Core Insights - The article highlights a shift in the narrative of mining companies from solely focusing on cryptocurrency to embracing high-performance computing and AI infrastructure, as evidenced by the performance of the Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) [1] Group 1: Company Performances - IREN Limited (IREN) experienced a 42.28% surge in January following a multi-billion-dollar agreement to provide cloud capacity for AI workloads, indicating its data centers' value for both machine learning and blockchain security [1] - Figure Technology Solutions (FIGR) rose by 39.28% in January, reflecting increased institutional adoption of its Provenance Blockchain for home equity lending and private market transactions [1] - Applied Digital (APLD) gained 38.17% as it transitioned from a digital asset miner to an AI infrastructure provider, capitalizing on the demand for high-density power data centers amid the generative AI boom [1] - Bakkt (BKKT) advanced 33.37% due to a rise in digital asset trading activity, benefiting from its role in providing institutional-grade custody and trading services [1] - WisdomTree (WT) saw a 32.90% increase, driven by growing investor interest in tokenization and real-world assets, positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain technology [1] Group 2: Market Trends - The performance of BLOK in January was driven by high-growth infrastructure and platform companies that have evolved beyond single-use crypto models into more versatile blockchain or AI-enabled businesses [1] - The fund's focus on smaller, agile infrastructure and platform plays allows it to capture capital flows in the rapidly evolving sectors of blockchain, AI, and next-generation financial infrastructure [1] - This shift in narrative emphasizes the potential of energy as a programmable asset, moving the focus away from crypto cyclicality towards the value of next-generation digital infrastructure [1]

Core Viewpoint - A noticeable split is forming within the technology sector, with blockchain and digital asset companies significantly outperforming traditional tech leaders in early 2026 [1] Performance Comparison - The Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) has increased by 11.78% year-to-date as of January 27, 2026, while the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has only risen by 2.83% during the same period [1] Reasons for BLOK's Outperformance - BLOK's active management and exposure to dynamic segments of the digital asset market contribute to its strong performance [1] - The crypto market revival, particularly the renewed strength of Bitcoin and Ethereum, has positively impacted companies supporting the crypto ecosystem [1] - BLOK includes companies applying blockchain technology to enterprise use cases, which are seeing growing institutional adoption [1] - Unlike XLK, BLOK has a broader exposure to smaller, faster-growing companies, reducing concentration risk and allowing individual winners to significantly impact performance [1] Key Holdings Contributing to BLOK's Performance - Cipher Mining (CIFR) - 3.73% weight, focused on industrial-scale bitcoin mining [1] - Robinhood Markets (HOOD) - 3.74% weight, benefiting from increased retail crypto trading volumes [1] - CleanSpark (CLSK) - 3.77% weight, known for sustainable bitcoin mining practices [1] - Hut 8 Corp. (HUT) - 4.08% weight, expanding into high-performance computing and AI data center hosting [1] - Galaxy Digital (GLXY) - 5.00% weight, providing investment banking and asset management services in the digital asset space [1] Key Themes to Monitor - Mining stocks are a major performance driver, with three of the top five holdings directly tied to bitcoin production [1] - Companies like Hut 8 and Galaxy Digital are diversifying into AI infrastructure and data center services, adding a second growth narrative [1] - BLOK's active management strategy allows it to focus on outperforming infrastructure plays while capping individual positions around 5%, avoiding top-heavy exposure typical of traditional tech ETFs [1]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion centers on whether crypto ETFs represent a sustainable investment trend or merely a passing fad, with arguments presented from both bullish and bearish perspectives [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance and Trends - The first U.S. cryptocurrency ETF, ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO), debuted over four years ago, with Bitcoin reaching a peak of approximately $68,000 in 2021 and $126,000 in 2025, indicating significant price volatility and institutional interest [1]. - In 2025, crypto ETPs attracted $34.1 billion in investments, showcasing a growing institutional demand for crypto exposure through regulated vehicles [1][2]. - Despite a 30% price drop in Bitcoin following its peak, the overall inflows into crypto ETFs remained strong, with nearly $48 billion in the first eleven months of the year, indicating resilience in the market [2][3]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The regulatory landscape for crypto ETFs has improved, with acts like the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act providing a more structured environment for investment, which is seen as a positive development for the ETF market [1]. - The SEC's oversight of crypto ETFs contrasts with the original decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies, raising questions about the implications for the future of digital assets [1]. Group 3: Institutional Adoption - A significant increase in the number of U.S. advisory firms allocating to crypto ETFs has been noted, rising from fewer than 200 before 2024 to over 2,000, reflecting a shift in institutional acceptance [1]. - Institutional investors are now holding crypto ETFs, which contrasts with previous cycles where retail investors would panic sell during downturns, suggesting a more stable investment base [2][3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The potential for consolidation in the crypto ETF market is highlighted, with larger providers like BlackRock dominating inflows, which could lead to smaller players exiting the market [3]. - The emergence of diversified crypto ETFs, such as the CoinShares Altcoins ETF (DIME), is seen as a promising development, allowing investors to gain exposure to a range of cryptocurrencies rather than betting on individual assets [3].

