MemCast

Bitcoin Traders Brace for $60K Shock as Liquidations Loom | Insight with Haslinda Amin 02/16/2026

A deep dive into global macro dynamics, emerging‑market trends and the looming $60,000 Bitcoin liquidity cliff, with special focus on AI, high‑yield credit and India's infrastructure reforms.

1h 35m·Guest Bobby·Host Paul·

Fed's Reluctant Rate Cuts

1 / 11

The Federal Reserve is unlikely to rush into easing until a leadership change, and even then policymakers remain cautious about inflation and job growth. Market expectations of multiple cuts are tempered by a dovish-but-still-guarded tone.

Fed won't cut rates until Powell steps down
  • The Federal Reserve has signaled that any rate‑cut action is contingent on Chair Jerome Powell leaving office at the end of May.
  • Market participants should price in a delayed easing cycle, as the Fed prefers to keep rates higher for longer.
  • This stance dampens expectations of multiple cuts this year.
BUT THEY WILL NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL JEROME POWELL STEPS DOWN AS HE IS SCHEDULED TO DO AS CHAIRMAN AT THE END OF MAY. Paul
THE FED WILL NOT BE IN A RUSH TO CUT. Paul
Fed may turn dovish but inflation still not fully tamed
  • Recent CPI data could encourage a more dovish tone, yet officials remain uneasy that price pressures have not fully receded.
  • This lingering concern means any shift toward easing will be modest and data‑driven.
  • Investors should watch for language changes rather than immediate policy moves.
CONSIDERING THE RECENT CPI NUMBERS, DO EXPECT THAT LANGUAGE TO TAKE A MORE DOVISH TILT? Paul
I WOULD STILL BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT IF INFLATION IS FULLY TAMED. Paul
Rate cuts tied to a rebound in jobs or re‑bounded inflation
  • The Fed would need a clear resurgence in employment growth or a re‑bound in inflation to justify pausing cuts later in the year.
  • Labor‑market resilience is therefore a key gauge for future monetary easing.
  • Without such signals, the Fed is likely to maintain its current stance.
YOU WOULD NEED TO GET IT A REBOUNDED INFLATION OR AN EXTRAORDINARY RESURGENCE IN JOBS GROWTH TO JUSTIFY THE PAUSE TOWARD THE END OF THE YEAR. Paul
YOU CAN GET SOME RESILIENCE IN THE JOB MARKET. Paul

Yield Curve Stagnation

2 / 11

The U.S. yield curve shows only modest steepening, reflecting cautious expectations of rate cuts and a market that remains wary of inflation and growth acceleration.

Yield curve only slightly upward, reflecting cautious rate‑cut expectations
  • The curve has barely tilted upward, indicating markets price in gradual easing rather than rapid cuts.
  • This modest steepening keeps the long end under control while short‑term rates stay elevated.
  • Investors interpret this as a sign of continued monetary restraint.
THE YIELD CURVE IS A LITTLE BIT START. Paul
BUT NOT QUICKLY. Paul
Long‑end of curve remains under control after strong election victory
  • Following a decisive election, investors hedged their bets, keeping the long‑end of the curve stable.
  • This stability suggests confidence that political risk is limited, even as monetary policy stays tight.
  • The market’s reaction underscores the interplay between political events and bond pricing.
THE CURVE HAS GOTTEN UNDER CONTROL. Paul
AFTER A VERY STRONG ELECTION VICTORY THAT LED INVESTORS TO HEDGE THEIR BETS. Paul
Yield curve unlikely to rise without inflation or growth acceleration
  • To push the longer end higher, the economy would need stronger inflation or growth, both of which are currently muted.
  • Absence of these drivers keeps the curve flat, limiting upside for long‑duration assets.
  • Analysts therefore see limited upside for bond price appreciation in the near term.
TO SERIOUSLY DRIVE THE LONGER END OF THE CURVE HIGHER. Paul
YOU ARE NOT GETTING THE INFLATION OR THE GROWTH. Paul

AI Investment Uncertainty

3 / 11

AI is seen as a potential winner-take-all market, but the path to dominance is unclear, and massive U.S. spending may boost productivity while data-security challenges loom.

