered a six-month suspension of some of its operations after finding the exchange guilty of anti-money laundering compliance violations. The Financial Services Commission of South Korea disclosed that the penalty was based on the Act on Reporting and Use of Specific Financial Transaction Information, stemming from approximately 6.65 million violations by Bithumb. Of these, approximately 3.55 million involved failure to fulfill Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations, and approximately 3.04 million involved failure to effectively block transactions that should have been restricted. (CoinDesk)

U.S. stocks are anticipated to increase on Monday as worries about the extended closure of the Strait of Hormuz affecting global supply chains begin to diminish. Bloomberg posted on X, indicating that investor sentiment is improving as fears surrounding the disruption in one of the world's key oil transit routes subside. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for oil shipments, has been a focal point of concern for global markets, but recent developments suggest a less severe impact on supply chains than initially feared. This shift in outlook is contributing to a more optimistic market environment, with investors reassessing the potential risks and opportunities in the current economic landscape. As the situation evolves, market participants are closely monitoring any further updates that could influence trading activities and economic forecasts.

India's market regulator is conducting a review of the coverage provided by the settlement guarantee fund for the commodity derivatives market. According to Jin10, this examination aims to ensure the robustness and reliability of the financial safeguards in place for these trading activities. The regulator's initiative reflects a broader effort to enhance market stability and investor confidence in the derivatives sector. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about improving financial infrastructure and risk management practices within the industry.

Bank of America analyst Antonio Gabriel has expressed concerns that the market may be underestimating the risks of prolonged conflict in the Middle East. According to Jin10, Gabriel noted in a report that while there is a possibility for a swift resolution, the likelihood of the conflict extending into the second quarter is equally significant. He highlighted that the valuations of U.S. stocks and the Federal Reserve's interest rate expectations suggest that investors might be underestimating scenarios that could be more detrimental to global economic growth.

OKX data shows that the ETH/BTC exchange rate has rebounded and broken through 0.031, currently trading at 0.03105, with a 24-hour increase of 5.21%.

During the DC Blockchain Summit organized by The Digital Chamber, several U.S. lawmakers and industry experts are set to discuss the progress of stablecoin legislation. According to ChainCatcher, Tim Scott, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, is expected to be questioned about the timeline for the next review of the related bill. Industry insiders reveal that negotiations concerning the 'yield' issue of stablecoins are nearing consensus. Cody Carbone suggests that the regulatory framework might prohibit yields on idle stablecoin balances while allowing transaction-based reward mechanisms. A resolution among the involved parties is anticipated within the next week. Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks are seen as key legislative drivers, expressing concerns about funds moving from deposit accounts to high-yield crypto products. Industry experts believe that once these two lawmakers are satisfied with the bill's text, the stablecoin yield dispute could be largely resolved. Subsequently, regulatory focus is expected to shift towards issues like DeFi and token classification.

The printing press is already running; the future ceiling depends on only two major variables.

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China is projecting confidence in its energy resilience, claiming robust reserves and domestic production to weather global oil disruptions from the ongoing Iran conflict — even as U.S. President Donald Trump presses Beijing to assist in securing the strategic Strait of Hormuz ahead of his planned visit later this month.

In the first week of March 2026, the weather in San Francisco was unpredictable, much like the ever-changing landscape of the artificial intelligence race.

Australia has moved a step closer to implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets after the Australian Senate Economics Legislation Committee recommended passing new legislation that would bring crypto platforms under the country’s financial-services regime.

RWA projects should focus their resources on one thing—finding truly good RWA assets.

Australia’s financial regulator ASIC warned young investors not to rely solely on social media or AI for financial advice, as these sources can be unreliable and risky. A survey found that 23% of Gen Z own crypto, with many making trades based on influencer content or short-term speculation.

This isn't a window for cryptocurrency trading; it's a window for asset allocation. Times have changed, and our understanding needs to keep up.