Crypto Basics

Are There Crypto Indices for DeFi, AI, and Other Sectors? Exploring Thematic Index Investing in 2025

Want exposure to trending crypto themes like DeFi, AI, and Memecoins? Learn about the top sector-based crypto indices in 2025 and how to invest in the best narratives with less risk.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the fast-moving world of crypto, one of the smartest ways to invest in 2025 is by aligning your portfolio with emerging narratives. Whether it’s DeFi, AI, Memecoins, or Real World Assets (RWAs), crypto’s growth is fueled by themes—and the easiest way to capitalize on them is through sector-based crypto indices.

But are there crypto indices tailored to specific sectors?
Absolutely. In fact, thematic crypto indices are one of the hottest trends in index-based investing right now.

This article explores the most popular sector-based crypto indices in 2025, how they work, and how you can use them to build a diversified, trend-aligned portfolio.

What Is a Thematic or Sector-Based Crypto Index?

A sector-based crypto index is a basket of cryptocurrencies selected based on a specific theme or market narrative. Instead of tracking the overall market, these indices focus on high-growth areas such as:

  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tokens
  • Memecoins
  • Real World Assets (RWA)
  • Layer 1 Blockchains
  • Gaming / Metaverse

Each index includes multiple tokens within that category, allowing investors to gain exposure to the entire theme without picking individual winners.

Why Sector Indices Matter in 2025

In today’s market, performance is narrative-driven. A single meme can send a coin flying, or a regulatory shift can pump RWAs. Sector indices help investors:

âś… Capitalize on trends early
âś… Avoid single-token risk
âś… Ride sector momentum without constant research
âś… Balance exposure across tokens within a theme

Instead of trying to guess which AI token will win, you can hold the AI Index and benefit from the entire trend.

Top Sector-Based Crypto Indices in 2025

Here are the most popular and best-performing thematic indices this year:

1. Token Metrics AI Tokens Index

Focus: Artificial Intelligence & Agent Economy
Constituents: FET, AGIX, GRT, TAO, NUM, OCEAN
Management: AI-powered with weekly rebalancing

Why It’s Hot:
AI is dominating tech and crypto alike. This index tracks high-conviction AI tokens and rotates into bullish ones each week. Its performance outpaced most passive indices during Q1 2025.

2. Token Metrics DeFi Index

Focus: Core DeFi protocols
Constituents: AAVE, LDO, UNI, RUNE, DYDX, GMX
Management: AI-managed, rebalanced weekly

Why It’s Hot:
DeFi is crypto’s infrastructure. This index rotates into projects showing strength in TVL, volume, and sentiment—giving you DeFi exposure without the need to manage protocol risk manually.

3. Token Metrics Memecoin Index

Focus: Viral meme tokens
Constituents: DOGE, SHIB, PEPE, WIF, BONK, FLOKI
Management: AI-powered signals and weekly adjustments

Why It’s Hot:
This index tracks social momentum and market sentiment, allowing traders to ride the waves while mitigating downside through AI-powered exits.

4. Token Metrics RWA Index

Focus: Real World Asset tokens
Constituents: MKR, ONDO, POLYX, XDC, CFG
Management: Thematic + risk-adjusted AI overlay

Why It’s Hot:
The RWA narrative is exploding as institutions tokenize bonds, treasuries, and assets. This index includes top-performing RWA projects with liquidity and regulatory traction.

5. Token Metrics Layer 1 Index

Focus: Smart contract platforms
Constituents: ETH, SOL, AVAX, NEAR, SUI, TON
Management: Passive or AI-optimized version

Why It’s Hot:
The infrastructure battle among Layer 1s continues. This index provides broad exposure to the platforms that power most of Web3.

6. Index Coop DPI (DeFi Pulse Index)

Focus: Leading Ethereum DeFi protocols
Constituents: AAVE, UNI, COMP, SNX, LRC
Management: DAO-governed, passive rebalance

Why It’s Hot:
DPI is the OG DeFi index—trusted, decentralized, and consistently rebalanced on-chain.

7. Phuture Custom Indices

Focus: User-created strategies
Constituents: Fully customizable
Management: On-chain rules, community-driven

Why It’s Hot:
Create your own sector index or invest in curated strategies. Fully composable within DeFi.

