CointelegraphMT: AI’s Measurable Returns Are Drawing Institutional Capital Faster Than Crypto in 2026

Traditional financial markets are absorbing institutional capital faster than cryptocurrencies in 2026, driven by artificial intelligence offering clearer and more measurable returns, according to a CointelegraphMT study. According to ChainCatcher, the research argues crypto currently lacks a comparably quantifiable investment narrative for traditional allocators. The study said the S&P 500 rose 3.5% in 2026 excluding AI stocks, while an AI-related index gained nearly 50%. It added that the five largest U.S. technology companies are expected to spend $725 billion on AI infrastructure this year, and Nvidia reported $81.6 billion in quarterly revenue. The research said AI spending can be directly validated through revenue, capital expenditures, and profit margins, while crypto’s value proposition is harder to measure for traditional portfolios. It noted stablecoin supply is at a historical high, but funds have flowed more into tokenized U.S. Treasury products than into risk assets. In addition, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net outflows of $2.3 billion in May, described as the worst month of the year. The study said long-term holders continue to buy over-the-counter, and market makers including Wintermute reported steady OTC demand around $72,000. The report concluded that unless crypto can offer an institutional-grade return story that is measurable and repeatable in a way similar to AI, it will remain at a disadvantage when competing for the same pool of institutional capital.