AI sector perceived as winner‑take‑all but still risky
  • Industry participants acknowledge massive upside but admit uncertainty about which firms will dominate.
  • The high‑risk, high‑reward nature makes AI a speculative arena for capital allocation.
  • Investors should balance enthusiasm with rigorous due‑diligence.
IN THIS AI GAME WE DON'T EVEN KNOW IF IT IS A WINNER TAKE ALL GAME RIGHT NOW. Bobby
I THINK IT'S A LITTLE BIT RISKY. Bobby
U.S. AI spending could boost productivity and sustain growth
  • Despite doubts about immediate returns, the United States continues massive investment in AI infrastructure.
  • Such spending is expected to raise long‑term productivity and underpin economic expansion.
  • The policy environment remains supportive, making the U.S. a likely leader in AI‑driven growth.
THE U.S. IS STILL INVESTING MASSIVELY IN ITS AI INFRASTRUCTURE. Paul
IT COULD POTENTIALLY GENERATE INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND CERTAINLY THE INVESTMENT WILL GENERATE INCREASED AND STRONGER U.S. GROWTH. Paul
Data‑security and migration challenges will dominate AI rollout
  • As AI scales, secure data migration becomes critical, influencing where capital flows.
  • Companies that can safeguard data will gain a competitive edge in the emerging AI ecosystem.
  • The next few years will see heightened focus on infrastructure that protects data integrity.
THE ENTIRE BIT OF MIGRATING AND ENSURING DATA SECURITY IS VERY CRITICAL OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS. Paul
WE HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE HOW THAT GOES. Paul

High-Yield Credit Tightening

4 / 11

Global high-yield spreads sit at the tight end of their cycles, prompting issuers to seek alternative funding as AI-driven growth offers limited relief.

Global high‑yield spreads are at the tight end of cycles
  • Credit spreads in the high‑yield market remain compressed, limiting yield for investors.
  • This tightness signals potential future tightening if market conditions shift.
  • The environment challenges investors seeking income from riskier credit.
HIGH YIELD SEEMS TO BE A SMELLY PLACE IN WAYS BECAUSE CREDIT SPREADS GLOBALLY ARE THE TIGHTER END OF THEIR CYCLICAL RANGES. Paul
U.S. HIGH‑YIELD ASSEMBLY SOMEWHERE WHERE AI RELATED CAP EXPAND. Paul
Investors eye additional funding sources as credit tightens
  • With tighter spreads, high‑yield issuers will need to look beyond traditional bank financing.
  • Money‑market funding and other alternatives become more expensive, raising overall borrowing costs.
  • The shift could reshape capital‑raising strategies for risk‑bearing corporates.
THEY WILL HAVE TO FIND ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF FUNDING SUCH AS MONEY MARKET BUT THAT MEANS HIGHER COST. Paul
THE MARGIN TRADING FACILITY BOOK IN INDIA HAS REACHED ONE TRILLION RUPEES OR ANOTHER 12 BILLION... COMPARED IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT, IT'S NOT EVEN 1% OF THE OVERALL MARKET CAPITALIZATION. Paul
High‑yield outlook linked to AI‑driven growth opportunities
  • Some see AI‑related capital expansion as a catalyst for high‑yield issuers, potentially opening new revenue streams.
  • However, the sector remains cautious, balancing optimism with credit‑risk considerations.
  • Investors should monitor AI‑related funding pipelines for signs of credit‑market impact.
U.S. HIGH‑YIELD ASSEMBLY SOMEWHERE WHERE AI RELATED CAP EXPAND. Paul
IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR LOOKING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GROWTH IN CHINA... Paul

India's Leverage Regulation Impact

5 / 11

The RBI's new rules curb credit to proprietary trading firms, causing short-term pressure on brokerage stocks while aiming to protect systemic stability.