How to Choose the Right Sector Index

Choosing the best sector-based index depends on your goals and your belief in specific narratives.

AI vs. Passive Sector Indices

Many sector indices today are AI-powered, meaning they adjust weights and tokens dynamically based on real-time data. This is especially useful in volatile or hype-driven narratives (like Memecoins or AI tokens).

Where to Invest in Sector-Based Indices

Here’s where to find and invest in thematic indices:

  • âś… Token Metrics – Sector-specific AI indices with weekly signals
  • âś… Index Coop – Ethereum-based DeFi indices with DAO governance
  • âś… Phuture – On-chain, user-customized index strategies
  • âś… Set Protocol – Technical and trend-driven portfolios
  • âś… Centralized Brokers – Limited thematic access (e.g., Bitwise)

You can access these using fiat, stablecoins, or crypto wallets depending on the platform.

Final Thoughts: Sector Indices Help You Invest in What Matters

In 2025, the biggest opportunities in crypto are often found in narrative-driven sectors. Whether it’s AI, DeFi, Memecoins, or tokenized real-world assets, sector-based crypto indices offer:

  • Smart diversification
  • Aligned exposure to growing trends
  • Hands-free portfolio management
  • Reduced risk of picking the wrong token

For the best results, explore platforms like Token Metrics, where AI-enhanced sector indices help you adapt to the market and capitalize on breakout themes with data-backed precision.

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Token Metrics Team
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Research

See What You Own: Holdings Treemap, Table, and Transactions Log (2025)

Sam Monac
7 min
MIN

If you’ve ever bought a “basket” of coins and then wondered what you actually hold, you’re not alone. The TM Global 100 solves that by pairing a rules-based strategy with radical visibility: an interactive holdings treemap, sortable table, and a real-time transactions log—so you can see what you own at all times. This transparency sits on top of a simple idea: a top-100 crypto index when markets are bullish and stablecoins when they’re not, with weekly rebalancing and one-click buy at launch. The result is clarity for hands-off allocators and discipline for active traders—without spreadsheets or manual rebalances.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

TL;DR (snippet)

What it is: A rules-based index that holds the top-100 in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets—paired with a Holdings Treemap, Table, and Transactions Log for full visibility.

Why it matters: Weekly rebalances and transparent change tracking reduce guesswork and help you understand how and why your exposure evolves.

Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a disciplined, visible core position.

Next step: Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Transparency Matters in October 2025

Today’s crypto investor expects more than a chart and a headline weight. You want to audit your index: which coins, what size, and what changed after each rebalance. That’s exactly why we ship three visibility layers on day one: Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log—plus a classic holdings table for power users.

In practical terms, a holdings treemap shows proportional weights at a glance, a table lets you sort and export details, and a transactions log chronicles every add/trim/exit during rebalances and regime switches. Together, they answer the search intent behind “crypto index holdings” and “weekly rebalancing” with an immediately scannable source of truth.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching: When our market signal is bullish, the index holds the top 100 assets by market cap. When bearish, it exits to stablecoins and waits for a re-entry signal.

  • Weekly rebalancing: We adjust constituents and weights weekly to reflect updated rankings—so the index stays aligned with the market.

  • Transparency: You’ll see a Strategy modal (rules at a glance), a market signal gauge, an interactive Holdings treemap & table, and a Transactions log that records rebalances and regime shifts.

  • What you’ll see on launch: A price tile, “tokens: 100,” “rebalances weekly,” and a Buy Index flow that can complete in about 90 seconds, end-to-end.

See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: Skip ranking lists, manual screeners, and cross-exchange rebalances.

  • Lower execution drag: A single indexed flow helps reduce the slippage and fees you’d pay hopping between many tokens.

  • No missed cycles: Weekly rebalances help capture changes in the top-100 while the regime switch avoids guesswork when markets turn.

  • Full visibility: Treemap + table + transactions let you see exactly what changed and why—no black boxes.

  • Rules over vibes: A consistent methodology can reduce emotional decisions during drawdowns and market euphoria.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Indices hub and select TM Global 100. (Token Metrics Indices hub)

  2. Join the waitlist with your email to get launch-day access and updates.

  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet so you’re ready to buy at launch.

