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
Token Metrics Team

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Research

Fundamental Grade Crypto API: Invest with Conviction Using Real Project Signals

Token Metrics Team
4
MIN

Most traders chase price action; Fundamental Grade Crypto API helps you see the business behind the token—community traction, tokenomics design, exchange presence, VC signals, and DeFi health—consolidated into one score you can query in code. In a few minutes, you’ll fetch Fundamental Grade, render it in your product, and ship a due-diligence UX that drives trust. Start by grabbing your key at the Get API Key page, Run Hello-TM to verify your first call, then Clone a Template to go live fast.

What You’ll Build in 2 Minutes

A minimal script to fetch Fundamental Grade from /v2/fundamental-grade for any symbol (e.g., BTC).

  • Optional curl to smoke-test your key in seconds.
  • A drop-in pattern to display the grade + key drivers in dashboards, screeners, and research tools.

Endpoints to consider next:

  • /v2/tm-grade (technical/sentiment/momentum)
  • /v2/price-prediction (scenario planning)
  • /v2/resistance-support (risk levels)
  • /v2/quantmetrics (risk/return stats)

Why This Matters

Beyond price, toward quality. Markets are noisy—hype rises and fades. Fundamental Grade consolidates hard-to-track signals (community growth, token distribution, liquidity venues, investor quality, DeFi integrations) into a clear, comparable score. You get a fast “is this worth time and capital?” answer for screening, allocation, and monitoring.

Build trust into your product. Whether you run an investor terminal, exchange research tab, or a portfolio tool, Fundamental Grade lets users justify positions. Pair it with TM Grade or Quantmetrics for a balanced picture: what to buy (fundamentals) and when to act (signals/levels).

Where to Find The Fundamental Grade

The Fundamental Grade is easily accessible in the top right of the API Reference. Grab the cURL request for seamless access!

Build Smarter Crypto Apps & AI Agents with Token Metrics

Token Metrics provides real-time prices, trading signals, and on-chain insights all from one powerful API. Grab a Free API Key

How It Works (Under the Hood)

Fundamental Grade aggregates multiple project-quality signals into a normalized score and label (e.g., Strong / Average / Weak). Typical sub-signals include:

  • Community: momentum across channels (dev activity/user traction signals where applicable).
  • Tokenomics: supply schedule, distribution, unlock dynamics, incentives.
  • Exchange Presence: venue coverage, depth/liquidity proxies.
  • VC/Investor Signals: quality/durability of backing and ecosystem support.
  • DeFi Health: integrations, TVL context, composability footprint.

At query time, you call /v2/fundamental-grade with a symbol; responses include the overall score plus component scores you can visualize. For dashboards with many assets, batch fetches and short-TTL caching keep pages responsive. If you push alerts (e.g., “Fundamental Grade upgraded”), prefer webhooks or queued jobs to avoid hammering the API.

Production Checklist

  • Rate limits: Know plan caps; add client throttling and request queues.
  • Retries/backoff: Exponential backoff + jitter; surface actionable error messages.
  • Idempotency: Prevent duplicate downstream actions on retried calls.
  • Caching: Use memory/Redis/KV with short TTLs; pre-warm popular symbols.
  • Webhooks & jobs: For alerts, use signed webhooks or scheduled jobs; log delivery outcomes.
  • Pagination/Bulk: When covering many tokens, paginate or process in batches.
  • Error catalog: Map 4xx/5xx to user-visible fixes; log request IDs.
  • Observability: Track p95/p99 and error rate per endpoint; alert on spikes.
  • Security: Keep API keys in secrets managers; rotate regularly.

Use Cases & Patterns

  • Screener Maker: Rank tokens by Fundamental Grade, filter by market cap/sector, and add “rising fundamentals” badges for discovery.
  • Dashboard Builder: On each token page, show the headline grade with a component chart; link to methodology for transparency.
  • Research & PM Tools: Flag downgrades/upgrades to prompt re-evaluation; attach notes to component changes (e.g., DeFi health drop).
  • Allocator / Risk: Require a minimum Fundamental Grade before inclusion; rebalance only when grade crosses thresholds.
  • Community/Discord: Post weekly upgrades as digest messages with links back to your app.

Next Steps

  • Get API Key — generate a key and start free.
  • Run Hello-TM — verify your first successful call.
  • Clone a Template — deploy a screener or token page today.
  • Watch the demo: VIDEO_URL_HERE
  • Compare plans: Scale confidently with API plans.

FAQs

1) What does the Fundamental Grade API return?

A JSON payload with the overall score/grade plus component scores (e.g., community, tokenomics, exchange presence, VC backing, DeFi health) and timestamps. Use the overall grade for ranking and component scores for explanations.

