Crypto Weekly Recap: Bitcoin Rebounds, AI Surge and PayAI Rally 103%

Sandro Brasher
January 3, 2026
5 Views
rebound, weekly recap, crypto, bitcoin, bitcoin rebounds
⚡ Quick Takeaways:

  • The crypto market saw a significant rebound, particularly in AI and privacy-focused tokens, during the period of Dec 22-28.
  • AI narratives, fueled by key catalysts like the official release of Version 2 of x402, an open-source payment protocol for ai agents, led to substantial gains for assets like PAYAI and SQD.
  • HTX Hot Listings weekly recap highlighted gains in memecoins and multi-sector recovery, suggesting a potential continuation of a year-end market trend.

The cryptocurrency market cap exceeded US$3 trillion for the first time in November 2024, signaling a major shift. The market has demonstrated resilience, and the week of Dec 22-28 saw a notable rebound, with AI and privacy tokens leading the charge. This article dives into the factors driving this resurgence, offering insights into the evolving landscape and what it means for investors.

AI Sector Rebound and PayAI Rally 103%

Artificial intelligence remained a defining narrative, and one of the key catalysts behind the ai-sector rebound was the official release of Version 2 of x402, an open-source payment protocol for ai agents developed by the Coinbase developer team. The rebound was the official release, which introduced native multi-chain support, facilitating token payment on ecosystems like Base and Solana. This enhancement significantly improves the commercial scalability of AI services, spurring a payai rally 103. HTX’s early support for core ai-linked assets provided users with timely access to this narrative-driven market opportunity.

Privacy Protocols Reignite Attention

On-chain privacy is increasingly important for the next market cycle. Against a backdrop of regulatory recalibration and industry restructuring, the privacy sector has seen renewed inflows. HTX’s diversified asset coverage has allowed users to participate across multiple layers of this narrative. This dynamic across assets includes both new and established privacy solutions.

Key Data Comparison

Asset Percentage Change (Dec 22-28) Narrative
ZBT (Zerobase) +127% Privacy Protocols
SQD (Subsquid) +114% AI-Focused Compute Infrastructure
PAYAI (PayAI Network) +103% AI Ecosystem (x402)
HIPPO (sudeng) +33% Memecoin (SUI Ecosystem)
MYRO (Myro) +29% Memecoin (Solana)
XPL (Plasma) +25% Layer 1 Payment Infrastructure
ZEC (Zcash) +22% Privacy Protocols
DONKEY +21% Memecoin (BSC)
SPK (Spark) +17% DeFi Protocol
0G (Zero Gravity) +38% DeFi and AI Intersection

HTX Weekly Recap (Dec 22-28): Memecoins Surge and Multi-Sector Recovery

The HTX Hot Listings weekly recap (Dec 22-28) highlighted the resurgence of memecoins, driven by lightweight narratives and strong liquidity. Beyond headline narratives, a broader rally across DeFi and Layer 1 assets suggests improving incremental capital inflows. This suggests improving incremental capital inflows and the potential continuation of a year-end market trend. The trend includes a multi-sector recovery including DeFi and Layer 1 ecosystems. HTX continues to enhance users’ ability to capture opportunities efficiently amid complex market dynamics. The leading cryptocurrency exchange noted that the sentiment across the crypto market continues to recover.

DeFi and Layer 1 Assets Suggest Improving Incremental Capital Inflows

Beyond headline narratives, a broader rally across Layer 1 assets suggests improving incremental capital inflows and the potential continuation of a year-end market trend. This rally across DeFi also shows assets suggests improving incremental capital. The continuation of a year-end market may continue into next week’s fed. This is a key catalyst. Select trading venues are crucial for users seeking opportunities in the new market cycle, and HTX had already enabled trading access at their early stages, allowing users to grasp more entry points.

Economic Data, Market Commentary, Rate Cut Speculation, and ETF Inflow

The market continues to be influenced by key macroeconomic factors. Market participants are closely watching economic data releases and any market commentary from the Federal Reserve. Speculation around future rate cut decisions by the federal reserve, influencing risk appetite, adds another layer of complexity. A lower rate cut typically increases risk appetite. Positive etf inflow news can act as a catalyst. The potential approval of a U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF, along with the broader economic outlook, is shaping investor strategies.

HTX Continues to Enhance

Through disciplined listing strategies and a robust trading ecosystem, htx continues to enhance users’ ability to capture opportunities efficiently amid complex market dynamics. HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses. Adhering to the growth strategy, HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide. HTX capture opportunities efficiently amid complex market dynamics. HTX capture opportunities efficiently amid complex market dynamics.HTX is the leading cryptocurrency exchange. It provides early support for core ai-linked assets, assets provided users with timely access. Provides users with timely access to this narrative-driven market.

Deep Dive: Market Analysis

The market continues to recover, and this is a continuation of a year-end market trend, and this also indicates the end of panic selling. Bitcoin rebounds, and there is less volatility. Bitcoin price and trading volume are still high. Investor confidence is increasing. The S&P also increased.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 2025 a big year for crypto?

2025 is seen as a significant year due to increasing adoption, regulatory developments, and technological advancements, all contributing to a more mature cryptocurrency market and web3.

What crypto under $1 will explode?

Identifying a specific cryptocurrency under $1 that will explode is speculative. However, projects with strong fundamentals, innovative technology, and growing adoption potential are more likely to succeed.

Which crypto will 100x in 5 years?

Predicting which cryptocurrency will 100x in 5 years is highly speculative. The cryptocurrency market is volatile, and success depends on various factors, including technology, adoption, and market trends.

Why is the crypto market going up?

The crypto market may be going up due to a combination of factors, including increased institutional interest, positive regulatory developments, growing adoption of DeFi, and renewed interest in AI-linked projects, influencing sentiment across the board.

Conclusion

The cryptocurrency market is showing signs of resilience and growth, driven by technological advancements, regulatory clarity, and evolving investor behavior. While volatility remains a factor, the industry’s increasing maturity and adoption suggest a promising future. The market continues to recover.

Author Sandro Brasher

✍️ Author Bio: Sandro Brasher is a digital strategist and tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex topics in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and emerging web technologies. With over a decade of experience in content creation and SEO, Sandro helps readers stay informed and empowered in the fast-evolving digital economy. When he’s not writing, he’s diving into data trends, testing crypto tools, or mentoring startups on building digital presence.