Retail Investors Shake Up Portfolios: 51% Turn to AI, 52% Add Equities

Is crypto still the king of retail investing? Data from Bitget's latest report suggests the crown might be slipping. The findings reveal a significant shift in how retail investors allocate their portfolios, with many expanding beyond crypto into equities, commodities, and AI-assisted strategies.

The Data Speaks

Bitget's report unveils a fascinating trend: while 86% of surveyed users still hold crypto, there's a marked diversification underway. By March 2026, crypto's share of trading volume had stabilized between 60% and 80%, down from nearly 100% in early January. Meanwhile, trading in traditional assets, led by gold, surged from near-zero to capturing 20% to 40% of total activity.

Equities are no longer a secondary consideration. 52% of users now hold them alongside crypto. Commodities, too, are gaining traction with 35% of users holding gold or other precious metals. Interestingly, AI is making its mark, with 51% of users employing AI tools in their investment decisions.

Historical Context

This diversification isn't just a fleeting trend. Historically, retail investors have been slow to adapt across multiple asset classes. But now, the narrative is changing. The data is unambiguous. Retail investors are increasingly macro-aware, moving capital based on liquidity and market access.

Here's the thing. Diversification into non-crypto assets marks the strongest quarterly increase recorded by Bitget for such assets. History rhymes here. As more assets join the portfolio, risk management becomes more key.

Expert Opinions

According to Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, retail behavior is shifting toward macro-awareness. She notes that stablecoin-based settlements are a practical entry point for broader participation. But it's not just about ease of access. it's about building portfolios around global signals.

In East Asia, avoiding currency conversion drives 60% of users to opt for USDT settlements. In Latin America, it's about shielding against inflation, with 78% emphasizing diversification and protection against currency depreciation.

What's Next?

So, what should we expect next? For starters, watch the adoption rate of AI in trading. With 51% already onboard, the numbers are grow. And commodity prices will be key. As traditional asset trading rises, shifts in gold or crude oil prices could significantly impact portfolio performance.

The focus is now on the Universal Exchange model. With 71% of users valuing USDT settlement and 65% appreciating quick switches between asset classes, platforms like Bitget are set to benefit. Will this trend continue? If losses hold through the weekly close, traditional markets might see more retail interest.

, retail investors are broadening their horizons. The diversification wave is here. But is it a permanent shift or just another phase in the crypto journey?