Crypto Markets Brace for Earnings Reports and Fed Minutes This Week
By John Nada·Feb 17, 2026·4 min read
This week brings significant earnings reports from Hive and Riot alongside key Fed minutes, impacting the crypto landscape amid evolving macroeconomic conditions.
This week brings significant earnings reports from Hive Digital Technologies and Riot Platforms alongside key Fed minutes, impacting the crypto landscape amid evolving macroeconomic conditions. Hive Digital Technologies and Riot Platforms are set to report earnings this week, reflecting a shift in their operations towards high-performance computing for AI alongside traditional bitcoin mining. This adaptation indicates a growing intersection between AI and blockchain technologies, which could reshape the landscape for crypto-related businesses. As both companies expand their operations, they are tapping into the burgeoning demand for high-performance computing, reflecting a strategic pivot that could potentially unlock new revenue streams beyond the volatile crypto market.
The Federal Reserve will also dominate headlines, with the release of the minutes from its recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The committee maintained a steady interest rate in January, but two dissenting voices advocated for a reduction, sparking speculation about future monetary policy direction. The implications of the Fed's decisions are particularly significant for the crypto market, as interest rates have a substantial impact on investor behavior. Lower interest rates often lead to increased risk appetite among investors, which can translate into higher inflows into cryptocurrencies as individuals seek alternative assets for growth.
In addition to the earnings reports and Fed minutes, several macroeconomic indicators will be released this week, including inflation rates and jobless claims, which will provide insight into the broader economic context. These indicators are crucial for crypto investors as they often influence market sentiment and asset flows, potentially impacting prices and volatility in the digital asset space. For instance, higher inflation rates could lead to increased interest in cryptocurrencies as a hedge against inflation, while jobless claims can signal economic stability or turmoil, affecting investor confidence. The week also features a number of speeches from Fed officials, including Raphael Bostic, Michelle Bowman, and Neel Kashkari, which may provide further insights into the Fed's future policy direction.
These speeches are anticipated by market participants who are keen to gauge the central bank's stance on interest rates and economic growth. The timing of these speeches, coinciding with the earnings reports from Hive and Riot, adds an extra layer of complexity to the market dynamics. As for the specific earnings reports, Hive Digital Technologies is set to release its earnings on February 17, with estimates indicating a loss of $0.07 per share. This report will be closely scrutinized as investors assess the company's performance amidst its transition to high-performance computing for AI applications.
Hive's strategic pivot may signal a broader trend within the crypto space, where companies are increasingly looking to diversify their operations to mitigate risks associated with bitcoin's volatility. Riot Platforms will follow suit with its earnings report on February 19, projected to show a loss of $0.32 per share. Investors will be paying attention to how Riot is managing its traditional bitcoin mining operations while integrating AI capabilities into its business model. The results from both companies could provide valuable insights into how crypto firms are adapting to an evolving technological landscape and shifting market demands.
In terms of specific macroeconomic data, the week will kick off with U.S. inflation rates and jobless claims, which are expected to be released on February 18. These figures will be essential in understanding the economic backdrop against which both the Fed and crypto markets are operating. The U.S.
durable goods orders and industrial production data, also set for release on February 18, will further illuminate the health of the economy, allowing investors to make more informed decisions regarding their crypto investments. Additionally, the week will witness various governance votes and calls within the crypto community, including a session hosted by Jito on February 17 and a monthly VeChain Builders Space on February 18. These events highlight the ongoing governance activities within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, as projects seek community input on critical decisions that can influence their future direction. Furthermore, token unlocks scheduled for February 16 and 20 will also play a role in market dynamics.
For instance, Arbitrum is set to unlock 1.82% of its circulating supply, valued at $11.05 million. Such unlocks can lead to increased liquidity in the market, impacting supply and demand dynamics for various tokens. Investors will be closely watching these events, as they can lead to price fluctuations and changes in market sentiment. As crypto markets navigate through this week filled with significant earnings reports and critical macroeconomic indicators, the interplay between traditional financial policies and the evolving landscape of digital assets will be a focal point for investors.
The outcomes of Hive and Riot's earnings, combined with insights from the Fed's minutes and speeches, will likely set the tone for market activity in the coming days.