AI Tokens to Watch Closely: BNKR and PIPPIN Surge as Sector Market Cap Holds Above $12B

The AI Crypto Sector Finds Balance Amid Volatility

The world of cryptocurrency never sleeps, and the AI tokens sector is no exception. Right now, the total market cap for AI-related coins sits steady above $12.6 billion. That’s down just 1.6% in the last 24 hours, showing some resilience even as big names face pressure. Investors are shifting focus from established leaders to fresh opportunities, making this a key moment for spotting .

While giants like Bittensor (TAO) and Internet Computer (ICP) see losses, smaller coins such as BankrCoin (BNKR) and Pippin (PIPPIN) are stealing the spotlight. PIPPIN has jumped over 45%, now trading at $0.3998. BNKR is up more than 22% today, holding strong above $0.00100. These moves signal growing interest in under-the-radar projects with real potential.

Major Players Under Pressure

Bittensor (TAO), the top dog in AI crypto, is trading around $155. That’s a 20% drop over the past week. Internet Computer (ICP) is also hurting, down over 12% in seven days and sitting at $2.35. A risk-off mood in the broader market is weighing on these leaders, but the sector as a whole refuses to crack.

This dip in majors opens the door for altcoins to shine. Smart traders are looking beyond the headlines, hunting for tokens with strong technical setups and rising buzz.

BankrCoin (BNKR): Retail Buzz Fuels the Rally

BankrCoin (BNKR) is one grabbing attention. It hit an intraday high of $0.001233 and now holds above $0.00100. Retail investors are piling in, and the data backs it up.

In the derivatives market, futures Open Interest (OI) for BNKR averaged $660,000 on Tuesday. That’s just shy of Monday’s record $682,000. Rising OI means more traders are betting on the upside. It shows confidence that BNKR can keep climbing, drawing in fresh capital and boosting liquidity.

Remember, high OI often ties to new money entering the market. It signals efficiency and sustained trends. A drop in OI, on the other hand, hints at liquidations and fading demand – a bearish red flag.

Technicals look solid too. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) line stays above the signal line, with green histogram bars growing. This screams bullish momentum in the short term. Bulls have eyes on the $0.001233 high and even higher price discovery.

But caution is key. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 70, entering overbought territory. Buying might be stretched thin. Watch the $0.00100 support closely – a break below could send BNKR back to $0.00095.

Pippin (PIPPIN): Bulls Charge Toward New Highs

Pippin (PIPPIN) is another standout . It’s trading near its daily peak of $0.4024, up over 45%. Bulls are in control, holding above a key descending trendline with support at $0.3000.

The MACD here is even stronger, well above the signal line with expanding green bars past the zero line. This setup encourages risk-taking. Sure, the RSI is oversold at 82.5 on the daily chart, but momentum trumps that for now.

To keep the rally alive, bulls need to defend $0.4000. Next targets: $0.4162, $0.4500, and the all-time high at $0.5535. Funding rates add to the optimism – positive and high, they point to bullish bets and expected price gains.

Funding fees keep futures prices in line with spot. Positive rates mean traders expect upsides, while negative ones signal downside bets.

Broader Market Context: Bitcoin and Beyond

The AI sector doesn’t move in a vacuum. Bitcoin (BTC), the crypto king, hovers around $69,000, stuck below $70,000. A drop below key support could test $60,000, but institutional buying offers a floor.

Altcoins like Ethereum hold above $2,000, and Ripple sits at $1.40 support. Even Aster (ASTER) is up 7%, breaking its 200-period EMA on the 4-hour chart.

2024 has been wild for BTC with huge volatility, regulations, and big money inflows. As it stabilizes, AI tokens could ride the wave higher.

Why These Matter Now

AI and blockchain are merging fast. Tokens like BNKR and PIPPIN tap into decentralized AI, machine learning on-chain, and smart apps. As the sector cap stays above $12B, these gems offer high-reward plays.

• BNKR: Retail-driven, strong OI and MACD – watch for breakout or pullback.
• PIPPIN: Momentum king, RSI extreme but trend intact.
• TAO & ICP: Leaders to rebound if BTC bounces.

Key risks: Overbought signals, broader market dumps. But rising OI and bullish indicators paint a positive picture.

What to Watch Next

For BNKR, $0.001233 resistance is crucial. PIPPIN eyes $0.4162. Sector-wide, $12B cap holding firm is bullish. Stay tuned to BTC – a push above $70K could ignite alts.

In this volatile space, like these could deliver big. Do your research, manage risk, and track these levels.