Meme coins, AI, DeFi, and DEX narratives all fell sharply, while RWA emerged as the standout winner this year.Meme coins, AI, DeFi, and DEX narratives all fell sharply, while RWA emerged as the standout winner this year.

Meme Coins and AI Post Negative Returns Despite Leading Crypto Narratives in 2025

Meme coins and artificial intelligence (AI) have been dominating crypto mindshare in 2025, amidst massive investor interest across the world. But a new report suggests that their popularity failed to translate into performance.

This could mean that the frenzy for purely speculative crypto may be subsiding, especially as investors grow cautious amid a choppy Q4.

Weak Performance Across Meme Coin and AI

According to CoinGecko’s latest report, despite ranking as the most followed narratives this year, meme coins and AI tokens delivered average year-to-date losses of -31.6% and -50.2%, respectively. Most of the largest meme coins declined between 44.6% and 82.5% YTD, with Ribbita by Virtuals standing out as the lone exception.

A similar pattern played out across AI crypto as well, where only Alchemist AI and Kite avoided steep drawdowns, while the rest of the sector fell between 49.8% and 84.3%.

Beyond meme coins and AI, other widely followed narratives also struggled, which was indicative of how uneven 2025 has been across the market. DeFi posted average losses of -34.8%, and roughly matched meme coin performance. Meanwhile, decentralized exchange (DEX) tokens declined 55.5% and closely mirrored the AI narrative’s downturn.

Layer 2s continued to disappoint for a second straight year, after recording average losses of -40.6% YTD, despite their long-term role in scaling Ethereum and other networks.

RWA and Layer 1 Outperform

In contrast to these laggards, real-world assets (RWA) emerged as the most profitable crypto narrative of 2025. This cohort delivered average gains of 185.8% YTD across its largest tokens, and this outperformance was driven primarily by Keeta Network’s explosive 1,794.9% rally, alongside strong gains from Zebec Network and Maple Finance.

However, overall returns were still far below last year’s 819.5% surge.

Layer 1s ranked as the second-best-performing narrative with average gains of 80.3%, and were supported by outsized rallies in privacy-focused chains Zcash and Monero, as well as resilience from Bitcoin Cash, BNB, and Tron. Notably, RWA and layer 1 were the only narratives to post a second consecutive profitable year.

Meanwhile, the “Made in USA” narrative remained modestly positive at 30.6% YTD, largely due to Zcash offsetting losses elsewhere. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Gaming and DePIN recorded the steepest drawdowns of 75.2% and 76.7% YTD, while the Solana ecosystem fell 64.2% despite leading in mindshare.

The post Meme Coins and AI Post Negative Returns Despite Leading Crypto Narratives in 2025 appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Market Opportunity
Memecoin Logo
Memecoin Price(MEME)
$0.0010196
$0.0010196$0.0010196
+1.15%
USD
Memecoin (MEME) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Bank of China Launches Cross-Border Digital RMB Payments in Laos

Bank of China Launches Cross-Border Digital RMB Payments in Laos

Bank of China completes first cross-border digital RMB payment in Laos, marking a key milestone in digital currency use.
Share
coinlineup2025/12/28 04:58
Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94%

Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94%

BitcoinWorld Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% The financial world is buzzing with a significant development: the probability of a Fed rate cut in October has just seen a dramatic increase. This isn’t just a minor shift; it’s a monumental change that could ripple through global markets, including the dynamic cryptocurrency space. For anyone tracking economic indicators and their impact on investments, this update from the U.S. interest rate futures market is absolutely crucial. What Just Happened? Unpacking the FOMC Statement’s Impact Following the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement, market sentiment has decisively shifted. Before the announcement, the U.S. interest rate futures market had priced in a 71.6% chance of an October rate cut. However, after the statement, this figure surged to an astounding 94%. This jump indicates that traders and analysts are now overwhelmingly confident that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates next month. Such a high probability suggests a strong consensus emerging from the Fed’s latest communications and economic outlook. A Fed rate cut typically means cheaper borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which can stimulate economic activity. But what does this really signify for investors, especially those in the digital asset realm? Why is a Fed Rate Cut So Significant for Markets? When the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it sends powerful signals across the entire financial ecosystem. A rate cut generally implies a more accommodative monetary policy, often enacted to boost economic growth or combat deflationary pressures. Impact on Traditional Markets: Stocks: Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper for companies, potentially boosting earnings and making stocks more attractive compared to bonds. Bonds: Existing bonds with higher yields might become more valuable, but new bonds will likely offer lower returns. Dollar Strength: A rate cut can weaken the U.S. dollar, making exports cheaper and potentially benefiting multinational corporations. Potential for Cryptocurrency Markets: The cryptocurrency market, while often seen as uncorrelated, can still react significantly to macro-economic shifts. A Fed rate cut could be interpreted as: Increased Risk Appetite: With traditional investments offering lower returns, investors might seek higher-yielding or more volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Inflation Hedge Narrative: If rate cuts are perceived as a precursor to inflation, assets like Bitcoin, often dubbed “digital gold,” could gain traction as an inflation hedge. Liquidity Influx: A more accommodative monetary environment generally means more liquidity in the financial system, some of which could flow into digital assets. Looking Ahead: What Could This Mean for Your Portfolio? While the 94% probability for a Fed rate cut in October is compelling, it’s essential to consider the nuances. Market probabilities can shift, and the Fed’s ultimate decision will depend on incoming economic data. Actionable Insights: Stay Informed: Continue to monitor economic reports, inflation data, and future Fed statements. Diversify: A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with sudden market shifts. Assess Risk Tolerance: Understand how a potential rate cut might affect your specific investments and adjust your strategy accordingly. This increased likelihood of a Fed rate cut presents both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the interconnectedness of traditional finance and the emerging digital asset space. Investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility. The financial landscape is always evolving, and the significant surge in the probability of an October Fed rate cut is a clear signal of impending change. From stimulating economic growth to potentially fueling interest in digital assets, the implications are vast. Staying informed and strategically positioned will be key as we approach this crucial decision point. The market is now almost certain of a rate cut, and understanding its potential ripple effects is paramount for every investor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)? A1: The FOMC is the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System. It sets the federal funds rate, which influences other interest rates and economic conditions. Q2: How does a Fed rate cut impact the U.S. dollar? A2: A rate cut typically makes the U.S. dollar less attractive to foreign investors seeking higher returns, potentially leading to a weakening of the dollar against other currencies. Q3: Why might a Fed rate cut be good for cryptocurrency? A3: Lower interest rates can reduce the appeal of traditional investments, encouraging investors to seek higher returns in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. It can also be seen as a sign of increased liquidity or potential inflation, benefiting assets like Bitcoin. Q4: Is a 94% probability a guarantee of a rate cut? A4: While a 94% probability is very high, it is not a guarantee. Market probabilities reflect current sentiment and data, but the Federal Reserve’s final decision will depend on all available economic information leading up to their meeting. Q5: What should investors do in response to this news? A5: Investors should stay informed about economic developments, review their portfolio diversification, and assess their risk tolerance. Consider how potential changes in interest rates might affect different asset classes and adjust strategies as needed. Did you find this analysis helpful? Share this article with your network to keep others informed about the potential impact of the upcoming Fed rate cut and its implications for the financial markets! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 02:25
Gold continues to hit new highs. How to invest in gold in the crypto market?

Gold continues to hit new highs. How to invest in gold in the crypto market?

As Bitcoin encounters a "value winter", real-world gold is recasting the iron curtain of value on the blockchain.
Share
PANews2025/04/14 17:12