Crypto Basics

NFTs Explained: What Are Non-Fungible Tokens?

A definitive guide to explain NFTs, or non-fungible tokens.
Token Metrics Team
7 minutes
MIN

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are gaining widespread popularity in the market for digital art and collectibles. In recent years, NFTs have become a cultural phenomenon, attracting the attention of crypto enthusiasts, digital art creators, and celebrities alike. As the Web 3.0 ecosystem continues to grow and adoption increases, many believe that NFTs will play a key role in the ownership of assets online.

So what are NFTs? Let's find out.

‍NFT Basics

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a type of digital asset that represents ownership of something on the blockchain.

NFTs can be anything such as art, collectibles, music, profile pictures or PFP, DAO memberships, event tickets, gaming assets, virtual land, domain names, and so on. They can represent either completely digital assets or tokenized versions of assets that exist in the real world. Currently, there is a lot of excitement around using NFTs to sell virtual art.

Characteristics of NFTs

  • Ownership: NFT represents digital ownership of an item on a blockchain
  • Permanent: NFTs have data permanently stored within the token. This information includes images, messages, signatures, or any other data
  • Programmable: An NFT can be programmed to do anything. For example, an NFT artwork might be programmed to pay the artist royalties on every secondary sale of that artwork
  • Unique: NFTs are unique, and that uniqueness can be confirmed on a blockchain

How to Make an NFT

To create an NFT, or non-fungible token, you will need to first prepare your media file. NFTs can support a wide range of file types, including audio, images, and even 3D files. Some popular file types that are supported by NFTs include MP3, JPG, PNG, and GIF. You can also use 3D file formats like GLB to create NFTs that represent unique, digital objects.

Once your media is ready, you will need to set up a non-custodial wallet to securely store the cryptocurrency that you will use to buy, sell, and create NFTs. Non-custodial wallets are important because they allow you to retain control of your private keys, which are needed to access your cryptocurrency and make transactions. There are many different wallet options available, so it is important to do your research and choose one that is secure and user-friendly.

Once you have set up your wallet, you will need to buy Ethereum, or other fungible tokens depending on the blockchain being used, to cover the cost of minting your NFT. Ethereum is the most commonly used blockchain for NFTs, and it is typically the easiest to get started with. You can buy Ethereum using a variety of methods, including through a cryptocurrency exchange or from other individuals who are willing to sell.

Once you have your Ethereum, you will need to connect your wallet to an NFT marketplace like Rarible or OpenSea. These platforms allow you to easily create and mint your NFT, as well as trade and purchase NFTs created by others. To connect your wallet, simply tap the "Connect" button in the top right corner of the marketplace's website. This will create an account for you on the platform and allow you to begin creating your NFT.

To create your NFT, upload your media file to the platform and provide a description of your asset. You can choose to create a standalone piece, or create multiple NFTs of the same piece, each with its own unique characteristics. You can also set rules around royalties and other aspects of your NFT to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your work.

Once you are ready to mint your NFT, the process will require you to pay a small amount of ETH for transaction fees. This is necessary to get your NFT added to the blockchain and verified as unique. Once your NFT is minted, it will be available for trade and purchase on the marketplace. You can monitor the progress of your NFT and track its sales through your wallet or the marketplace's website.

NFT Secondary Markets

Creators make NFTs using blockchain-based minting platforms to retain more control over their creative output. Once NFTs are minted on a non-custodial wallet-compatible website, collectors and traders can sell these assets on the secondary market.