  4. On launch: Open TM Global 100, review the Gauge → Treemap → Transactions, and tap Buy Index.

  5. Confirm the buy: You’ll see estimates for fees/slippage and the current token mix.

  6. Track your position: Your holdings and every rebalance appear in My Indices and the Transactions Log.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want “own the market” exposure and automatic upkeep. Consider if you dislike micromanaging.

  • Active Trader: Want a disciplined core that moves to stablecoins in bears while you take satellite bets elsewhere.

  • TM Member/Prospect: Already trust TM research and want rules-based execution with full visibility.

  • Starter Portfolio Builder: Prefer a single decision over 20+ token buys and periodic DIY reweights.

  • Transparency Seeker: You won’t tolerate black-box products; you want a real transactions log and holdings you can audit.

  • Tax-Aware Rebalancer: You’d rather not run frequent piecemeal trades yourself.

  • Mobile-First User: Want a fast, on-page buy flow instead of tab-hopping across venues.

  • Analytics Fan: Enjoy comparing weights and changes in the treemap after each weekly rebalance.

FAQs

What is a crypto index with a holdings treemap?
It’s a rules-based basket of cryptocurrencies where you can visually inspect weights via an interactive treemap, alongside a sortable table and a transactions log that records every rebalance and regime switch.

How often does the index rebalance?
Weekly. Rebalances update constituents/weights to reflect current top-100 rankings; separate regime switches can also move the portfolio between tokens and stablecoins when the market signal changes.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?
A proprietary market signal. When bearish, the index exits tokens to stablecoins; when bullish resumes, it re-enters the top-100 basket.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?
At launch, funding/settlement options surface based on your connected wallet and supported chains. USDC payout is supported on selling; fiat on-ramps may be added later.

Is the wallet custodial?
No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control your funds.

How are fees shown?
Before you confirm, the buy flow surfaces estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and min expected value.

How do I join the waitlist?
Open the Indices hub, navigate to TM Global 100, and add your email. You’ll be notified on launch with a direct link to buy.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet with user control.

  • Operational clarity: Weekly rebalances; regime logic documented in the Strategy modal.

  • Fee & slippage preview: All surfaced before you confirm a trade.

  • Data integrity: Holdings treemap + table and transactions log reflect each executed change.

  • Regional notes: Availability and on-ramps can vary by jurisdiction.
    Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Conclusion + Related Reads

TM Global 100 is built for investors who want broad market exposure and the receipts to prove what they hold—treemap, table, and transactions on every rebalance. If you value rules, discipline, and transparency, join the waitlist and be ready on launch day.

Related Reads:

‍

Research

How to Buy a Crypto Index in 90 Seconds (Step-by-Step, 2025)

Sam Monac
7 min
MIN

If you’ve ever tried to “own the market” in crypto, you know the pain: opening multiple exchanges, hunting for the right tokens, praying you rebalance on time, and second-guessing every move. This guide shows you how to buy a crypto index in 90 seconds—and why a rules-based approach can save time, reduce mistakes, and keep you aligned with the trend. Our flagship TM Global 100 is a rules-based crypto index that holds the top-100 assets in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets, with weekly rebalancing and fully transparent holdings/transactions. Below, you’ll see exactly what the flow looks like and how to join early.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

TL;DR (snippet)

  • What it is: Rules-based index that holds the top-100 in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets.

  • Why it matters: Weekly rebalances + transparent holdings and transaction logs.

  • Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a disciplined core.

  • Next step: Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Education / How-To Matters in October 2025

Crypto’s gotten faster, not simpler. Between regime switching, weekly rebalancing, and dozens of venues, DIY baskets are easy to get wrong. A clear, step-by-step how to buy a crypto index guide helps you execute with confidence, whether you’re optimizing a core position or setting up a long-term plan.
Definition (featured-snippet friendly): A crypto index is a rules-based basket of digital assets that rebalances on a set schedule and may switch to stablecoins during bearish regimes.

Related terms we’ll touch on: crypto index, weekly rebalancing, regime switching.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching:


    • Bullish → the index holds the top 100 crypto assets by market cap.

    • Bearish → the index moves fully to stablecoins and waits for a re-entry signal.

  • Weekly rebalancing: Reflects updated market-cap rankings and weights each week.

  • Transparency: Strategy modal explains rules; Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log show exactly what you hold and when it changes.

