A recent report from Bitget, a platform branding itself as a Universal Exchange, reveals significant shifts in retail traders’ investment strategies. Released on Wednesday, the User Asset Allocation Report 2026 is based on trading data and feedback from over 6,000 users around the globe, indicating that the landscape of retail trading is expanding beyond cryptocurrency.
The survey highlights that while Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies remain central to traders’ portfolios, with a substantial 86% of respondents still holding crypto, investment strategies are diversifying. Notably, 52% of users now also hold equities, and 51% utilize AI tools to inform their investment decisions. The report notes a marked transition in trading activity; while early January saw crypto responsible for nearly all trading volume, this figure has since stabilized within a 60% to 80% range as traders explore additional asset classes.
Gold and other traditional assets have seen a remarkable rise over the quarter, jumping from negligible volumes to constituting between 20% and 40% of overall trading activity. This is the highest recorded growth in non-crypto products by Bitget. Among traders, 35% reported holdings in precious metals, reflecting a significant engagement with traditional investment vehicles alongside digital assets.
Gracy Chen, Bitget’s CEO, commented on the evolving retail trading behavior, observing a collective shift towards macroeconomic indicators rather than focusing on individual assets. “Users are moving capital across asset classes based on liquidity, volatility, and market access, and they increasingly expect one platform to support that efficiently,” Chen noted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive trading solutions.
Geographic trends reveal diverging motivations among traders in different regions. In East Asia, 60% of users preferred USDT to avoid currency conversion. Meanwhile, a substantial 78% of Latin American respondents highlighted inflation hedging as their primary reason for currency choice. Conversely, traders in Southeast Asia prioritize access to leverage, with 46% citing it as essential.
The report also sheds light on high-net-worth users, who reported an average return of 13% in 2025. An impressive 74% of these investors intend to diversify further into crypto, equities, and commodities over the coming year. In response to this evolving landscape, Bitget has launched several AI-driven products, such as GetAgent, GetClaw, and Agent Hub, designed to help traders analyze earnings, commodity movements, and blockchain data efficiently.
As retail traders increasingly navigate a hybrid investment landscape, the findings underscore a growing reliance on technology and adaptability, reflecting the broader trends shaping global financial markets.