Here is a list of the most used NFT marketplaces:

  • OpenSea: OpenSea is the first and largest marketplace for NFTs. OpenSea is building tools that allow consumers to trade their items, creators to launch new digital works, and developers to build rich, integrated marketplaces for their digital items. It recently announced the support for Solana-based NFTs.
  • Coinbase NFT: Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange, recently launched its NFT marketplace in beta version to the public. This marketplace acts as a social media platform in which users can not only buy and sell NFTs but also interact with and showcase their collections using user profiles, likes, and comments.
  • Solanart: Solanart is the first and largest fully-fledged NFT marketplace on Solana. Users can get quick and easy access to digital collectibles, and explore, buy, and sell NFTs that run on the Solana blockchain.
  • Rarible: Rarible is a do-it-yourself NFT marketplace where you can mint NFTs when and how you please. Creators are highly favorable towards Rarible, as the minting process is free, easy, and unrestricted. Rarible’s native governance token “RARI” is used to incentivize platform users and give the community members a voice.
  • Nifty Gateway: Nifty Gateway is owned by the Gemini crypto exchange and has become one of the most known NFT marketplaces lately. They focus on viral drops from artists like Beeple, Trevor Jones, Pak, and more.
  • SuperRare: SuperRare (SR) is one of Ethereum’s debut crypto-art NFT marketplaces. Artists must be accepted to the platform before they can list their assets.

Notable NFT Projects

NFT-based companies have seen significant growth in recent years. Some notable examples include:

  • Yuga Labs: a blockchain technology company that creates Ethereum-based NFTs and digital collectibles. Yuga's most valuable NFT collection is Bored Ape Yacht Club, which has seen a floor price of over 150 ETH at its all-time high. In addition to apes, Yuga has also created dog NFTs, mutant apes, and deeds for its Metaverse. The company recently acquired Larva Labs, bringing high-value projects like Cryptopunks and Meebits under the Yuga brand. Yuga is backed by investors like Coinbase, Samsung, and Mark Cuban.
  • Doodles: a collection of 10,000 Ethereum-based NFTs created by artist BurntToast. The Doodles collection includes a wide range of visual traits, heads, costumes, and colorways. Owners of Doodles NFTs have exclusive access to new experiences like Space Doodles and Dooplicator.
  • Okay Bears: a collection of 10,000 Solana-based NFTs. Ownership of an Okay Bear grants access to a community of collectors and exclusive products, merchandise, and events.

Investing in NFTs

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, provide many benefits as an investment vehicle.

One of the main advantages of NFTs is that they allow physical objects, such as artwork, to be tokenized.

Additionally, NFTs offer greater liquidity for investors, making it easier to trade and sell their assets.

The Future of NFTs

NFTs offer a new way to represent and prove ownership of assets on the blockchain.

This technology has already been used for digital art, collectibles, and in-game assets, but it has the potential to be applied to a wide range of other industries as well. For example, tokenized real estate could provide a way for people to invest in property without the barriers to entry that currently exist.

High-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton have also expressed interest in using NFTs to track the ownership of luxury items.

Additionally, NFTs can be used to tokenize certifications, degrees, and licenses, providing a way to securely track and maintain this sensitive data on the blockchain.

Overall, the potential applications for NFTs are nearly limitless.

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What Is a Bitcoin Index Fund? | Token Metrics Index Fund Explained

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

What Is a Bitcoin Index Fund?

A Bitcoin index fund is a financial product designed to provide investors with exposure to Bitcoin—and often other leading cryptocurrencies—through a single, diversified investment. Much like a traditional stock market index fund (like the S&P 500), a Bitcoin index fund tracks a basket of top crypto assets, eliminating the need to buy and manage each one individually.

The purpose of a Bitcoin index fund is simple: make crypto investing easier, safer, and more diversified. Rather than picking individual tokens, investors buy shares in the fund, which automatically rebalances according to predefined rules—usually based on market capitalization.

If you're looking for the best index fund in the crypto space in 2025, platforms like Token Metrics offer a new generation of AI-powered index products that provide dynamic exposure to Bitcoin and other high-performing digital assets.

Why Do Investors Use Bitcoin Index Funds?

Index funds are a staple of traditional finance because they offer:

  • ✅ Diversification
  • ✅ Risk reduction
  • ✅ Simplicity
  • ✅ Passive exposure
  • ✅ Lower volatility compared to single-asset bets

A bitcoin index fund brings those same benefits to the crypto world—especially important given the volatility and complexity of managing a portfolio of digital assets.

How Does a Bitcoin Index Fund Work?

