Retail investors are no longer sticking to crypto alone. A new report from Bitget suggests traders are increasingly spreading capital across multiple asset classes, with equities, commodities, and AI-driven strategies gaining traction in 2026.
The exchange’s latest User Asset Allocation Report, based on platform data and a survey of over 6,000 users, shows that while crypto still dominates portfolios, its share of overall trading activity is gradually declining as users explore new opportunities.
Bitget, which operates as a so-called “Universal Exchange” (UEX), allows users to trade a mix of assets: cryptocurrencies, tokenized stocks, commodities, and forex within a single account. The model is built around simplifying access to global markets, often using stablecoins like USDT for settlement.
Retail Traders Diversify Beyond Crypto as Bitget Data Reveals Surge in Multi-Asset Investing
According to the report, 86% of users still hold crypto, but trading activity is becoming more balanced. Crypto accounted for nearly all trading volume at the start of the first quarter, before dropping to between 60% and 80% by March as participation in traditional markets picked up.
Commodities are emerging as a key area of growth. Trading activity in assets such as gold rose sharply during the quarter, climbing from near-zero levels to as much as 40% of total volume: one of the fastest increases seen for non-crypto assets on the platform.
Equities are also gaining ground. The report found that 52% of users now hold stocks alongside their crypto positions, while 35% have exposure to commodities like gold and other precious metals. The data points to a broader shift toward more diversified portfolios, rather than a crypto-only approach.
AI Becomes a Core Tool for Retail Traders
Another notable trend is the rise of AI in trading. Around 51% of respondents said they already use AI tools to inform their investment decisions. Bitget has been expanding its own AI offerings, which are designed to help users interpret earnings data, macroeconomic signals, and blockchain activity across different markets.
Among wealthier participants, diversification appears even more pronounced. Bitget said its users recorded an average return of 13% in 2025, with a small group of VIP traders achieving gains between 51% and 100%. Looking ahead, nearly three-quarters of high-value users plan to further expand across asset classes in 2026, primarily as a way to manage risk.
Regional differences also shape how users approach trading. In East Asia, avoiding currency conversion and traditional banking requirements remains a key driver for using stablecoin-based systems. In Southeast Asia, access to leverage is a major factor, while in Latin America, inflation concerns continue to push users toward diversified portfolios that include both crypto and traditional assets.
The report also highlights growing demand for all-in-one trading platforms. Around 71% of users identified stablecoin settlement as a core feature, while 65% said the ability to switch quickly between asset classes within a single account is a top priority.
Bitget CEO Gracy Chen said the data reflects a shift toward more macro-aware retail trading behavior, with users increasingly responding to global economic signals rather than focusing on a single market.
Taken together, the findings suggest that retail investing is entering a more mature phase: one where crypto remains central, but is no longer the only game in town.