2) How fast is the endpoint? Do you publish SLOs?

The API is engineered for predictable latency. For high-traffic dashboards, add short-TTL caching and batch requests; for alerts, use jobs/webhooks to minimize round-trips.

3) Can I combine Fundamental Grade with TM Grade or signals?

Yes. A common pattern is Fundamental Grade for quality filter + TM Grade for technical/sentiment context + Trading Signals for timing and Support/Resistance for risk placement.

4) How “accurate” is the grade?

It’s an opinionated synthesis of multiple inputs—not financial advice. Historical studies can inform usage, but past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Always layer risk management and testing.

5) Do you offer SDKs and examples?

You can use REST directly (see JS/Python above). The docs include quickstarts, Postman, and ready-to-clone templates—start with Run Hello-TM.

Research

Indices Hub: Join the Waitlist for TM Global 100 (2025)

Token Metrics Team
5
MIN

If you’ve been waiting for a simple, rules-based way to own the Token Metrics Global 100—without micromanaging tokens—this hub is for you. The 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 transparent holdings/transaction logs you can verify at any time. It’s designed for hands-off allocators who want disciplined exposure and for active traders who want a core that adapts to regimes—without guesswork or endless rebalancing. Below you’ll find how it works, who it’s for, and exactly how to join the waitlist so you’re first in line when trading opens.

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

Why Indices Matter in October 2025

Search intent right now: investors want credible, rules-based crypto exposure that can participate in upside while reducing drawdown pain. A crypto index is a basket of assets selected and maintained by rules—so you avoid one-off bets and constant manual rebalancing.

With liquidity rotating quickly across sectors, weekly rebalancing helps maintain alignment with current market-cap leaders, while regime switching provides a disciplined, pre-defined response to bearish conditions. The result is a clear, consistent process that removes emotional decision-making and operational drag.

Definition

A crypto index is a rules-based basket of digital assets that’s constructed, weighted, and rebalanced on a set schedule.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching: Bullish: Hold the top-100 crypto assets by market cap.
  • Bearish: Exit all positions into stablecoins and wait for a new bullish signal.
  • Weekly rebalancing: Reflects updated rankings and weights across the market-cap universe.
  • Transparency: Strategy modal shows methodology and thresholds; Gauge → Holdings Treemap → Transactions Log make every change visible.

What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, gauge (“rebalances weekly”), 100 tokens, one-click Buy Index flow, and a 90-second checkout via embedded wallet.‍See the strategy and rules.

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: No more manual coin-picking, sizing, and calendar rebalances.
  • Lower execution drag: One click vs. dozens of individual orders that can add slippage.
  • Stay current: Weekly rebalances help you capture market-cap changes without constant monitoring.
  • Discipline in drawdowns: Automatic switch to stablecoins removes panic decisions.
  • Radical visibility: Holdings treemap, table, and transactions log show what you own and what changed—every week.
  • Operational simplicity: Embedded wallet and a unified dashboard; no juggling chains and exchanges.

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

  1. Open the Indices Hub: Head to the Token Metrics Indices hub.
  2. Choose TM Global 100: Open the index page and review the Gauge → Strategy → Holdings.
  3. Join the Waitlist: Add your email to be notified the moment trading opens.
  4. (Optional) Connect Wallet: Pre-connect your wallet for a faster launch-day checkout.

Launch-Day Flow (~90 seconds): Tap Buy Index, review fees/slippage, confirm, and see your position in My Indices. Track Rebalances: After each weekly rebalance or regime change, check the Transactions Log for updates.

→ 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? Yes—rules-based + weekly rebalances.
  • Active Trader: Need a core that sits in stables during bears while you hunt edges elsewhere? Fits.
  • TM Member/Prospect: Already trust Token Metrics research? This is the rules-based version of “own the market.”
  • Risk-Aware Newcomer: Prefer a clear framework over vibes? Methodology is visible and auditable.
  • DIY Basket Builder: Tired of missed rebalances and slippage? One click can reduce execution drag.
  • Data-First Analyst: Want to verify? See the holdings, weights, and transaction history anytime.

FAQs

1) What is a TM Global 100 index?

It’s a rules-based crypto index that holds the top 100 assets by market cap in bullish regimes and moves to stablecoins in bearish regimes. It rebalances weekly and shows transparent holdings and transactions.

2) How often does the index rebalance?

Weekly, with additional full-portfolio switches when the market regime changes.

3) What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A proprietary market signal. When bearish, the index exits all token positions into stablecoins and waits for a bullish re-entry signal.

4) Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

At launch, funding and settlement options surface based on the embedded wallet and supported chains. USDC payouts are supported for selling; additional entry options may be introduced later.