At its core, a Bitcoin index fund holds a weighted basket of the top cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin often as the dominant component. Most funds:

  • Track the top 10–20 tokens by market cap
  • Weight each asset based on size or performance
  • Screen for risks (e.g., smart contract audits, liquidity thresholds)
  • Rebalance monthly or quarterly
  • Allow trading via ticker symbols on brokerage platforms

For example, a fund like BITW (Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund) allows retail and institutional investors to buy crypto exposure directly in their brokerage account, with professional custody, reporting, and risk management.

Introducing the Token Metrics Index Fund Platform

While traditional crypto index funds trade on brokerage platforms, Token Metrics offers a crypto-native index fund experience—built for on-chain participation with AI-powered asset selection and risk screening.

The Token Metrics Index Fund is:

  • 🔐 Secure: Uses smart contract audits and red flag detection to screen assets
  • đŸ€– AI-driven: Selects and weights assets based on Trader/Investor Grades, sentiment, and on-chain data
  • 📊 Diversified: Offers sector-specific and global index options
  • 🔁 Automated: Rebalances portfolios monthly or based on AI signals
  • đŸȘ™ Self-custodial: You trade directly on-chain while maintaining ownership of your crypto

You can trade on Token Metrics Index Funds directly through the platform, making it the most innovative and flexible solution for modern investors.

Token Metrics Index Fund: What Makes It Different?

Unlike static index funds, the Token Metrics Index platform uses machine learning and real-time analytics to optimize portfolio composition. Every fund is:

🧠 AI-Driven

Token Metrics assigns Trader and Investor Grades (0–100) to thousands of cryptocurrencies based on technical, fundamental, and sentiment analysis. The highest-graded tokens make it into the index.

💡 Theme-Based

Choose from sector-focused indices like:

  • DeFi
  • AI & Big Data
  • Memecoins
  • Infrastructure
  • Real-World Assets (RWA)

This allows investors to tailor exposure based on macro trends or investment theses.

🔁 Dynamic Rebalancing

Indices are rebalanced automatically when key signals trigger:

  • AI rating changes
  • Bullish/Bearish signals
  • Market cap shifts
  • Sector rotations

This allows you to stay ahead of the market without micromanaging your portfolio.

Benefits of Trading on Token Metrics Index Fund

✅ Smart Diversification

Gain exposure to Bitcoin and other top assets like Ethereum, Solana, Chainlink, and more—without choosing them manually.

✅ Reduced Risk

Built-in risk scoring flags tokens with audit failures, low liquidity, or suspicious on-chain behavior—keeping your exposure clean.

✅ Data-Driven Allocation

Forget guessing. Each asset’s weight is optimized using over 80+ data signals, including social sentiment, tokenomics, whale activity, and developer metrics.

✅ On-Chain Trading

Retain custody of your crypto. Token Metrics doesn’t hold your assets—you do. You execute trades directly through your self-custodial wallet.

Bitcoin Index Fund vs. Token Metrics Index Fund

How to Trade on Token Metrics Index Fund

‍

Getting started is simple:

  1. 🔗 Visit Token Metrics Indices
  2. đŸȘ™ Choose your preferred index (e.g., Bitcoin + Top Alts)
  3. 📊 View current allocations and performance
  4. 🧠 Connect your wallet - (Coming Very Soon!)
  5. ✅ Execute the trade directly, self-custodially

You can also set up alerts to track when the index rebalances or when new tokens enter/exit the fund.

Is a Bitcoin Index Fund Right for You?

If you’re:

  • New to crypto and want diversified exposure
  • An experienced investor looking to de-risk
  • Bullish on Bitcoin but want to capture altcoin upside
  • Interested in passive investing with AI optimization


then a Bitcoin index fund—and specifically the Token Metrics Index Fund—is one of the best index fund strategies to consider in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Crypto is evolving—and so are the tools to invest in it. The days of chasing charts and trying to time every trade are giving way to smarter, more data-driven investing.

Whether you’re managing your first portfolio or optimizing institutional exposure, the Token Metrics Index Fund offers a secure, automated, AI-powered path to diversify into Bitcoin and top-performing crypto assets.

