The 2025 crypto market displayed a sharp split between the first half and the second half of the year. In the opening months, major coins hit all-time highs as the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump coincided with a wave of digital asset strategies, fueling an unprecedented bull phase. By year end, macroeconomic uncertainty continued to weigh on sentiment, keeping risk appetite in a fear regime through December 31.
Industry observers argue that next year will be a time of proving for crypto assets, moving from speculative interest toward real-world value as assets fuse with industry applications. Decentralized prediction markets, AI-driven assets, and tokenized real assets (RWA) are highlighted as the leading areas expected to drive tangible use cases and broader adoption.
Prediction markets, AI, and RWA are projected to push real-world usage forward. Polymarket and Kalshi have achieved valuations of approximately $9 billion and $11 billion, respectively, aided by expansions into mainstream media partnerships with Yahoo Finance, CNN, and CNBC. Looking ahead, AI-powered asset projects such as Virtual Protocol, SaharaAI, NEWT, Kite, and 0g are gaining attention as potential catalysts for on-chain innovation. Tokenization of real assets, including U.S. Treasuries, has surged to about $8.67 billion, up roughly 125% from the start of the year, signaling a closer alignment between traditional finance and crypto markets.
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