The cryptocurrency market is showing strong signs of recovery, with AI-powered tokens and meme-inspired digital assets at the forefront of the latest bullish momentum. Over the past 24 hours, major players like NEAR Protocol (NEAR), Injective (INJ), and Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) have posted double-digit gains, outperforming broader market indices and signaling renewed investor confidence.
This resurgence reflects growing interest in next-generation blockchain platforms that integrate artificial intelligence with scalable infrastructure. As technical indicators flash bullish signals and institutional adoption accelerates, these assets are now approaching critical breakout levels that could determine the trajectory of the crypto market for the remainder of 2025.
VIRTUAL Tops Volume Charts, INJ Follows Among Big-Caps
Virtuals Protocol has surged to the top of trading volume rankings within the AI crypto sector, capturing significant attention from retail and algorithmic traders alike. With a current price hovering around $1.6631, VIRTUAL is retesting its June 20 high—a key psychological and technical resistance level.
Injective (INJ) isn't far behind, ranking among the top five large-cap AI-driven cryptocurrencies by trading volume. Currently trading near $12.00–$12.50, INJ is testing a historically strong resistance zone that previously triggered pullbacks. However, recent price action suggests stronger underlying demand, with tighter consolidation patterns indicating market stabilization.
Other high-volume AI tokens include NEAR Protocol, Filecoin (FIL), and Bittensor (TAO), all of which have seen increased on-chain activity and exchange inflows. This synchronized volume spike across AI-related assets points to a coordinated shift in market sentiment—one increasingly focused on real-world utility, scalability, and decentralized intelligence.
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MACD Momentum Signals Uptrend Potential
Technical analysis reveals promising momentum building across leading AI tokens. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator for both VIRTUAL and INJ has generated bullish crossovers, accompanied by expanding histogram bars—a classic sign of accelerating upward pressure.
These patterns suggest that buying momentum is outpacing selling pressure, even during periods of consolidation. Additionally, both assets are forming rounded base patterns, often seen before significant breakout moves. Such formations reflect a gradual accumulation phase where early investors absorb sell-offs before pushing prices higher.
A confirmed breakout above resistance could unlock substantial upside:
- VIRTUAL may target $2.20, representing a gain of over 30% from current levels.
- INJ could rise toward $14.19, especially if institutional inflows increase.
However, failure to close decisively above resistance might result in extended sideways movement or minor corrections. Traders should monitor volume and MACD behavior closely—breakouts on low volume may lack sustainability.
NEAR and Theta Network Exhibit Similar Technical Structures
Beyond VIRTUAL and INJ, NEAR Protocol and Theta Network are displaying nearly identical technical setups, further reinforcing sector-wide bullish alignment.
NEAR is currently trading at $2.3426, forming a series of higher lows over the past several weeks. This ascending structure suggests growing buyer conviction, especially as the network continues to expand its AI-integrated smart contract capabilities.
Similarly, Theta is testing resistance near $0.7313, with price action mirroring NEAR’s pattern. Both projects feature energy-efficient consensus mechanisms and are designed to support data-intensive applications—making them attractive candidates for AI and machine learning use cases.
Their MACD indicators are also in bullish territory, with positive divergence building over time. Should momentum continue:
- NEAR could climb toward $2.80
- Theta may advance to $0.90
These targets are not speculative—they align with previous Fibonacci extension levels and order book depth analysis from major exchanges.
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Institutional Catalyst: Bitwise Launches NEAR Staking ETP
One of the most significant catalysts behind NEAR’s recent strength is the launch of the Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP on Deutsche Börse Xetra. This marks the first regulated exchange-traded product offering institutional investors direct exposure to NEAR’s staking ecosystem.
The ETP allows accredited and retail investors in Europe to gain compliant access to NEAR’s proof-of-stake network—earning staking rewards while maintaining regulatory oversight. It underscores growing institutional recognition of NEAR’s technological edge, particularly its focus on scalability and developer-friendly tooling tailored for AI applications.
Analysts view this development as a milestone for blockchain adoption in traditional finance. By bridging the gap between decentralized networks and regulated investment vehicles, such products can drive sustained capital inflows into the broader AI crypto ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are AI-related crypto tokens surging now?
A: Increased integration of artificial intelligence with blockchain infrastructure has sparked investor interest. Projects like NEAR, INJ, and VIRTUAL offer scalable solutions for AI workloads, attracting both developers and capital.
Q: What does a MACD bullish crossover indicate?
A: A bullish MACD crossover occurs when the MACD line crosses above the signal line, suggesting that upward momentum is strengthening. When combined with rising volume, it often precedes price breakouts.
Q: Is VIRTUAL a meme coin or a serious project?
A: While VIRTUAL has meme-inspired branding, it operates on a functional blockchain protocol focused on virtual economies and AI-driven content creation, distinguishing it from pure meme coins.
Q: How does staking benefit NEAR investors?
A: Staking NEAR allows holders to earn passive income by participating in network validation. The new ETP makes this accessible to institutional investors without requiring technical setup.
Q: What happens if these tokens fail to break resistance?
A: Failure to break key resistance levels may lead to prolonged consolidation or short-term pullbacks. However, strong fundamentals and rising institutional interest could limit downside risk.
Q: Can meme coins sustain long-term growth?
A: Meme coins with active communities and utility—such as those integrated with AI or gaming platforms—have greater potential for sustained growth compared to those lacking underlying value.
The convergence of AI innovation, strong technical patterns, and institutional validation positions this sector for potential outperformance in Q3 2025—assuming breakout levels are confirmed.
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