Key trends in the crypto industry
Cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly integrated with the global financial system. SEC approval of crypto ETFs, starting with the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, has driven institutional investments in several of the leading cryptocurrencies. Major financial institutions are adopting blockchain technology and crypto tokens, most notably stablecoins, for cross-border payments.
The crypto industry has benefited from the political climate. In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to establish cryptocurrency reserves. In July, the U.S. passed the Genius Act, the country's first major crypto legislation.
However, the crypto market remains extremely volatile. The total crypto market cap plummeted from $4.3 trillion in October 2025 to $2.2 trillion in early 2026.
What to look for in a booming crypto
When you're evaluating a booming crypto, start with its real-world utility. Consider the uses for it and the problems it aims to solve. A good place to find this information is in the cryptocurrency's whitepaper, typically found on its website. Here are a few more important items you can use to evaluate a cryptocurrency:
- Leadership: Check who's behind the project, their qualifications, and their experience.
- Notable attributes: This could be anything that makes a cryptocurrency stand out from the competition, such as Bittensor's open-source AI network or Solana's speed.
- Total value locked (TVL): For blockchains with smart contract capabilities, TVL shows you how much value is on a blockchain. It's a good measure of which blockchains people are using.
- Number of users: This metric provides an indication of a blockchain's popularity.
There's no guarantee that a booming cryptocurrency will maintain its momentum. But those factors can help you determine whether a cryptocurrency has genuine value or is just designed to enrich the developers behind it.