Research

DeFi and AI Tokens Dominate as Crypto Market Nears $4 Trillion

Discover how DeFi leaders like Black Hole DEX and PancakeSwap, along with AI tokens such as Sahara AI, are shaping the next phase of the crypto market.
Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

The cryptocurrency market continues to show resilience, with total market capitalization maintaining a strong foothold near $4 trillion. While Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of this cycle, the spotlight is shifting toward altcoins — especially those at the forefront of decentralized finance (DeFi) and artificial intelligence (AI) integration.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top narratives shaping today’s market, focusing on DeFi protocols like Blackhole DEX and PancakeSwap, alongside emerging AI projects such as Sahara AI and Moby AI.

Why DeFi Is Surging Again

DeFi has staged an impressive comeback in 2025. After a period of stagnation, several protocols have redefined their models to prioritize community engagement and sustainable growth.

Black Hole DEX:
Launched on Avalanche, Blackhole DEX has quickly become the network’s largest decentralized exchange, overtaking Trader Joe. The platform uses a community-first approach: no team allocation, weekly token emissions to liquidity providers, and a bribe-based voting mechanism for rewards distribution.

Impact:
This design has created a powerful flywheel effect. As token prices rise, APYs increase, attracting more liquidity, which in turn boosts trading volume and revenue. Within days, Blackhole DEX grew its TVL from $7 million to $193 million — a staggering feat.

PancakeSwap: A Sleeping Giant?

PancakeSwap, the dominant DEX on Binance Smart Chain (BSC), has been quietly outperforming its competitors in trading volumes and fee generation. Recent data shows PancakeSwap generating more than 4x the daily fees of Uniswap, yet its fully diluted valuation remains significantly lower.

Growth Catalysts:

  • Integration with the Binance Wallet ecosystem.
  • Expansion into other ecosystems like Solana.
  • All-time-high trading volumes despite broader market corrections.

For investors seeking a large-cap DeFi protocol with strong fundamentals and potential upside, PancakeSwap’s metrics warrant attention.

AI Meets Crypto: The Next Frontier

Artificial intelligence continues to transform multiple industries, and crypto is no exception.

Sahara AI:
Sahara AI is building a full-stack AI infrastructure for decentralized applications. Backed by heavyweights like Binance and Polychain, its mission is to bridge Web3 and AI — a theme that’s likely to dominate innovation cycles in the coming years.

Moby AI:
Initially launched as an AI trading agent, Moby AI has expanded into building tools like Moby Screener, a competitor to Dexscreener. Its unique tokenomics link user engagement directly to the platform’s utility, making it an experiment worth watching.

The Broader Altcoin Landscape

Beyond DeFi and AI, other notable projects are also gaining ground:

  • Graphite Protocol: The developer behind LetsBonk.Fun, sharing revenue with its ecosystem tokens through buyback strategies.

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  • Zora: A social media-meets-crypto platform allowing creators to monetize their content directly on-chain.

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  • Project X: A cross-chain DEX on Hyperliquid, amassing $28 million in TVL within 24 hours of launch.

These projects underscore the diversity of innovation happening outside Bitcoin’s shadow.

Risk Management in a Volatile Market

The excitement around DeFi and AI tokens comes with elevated risk. Here are some best practices:

  • Allocate wisely: Keep high-risk allocations (like low-cap “moonshots”) small — no more than 1% per trade.
  • Monitor narratives: Rapid shifts in market sentiment can create both opportunities and pitfalls.
  • Stay updated: Protocol changes, tokenomics adjustments, and ecosystem partnerships can significantly impact valuations.

Conclusion

As the crypto market edges closer to $4 trillion, the narratives driving growth are evolving. DeFi is proving its staying power with innovative models like Black Hole DEX, while AI-focused projects like Sahara AI are pushing the boundaries of what blockchain can achieve.

For market participants, the challenge lies in identifying which of these trends have lasting potential — and positioning themselves accordingly.