Core Insights - Amplify ETFs experienced significant growth in 2025, outperforming the broader market in both asset growth rate and performance across its thematic and income-oriented suites [1][2]. Company Performance - Amplify ended 2025 with 39 ETFs and $17 billion in assets under management (AUM), marking a 70% increase from $10 billion [2][3]. - The firm's total net flows reached $4 billion for the year, indicating a strong preference among advisors for specialized exposures in a changing macroeconomic environment [3]. Industry Context - The U.S. ETF industry reached a record $13 trillion in total AUM by the end of 2025, driven by $1.5 trillion in net annual inflows and approximately 1,110 new product launches [2]. - The overall industry grew its asset base by roughly 30%, while Amplify's growth of 70% significantly outpaced the industry average [3]. Performance Highlights - Amplify's thematic offerings included standout performers such as the Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ), which benefited from increased demand for precious metals, and the Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK), a leader among blockchain and crypto equity ETFs [5]. - In the technology sector, the Amplify AI Value Chain ETF (AIVC) was a top performer compared to other AI-focused products, alongside other high-performing funds like the Amplify Lithium & Battery Technology ETF (BATT) and the Amplify Video Game Tech ETF (GAMR) [6]. Income Strategies - Amplify's income-producing suite led in net flows, with the Amplify CWP Enhanced Dividend Income ETF (DIVO) being a core holding for many advisors seeking yield and risk-managed equity exposure [7]. - Other funds with significant net flows included SILJ, the Amplify CWP Growth & Income ETF (QDVO), IDVO, and the Amplify High Income ETF (YYY), showcasing a balance between growth-oriented thematic funds and defensive, income-focused strategies [8].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that stablecoins and tokenization are two significant growth drivers in the cryptocurrency space, providing long-term support beyond the typical volatility associated with crypto [1][8]. Stablecoins - Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged to $1 or another currency, supported by reserves or supply-demand mechanisms [3]. - There are nearly 300 stablecoins currently available, with Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) being popular examples [3]. - The GENIUS Act, passed in July 2025, provides a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which may lead to increased growth in this segment [3]. Tokenization - Tokenization refers to creating digital representations of traditional assets, allowing for more automated and accessible ownership and transfer [4]. - This concept extends to ETFs and funds, with several issuers already offering tokenized funds, including Franklin Templeton and BlackRock [4]. - BlackRock has shown interest in exploring tokenization through its iShares retail brand, reaffirmed during its October 14 earnings call [4]. ETFs Focused on Stablecoins and Tokenization - Amplify launched two ETFs on December 23, 2025, focusing on stablecoins and tokenization, which invest in companies and infrastructure benefiting from these themes rather than directly in stablecoins or tokenized assets [5]. - The Amplify Stablecoin Technology ETF (STBQ) allocates around 25% to crypto assets like XRP, Solana, Ethereum, and Chainlink, with the remaining 75% in equities of companies involved in stablecoin transactions [5]. - The Amplify Tokenization Technology ETF (TKNQ) follows a similar structure but focuses more on banks and companies involved in tokenization, holding names like Baidu and Citigroup [5]. Comparison with Broader Blockchain ETFs - Stablecoin and tokenization ETFs are more theme-specific compared to broader blockchain ETFs, which capture a wider range of crypto-related trends [7]. - Funds like the Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) include a broader array of holdings, such as crypto mining and infrastructure providers, while STBQ and TKNQ focus specifically on financial companies [7]. Conclusion - Stablecoins and tokenization are becoming foundational elements in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, with STBQ and TKNQ representing emerging investment opportunities in this space [8].

Core Insights - The crypto markets faced a significant "flash crash" on October 10, 2025, leading to a 30% drop in Bitcoin from its peak, primarily due to a surprise 100% tariff on China, excessive leverage in the crypto markets, and the depeg of Binance's USDe stablecoin below $0.66 [1] Stablecoin Overview - Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain value relative to traditional currencies, typically backed by reserve assets [3] - They facilitate immediate payments at lower costs, offer better transparency than traditional banking, and enhance financial inclusion for the unbanked population [4] Regulatory Developments - The flash crash has prompted discussions on increasing regulation for stablecoins, with the GENIUS Act passed in July 2025 aimed at improving consumer protections [5] Market Growth and Adoption - Companies like Circle Internet Group and PayPal are expanding their stablecoin offerings, while major tech firms such as Apple, Meta, and Google are expected to integrate stablecoin functionalities [6] - Predictions for stablecoin transaction volume range from $1 trillion to $2 trillion by 2028 [6] Yield Generation - DeFi-native stablecoins can generate yields from short-term cash-equivalent instruments and lending, with some yields reaching as high as 7%, which is more attractive than traditional cash alternatives [7] ETF Developments - Several stablecoin-related ETF filings are underway, including those from Grayscale, Bitwise, and Amplify, which will hold both publicly traded companies in the stablecoin ecosystem and digital assets like Ethereum and Solana [8] - Current ETFs providing indirect exposure to the stablecoin ecosystem include the Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) and the Global X Blockchain ETF (BKCH) [9] Recent ETF Performance - The Bitwise Solana Staking ETF (BSO) has attracted $568.24 million since its launch, with a total of six ETFs holding net assets of $936 million as of November 25 [12]