AI Crypto Sector September Returns Hit 54%: NEAR Up 183%, Now $4.71
AI Crypto Sector September Returns Hit 54%, NEAR Price Today $4.71
As of October 3, 2026, AI crypto sector September returns stand at 54%, against 24% for the broader crypto market.
Grayscale published the figures in its post on X on October 2, 2026, at 15:12 UTC (8:42 PM IST). The data covers September 2026 only.
In crypto news today, the headline figure is NEAR 183%, the largest gain among four tokens.
The crypto AI sector 54% jump also lifted Venice VVV, World WLD and Bittensor TAO, the firm's post showed. Its tweet on X carries the same data.
Which AI Crypto Gained the Most in September?
NEAR led the Grayscale AI crypto sector, according to the firm. These were the best AI crypto tokens September produced:
| Token | September Gain |
| NEAR | 183% |
| Venice VVV | 70% |
| World WLD | 47% |
| Bittensor TAO | 37% |
The four were highlighted alongside the AI crypto sector September returns, and the post names no other assets. It gives percentage gains only, with no price levels or volumes.
Why Are AI Crypto Tokens Pumping?
Grayscale wrote that the move may reflect growing interest in blockchain as potential infrastructure for artificial intelligence.
The wording is cautious: the firm said the move may reflect that interest, not that it does. Zach Pandl, its Head of Research, is the speaker in a Grayscale Institute class that names TAO, NEAR and WLD among the main investable assets.
The AI tokens rally has more background in a Grayscale sector report on the Stack blog, which the post links.
The agent economy crypto theme covers software agents that transact on public networks. Decentralized AI tokens are tied to uses such as machine-to-machine payments, verifiable AI and private compute.
What Is Grayscale AI Compute ETF GCPU?
Per the fund page, the Bitcoin Miners ETF (MNRS) became the fund now called GCPU, effective September 22, 2026. Source: https://etfs.grayscale.com/gcpu
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The index became the Indxx High Performance Computing Index.
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GCPU trades on NYSE Arca.
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It spans GPU cloud providers, hosting specialists and infrastructure operators repurposing existing capacity.
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It holds companies, not tokens.
NEAR Price Today After 183% Rally
CoinGecko data , as of October 3, 2026:
| Metric | Value |
| Price | $4.70 |
| 24h change | -6.6% |
| Market cap | $6.146B |
| 24h volume | $797.091M |
Its 183% gain fed the AI crypto sector September returns, yet the 24-hour move runs the other way.
CoinGecko shows a 30-day gain of 144%, a different window from the calendar-month figure.
The token trades 76.9% below its all-time high of $20.44. This article does not attribute the 24-hour dip to any single cause.
Is NEAR a Good AI Crypto?
The Institute page states that named tokens are mentioned for educational purposes, not as recommendations. That leaves the question open.
Readers checking the Bittensor TAO price today or the World WLD price should note that the September data covers one month only.
Volatile AI coins can reverse sharply, so one month offers limited guidance.
Expert View: What Could the 54% Rally Mean?
Market observers may read AI crypto sector September returns as a theme shift toward decentralized networks, not proof of lasting demand.
The AI crypto news today Grayscale supplied covers one month, so analysts could wait for more data before calling a trend. This crypto news may also fade if sentiment turns.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Crypto assets are volatile, and you can lose money. Verify details with official sources before making any decision.
