AI Companions, AGLD, Acala prices rise as Bitcoin drops below $93k

Cryptocurrencies like Ai Companions, Adventure Gold, and Acala were among the best-performing cryptocurrencies on Monday.

AI Companions (AIC), which is developing a platform for virtual companionship, rose for the second consecutive day, reaching a high of $0.1727—its highest level in over a week. AIC’s surge is attributed to ongoing momentum in the artificial intelligence sector and the anticipated growth of the virtual companionship industry, which is expected to get to $9.5 billion in 2032.

Adventure Gold (AGLD) also climbed for two consecutive days in a high-volume trading environment, hitting a high of $3.03. The token has been one of this year’s top-performing cryptocurrencies, soaring nearly 400% from its August lows. This rally has boosted AGLD’s market cap to over $227 million and its 24-hour trading volume to $1.3 billion.

Acala (ACA) continued its upward trend, reaching a high of $0.12—a 155% increase from its lowest level this year. The rally comes as the Polkadot (DOT) network continues to perform strongly, with its total value locked rising to over $111.4 million.

These tokens experienced double-digit gains as the mood in the crypto industry remained muted and volume fell. Bitcoin crashed below $94,000, meaning that it has crashed by 15% from its highest level this year. 

The crypto fear and greed index, a popular gauge on sentiment in the industry, has moved from the extreme greed zone of 90 to the neutral point of 50. Also, the altcoin season index has moved from the year-to-date high of 87 to 44.

Meanwhile, most altcoins were in the red. Movement crashed by 10% on Dec. 30, while Helium, Pudgy Penguins, Curve DAO, Ondo, and Mantra were among the worst-performers, falling by over 7%.

The next potential catalyst for Bitcoin and other altcoins will be the potential January Effect, a situation where assets rise in the first days of the year. This rebound typically happens as many investors create their portfolios for the year. 

Also, the Donald Trump inauguration in January and the FTX distribution could push them higher in January. Most importantly, seasonality data shows that the first quarter is usually the best time to invest in cryptocurrencies.