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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What Are Crypto ETFs? A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency Exchange-Traded Funds

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Understanding Crypto ETFs

Cryptocurrency ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are a revolutionary way for investors to gain exposure to digital assets without directly buying or managing them. Just like traditional ETFs that track stock indexes or commodities, crypto ETFs track the price movements of one or more cryptocurrencies, offering a simpler way to invest in the market.

How Do Crypto ETFs Work?

Crypto ETFs operate on traditional stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell shares just like they would with any other ETF. These funds can be structured in two main ways:

  1. Physically-Backed Crypto ETFs – These funds hold actual cryptocurrencies in reserves, ensuring that the ETF's value closely follows the price of the underlying asset.
  2. Futures-Based Crypto ETFs – These ETFs invest in crypto futures contracts rather than holding the physical asset, allowing for exposure without direct ownership.

Benefits of Crypto ETFs

  • Easier Access: No need to set up a crypto wallet or use an exchange—investors can trade ETFs via traditional brokerage accounts.
  • Regulated Investment Option: Since ETFs are traded on regulated stock exchanges, they provide a safer entry point for institutional and retail investors.
  • Diversification: Some ETFs track multiple cryptocurrencies, reducing risk compared to holding a single digital asset.
  • Tax Efficiency: Crypto ETFs may offer certain tax advantages compared to directly holding cryptocurrencies.

The Possibility of Solana and Other Altcoin ETFs

While Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have made headlines, investors are now eyeing potential altcoin ETFs. One of the most anticipated developments is the possibility of a Solana (SOL) ETF. Given Solana’s growing adoption, high-speed transactions, and institutional interest, many analysts believe it could be the next cryptocurrency to receive ETF approval.

Other Altcoins, such as Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), and Avalanche (AVAX), are also being considered as candidates for ETFs. Regulatory hurdles remain, but as the crypto industry matures, we could see more diversified crypto ETFs in the future.

Stay Updated with Token Metrics

The crypto market is constantly evolving, and staying informed is key to making the best investment decisions. Follow Token Metrics and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest ETF news, market trends, and AI-powered investment insights.

Want to be the first to know about potential altcoin ETFs? Stay connected with Token Metrics today!

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0xTMAI: Your AI-Powered Crypto Analyst Is Now on X

Token Metrics Team
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In the 24/7, always-on world of crypto, missing key market moves is just as expensive as it’s frustrating. One minute, you’re deep in a thread about memecoins, and the next, the token that could have 10X’d your portfolio has already taken off.  This is the reality of crypto trading – until now.

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Imagine having a brilliant crypto analyst who never sleeps, never takes breaks, and is always ready to help. That's 0xTMAI. 

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Research

How Trump's New Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China Triggered a Crypto Market Crash

Token Metrics Team
4 min
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The Crypto Market Reacts to Trump's Latest Tariff Policy

The cryptocurrency market has been in turmoil following the latest announcement from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. These aggressive trade policies have sent shockwaves through global financial markets, and crypto has not been spared.

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and major altcoins have suffered steep declines, with billions wiped out from the market in just a few hours. But why did Trump’s tariff move lead to such a sharp selloff in crypto? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Economic Impact

In his recent address, Trump proposed heavy tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, citing the need to protect American industries and jobs. The specifics include:

  • Mexico & Canada: Increased tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automotive parts.
  • China: Higher tariffs on electronics, semiconductors, and consumer goods.

These tariffs threaten to disrupt global supply chains, raise production costs, and escalate tensions between the U.S. and its biggest trading partners. The uncertainty surrounding these policies has created panic across financial markets, with investors seeking safer assets amid the volatility.

Why Crypto Crashed Following Trump’s Tariff Announcement?

1. Risk-Off Sentiment Dominates the Market

Historically, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have been viewed as high-risk assets. When geopolitical uncertainty increases, institutional investors tend to shift away from riskier investments and move into traditional safe havens like gold, bonds, and the U.S. dollar. The tariff news led to a wave of panic selling in crypto, pushing prices down sharply.

2. Stock Market Decline Spills Over to Crypto

Traditional stock markets reacted negatively to the tariff announcement, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropping significantly. Since crypto markets are increasingly correlated with equities, Bitcoin and altcoins followed suit, experiencing major declines.

3. Institutional Liquidations and Margin Calls

With growing institutional involvement in crypto, macroeconomic events like trade wars have a direct impact on digital assets. Large funds and traders holding leveraged positions were forced to liquidate, adding further downward pressure on crypto prices.

4. Fears of a Slowing Global Economy

Tariffs can lead to reduced international trade, higher consumer prices, and slower economic growth. A sluggish economy means less disposable income, which can hurt retail investments in speculative assets like crypto. With fears of a global recession looming, investors opted to cash out of their crypto holdings.

Could This Be a Buying Opportunity?

While the short-term reaction to Trump’s tariff announcement has been bearish for crypto, some analysts view this as a potential buying opportunity. Historically, Bitcoin has rebounded strongly from macro-driven selloffs, and long-term holders may see this dip as a chance to accumulate.

Additionally, if tensions escalate further and inflation fears return, crypto could eventually regain its appeal as an alternative store of value. With the upcoming Bitcoin halving in 2024, some investors are already positioning for a recovery.

Conclusion: Navigating the Crypto Market Amid Political Uncertainty

Trump’s new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China have triggered a sharp decline in crypto markets, as investors react to increased uncertainty and risk-off sentiment. While the immediate impact has been bearish, long-term crypto believers may see this as an opportunity to buy at lower prices.

As the situation unfolds, traders should stay informed and monitor global economic trends. Whether this downturn is a temporary panic or the start of a deeper correction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—political and economic developments will continue to shape the crypto landscape in unexpected ways.

Stay updated with the latest crypto insights and market trends by following Token Metrics and 0xTMAI.

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