The world of cryptocurrency is buzzing with activity this week as significant events unfold, including major conferences, pivotal DAO votes, and macroeconomic influences. Here’s what you need to keep an eye on:

Ethereum (Feb. 18): ETHDenver Commences

ETHDenver is set to begin on Wednesday, February 18, bringing together developers, enthusiasts, and innovators for an exciting series of events spanning several days. This annual gathering focuses on building the future of the Ethereum ecosystem.

At ETHDenver, participants will showcase innovations related to Ethereum’s infrastructure, including advancements in scalability, user experience, and the latest trends in decentralized applications. Attendees can expect a wealth of information as partnerships emerge and plans for future development are unveiled throughout the event.

Jupiter (Feb. 17): Vote on Emission Policy

On February 17, the Jupiter DAO will present a crucial decision to its community: should they pause emissions to strengthen token value or maintain current incentive structures? This discourse reflects broader themes in the governance of decentralized networks.

This proposal involves strategic considerations about net emissions and the management of team reserves. A successful vote could symbolize a shift towards a more disciplined approach in token distribution, allowing the community to signal its growth strategy for the upcoming cycle.

Hyperliquid (Feb. 18): Anticipated Airdrop Discussions

The buzz surrounding Hyperliquid’s potential second airdrop is gaining traction. As they approach February 18, expectations are high, although no formal announcements have been made yet.

Much of the speculation stems from the success of the previous airdrop, which generated significant interest. Traders are eager to position themselves strategically, but until official communication from the team arrives, this remains a speculative endeavor.

Key Macroeconomic Events Impacting Bitcoin and Crypto This Week

Monday (Feb. 16): US Markets Closed for Presidents’ Day

The NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day, leading to decreased trading volumes. Historically, such reduced activity can result in heightened volatility in the cryptocurrency market as traders react to minimal stimuli.

Wednesday (Feb. 18): Insight from FOMC Meeting Minutes

Market participants will gain insight from the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes released on Wednesday, offering clues about future monetary policy directions. Analysts will closely scrutinize the language surrounding inflation and its implications for the economy.

Understanding the committee’s confidence in managing inflation will influence how crypto and traditional markets react in the days that follow. The market often reacts to subtle shifts in tone rather than solely to the explicit content of statements.

Friday (Feb. 20): Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Report

This Friday’s release of the PCE report, which includes key inflation indicators, is highly anticipated. Given its status as the Fed’s preferred measure, the data will likely cause ripples across both crypto and equities markets.

Traders will watch for any surprises that could alter the market’s trajectory, especially concerning interest rates and investment strategies as the weekend approaches.

Friday (Feb. 20): Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs

February 20 may also bring a significant opinion from the Supreme Court regarding Trump-era tariffs. While cryptocurrency does not directly react to such rulings, the overarching economic implications can influence investor sentiment.

A decision impacting tariffs can reshape expectations regarding inflation and growth, thereby prompting movements within risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, especially in a week characterized by significant macroeconomic developments.

As of now, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization sits at an impressive $2.32 trillion.