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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

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Announcements

Launch Coin and the Rise of Internet Capital Markets

Token Metrics Team
3 min
MIN

In crypto, narratives evolve quickly—and in May 2025, a new one has captured the spotlight: Internet Capital Markets (ICM). At the center of this trend is a project called Launchcoin, which has surged over 20x in just days. But what is Launchcoin, and is this a sustainable movement or just another speculative wave?

What is Launchcoin?

Launchcoin is a protocol that lets users tokenize ideas directly from social platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Simply replying to a post with “@launchcoin + [your coin name]” can trigger the launch of a new token. The concept taps into the virality of meme coins but attempts to systematize it—making anyone with an idea a potential coin founder.

The recent buzz around Launchcoin follows a model that resembles earlier social-token projects like Clankerbot, but this one adds frictionless UX and a mobile-first approach. Some are already calling it “the TikTok of token launches.”

Is This Sustainable?

The token’s valuation surged from $0.01 to $0.24, with an FDV nearing $240M. Despite the meteoric rise, it’s worth noting that most of the current activity is speculative. At this stage, we view Launchcoin more as a trade than a long-term investment.

There are warning signs too: limited website traffic, sparse social engagement beyond one viral post, and no clear roadmap. While it’s grabbing headlines, it’s unclear how sticky this platform will be without deeper utility.

The Bigger Picture: Internet Capital Markets

Launchcoin is just the first ripple in a broader trend. ICM refers to the blending of social influence, capital formation, and blockchain—making it possible for ideas to become tradable assets in minutes. It reflects a growing appetite for spontaneous, viral, and community-led funding mechanisms.

While this space is still in its infancy, it hints at a future where capital formation isn't reserved for VCs and big-name founders but is democratized across the internet.

Final Thoughts

Launchcoin is exciting—but also risky. As with many meme-era projects, early gains may be followed by sharp corrections. Still, the rise of ICM is a signal worth watching. If future protocols can combine virality with compliance and utility, we could be witnessing the next evolution in how projects are launched—and who gets to launch them.

How Token Metrics Help You Track Emerging Narratives Like ICM

As crypto narratives evolve rapidly, tools like Token Metrics help investors stay ahead of the curve. Our platform uses AI-driven data, technical signals, and project ratings to detect early momentum in tokens like Launchcoin. With features like Bullish/Bearish Signals, Trader and Investor Grades, and curated narrative-based indices, Token Metrics enable users to evaluate trends like Internet Capital Markets with speed and precision. Whether you’re trading the hype or tracking long-term shifts, Token Metrics give you the insights needed to navigate the noise.

Crypto Basics

Ripple XRP Price Prediction: What’s Next for XRP After Its Bullish Breakout?

Token Metrics Team
3 min
MIN

Ripple (XRP) has been back in the spotlight after recent market moves—and investors are wondering: Will XRP keep going up? With a 15% surge since April 24 and growing optimism around XRP Futures ETFs, the sentiment is clearly shifting. Here's a breakdown of the latest XRP price prediction using data-driven insights from Token Metrics’ AI indicators and technical charts.

🚀 XRP Turned Bullish Before the ETF News

On April 24, Token Metrics’ proprietary AI trading indicator flashed a bullish signal on XRP—just before the approval of the ProShares XRP Futures ETF. This early signal positioned traders ahead of the 15% rally that followed.

Such predictive accuracy boosts trader confidence, especially during key market events. It reinforces the value of AI-driven trading signals in volatile crypto environments.

📊 TM Trader Grade: 88.84% – Bulls Are in Control

As of now, Token Metrics’ Trader Grade for XRP stands at a high 88.84%, signaling a strong buy. This grade reflects short-term momentum and trader sentiment, confirming that bulls currently dominate XRP’s price action.

Meanwhile, the Investor Grade—which tracks long-term fundamentals and trends—remains neutral. This suggests that while XRP is hot in the short term, long-term investors should remain cautiously optimistic.

