The trading world this week revolved around AI’s growing influence, from stock market swings to crypto rallies. In the U.S., China’s DeepSeek AI app triggered a $600 billion drop in tech stocks like Nvidia. Investors fear Chinese AI models could challenge American dominance, especially in data analysis and problem-solving tasks. This has sparked debates about AI regulations and the need for more U.S. research funding.

Quantum computing stocks drew attention as RGTI, a small-cap leader in the field, saw wild price swings. Despite a recent 25% dip, traders remain bullish because quantum systems could revolutionize AI agent training speeds. RGTI’s stock is still 50% below its January 2025 peak, making it a high-risk, high-reward play for AI-focused investors.

Crypto markets surged behind AI-powered tokens. Render (RNDR) climbed 22% this month, with technical charts suggesting a breakout to $6.36 if it holds above $4.50. Analysts credit Nvidia’s latest AI roadmap for fueling optimism about GPU-dependent projects. Meanwhile, Fetch.AI (FET) gained traction in decentralized AI markets, though its $1.048 resistance level remains a key test.

Infrastructure plays like Marathon Digital (MARA) rose 15% as they pivot to AI-boosted Bitcoin mining. By using renewable energy and immersion cooling tech, Mara aims to cut costs while supporting both crypto and AI data centers. This dual focus makes it a favorite among traders betting on converging tech trends.

Options markets buzzed around AI hardware firms like Broadcom and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which report earnings soon. Day traders are using 0-2 day expiration contracts to gamble on results, reflecting how agentic AI tools now drive short-term trading strategies.

Globally, the AI trading boom highlights divides: U.S. firms face Chinese competition, while crypto projects leverage decentralized AI to attract investors wary of traditional tech stocks. As one analyst noted, 'The markets aren’t just betting on AI—they’re betting on which AI will bet on them first'.