The United Kingdom has reported its largest budget surplus on record, highlighting a significant fiscal achievement. Bloomberg posted on X, noting that this surplus reflects the government's efforts to manage public finances effectively. The surplus is attributed to increased tax revenues and controlled public spending, which have contributed to this financial milestone. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released data showing that the surplus was driven by higher income tax receipts and a reduction in government borrowing. This development comes as the UK economy continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery challenges. Economists suggest that the surplus provides the government with more flexibility in addressing future economic uncertainties. However, they also caution that ongoing global economic pressures could impact future fiscal performance. The record surplus is seen as a positive indicator of the UK's economic health, but experts emphasize the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline to ensure long-term stability.

Machi Big Brother Huang Licheng has strategically placed nine limit sell orders for Ethereum, ranging between $1966 and $2002. According to NS3.AI, Huang holds a significant 25x leveraged long position of 7,800 ETH, with a liquidation price set at $1906. Despite the substantial position, he is currently experiencing an unrealized loss of approximately $220,000.

India's market regulator has issued a show-cause notice to Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. and its leadership, reviving allegations of fund diversion and governance lapses. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting that these issues previously disrupted the company's planned merger with Sony. The notice is part of ongoing scrutiny into the company's financial practices and governance standards. Zee Entertainment has been under investigation for alleged financial irregularities, which have raised concerns among investors and stakeholders. The regulator's action underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate governance, particularly in high-profile mergers and acquisitions. The outcome of this notice could have significant implications for Zee Entertainment's future business operations and its potential merger with Sony.

Even before the quantum threat arrives, AI has already sounded the alarm for Crypto security.

According to Coinglass data, the Coinbase Bitcoin premium index has been in negative territory for 36 consecutive days, currently at -0.0467%, marking its longest losing streak since May 2023. This surpasses the number of consecutive days with negative premiums during the "10/11 crash," and since 2026, it has only had two days with positive premiums. A negative premium indicates that the Coinbase price is below the global average, typically reflecting significant selling pressure in the US market, decreased investor risk appetite, increased market risk aversion, or capital outflows.

The Chief Investment Officer of UniSuper, one of Australia's largest pension funds, has dismissed worries regarding the decline in global tech stocks. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the CIO's perspective that investment in the technology sector can bolster other areas of the market. Despite the recent downturn, the CIO remains optimistic about the broader market impact, suggesting that tech spending could provide stability and growth opportunities in different sectors. This outlook comes amid ongoing fluctuations in the global stock market, particularly affecting technology companies.

Crypto Rover posted on X that historical patterns in Bitcoin's market cycles indicate a potential bottom in October. According to past trends, there are typically 1,064 days between a cycle's bottom and its top, and 364 days between the top and the subsequent bottom. This analysis suggests that Bitcoin may reach its lowest point this month, following these historical cycle patterns.

Miami-based fintech reports zero margin calls across its portfolio despite sustained market volatility, closes record $12 million transaction source: https://www.blockhead.co/2026/02/20/crypto-mortgage-lender-milo-surpasses-100-million-in-originations/

CNBC reported Thursday that a group of House Democrats are pressing the Treasury Department to examine potential conflicts of interest and national security risks tied to World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the crypto venture associated with the Trump family. Security Concerns Over Trump-Linked Crypto Venture In a letter sent Thursday to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, more than 40 Democratic lawmakers, led by Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, called for a formal review of the company’s structure and foreign investment ties. The letter follows a tense House Financial Services Committee hearing earlier this month, during which Bessent testified before lawmakers. At that hearing, Meeks sharply criticized the Treasury secretary, referring to him as a “flunky” of President Trump source: https://www.newsbtc.com/crypto/house-democrats-urge-treasury-probe-into-trump-familys-crypto-venture/

As ETFs bleed, BitMine is quietly building something far bigger behind the scenes. source: https://ambcrypto.com/tom-lees-bitmine-doubles-down-on-ethereum-as-markets-turn-red-details/

Bitcoin's mining difficulty has risen by 15% to reach 144.4 trillion, marking the largest increase since 2021. According to NS3.AI, this significant uptick occurs despite a decline in Bitcoin's price and a multi-year low in hashprice. The network's hashrate has rebounded to 1 exahash per second, indicating heightened activity among miners.

The transcript of the conversation between U.S. SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins and SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce on ETHDenver on February 18, 2026, outlines the key priorities for cryptocurrency policy in 2026.

An 18-year promise to our children: about confidence, cycles, and choices. Also dedicated to every new parent.

Blockchain infrastructure and crypto capital formation mechanisms are rapidly developing to support the AI ​​Agent economy.

The future of on-chain DeFi may truly be prepared for AI, and code auditors and hackers may all lose their jobs.

The UK's blueprint for building a new generation of payment infrastructure represents a profound and systematic transformation of financial infrastructure. It involves not only technological upgrades but also innovation in governance models, reshaping of public policy, and far-reaching planning for the future form of currency.

At the start of 2026, global financial markets exhibited significant volatility, bearing many similarities to the dot-com bubble of 2000. Today, AI-driven growth models are facing similar challenges.

Jinse Finance launches its cryptocurrency and blockchain industry daily news bulletin, "Jinse 8 AM," issue 2973, providing you with the latest and fastest news on the digital currency and blockchain industry.

Stablecoins have not deviated from the existing financial system. Their market structure, risk spillover, and institutional impact largely perpetuate and amplify the existing pattern of the current monetary and payment system.

There are only two possible scenarios for Bitcoin and altcoins going forward: either Bitcoin will drop from $126,000 to $60,000, which is the full extent of the decline, or Bitcoin will continue to plummet along with the stock market crash.