5) Is the wallet custodial?

No. The Embedded Wallet is self-custodial—you control your funds while using a streamlined, on-chain checkout.

6) How are fees shown?

Before you confirm, the Buy flow shows estimated gas, platform fee, maximum slippage, and the minimum expected value.

7) How do I join the waitlist?

Go to the Token Metrics Indices hub or the TM Global 100 strategy page and submit your email. We’ll notify you the moment trading opens.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet; you hold the keys.
  • 2FA & session hygiene: Use strong auth practices for your TM account.
  • Fee clarity: Gas, platform fee, and slippage are displayed before you confirm.
  • Auditability: Holdings, treemap, and transactions log are always visible.
  • Model limits: Regime logic can be wrong, and markets can gap; rules reduce discretion—not risk.
  • Regional availability: Product surfaces may vary by region as we expand.

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

If you want a disciplined, rules-based core that adapts to market regimes, Token Metrics Global 100 is built for you. Weekly rebalances, transparent holdings, and one-click buy remove operational friction so you can focus on your strategy.

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

Top Crypto Index for Hands-Off Portfolios (2025)

Token Metrics Team
4
MIN

If you want broad exposure to cryptocurrencies without constant chart monitoring, a top crypto index offers a streamlined way to participate in the market. Token Metrics provides innovative tools to help you understand and access such indices efficiently.

Opening Hook

If you’re seeking an uncomplicated, rules-driven approach to crypto investing that adapts to market conditions, a top crypto index might be worth exploring. These indexes automate the process of capturing upside potential while managing risk during downturns, making crypto investing more accessible for a variety of investor profiles.

What is a Crypto Index?

A crypto index is a systematic, rules-based collection of digital assets that reflects a specific universe—such as the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. It relies on transparent methodologies and scheduled rebalancing to ensure that the composition remains aligned with market dynamics. These indexes aim to provide broad exposure while reducing the need for individual asset management.

How Top Crypto Indexes Function in 2025

Many modern crypto indexes incorporate regime switching mechanisms: during bullish periods, they hold top assets; during bear markets, they shift to stablecoins to mitigate losses. Weekly rebalancing updates the constituents based on current market rankings, and transparency tools such as strategy descriptions, gauges, and transaction logs allow users to verify holdings and changes in real-time.

Benefits of Using a Crypto Index Over DIY Approaches

  • Time efficiency: Automates rebalancing and regime switching, saving manual effort.
  • Lower slippage: Executes large baskets with minimal impact on prices.
  • Consistency: Ensures regular rebalancing and discipline during volatile periods.
  • Transparency: Clear logs and dashboards allow for full accountability.
  • Speed: Simplified onboarding with quick allocation processes.

Getting Early Access to Top Crypto Indexes

To gain early exposure, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Token Metrics Indices hub.
  2. Select TM Global 100 and view its details.
  3. Tap “Join Waitlist” and enter your email (optionally connect your wallet).
  4. Review strategy criteria, holdings, and rebalancing rules.
  5. Once launched, connect your wallet, review estimated fees, and confirm your allocation.
  6. Funds appear in your index portfolio, enabling easy tracking and management.

Is This Index Suitable for You?

Consider your investment style:

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Ideal if you prefer broad market exposure with minimal management.
  • Active Trader: Use as a core component, complemented by higher-beta bets.
  • New to Crypto: Great for beginners seeking transparent exposure through simplified flows.
  • DIY Enthusiast: Replace complex basket-building with a rules-based index.
  • Self-Custody User: Benefit from integrated self-custodial wallets with clear transaction records.

FAQs

What is a top crypto index?

It is a rules-based basket that tracks a defined universe of digital assets—such as the top 100 by market cap—using transparent methodology and scheduled rebalancing.

How often does the index rebalance?

The index rebalances weekly, with regime switches occurring when market signals change, ensuring adaptability during different market cycles.

What prompts the move to stablecoins?

A proprietary market-regime signal triggers the transition, exiting token positions to stablecoins during bearish periods and re-entering when signals turn bullish.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

At launch, the embedded wallet will support supported funding options based on your chain or wallet. USDC payout is available upon sale; further options may follow.

Is the wallet custodial?

No. It’s an embedded, self-custodial smart wallet—giving you full control over your private keys and funds.

How are fees shown?

Estimated gas, platform fee, slippage, and minimum expected value are displayed before you confirm the transaction, providing full transparency.

How do I join the waitlist?

Visit the Token Metrics Indices hub or the TM Global 100 page, tap “Join Waitlist,” and follow the instructions to register your interest and prepare for launch.

Disclaimer

Crypto assets are highly volatile and can result in significant losses. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for research and educational purposes only and not financial advice.

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