  • What you’ll see on launch:


    • Live price tile & market signal “Gauge”

    • 100 tokens (bull regime) & “rebalances weekly”

    • Holdings Treemap + Transactions Log

    • One-click Buy flow with fee/slippage preview

Soft CTA: See the strategy and rules.

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: Skip hours of research, sorting, and executing dozens of buys/sells.

  • Missed rebalances avoided: Weekly, rules-based updates reduce “I forgot to rebalance” risk.

  • Disciplined switching: Automated stablecoin exit during bears can help preserve capital.

  • Lower slippage chaos: One flow instead of many fragmented trades across venues.

  • Radical visibility: Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log show positions and changes—no black box.

  • One-click upkeep: You focus on allocation size; the index handles the rest.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Indices hub: Go to Token Metrics Indices hub.

  2. Join the waitlist: Enter your email to get notified at go-live and receive the 90-second buy instructions.

  3. (Optional) Prepare your wallet: If prompted at launch, create/connect the embedded self-custodial wallet.

  4. Launch day email: We’ll send a direct link to TM Global 100 with the Buy Index button.

  5. Review before you buy: See fees, max slippage, min expected value, and current holdings.

  6. Confirm purchase (~90 seconds): Approve the transaction; you’ll see status and a link to My Indices.

  7. Track updates: Weekly rebalances and any regime switches appear in Holdings and Transactions.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

‍

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad market exposure without micromanaging coins.

  • Active Trader: Prefer to keep a rules-based core while you take satellite bets elsewhere.

  • TM Member/Prospect: Already use TM research and want a simpler path to execution.

  • Rebalance-Fatigued: You’ve missed updates or paid excess fees trying to DIY.

  • Transparency-First: You want clear rules, visible holdings, and a public transactions log.

  • Drawdown-Wary: You value an automatic stablecoin stance during bearish regimes.

FAQs

What is a “how to buy a crypto index” flow?
It’s a streamlined checkout to buy a rules-based basket (index) in one place. For TM Global 100, you’ll see fees/slippage upfront, then confirm in a single flow.

How often does the index rebalance?
Weekly. Rebalances update constituents/weights. If the regime flips, the portfolio can switch between top-100 tokens and stablecoins outside the weekly cycle.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?
A proprietary market signal. In bearish conditions, the index exits tokens into stablecoins and waits for a bullish re-entry signal.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?
At launch, you’ll follow the on-page instructions shown in the Buy Index flow. Funding options may vary by chain/wallet; USDC payout is supported when selling.

Is the wallet custodial?
No—self-custodial embedded smart wallet. You control funds; the flow simplifies execution.

How are fees shown?
Before confirming, you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value. Nothing’s hidden.

How do I join the waitlist?
Head to the Token Metrics Indices hub and submit your email, or follow the waitlist CTA on the TM Global 100 page.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet keeps you in control.

  • 2-step clarity: Fees/slippage displayed before you confirm.

  • Transparent by design: Strategy modal, Holdings Treemap, and Transactions Log show what changed and why.

  • Regime logic limits: Signals can be wrong; rules aim for discipline, not perfection.

  • Regional notes: Availability and on-ramp options may vary by jurisdiction.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you want broad market exposure without babysitting a portfolio, TM Global 100 gives you a rules-based, transparent way to participate in the upside and sit in stablecoins when conditions turn. The 90-second buy flow removes friction so you can focus on allocation—not logistics.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Related Reads:

  • TM Global 100 strategy

  • Token Metrics Indices hub

  • Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges 2025

Research

Crypto Index vs DIY Basket: Time, Slippage, and Missed Rebalances (2025)

Sam Monac
7 min
MIN

Building your own crypto basket sounds simple—until you’re juggling 10–50 tickers, spreadsheets, rebalance rules, spreads across chains, and the constant fear of missing regime turns. A crypto index removes that manual grind: TM Global 100 holds the top 100 assets when the market is bullish and moves fully to stablecoins when it’s not, with weekly rebalancing and full transparency of holdings and transactions. One click to buy, zero maintenance to keep up.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

TL;DR (snippet)

  • What it is: Rules-based index that holds top-100 in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets.

  • Why it matters: Weekly rebalances + transparent holdings and transaction logs.

  • Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a disciplined core.

