Crypto Today: Select Altcoins Rip While Bitcoin Trades Lower and Fear Persists

1. Bitcoin and Major Caps Slide Modestly

Bitcoin traded lower around $67,119, dipping about –0.48% in the past 24 hours, with Bitcoin dominance declining slightly. Ethereum also slipped, reflecting continued weakness in the large-cap segment despite pockets of strength elsewhere.
📎 Source: CoinCodex Daily Market Update — BTC & ETH data
https://coincodex.com/article/81653/daily-market-update-for-february-12-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2. Broad Market Cap Edges Higher Amid Mixed Sentiment

The total cryptocurrency market cap climbed modestly from approximately $2.27 trillion to $2.29 trillion, even as bearish sentiment and weak participation dominated price action. Most coins were lower on the day but some mid-caps and smaller alts outperformed.
📎 Source: CoinCodex — Market overview
https://coincodex.com/article/81653/daily-market-update-for-february-12-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3. Altcoin Standouts: BERA, Plasma, Jasmy Lead Gains

Despite the broader weakness, several altcoins posted strong moves:

Berachain (BERA) surged over +70–80% intraday, a standout performance.
Plasma followed with +15%+ gains.
Jasmy also showed double-digit strength and was called “coin of the day” for its performance.
These moves highlight that even in risk-off conditions, rotation into speculative and momentum names can occur.
📎 Source: Pintu & CoinCodex altcoin performance
https://pintu.co.id/en/news/256173-5-crypto-soar-today-12feb2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com

4. Market Sentiment Still Cautious

Despite some gains in smaller tokens, the overall mood remains skewed toward caution. Bears still dominate broader price action with many assets down over recent weeks, and fear indicators reflect continued risk aversion as traders await macro catalysts like U.S. inflation data.
📎 Source: Crypto market update — sentiment & performance summary
https://www.coingabbar.com/en/crypto-currency-news/crypto-market-update-feb-12-bitcoin-ethereum-fall-fear-index-5?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Takeaway

Feb 12 wasn’t a breakout — it was a rotation day. Bitcoin and major caps remain weak, but a handful of altcoins delivered outsized moves. That tells you traders are being selective rather than broadly bullish. With macro uncertainty still in play and risk sentiment muted, expect choppy ranges and occasional spikes in high-beta names until a definitive catalyst arrives.