RBI's new rules tighten credit flow to proprietary trading firms
  • The Reserve Bank of India introduced regulations that limit banks’ credit to securities businesses, targeting speculative leverage.
  • The policy seeks to reduce systemic risk by curbing margin‑trading facilities.
  • It marks a significant shift in India’s approach to market financing.
THE NEW REGULATIONS ARE BASICALLY AIMED AT TIGHTENING RULES FOR A FLOW OF CREDIT FROM BANKS TO SECURITIES BUSINESSES. Paul
THE MARGIN TRADING FACILITY BOOK IN INDIA HAS REACHED ONE TRILLION RUPEES OR ANOTHER 12 BILLION... Paul
Brokerage stocks experience short‑term sell‑offs but may recover
  • Immediate market reaction saw brokerage shares decline sharply in pre‑market trading.
  • Analysts, however, expect a longer‑term rebound as firms adjust to the new funding environment.
  • The volatility is viewed as a temporary pricing inefficiency.
SHARES OF SOME OF THESE COMPANIES ALSO READY DECLINING IN THE PREMARKET. Paul
ANALYSTS ARE HOPEFUL THAT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THIS CHANGE WILL TAKE PLACE AND COMPANIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES. Paul
Regulation aims to protect systemic stability despite higher funding costs
  • By raising the cost of margin funding, the RBI seeks to reduce leverage‑induced risk.
  • While borrowing becomes more expensive, the trade‑off is a more resilient financial system.
  • The policy reflects a broader global trend toward tighter credit oversight.
THEY WILL HAVE TO FIND ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF FUNDING SUCH AS MONEY MARKET BUT THAT MEANS HIGHER COST. Paul
THE RBA HAS MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THEY WANT RULES RELATED TO THE CREDIT FLOW TO BE MORE TIGHTENED AND BROKERAGES TO TAKE UP EXTRA COST IF NEEDED. Paul

Emerging Market Currency Resilience

6 / 11

Weak dollar dynamics, strong Asian fundamentals and under-investment create a fertile environment for high-carry EM currency strategies.

EM currencies outperform due to weak dollar and low volatility
  • Emerging market currencies have shown greater stability compared with developed‑nation peers.
  • A softer U.S. dollar provides supportive tailwinds, while subdued volatility encourages carry‑trade inflows.
  • This combination has driven outperformance in the EM FX space.
EMERGING MARKET CURRENCIES ARE PROVING MORE STABLE THAN THOSE IN DEVELOPED NATIONS. Paul
WEAK DOLLAR SUPPORTING EM CURRENCIES. Paul
Strong fundamentals in Asia underpin EM currency strength
  • Robust current‑account balances, sizable FX reserves and resilient policy frameworks in Asian economies bolster their currencies.
  • These fundamentals not only support local markets but also spill over to other EM regions.
  • The strength helps maintain low volatility and attractive carry.
CURRENT ACCOUNT BALANCES, FX RESERVES, GENERAL RESILIENCE OF POLICYMAKING IS FAR STRONGER. Paul
THIS WILL ALSO BE HELPFUL NOT ONLY IN ASIA BUT PERHAPS IN A LOT OF EMS AS WELL. Paul
EM assets remain under‑invested, offering high‑carry opportunities
  • Despite recent inflows, EM remains below its historical allocation, leaving room for further capital.
  • High‑carry strategies, especially in Latin American currencies, are attractive given the current yield differentials.
  • The under‑investment thesis supports a continued bias toward EM assets.
EM IS UNDERINVESTED ASSET CLASS. Paul
LATIN AMERICAN CURRENCIES, GENERALLY GOOD CARRY AND ONE OF OUR FAVORITE TRADES HAS BEEN A LONG HIGH CARRY BASKET VERSUS LOW CARRY. Paul

Bitcoin $60K Liquidity Trigger

7 / 11

Analysts flag the $60,000 level as a critical liquidation point for Bitcoin, with support expected near $50-$55k if the price breaks lower.

$60,000 level identified as liquidation cliff for Bitcoin
  • Traders have marked $60,000 as a red line; a breach would unleash a cascade of margin calls.
  • The concentration of long positions above this level makes the price highly vulnerable.
  • Market participants should monitor order‑book dynamics around this threshold.
TRADERS HAVE A NEW RED LINE IN SIGHT FOR BITCOIN AT $60,000. Paul
THERE WILL BE A LOT OF LIQUIDATIONS AND IT'S PUBLIC AS OPPOSITE TO WHERE THE LONG POSITIONS ARE AT. Paul
Support expected around $50k‑$55k if $60k is breached
  • Technical analysis points to a support zone between $50,000 and $55,000 as the next floor.
  • Should price fall through $60k, this area could absorb selling pressure and act as a temporary base.
  • The broader market may see further downside beyond this level if sentiment deteriorates.
IT WILL BREACH BELOW 60,000 AND PROBABLY SUPPORT LEVEL OF AROUND $50,000, $55,000. Paul
FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR COULD GO LOWER, TOO. Paul
Volatility driven more by trading activity than fundamentals
  • Bitcoin’s price swings are largely a function of spot, futures and options positioning rather than intrinsic value.
  • Heavy long and short exposure creates a feedback loop that amplifies moves.
  • Understanding the market’s leverage profile is key to anticipating future volatility.
BITCOIN PRICE IS VERY VOLATILE AND A LOT OF IT IS DUE TO TRADING, NOT INVESTMENT. Bobby
WITH A LOT OF LONGS AND SHORT POSITION, IT BECOMES A VERY VOLATILE ASSET. Bobby

