DePIN and Gaming Sectors Lead Unexpected Crypto Rally Amid Fragmented Market
Cryptocurrency markets showed divergent performance last week, with Bitcoin gaining 1.6% while sector movements revealed surprising strength in previously lagging areas. The DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) and Gaming sectors surged 13.1% and 12.6% respectively, marking a notable reversal after dismal 2025 performances that saw them down nearly 80% year-to-date.
FIL and RENDER drove the DePIN rally with 22% and 13% weekly gains, collectively representing 49% of the sector's index weight. Gaming's rebound was powered by IMX's 11% climb. Meanwhile, Layer 2 solutions and Real World Assets underperformed, dropping 2.67% and 0.84% respectively, with MNT and ZORA leading declines.
The rally comes amid choppy flows and mixed sentiment across exchanges including Binance, Coinbase, and Bybit. Market participants appear to be rotating into oversold sectors while reducing exposure to previously strong performers like OP and ARB, which nonetheless posted double-digit gains.