The findings are based on both trading activity data on the Bitget platform and responses from over 6,000 users worldwide.
In Q1 2026, cryptocurrencies remained the primary transaction asset, with 86% of surveyed users holding crypto assets. In early January, crypto accounted for almost the entire trading volume, but by March, as activity expanded into other markets, its share stabilized between 60% and 80%. During the same period, trading in traditional assets, led by gold, grew from near zero to 20–40% of total activity, marking the strongest quarterly increase observed for non‑crypto assets on Bitget.
The data show that 52% of users worldwide now hold equities in addition to crypto, and 35% hold gold or other precious metals, making commodities the most popular non‑crypto asset category among respondents. Artificial intelligence, precious metals, and oil emerged as the two topics most frequently associated with investment opportunities in 2026.
Among affluent investors, portfolio diversification is accelerating. In 2025, Bitget users achieved an average annual return of 13%, and about 6% of VIP users achieved annual returns ranging from 51% to 100%. Among high‑capital respondents, 74% stated that in 2026 they plan to expand into the crypto, equity, and commodity markets to manage risk more actively.
Trading preferences by region still reflect local macroeconomic conditions. In East Asia, 60% of users cited the desire to avoid currency conversion as the main reason for using USDT settlements, while 48% prioritized avoiding traditional account‑opening requirements. In Southeast Asia, 46% of users identified leverage access as the main reason for investing in traditional assets. In Latin America, 78% of respondents said diversification and protection against inflation or currency devaluation are the main reasons for holding both crypto and traditional assets.
Implementing AI is also becoming an integral part of core trading practices. 51% of respondents said they already use AI‑based tools for investment decisions. Bitget’s AI products, including GetAgent, GetClaw, and Agent Hub, are increasingly used to analyze financial results, commodity price changes, macroeconomic conditions, and on‑chain signals across various asset classes.
As CEO Gracy Chen comments, “Retail investor behavior increasingly incorporates macroeconomic factors. Users move capital between asset classes based on liquidity, volatility, and market accessibility, and increasingly expect a single platform to provide effective support in this regard. Stablecoin‑based settlements become a practical entry point for broader market participation. Growing demand for commodities, equities, and AI‑powered tools shows that users build portfolios based on global signals rather than a single asset category.”
The survey results also indicate strong interest in the universal exchange model. 71% of users considered USDT settlements the most important feature, while 65% rated the ability to quickly switch between crypto, equities, forex, and commodities within one account as the highest priority. Users consistently described the ideal trading platform as one that, within a single system, offers access to global assets, stablecoin settlements, centralized liquidity, transparent reserve verification, and AI‑assisted decision tools.
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About Bitget
Bitget is the world’s largest universal exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and providing access to more than 2 million crypto tokens, over 100 tokenized equities, ETF funds, commodities, currencies, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem helps users trade smarter with an AI agent that assists in order execution. Bitget promotes cryptocurrencies through strategic partnerships, including with LALIGA and MotoGP™. In line with its global impact strategy, Bitget has partnered with UNICEF to support blockchain technology education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget is currently a leader in tokenized TradFi services, offering the lowest fees in the industry and the highest liquidity in 150 regions worldwide.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice, nor an offer or encouragement to buy or sell any financial instruments or digital assets. All opinions expressed are based on current market observations and may change. Historical results are not indicative of future performance. Digital assets are highly volatile and may not be suitable for all investors. Before making any investment decisions, readers should conduct their own independent research and seek professional advice. Restrictions may apply. This content is intended for users worldwide. Bitget may restrict or suspend access to its services for users. This text is purely informational and does not constitute financial advice. Please review Bitget Terms of Use.