Crypto Mining vs AI Energy Allocation

8 / 11

Rising AI demand tempts Bitcoin miners to repurpose energy, while mining hash power remains a lagging indicator of price movements.

Mining operators may repurpose energy for AI workloads
  • With AI’s appetite for GPU power soaring, miners consider shutting down hash operations to lease electricity and hardware to AI data centers.
  • This shift could improve overall asset utilization and profitability.
  • The decision hinges on relative returns between mining rewards and AI leasing fees.
IF YOU'RE RUNNING A BITCOIN MINING OPERATION, ISN'T IT VERY TEMPTING TO STOP MINING BITCOIN AND RENT OUT YOUR ENERGY TO AI? Bobby
YES. Bobby
Mining hash power is a lagging indicator of price
  • The amount of hash power deployed follows price trends; lower Bitcoin prices make mining unprofitable, prompting equipment repurposing.
  • Consequently, hash‑rate changes signal past price moves rather than predict future direction.
  • Investors should treat mining capacity as a confirmation tool, not a leading signal.
THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE MINING BITCOIN DOES NOT LEAD TO THE PRICE BUT IS A LAGGING INDICATOR. Bobby
A LOWER PRICE WOULD CAUSE MORE MINERS TO BE UNPROFITABLE AND MAYBE REPURCHASE THEIR MACHINES TO DO SOMETHING ELSE WITH AI DATA CENTERS. Bobby
Energy‑intensive mining could exacerbate AI’s carbon footprint
  • Shifting mining power to AI data centers may increase overall electricity consumption, raising environmental concerns.
  • While repurposing assets can improve efficiency, the combined demand of mining and AI could strain power grids.
  • Stakeholders must weigh profitability against sustainability impacts.
BUT IT'S NOT A LEADING PRICE INFLUENCER. Bobby
IF YOU'RE RUNNING A BITCOIN MINING OPERATION, ISN'T IT VERY TEMPTING TO STOP MINING BITCOIN AND RENT OUT YOUR ENERGY TO AI? Bobby

Bitcoin as Deflationary Store of Value

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Bitcoin's fixed supply, decentralization and emerging yield-generation tools position it as a long-term store of value distinct from fiat currencies.

Fixed supply and decentralization differentiate Bitcoin from fiat
  • Bitcoin’s capped 21 million coins and lack of central control make it a unique asset class.
  • Unlike inflation‑prone fiat, Bitcoin offers a built‑in scarcity that can preserve purchasing power.
  • These characteristics underpin its narrative as digital gold.
BITCOIN IS THE WORLD'S ONLY ASSET WHERE THERE'S A FIXED LIMITED QUANTITY THAT'S TRULY DECENTRALIZED AND NOT CONTROLLED BY ANY GOVERNMENT OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. Bobby
BITCOIN IS A DEFLATIONARY ASSET CLASS AND GREAT FOR A LONG TERM INVESTMENT. Bobby
Bitcoin can generate yield through options and ETFs
  • Investors can write covered calls on Bitcoin, earning premium income.
  • Bitcoin‑linked exchange‑traded funds provide exposure while offering dividend‑like distributions.
  • These mechanisms add a yield dimension to an otherwise non‑interest‑bearing asset.
YOU COULD SELL CALLS ON BITCOIN AND HAVE YIELDED INCOME AS WELL. Bobby
THROUGH BITCOIN, YOU COULD SELL CALLS ON IT AND HAVE YIELDED INCOME AS WELL. Bobby
Long‑term perspective essential; short‑term volatility is expected
  • Bitcoin experiences sharp price swings, but its store‑of‑value thesis relies on holding over years.
  • Short‑term traders often chase momentum, while long‑term holders benefit from the asset’s scarcity.
  • Patience aligns with the historical pattern of cycles and eventual appreciation.
IT IS A LONG TERM INVESTMENT CLASS. Bobby
I'M STAYING PUT AND THE LAST FEW MONTHS WITH THE BITCOIN PRICE DUMPING DOWN, I'M NOT DOING A STRETCH. Bobby