By combining quant-grade analysis with intuitive, on-chain execution, Token Metrics makes it easier than ever to trade on a crypto index fund that works for you—not against you.

Invest smart. Diversify with AI. Trade with confidence on Token Metrics.

🔗 Explore Token Metrics Index Funds
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Tracking Bitcoin’s Rise as a Macro Hedge with Token Metrics – The #1 Crypto Analytics Platform in 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
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Bitcoin’s Role in a Shifting Global Financial Order

Bitcoin's relevance in global finance continues to evolve. In 2025, this evolution is accelerating as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties challenge traditional systems. While Bitcoin was once viewed as a fringe digital asset, it is increasingly being positioned as a strategic hedge—one that could play a central role in a future where fiat currencies, particularly reserve currencies, face structural strain.

This blog explores how current global dynamics are elevating Bitcoin’s role, not as a speculative trade, but as a macroeconomic signal.

Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Recent developments in the Middle East have drawn increased attention to the intersection of geopolitics and financial markets. Conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and broader regional tensions are no longer localized issues—they have global implications, especially when supply chains and energy flows are involved.

A scenario some analysts are exploring is a prolonged conflict that could last several years. If oil exports are disrupted, global inflation could spike. History tells us that war economies tend to create volatility, both in commodity markets and in currencies.

In such environments, hard assets often perform well. Gold has traditionally filled that role. But Bitcoin, with its fixed supply and decentralized infrastructure, is increasingly being viewed in a similar light.

Game Theory and the Incentive to Escalate

Several geopolitical analysts have recently applied game theory to understand current alignments. The thesis: multiple nations involved in ongoing conflicts have internal and external incentives that make prolonged conflict more likely than resolution.

From a market perspective, that introduces risk into the global economy—risk that can erode trust in fiat systems or centralized monetary authorities.

Bitcoin, by design, offers an alternative. It operates on a predictable schedule, outside the reach of any single government or bank. In times of instability, that predictability becomes an asset in itself.

Flight to Bitcoin in a Crisis?

The concept of a “flight to safety” is typically associated with sovereign bonds or gold. However, during recent events, Bitcoin has at times rallied when traditional risk assets fell—especially when the conflict narrative intersects with economic concerns.

In the event of a long-term geopolitical crisis, particularly one affecting the global reserve currency system, Bitcoin could see a significant re-rating. The logic is simple: a decentralized, non-sovereign asset becomes a hedge against sovereign instability.

This doesn’t mean Bitcoin is without risk—it remains volatile and speculative compared to traditional assets. But in extreme scenarios, such as currency devaluation or prolonged stagflation, Bitcoin’s use case as a financial escape valve becomes more compelling.

Bitcoin vs. the US Dollar

Some strategists now openly discuss the possibility that the dollar’s dominance may be structurally weakened in the years ahead. That doesn’t imply imminent collapse, but it does suggest the global financial order may be recalibrating.

Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the rise of alternative payment networks, and multipolar geopolitical tensions all point toward a future where reserve status is contested.

Bitcoin, by virtue of being neutral, borderless, and digitally native, offers a counterweight. While it’s unlikely to “replace” fiat in the near term, its role as a counter-reserve asset may expand.

Institutional Alignment Around Bitcoin

In parallel to these global developments, institutional alignment around Bitcoin continues. Several major financial entities have integrated Bitcoin exposure into their portfolios, launched products like ETFs, and begun building custody and trading infrastructure.

This shift is not ideological—it’s pragmatic. Institutions are increasingly treating Bitcoin not as a gamble, but as an uncorrelated hedge with asymmetric upside in macro-uncertain environments.

The key takeaway is that Bitcoin’s narrative is evolving from risk-on speculation to macro hedge. That shift changes how it's traded, valued, and held.

2026 and the Timing of a Possible PEAK

Interestingly, the projected peak of the current crypto cycle aligns with the timing of several geopolitical forecasts. Some macro analysts predict that major disruptions to the global economy could materialize by early 2026—just as Bitcoin historically tends to peak 12–18 months post-halving.

