PANAMA CITY, Dec. 31, 2025 — HTX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has published its weekly hot listings summary for December 22-28, showing that several newly listed and actively traded assets posted substantial returns. With 2025 coming to an end, crypto market sentiment is steadily improving, and trading volume is rising due to typical year-end momentum. Macro-level support and fresh narrative drivers have fueled widespread sector gains, with AI, privacy, and memecoin assets all bouncing back concurrently. Investment is increasingly flowing toward high-potential themes and unique sector opportunities.
AI Narrative Returns to Center Stage as PAYAI and SQD Lead the Rally
AI continues to be a major long-term theme in the 2025 crypto market, as faster real-world usage prompts a reassessment of application-based assets. A primary trigger for this week’s AI sector recovery was the launch of x402 Version 2, an open-source payment protocol for AI agents created by Coinbase’s development team. The updated x402 protocol now offers built-in multi-chain compatibility, facilitating token payments on networks like Base and Solana. It also allows smooth connection to conventional payment systems such as ACH and credit card networks, greatly boosting the business viability of AI services.
Following the release, assets across the x402 ecosystem saw significant gains. This validates a broader mid-cycle thesis for 2025: AI business models are transitioning from conceptual experimentation toward scalable, revenue-oriented deployment. HTX’s early support for core AI-linked assets provided users with timely access to this narrative-driven market opportunity.
- : +103%, standing out as a top gainer in the x402 AI ecosystem.
- : +114%, reflecting renewed interest in AI-focused compute infrastructure.
Privacy Protocols Regain Attention as ZBT and ZEC Advance in Tandem
Blockchain privacy is gaining recognition as essential infrastructure for the upcoming market cycle. Amid regulatory adjustments and sector reorganization, privacy-focused assets are attracting fresh investment, creating a synergy between new and established tokens. HTX’s broad asset selection enables traders to engage with this theme at various levels.
- : +127%, ranking as the best performer overall.
- : +22%. Zcash is a decentralized, open-source project.
Memecoins Gain Momentum Across Multiple Ecosystems
With year-end approaching, memecoin trading is showing its typical seasonal uptick. Tokens with simple storylines and high liquidity have once again proven their appeal through price volatility. Several memecoins on HTX achieved significant gains, thanks to fast execution and ample liquidity that helped traders capitalize on brief windows.
- +21%, a BSC-based memecoin with robust community engagement.
- : +29%, a Solana-based memecoin.
- : +33%, a memecoin within the SUI ecosystem.
Multi-Sector Recovery Including DeFi and Layer 1 Ecosystems
Apart from the main themes, a wider recovery in DeFi and Layer 1 tokens indicates growing capital injection and a possible extension of the year-end market pattern.
- +38%, positioned at the intersection of DeFi and AI.
- : +17%, supported by renewed capital inflows and improving protocol expectations.
- + 25%, a Layer 1 payment infrastructure project.
Seize Early-Stage Opportunities as HTX Captures Emerging Wealth Effects
As markets steady, the gap between sectors is still clear. Choosing a trading platform with early-access assets and strong liquidity is now more crucial for users hunting opportunities in the new cycle. For this week’s best performers, HTX had already listed them in their initial phases, giving users more chances to enter early.
Through disciplined listing strategies and a robust trading ecosystem, HTX continues to enhance users’ ability to capture opportunities efficiently amid complex market dynamics. Looking ahead, HTX will continue to evolve its platform strategy in line with market trends, user demand, and cycle-driven shifts, expanding high-quality asset coverage and deepening liquidity. More market insights and emerging opportunities are available on HTX.
About HTX
Established in 2013, HTX (previously Huobi) has grown from a crypto exchange into a full blockchain business ecosystem covering digital asset trading, derivatives, research, investment, incubation, and more.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
To learn more about HTX, please visit or, and follow HTX on,, and.
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