Key Highlights
Market trends suggest a potential upswing in September, fueled by AI-driven cryptocurrencies. Positive weekly performance builds confidence, even with modest daily fluctuations.
The total valuation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tokens has remained steady above $33 billion, experiencing a slight daily change of less than 1%. Approximately $1.9 billion in market value was added, as investors increasingly utilize AI-powered tools.
Specifically, Story (IP) stood out. Analysis by AMBCrypto, using Futures Taker CVD data from CryptoQuant, indicated a strong buying presence in the derivatives market. Conversely, spot trading volume decreased by 20%.
Source: CryptoQuant
IP experienced the most significant gain within the AI token sector, increasing by 18% in the last 24 hours.
Virtual Protocol (VIRTUAL), Render (RENDER), and Near Protocol (NEAR) performed well over the week, despite a slowdown observed throughout the day.
The decline in these larger cryptocurrencies coincided with a shift of capital towards newer tokens like Flock (FLOCK). However, these emerging tokens faced difficulties maintaining consistent capital inflows.
As an example, FLOCK experienced a 17% decrease after surging 69% the previous day. Despite this, it still showed a 39% gain on the weekly charts.
Institutional Investment Drives AI Token Momentum in September
September is anticipated to be a significant month for the financial industry as institutional investors allocate increased capital to the AI and big data fields.
Notably, EcoData increased its investment by $703 million, according to a Bloomberg report, with the goal of expanding its AI data center infrastructure. This follows a period of underperformance in the first half of 2025, as measured by Fully Diluted Value (FDV).
Reviewing the chart below, the AI cryptocurrency sector has reclaimed its leading position in the past month, achieving a 17.4% increase, followed by exchange tokens at 11.5%, as highlighted by Crypto Rand.
This reinforces the belief that the sector is recovering and poised for further growth.
Source: Artemis
Looking ahead, Bittensor (TAO), NEAR, and Internet Computer (ICP), all leading cryptocurrencies in terms of market capitalization, are projected to experience gains during the latter half of the year.
Regarding potential gains, market analysts predict that the capitalization of AI tokens could reach $47 billion by 2034, representing a 39% increase from current levels, according to a projection from CoachTy. He cited the 17% growth in Grok 4 users since mid-2025 as a contributing factor.
Furthermore, the increased application of AI Agents in performing routine professional tasks highlights the sector’s practical utility. AI features have been incorporated into gaming, DePIN, and memecoins, with multiple assets demonstrating breakout potential.
NEAR Shows Strength with Breakout
The 3-hour chart for NEAR confirms a breakout, surpassing a trendline established in mid-August following a Moving Average crossover at $2.41.
Trading volume soared to approximately $569 million, the highest level observed in the past month. An Awesome Oscillator reading of 0.13 indicates that buyers are in control.
Nevertheless, bullish momentum waned after encountering resistance at $2.80.
Source: TradingView
NEAR is currently trading at $2.66, with a potential resistance level at $3.10, contingent on sustained buying pressure. This positive outlook is generally reflected across the sector, indicating possible gains in future trading sessions.
Nevertheless, traders should remain vigilant, given the sector’s historical vulnerability to significant price corrections.