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AI and Meme Coins Lead Crypto Market Rebound as NEAR, INJ, and VIRTUAL Eye Breakouts
The cryptocurrency market witnessed a notable recovery in the past 24 hours, with meme coins and AI-related tokens leading the charge, according to data from CoinMarketCap.
Among the top performers, Injective (INJ) and Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) recorded gains of over 13%, outpacing broader market trends. Other AI and big data tokens, including NEAR Protocol (NEAR) and Theta Network (THETA), also posted strong performances as bullish momentum intensified.
VIRTUAL Tops Volume Charts, INJ Follows Among Big-Caps
VIRTUAL registered the highest trading volume within the AI sector, followed by Filecoin (FIL), NEAR, Bittensor (TAO), and INJ, rounding out the top five large-cap AI tokens by volume.
Technical patterns suggest a coordinated move across many AI-related tokens. Both VIRTUAL and INJ are approaching significant horizontal resistance levels, having previously consolidated near equal lows—a sign of market stabilization.
At the time of writing, VIRTUAL is trading around $1.6631, attempting a retest of its June 20 high. Meanwhile, INJ is edging closer to the $12.00–$12.50 resistance zone, a level that has historically triggered pullbacks.
MACD Momentum Signals Uptrend Potential
The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicators on both charts have flashed bullish crossovers, accompanied by rising histogram bars—signs that upward momentum is building. Additionally, both assets are forming rounded base patterns, suggesting synchronized bullish sentiment across the sector.
However, a confirmed breakout remains elusive. A decisive close above resistance could open the door for further gains—potentially pushing VIRTUAL toward $2.20 and INJ to $14.19. Failure to break out may result in continued sideways movement or short-term pullbacks.
NEAR and Theta Network Exhibit Similar Structures
NEAR and Theta are also displaying promising setups. NEAR is currently trading at $2.3426, while Theta is testing resistance near $0.7313. Both are forming higher lows and approaching key resistance zones.
MACD indicators for both assets are in bullish territory, reinforcing the possibility of a breakout. If upward momentum persists, NEAR could target $2.80, while Theta may aim for $0.90. Conversely, rejection at resistance could extend the current consolidation phase.
Institutional Catalyst: Bitwise Launches NEAR Staking ETP
One potential driver behind NEAR’s recent strength is the launch of Bitwise’s NEAR Staking ETP on Deutsche Börse Xetra. As the first regulated investment product offering institutional exposure to NEAR’s staking ecosystem, the ETP represents a landmark for the blockchain’s adoption in Europe.
The initiative provides a compliant, secure avenue for institutions to participate in NEAR’s energy-efficient Layer 1 ecosystem—one designed with AI-era scalability in mind. Analysts believe the move could trigger increased capital inflows into the broader AI crypto space.
With institutional backing growing and technical setups aligning across key assets, AI and big data tokens could be poised for a strong Q3—contingent, of course, on confirmed breakouts above resistance levels.