  • Next step: Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Education / Indices Matters in October 2025

In 2025, time and execution quality are alpha. Manually maintaining a DIY basket multiplies complexity: fragmented liquidity, multiple wallets, chain fees, and coordination across exchanges—all while markets move. A rules-based index compresses that overhead into a single, auditable product with pre-declared logic and scheduled upkeep.

Definition (snippet-ready): A crypto index is a rules-based basket of digital assets that rebalances on a set schedule and/or when market conditions change, so you don’t have to micromanage individual coins.

Traders searching “DIY crypto basket,” “regime switching,” or “weekly rebalancing” usually want one thing: broad exposure without the constant maintenance and the regret of missed rebalances. That’s the exact problem TM Global 100 addresses with weekly updates and regime switching to stablecoins when signals turn bearish.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching: When signals are bullish, the index holds the top 100 by market cap; when bearish, it exits fully to stablecoins to wait for re-entry.

  • Weekly rebalancing: Aligns weights and constituents with updated rankings; regime changes can also trigger full portfolio shifts.

  • Transparency: Strategy modal explains selection & rebalancing rules; Holdings show a treemap/table; Index Transactions log all changes.

  • What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, signal gauge, tokens=100, “rebalances weekly,” contract address, and a Buy Index button with a ~90-second live demo flow showcased in launch content.

→ See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: Replace multi-exchange shopping, wallet hops, and manual allocations with one click.

  • Fewer missed rebalances: Weekly cadence + visible transactions log reduce the cost of “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

  • Slippage discipline: Centralized execution with declared slippage/fee previews helps contain surprises vs piecemeal orders.

  • Regime switching: Codified “risk-off” behavior into stablecoins during bears, so you don’t have to white-knuckle exits. (No performance promises.)

  • Transparency: Strategy modal → Holdings treemap/table → Transactions log—see exactly what you hold and when it changed.

  • Proof cues (What you’ll see): Gauge (market signal) → Treemap (allocations) → Transactions Log → ~90-second Buy flow.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Token Metrics Indices hub and select TM Global 100.

  2. Add your email to the waitlist so you’re first in line at launch.

  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet—our embedded, self-custodial smart wallet supports major chains.

  4. On launch day, you’ll see the price tile, signal gauge, and “Buy Index.”

  5. Review the strategy, expected fees/slippage, and holdings; confirm to purchase.

  6. Track your position in My Indices; rebalances and any regime switches will appear in the transactions log.

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad exposure without micromanaging? Consider a rules-based core that updates weekly.

  • Active Trader: Keep your bets, but use an index core that may step to stablecoins during bears.

  • TM Member/Prospect: Prefer transparent holdings, logs, and a simple buy/sell flow.

  • Time-Strapped Professional: Reduce ops work (wallets, slippage math, spreadsheets) to nearly zero.

  • New to Crypto: Learn with training wheels—strategy modal, tooltips, and clear risk language.

  • DIY Purist: If you enjoy tinkering with weights daily, DIY could still fit—just know weekly index upkeep is handled for you.

FAQs

What is a crypto index?
A rules-based basket of assets with scheduled rebalancing and, in TM Global 100’s case, a regime switch between top-100 exposure and stablecoins.

How often does the index rebalance?
Weekly, with additional full-portfolio switches when the market regime changes.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?
A proprietary market signal. When bearish, the index exits tokens into stablecoins and waits for a bullish re-entry.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?
Funding options surface based on your connected wallet and supported chains; USDC payouts are supported on selling. (Stablecoin entry may come later.)

Is the wallet custodial?
No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial; you control funds.

How are fees shown?
The Buy flow shows estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value before you confirm.

How do I join the waitlist?
Visit the Indices hub → TM Global 100 → enter your email to get notified and first access at launch.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: You transact via an embedded, self-custodial smart wallet.

  • Visibility: Strategy modal, Holdings treemap/table, and Transactions log make changes auditable.

  • Fee & slippage preview: See estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value before confirming.

  • Regime logic limits: Signals can be wrong; markets can gap; weekly rebalances can’t eliminate risk.

  • Region/chain notes: Supported chains surface in-product; availability and options may vary.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you’ve ever missed a rebalance or watched slippage eat into returns, TM Global 100 can help standardize the work: rules-based logic, weekly updates, and a visible log of everything that changed. Join the waitlist to be first to trade, and make a disciplined index your core.

Related Reads:

→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

‍

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