The crypto market remains in a cautious mood, with the fear‑greed index sitting at 26. In this environment, Mike Akins from ETF Action is urging investors to broaden their exposure to AI‑related groups that have underperformed compared with the marquee AI stocks that dominate headlines. The idea is simple: if the big names have already captured most of the upside, the smaller players may still have room to grow as the AI revolution continues.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are holding their ground, with BTC trading around $64,468 and ETH near $1,823. Both assets have posted modest gains in the last 24 hours, suggesting that the broader crypto market is not in a panic mode. This relative stability gives retail traders a comfortable backdrop to explore more specialized sectors without the volatility that often accompanies larger market moves.

For those looking to diversify, the key takeaway is to keep an eye on AI‑driven companies that have lagged behind the giants. These could include niche AI service providers, data‑labeling firms, or companies building AI infrastructure that hasn’t yet attracted the same level of investor attention. As the AI wave continues to swell, these underperforming trades may offer a higher risk‑adjusted return, especially if the market sentiment shifts toward optimism.

Next steps for retail investors: monitor earnings reports and regulatory updates that could lift the entire AI ecosystem, and stay tuned to how institutional players like Robinhood are expanding their AI crypto offerings. By staying informed and keeping a diversified approach, traders can position themselves to benefit from the next wave of AI‑driven growth without overexposing to the already crowded marquee names.