This alignment isn’t deterministic, but it’s suggestive. If geopolitical conflict escalates and monetary regimes are questioned, Bitcoin could benefit not from hype, but from its underlying design.

In such a scenario, estimates of Bitcoin reaching $250,000 or more—while speculative—are not purely fantasy. They reflect what could happen if Bitcoin becomes a globally recognized monetary hedge during a systemic macro reset.

Implications for Portfolio Construction

If these scenarios play out, they carry implications for crypto portfolios. Altcoins, which rely more on risk appetite and speculative narratives, may underperform in a risk-off, conflict-driven environment.

Bitcoin, conversely, may outperform as capital concentrates in the most liquid, battle-tested asset.

This doesn’t suggest abandoning altcoins entirely—but it does support the idea that Bitcoin may deserve a larger allocation than in previous cycles, especially as macro risks rise.

Risk, Resilience, and Reality

It’s important to acknowledge the counterarguments. Bitcoin’s volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and still-limited real-world use cases are valid concerns. No asset is invulnerable, and Bitcoin’s rise is not guaranteed.

Yet, amid systemic uncertainty, few assets offer the combination of digital mobility, fixed supply, and decentralization that Bitcoin does.

Whether or not a macro crisis unfolds as predicted, the world is clearly entering a phase where economic assumptions are being questioned. In that context, Bitcoin becomes not just an asset—but a signal.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s role in the global economy is far from settled. But in 2025, it is clear that the asset is evolving beyond its original use case. No longer just a curiosity for early adopters, Bitcoin is increasingly part of the conversation among serious investors, analysts, and policymakers.

If the world moves toward greater uncertainty, more conflict, and more questioning of existing monetary systems, Bitcoin may be one of the few assets positioned to benefit—not because of speculation, but because of structural design.

To navigate this evolving landscape, investors need access to accurate, real-time macro signals—and that’s where tools like Token Metrics become indispensable. As a leading crypto research and analytics platform, Token Metrics helps investors track sentiment shifts, macro trends, and on-chain dynamics that may signal Bitcoin’s strengthening role in global finance.

It is not a prediction. It’s a possibility. One worth understanding—and preparing for with the right tools.

Research

What Is the MCP Server? Exploring Token Metrics’ Model Context Protocol API and Integrations

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In today’s fast-moving crypto market, one truth has become clear: data is not enough—intelligence is everything. Traders, developers, and crypto-native builders are overwhelmed with fragmented tools, inconsistent APIs, and incompatible formats. That's where the Token Metrics Crypto MCP Server changes the game.

In this article, we’ll explore what the MCP Server is, how Token Metrics MCP services work, and how this innovative platform is integrated with leading tools like OpenAI Agents SDK, Windsurf, Cursor AI, Zapier, QuickNode, and Cline. If you’re building in crypto, this guide will show you how to unify your stack, streamline development, and unlock the full power of AI-powered crypto analytics.

What Is the Token Metrics MCP Server?

The MCP Server stands for Model Context Protocol—a lightweight gateway designed by Token Metrics to solve one of the crypto industry’s most persistent problems: tool fragmentation.

From ChatGPT-style agents to desktop dashboards, IDE assistants, and CLI tools, every crypto developer or trader juggles multiple keys, schemas, and inconsistent API responses. The MCP Server solves this by acting as a single interface that translates requests from any client into one canonical crypto data schema—all while sharing the same API key and authentication.

In Simple Terms:

  • Paste your key once.
  • Every tool—OpenAI, Claude, Windsurf, Cursor, Cline—gets access to the same data.
  • No more rewriting requests, managing multiple schemas, or troubleshooting mismatched results.

Why Use the MCP Server Instead of Separate APIs?

Here’s why Token Metrics MCP is a breakthrough:

This is more than a convenience—it’s a productivity multiplier for any serious crypto developer or trader.

