AI-Related Cryptocurrencies Surpass Memecoins as Crypto Market Rebounds

As bitcoin maintains its recent gains above $93,000, investors are shifting their focus from memecoins to utility tokens, with AI-linked assets leading the charge. Notable gains were seen in CoinDesk's Culture and Entertainment Select Index, Metaverse Select Index, 10 Capped ex-Bitcoin Index, and the DeFi Select Index, each rising over 4% in the past 24 hours. In contrast, the CoinDesk Meme Select Index experienced minimal change, pausing its recent rally. This shift in capital indicates a move towards more substantial, established sub-sectors with utility, such as DeFi and metaverse, rather than speculative cryptocurrencies. AI-linked coins have performed well, with Render Network's RENDER increasing by 20% and becoming the top performer among the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap. Other notable gains include Virtuals Protocol's VIRTUAL token, which rose over 6%, and Layer-1 blockchain Sui's native coin, SUI, which rallied over 15% on expectations of privacy tech. The recent moves are consistent with the renewed optimism for AI and high-beta tech stocks on Wall Street. However, increased geopolitical tensions and impending economic data, particularly Friday's U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, warrant attention. Analysts note that continued gains in the crypto market depend on bitcoin ETF inflows, which have started 2026 on a positive note, accumulating over $1 billion in the first two trading days.