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:

Capitalize on trends early
Avoid single-token risk
Ride sector momentum without constant research
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:

  • Token Metrics – Sector-specific AI indices with weekly signals
  • Index Coop – Ethereum-based DeFi indices with DAO governance
  • Phuture – On-chain, user-customized index strategies
  • Set Protocol – Technical and trend-driven portfolios
  • 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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Trader vs. Investor Grade: How to Use Both for Smarter Crypto Bets

Token Metrics Team
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Crypto trading success often boils down to timing. But how do you know when to enter — and when to stay long? Token Metrics solves this dilemma with a dual-grade system: Trader Grade and Investor Grade. Each grade serves a different investment goal, and together, they help you make more confident decisions, whether you’re day trading or holding for the long run.

What is the Trader Grade?
The Trader Grade measures short-term momentum. It uses AI to analyze price action, volume trends, technical indicators, and recent sentiment shifts. Scores range from 0 to 100, and a score above 80 signals strong short-term potential.

Use Case:

  • Perfect for swing traders and short-term opportunists.
  • Look for tokens with Trader Grade > 80 for potential breakout trades.
  • Example: Launchcoin had a Trader Grade above 90 before its 35x rally began.

What is the Investor Grade?
The Investor Grade focuses on long-term fundamentals. It’s designed for those who want to hold tokens for months or even years. This grade considers tokenomics, development activity, ecosystem strength, narrative alignment, and long-term price structure.

Use Case:

  • Ideal for long-term portfolio builders.
  • A token with Investor Grade > 80 is a strong candidate for accumulation.
  • AI infrastructure tokens and modular blockchains often rank high here.

Why Use Both?
Most traders fail by only looking at hype or short-term charts. Token Metrics lets you blend data:

  • High Trader Grade + Low Investor Grade? Consider a short-term trade, not a long hold.
  • High Investor Grade + Low Trader Grade? Consider waiting for a better entry point.
  • Both High? Green light for confidence in both entry and long-term performance.

Case Study: Balancing Your Portfolio with Grades
Users can use the dual-grade approach for smarter allocation:

  • 30% of capital to high Trader Grade tokens (short-term plays)
  • 70% to high Investor Grade tokens (long-term holds)

This method helps mitigate risk and improve overall ROI.

Where to Find the Grades
Both grades are displayed prominently across:

  • Token Detail Pages – Real-time grade updates with historical data
  • Market Page Filters – Sort tokens by grade thresholds
  • Portfolio Builder Tool – Automatically selects tokens with strong grades

Tips for Grade-Based Trading

  1. Use Trader Grade for volatile markets or when prices are accelerating.
  2. Use Investor Grade when building positions in strong narratives like AI, DeFi, or infrastructure.
  3. Avoid tokens with both grades below 60 unless you’re making a speculative bet.

Conclusion
Trading without context is gambling. Token Metrics’ Trader and Investor Grades give you a proven framework for assessing both momentum and fundamentals. Whether you’re here for a quick flip or a long-term bet, using the dual-grade system can level up your crypto strategy.

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Inside the Dashboard: How to Monitor API Key Activity and Monthly Usage in Real Time

Token Metrics Team
5 min
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The power of any great API isn’t just in the data it provides — it’s also in the control, visibility, and accountability it gives developers. That’s why the Token Metrics API Dashboard is more than just a place to generate keys — it’s your real-time command center for monitoring API key usage, managing access, and optimizing performance.

In this article, we’ll explore how to use the Token Metrics API Dashboard to stay in control of your app’s data usage, track request history, and ensure your integrations remain secure and efficient.

📍 Where to Find It

To access the dashboard:

  1. Log in to your Token Metrics account.
  2. Go to: https://app.tokenmetrics.com/en/api
  3. Navigate to the API Keys and API Usage sections.

🔐 View and Manage API Keys

The API Keys section gives you a complete overview of every active key associated with your account. For each key, you’ll see:

  • Key Name: Descriptive labels like "Bot A" or "Staging Server"
  • Created Date: When the key was generated
  • Last Used: Timestamp of the most recent request
  • Status: Active or inactive toggle
  • Actions: Trash icon to instantly delete a key

💡 Why It Matters:

  • Spot unused or stale keys that may pose a security risk
  • Instantly disable or delete a key if it’s compromised
  • Monitor which app or environment is making the most requests

📊 Monitor API Usage in Real-Time

In the Usage Dashboard, Token Metrics gives you deep insights into how your API credits are being used.

Key metrics include:

  • API Calls Graph
    A daily call volume chart so you can identify peaks in usage, anomalies, or unexpected surges.