Token Metrics API: Intelligence Beyond Price Charts

At the core of the MCP Server lies the Token Metrics Crypto API—an industry-leading data source used by funds, traders, DAOs, and builders worldwide.

Key Features:

  • Trader & Investor Grades: AI-powered indicators that rank tokens based on performance potential.
  • Bullish/Bearish Signals: Predictive entries and exits, generated using real-time market conditions.
  • Quant Metrics: Sharpe Ratio, Value at Risk, Volatility Scores, and more.
  • Support & Resistance Levels: Updated dynamically as markets move.
  • AI Sentiment Analysis: Tracks social, on-chain, and momentum signals across narratives.

The API covers 6,000+ tokens across chains, sectors, and market caps—providing both raw and AI-processed data.

MCP Server Integrations: Powering the Future of Autonomous Crypto Tools

Here’s how MCP connects seamlessly with today’s top tools:

1. OpenAI Agents SDK And Token Metrics MCP

OpenAI’s Agents SDK is a new developer-friendly framework for building autonomous AI workflows—like trading bots and research assistants. When integrated with MCP, developers can:

  • Build agents that call Token Metrics tools (Trader Grade, Risk Score, Signals)
  • Share memory across model calls
  • Route responses to dashboards, bots, or UIs

Result: An end-to-end autonomous crypto agent powered by real-time, AI-grade intelligence—without needing a full backend.

2. Windsurf And Token Metrics: Live Dashboards with AI Signals

Windsurf is an automation-first IDE that allows instant deployment of crypto dashboards. Using MCP, Token Metrics powers:

  • Real-time signal updates
  • Token clustering analysis
  • Instant alert systems
  • Risk management dashboards

Windsurf helps you turn Token Metrics signals into live, interactive intelligence—without code bloat or lag.

3. Cursor AI And Token Metrics MCP: Prompt-Driven Agent Development

Cursor is an AI-native IDE where you can write trading logic and agents through plain English prompts. Integrated via MCP, developers can:

  • Ask: “Build a trading agent using Token Metrics signals.”
  • Get: Python scripts powered by real-time API calls.
  • Refine: Run backtests, adjust triggers, and redeploy—all in seconds.

Use case: Build a working DeFi trading agent that watches Trader Grade flips, sentiment surges, and cluster breakouts—no manual research needed.

4. Cline (Roo Code) And Token Metrics: Conversational Bot Building

With Cline’s Roo Code extension inside VS Code, you can:

  • Summon Token Metrics data by prompt
  • Write code to backtest and trade instantly
  • Analyze tokens like Hyperliquid using live grades, quant metrics, and AI sentiment

Thanks to MCP, every API call is pre-authenticated, normalized, and accessible in seconds.

MCP for Teams: Research to Execution in One Stack

The real power of MCP comes from its multi-client coordination. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Step 1: Analyst asks Claude or ChatGPT:
“Show me the top 5 mid-cap AI tokens with rising grades.”

Step 2: Windsurf pulls a live shortlist with price/sentiment charts.

Step 3: Cursor spins up a trading script based on buy signals.

Step 4: Zapier posts a morning update to Telegram and Sheets.

Step 5: Cline runs backtests on yesterday’s performance.

Step 6: Tome updates your weekly investor pitch deck.

All powered by one API key. One schema. One MCP gateway.

Pricing, Tiers, and $TMAI Savings

Final Thoughts: Build Smarter, Trade Smarter

The Token Metrics Crypto MCP Server is more than an API gateway—it’s the backbone of a modern, AI-powered crypto development stack.

If you want to:

  • Build a Discord bot that explains Trader Grades
  • Deploy a trading strategy that adapts live to the market
  • Stream daily index summaries to your Telegram group
  • Develop a real-time DeFi dashboard in your IDE
  • Let agents summarize token risk for your VC pitch deck


 then you need the MCP Server.

Get Started Now!‍

✅ Get Your Free API Key
✅ MCP Client Setup Instructions
✅ Join the Token Metrics Dev Telegram
✅ Browse the MCP GitHub

The future of crypto intelligence is here—and it’s multi-client, AI-powered, and real-time.

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