📉 XRP Technical Analysis: Range-Bound but Primed for Breakout?

From a technical standpoint, XRP has traded sideways since December, forming a wide consolidation pattern. Key levels to watch:

  • Support: ~$2
  • Resistance: ~$2.86

This range has held for months, but with renewed interest and bullish sentiment, a breakout above $2.86 could trigger a much larger move. Traders should watch volume and ETF-related news for confirmation.

🧠 What’s Driving XRP’s Momentum?

  • XRP Futures ETF Approval: A major catalyst that validates institutional interest in Ripple.
  • AI-Powered Bullish Signal: Token Metrics’ indicators detected momentum before the market reacted.
  • Strong Buy Rating: A near-89% trader score indicates high conviction.

🔮 Ripple XRP Price Prediction – 2025 Outlook

With institutional products like ETFs emerging and short-term momentum picking up, XRP may soon test and potentially break above its current resistance. If bullish momentum continues:

  • Short-term price prediction: Retest of $2.86 and potential breakout toward $3+
  • Long-term outlook: Sideways consolidation remains until fundamentals or macro trends shift

✅ Conclusion: XRP Is Heating Up—But Caution Is Warranted

While XRP is showing bullish short-term potential, the long-term picture is still neutral. Traders should watch for confirmation above resistance and keep an eye on volume and ETF developments.

For more AI-powered crypto price predictions, trading signals, and investment insights, explore Token Metrics.

Announcements

Best Crypto Wallet: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Token Metrics Team
3 min
MIN

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, choosing the best crypto wallet is critical for safeguarding your digital assets. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, the right wallet balances security, usability, and compatibility with your investment goals.

At Token Metrics, we help investors make smarter decisions using AI-powered insights—and that starts with understanding the foundation of crypto storage.

What Is a Crypto Wallet?

A crypto wallet is a digital tool that allows you to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of altcoins. These wallets don’t store your coins directly, but rather your private keys, which give you access to your funds on the blockchain.

There are two primary categories:

  • Hot Wallets: Connected to the internet (e.g., mobile apps, browser extensions)
  • Cold Wallets: Offline and more secure (e.g., hardware wallets)

Top Features to Look for in the Best Crypto Wallet

Choosing the best crypto wallet depends on your needs, but here are key features every good wallet should have:

  • Security: Look for multi-signature support, biometric authentication, and backup recovery phrases.
  • Compatibility: It should support your preferred cryptocurrencies and DeFi apps.
  • User Interface: A clean, intuitive interface makes navigation easy, especially for beginners.
  • Control: Non-custodial wallets give you full control of your keys and assets.
  • Support for NFTs and dApps: As Web3 expands, these are essential for power users.

Top 3 Crypto Wallets in 2025

1. MetaMask

A widely used browser extension and mobile wallet ideal for Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains. MetaMask is beginner-friendly and integrates seamlessly with dApps.

2. Ledger Nano X

A top-rated cold wallet offering unmatched security. It supports over 5,000 coins and connects via Bluetooth to mobile apps, balancing convenience with protection.

3. Trust Wallet

A mobile-first hot wallet with support for multiple blockchains, NFTs, and staking. It’s open-source and backed by Binance, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.

How to Use Token Metrics with Your Crypto Wallet

Once you’ve selected the best crypto wallet, connect it to Token Metrics to unlock deeper insights:

  • Track portfolio performance in real time
  • Receive AI-powered buy/sell signals
  • View historical ROI and risk metrics
  • Access research reports on wallet-compatible tokens

Whether you're exploring DeFi, trading altcoins, or holding long term, integrating Token Metrics with your wallet takes your crypto strategy to the next level.

Final Thoughts

The best crypto wallet is the one that aligns with your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and technical comfort level. As the crypto ecosystem grows, having a reliable wallet is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Make the right choice, protect your assets, and invest with confidence using AI-driven insights from Token Metrics.

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