What Shipped
Today, we’re seeing some interesting movements in the cryptocurrency market as of February 21, 2026. Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, is trading just under $68,150, showing a slight dip of about 1.2% in the past 24 hours. On the other hand, Ethereum is up by roughly 0.2%, currently priced around $1,970. Some smaller but promising networks like Flare Network and Hedera Hashgraph are showing impressive gains, with Flare up over 100% in the last day, and Hedera rising by about 0.77%. Ripple, Stellar, and XDC Network are also seeing healthy increases, with Ripple up by 1.16%, Stellar by 0.83%, and XDC Network leading the pack with a 2% jump.
Alongside these price updates, several important developments have been announced by key blockchain projects. For example, Stellar has published an insightful blog post discussing “The Hidden Risks of Proof-of-Stake,” which is a type of blockchain consensus mechanism. They have also released their 2025 Year in Review report, highlighting their progress and plans for scaling their network. Meanwhile, Hedera Hashgraph has shared news about FedEx joining their governance council to help advance digital global supply chains. Additionally, Hedera is migrating away from its older AccountBalanceQuery method to a newer system, which aims to improve efficiency.
Why It Matters
Understanding these updates is important, especially if you’re new to cryptocurrencies or blockchain technology. Let’s break down why these things matter:
- Price Movements: While Bitcoin’s slight dip might catch your eye, the growth in Ethereum and other altcoins suggests that the market is diversifying. Smaller projects like Flare and XDC are gaining momentum, indicating new opportunities beyond the big players.
- Proof-of-Stake Risks: Stellar’s article on the risks of Proof-of-Stake (PoS) is valuable because PoS is a common method blockchains use to verify transactions and secure the network. Unlike Proof-of-Work (PoW), which uses energy-intensive mining, PoS relies on validators holding coins to confirm transactions. However, PoS can have hidden risks like centralization or security challenges. Being aware of these helps investors make better decisions.
- Corporate Partnerships: FedEx joining Hedera’s council is a big deal. It shows how traditional companies are starting to trust blockchain for real-world applications, particularly in supply chain management. This kind of adoption can increase the value and utility of blockchain projects.
- Technical Upgrades: Hedera’s migration from an older query method to a newer one means the network is continuously improving. For investors, this signals a commitment to maintaining a robust and efficient platform.
Builders’ Corner
If you’re interested in the technical side or thinking about building on blockchain platforms, here are some highlights worth noting:
- Stellar’s Ecosystem Growth: Stellar is focusing on bringing culture on-chain invisibly, which means they’re working on integrating digital assets and cultural elements seamlessly into the blockchain. This could open new possibilities for artists, creators, and developers.
- Hedera’s Payment Standards: Hedera is advancing the “x402 payment standard,” aiming to simplify and standardize digital payments. This makes it easier for developers to create applications that handle money securely and efficiently.
- Flare Network’s Momentum: With a remarkable 105% daily price increase, Flare is attracting attention. Flare combines smart contract capabilities with other blockchains like XRP, expanding the possibilities for decentralized finance (DeFi) and cross-chain interactions.
- Ripple and Stellar Collaboration: Both Ripple and Stellar continue to push for better cross-border payments, which is one of the most practical use cases for blockchain. Faster, cheaper international money transfers can have a huge impact on businesses and individuals worldwide.
Quick Prices (as of Feb 21, 2026, 05:02 ET)
- Bitcoin (BTC): $68,149 (-1.2%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $1,970 (+0.2%)
- Flare Network (FLR): $0.0094 (+105%)
- Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.10 (+0.77%)
- Ripple (XRP): $1.44 (+1.16%)
- Stellar (XLM): $0.16 (+0.83%)
- XDC Network (XDC): $0.036 (+2.04%)
What to Watch
Looking ahead, here are some key things to keep an eye on:
- Market Participation: A recent article highlights that small investors are actively buying Bitcoin, but for a strong rally, larger investors (often called “whales”) need to join in. Watching how these groups behave can give clues about future price trends.
- Regulatory Changes: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is making subtle shifts regarding brokers’ stablecoin holdings, which could have significant implications for the market. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, often pegged to a currency like the US dollar.
- Blockchain Adoption in Supply Chains: With FedEx joining Hedera’s council, more companies might follow. This could accelerate the use of blockchain in global logistics, making the technology more mainstream.
- Technological Developments: Keep an eye on updates from Stellar and Hedera about their ecosystem improvements and technical upgrades. These developments often impact network performance and investor confidence.
TL;DR: Bitcoin is slightly down, but altcoins like Ethereum, Flare, Hedera, Ripple, Stellar, and XDC Network are showing gains. Stellar warns about risks in Proof-of-Stake systems, while Hedera welcomes FedEx to its council, signaling growing corporate blockchain adoption. Builders are working on new payment standards and cultural integrations on-chain. Watch for bigger investors entering the market and regulatory changes around stablecoins. Overall, the crypto space is evolving with exciting opportunities for investors and developers alike.
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