  • Total Monthly API Calls
    Example:
    8,750 / 20,000
    See how much of your monthly quota you’ve used — and when it resets.

  • Remaining API Credits
    Know exactly how many calls you have left in your current cycle.

  • API Call Statistics Table
    Each row includes:

    • Endpoint accessed (e.g., /trader-grade)
    • Timestamp of the request
    • Status code (200 = success, 401 = unauthorized, etc.)
    • Originating IP address
    • Success/failure response

🔄 Debugging & Insights Made Easy

This dashboard doesn’t just monitor—it helps you debug and optimize.

  • Quickly identify if your integration is repeatedly hitting 400 or 403 errors
  • Check whether a specific key is being overused or underused
  • Pinpoint spikes in usage that may indicate unauthorized access
  • See which endpoints are called most often — and consider caching results

⚠️ Avoid Rate Limit Surprises

If you’re on a Basic or Advanced plan, you’ll have a rate limit (e.g., 1 req/min for free users, up to 600 req/min for VIPs). The dashboard helps ensure you stay within your limits — and scale appropriately when needed.

🚀 Build Better with Transparency

In a production environment, visibility into API activity is critical. With Token Metrics, you’re never flying blind. You always know:

  • Which app is using which key
  • How many credits you’re using
  • When to optimize or upgrade

From security to scaling, the Token Metrics API Dashboard gives you the insight you need to build with clarity and control.

👉 Launch Your API Dashboard Now → tokenmetrics.com/api

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Is the Crypto Market Bullish or Bearish? Why 2025 Is the Year of Neutral Momentum

Token Metrics Team
3 min
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The crypto market isn't clearly bullish or bearish in mid-2025 — it's neutral. This article explores why this 'in-between' momentum could signal a maturing market cycle, and what investors should watch for as signals normalize after a sharp $1T rebound in total market cap.

As we navigate through the midpoint of 2025, one question dominates trading desks and Telegram groups alike: Is the crypto market bullish or bearish? Surprisingly, the answer might be neither. Current indicators suggest that we are in a neutral zone — an ambiguous space where the market is no longer surging with euphoric gains but isn’t plunging into panic either.

From January through mid-May, the total crypto market cap has grown from $1 trillion to $2 trillion. This swift rebound signals recovery, but not full-blown optimism. Instead, many analysts — ourselves included — interpret this as a healthy correction and stabilization following intense early-year volatility.

This kind of environment often marks the early stages of a maturing cycle. Unlike the sharp swings we saw in previous bull and bear markets, 2025’s trend suggests more measured growth, driven by fundamentals rather than hype. In other words, the market might finally be learning from its past.

That doesn’t mean the space lacks activity. Sectors like DeFi lending and AI-related tokens continue to gain traction, with significant TVL inflows. Retail interest in meme coins also remains high in select regions. But overall, what we’re seeing is consolidation — not chaos.

In this neutral setting, strategy matters more than sentiment. It's no longer about jumping into trending narratives or panic-selling on dips. Instead, identifying projects with real use cases, sustainable economics, and strong communities has become the foundation of long-term success.

For traders and builders alike, the current landscape offers both challenges and opportunities. Risk-adjusted returns are key, and disciplined portfolio rebalancing could be one of the most underrated strategies right now.

As we continue monitoring market signals, we remain committed to surfacing actionable insights backed by real-time data, not just narratives. Whether the next breakout is weeks or months away, staying informed — and unemotional — may prove to be your best edge.

How Token Metrics Helps in a Neutral Market Environment:

In times of neutral momentum, making profitable crypto decisions becomes more complex — and that's where Token Metrics shines:

  1. Actionable AI Signals:
    Token Metrics scans thousands of tokens daily, using over 80 data points to identify bullish and bearish trends even when market sentiment is flat. This helps users cut through noise and act on real opportunities.
  2. Investor & Trader Grades:
    When hype fades, fundamentals matter. Our proprietary grades evaluate both short-term momentum and long-term viability, helping users discover tokens with staying power — not just temporary pumps.
  3. Smart Rebalancing Alerts:
    In a consolidating market, maintaining the right portfolio mix is crucial. Token Metrics' indices and alerts help users rebalance regularly to lock in gains and minimize downside risks.
  4. Sector-Based Insights:
    With DeFi, AI, and meme coins behaving differently, Token Metrics allows users to dive deep into sector-specific analytics — so you can position ahead of capital flows.
  5. Sentiment & Volume Monitoring:
    Our platform tracks shifts in on-chain activity, social sentiment, and volume trends to spot early signs of market reversals — especially useful when traditional signals stall.

In a market where being early beats being emotional, Token Metrics equips you with the clarity and tools to trade with confidence.

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