AI tokens and speculative altcoins surge while Bitcoin remains stable, with options markets signaling low volatility expectations.
Bitcoin traded between $76,000 and $78,000 on Friday, showing little movement as altcoins attracted speculative flows. AI-related tokens NEAR and FET jumped 28.5% and 11.4%, respectively, while privacy coins DASH, ZEC, and XMR retreated after early-week gains.
The altcoin season indicator rose to 38 out of 100, reflecting increased rotation into smaller assets. Bitcoin’s implied volatility declined as traders sold call options, with put activity concentrated around $71,000 to $77,000 strikes, suggesting a cautious outlook.
HYPE token reached a record high, rallying 60% since Tuesday amid short liquidations and institutional demand following U.S. spot ETF launches. Brent crude fell to $102 per barrel from $112 earlier in the week on geopolitical speculation.