India's Infrastructure Private Capital Push

10 / 11

India is launching an ambitious highway-building program funded largely by private investors, aiming to improve efficiency and free up public resources.

Government targets $25 bn highway build in a decade
  • India plans to construct $25 billion worth of highways over ten years, signaling a major infrastructure drive.
  • The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize transport corridors and boost logistics.
  • Successful execution will require coordinated public‑private collaboration.
PLAN TO BUILD $25 BILLION OF HIGHWAY PROJECTS WITHIN A DECADE. Paul
$11 BILLION PRIVATE MONEY FOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS THIS YEAR. Paul
Private capital attracted to high‑speed road projects for efficiency gains
  • Private investors see faster construction timelines and operational efficiencies as key benefits.
  • Faster project delivery frees public funds for other priorities.
  • The model promises higher returns through toll revenues and ancillary services.
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTOR WOULD TRY TO BUILD THE PROJECT FASTER AND BRINGS IN EFFICIENCY. Paul
LEAVES THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT SOME MONEY FOR OTHER REQUIREMENTS THAT THEY HAVE. Paul
Regulatory bottlenecks in approvals and financing have slowed past private road investment
  • Delays in project approvals and banks’ reluctance to lend have historically deterred private participation.
  • Recent policy discussions aim to streamline clearances and improve financing terms.
  • Overcoming these hurdles is essential for the private‑capital‑driven highway agenda.
THE DELAYS IN APPROVALS ARE ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THAT ROAD PROJECTS ARE BUILT ON TIME. Paul
BANKS ARE NOT WILLING TO LEND FOR THESE PROJECTS, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR A PRIVATE COMPANY TO IMPLEMENT. Paul

Geopolitical Trade Tensions and Market Impact

11 / 11

Escalating diplomatic frictions between the U.S., China and other powers shape commodity flows, defense spending and investor sentiment across markets.

U.S. officials signal regime‑change focus for Iran
  • Former President Trump publicly advocated regime change as the optimal outcome for Iran.
  • The stance adds another layer of uncertainty to Middle‑East geopolitics, influencing oil markets.
  • Investors monitor diplomatic signals for potential supply‑side shocks.
PRESIDENT TRUMP SAID ON FRIDAY THAT REGIME CHANGE WOULD BE THE BEST OUTCOME FOR IRAN. Paul
THE U.S. AND IRAN WILL HOLD MORE TALKS IN GENEVA THIS WEEK. Paul
Russian casualties highlight ongoing war attrition
  • Russian forces are reportedly losing 7,000‑8,000 soldiers per week, underscoring the war’s human cost.
  • The sustained losses affect Russia’s military capacity and geopolitical leverage.
  • Such figures shape Western policy calculations and aid commitments.
THE RUSSIANS ARE LOSING 7000 TO 8000 SOLDIERS A WEEK, NOT WOUNDED, DEAD. Marco Rubio
UKRAINE HAS SUFFERED EXTRAORDINARY DAMAGE INCLUDING OVERNIGHT ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE. Marco Rubio
U.S. remains sole power able to mediate Russia‑Ukraine talks
  • The United States provides arms to Ukraine while withholding them from Russia, positioning itself uniquely to facilitate negotiations.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes America’s exclusive diplomatic leverage.
  • This dual‑track approach influences both military aid and peace‑building prospects.
WE CONTINUE -- LOOK, WE DON'T PROVIDE ARMS TO RUSSIA. WE PROVIDE ARMS TO UKRAINE. Marco Rubio
WE ARE THE ONLY POWER THAT CAN BRING THE TWO SIDES TO DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL FOR ENDING THIS WAR ON NEGOTIATED TERMS. Marco Rubio
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