AI Concept Stocks Market Sentiment Scan at End of September: Rational Migration from 'Computing Power Faith' to 'DeFAI Implementation'

AI Concept Stocks Market Sentiment Scan at End of September: Rational Migration from "Computing Power Faith" to "DeFAI Implementation"

As the third quarter of 2026 approaches its conclusion, the AI concept stock market has shown a clear shift in sentiment. The once-hot computing power chain sector is gradually cooling down, while DeFAI application layers, smart risk control, and RWA tracks have become new favorites attracting capital inflows. This migration of market sentiment not only reflects investors' reassessment of AI application prospects but also reveals profound changes in AI investment logic.

Differentiation in Capital Flow: Cooling Computing Power Chain vs. Heating DeFAI Application Layer

According to market monitoring data, the AI concept stock market at the end of September shows a significant pattern of capital differentiation. The computing power chain sector, which was heavily pursued in the past few months, has experienced continuous withdrawal of main capital, while the DeFAI application layer has received contrarian position increases from institutions. Behind this phenomenon is the market's rational return to AI investment logic—shifting from simply pursuing computing scale to focusing on the actual value creation of AI applications.

The adjustment in the computing power chain is not accidental. With the improvement of AI computing power supply capacity from major global cloud service providers and the continuous enhancement of AI model training efficiency, the scarcity of computing resources is decreasing. Meanwhile, the valuation of the earlier computing power chain has overdrawn growth expectations for many years ahead, leading to valuation callback pressure for some high-valuation targets.

Meanwhile, the DeFAI application layer has shown strong capital attraction capabilities. Research reports from multiple top institutions show that since late September, the institutional holding ratio of DeFAI-related concept stocks has significantly increased, with net capital inflow reaching a new high for the year. This trend indicates that the market is reassessing the investment value of AI and DeFi integration, shifting its focus from the infrastructure layer to the application layer.

Rise of DeFAI Application Layer: A New Blue Ocean for AI and DeFi Fusion Investment

The rise of the DeFAI (Decentralized Finance + AI) application layer is not accidental but an inevitable result of AI technology reaching a certain stage of development. With the maturation of AI technologies such as large language models and smart risk control algorithms, their application value in the financial sector is becoming increasingly prominent. Especially in the DeFi sector, the introduction of AI technology is solving many pain points faced by traditional DeFi protocols.

First, AI-driven smart risk control systems have significantly enhanced the security of DeFi protocols. By using machine learning algorithms to monitor abnormal trading behaviors in real-time and predict potential risk points, AI risk control systems can effectively prevent malicious attacks and fraud, reducing protocol loss risks. Data shows that DeFi protocols using AI risk control experienced a year-over-year decrease of over 60% in security incidents in the third quarter of 2026.

Second, AI algorithms are optimizing the return strategies of DeFi protocols. By analyzing on-chain data, market trends, and user behaviors, AI systems can dynamically adjust asset allocation and yield curves to provide users with more optimized return solutions. This intelligent asset allocation not only improves capital efficiency but also enhances user experience, attracting more traditional financial users to enter the DeFi sector.

In addition, AI is also promoting automated operations and user experience optimization of DeFi protocols. From smart customer service to automated liquidation, from personalized recommendations to automatic trade execution, the application of AI technology is making DeFi protocols more intelligent, efficient, and user-friendly. This intelligent upgrade not only reduces operational costs but also enhances the competitiveness of protocols.

Smart Risk Control and RWA Track: New Favorites for Institutional Risk Avoidance

In the market environment at the end of September, smart risk control and RWA (Real World Assets) tracks have become new choices for institutional capital risk avoidance. As market volatility increases, investors are paying more attention to risk control and asset quality, which has brought development opportunities to the smart risk control and RWA tracks.

In the smart risk control track, AI-driven risk assessment and prediction models are becoming the core competitiveness of financial institutions. By integrating multi-dimensional data and using machine learning algorithms, smart risk control systems can more accurately assess borrower credit risk and predict potential default probabilities, thereby reducing non-performing loan rates. According to industry statistics, the overdue rate of lending platforms using AI risk control is 20%-30% lower than traditional risk control, making them more attractive during market turbulence.

The RWA track benefits from the integration trend of traditional finance and DeFi. With the clarification of the regulatory environment and technological maturity, an increasing number of real-world assets (such as real estate, private equity, bonds, etc.) are being tokenized through blockchain technology and entering the DeFi market. This process not only provides new liquidity channels for traditional assets but also brings more diverse asset classes to the DeFi market.

The application of AI in the RWA field is particularly prominent. Through AI technology, real-world assets can be more accurately valued, risk-assessed, and yield-forecasted, improving the transparency and credibility of RWAs. Especially in areas like real estate tokenization and art finance, the application of AI technology is solving information asymmetry and valuation challenges in traditional finance.

AI Concept Stock Investment Strategy: From "Computing Power Faith" to "DeFAI Implementation"

The shift in market sentiment inevitably brings adjustments to investment strategies. For AI concept stock investors, the market signals at the end of September suggest that we need to reassess our investment logic, shifting from the past "computing power faith" to a more pragmatic "DeFAI implementation" strategy.

First, investors should pay more attention to the practical application scenarios and commercialization progress of AI technology. Simply having technological leadership does not constitute investment value; only AI applications that can create actual business value and achieve profitability have long-term investment value. The DeFAI application layer is precisely such a field, as it closely combines AI technology with financial needs, creating tangible user and business value.

Second, investors need to place more emphasis on risk control and asset quality. Against the backdrop of increasing market volatility, AI concept stocks with strong risk control capabilities and high-quality asset bases have better defensive characteristics. Related targets in the smart risk control and RWA tracks are therefore favored by institutions, and investors can appropriately pay attention to leading companies in this field.

Third, investors should focus on the synergistic effects of the AI industry chain. The development and application of AI technology is not isolated but requires the coordinated cooperation of upstream and downstream of the industry chain. From chips and computing power to algorithms and applications, and then to data and security, every link in the AI industry chain presents investment opportunities. Investors can approach from the perspective of industrial synergy, looking for companies with complete industry chain layouts or advantages at key nodes.

Finally, investors need to maintain a long-term perspective and avoid the impact of short-term market fluctuations. The development and application of AI technology is a long-term process, and the realization of its value also takes time. Investors should formulate long-term investment strategies based on a deep understanding of technological trends and business prospects, rather than being swayed by short-term market sentiment.

Future Outlook: A New Round of Value Reassessment for AI Concept Stocks

Looking ahead, the AI concept stock market is expected to usher in a new round of value reassessment. With the continuous advancement of AI technology and the expansion of application scenarios, the investment value of AI concept stocks will become more diversified. From computing power to applications, from infrastructure to services, every link in the AI industry chain is expected to embrace new development opportunities.

Particularly noteworthy is that the integration of AI and DeFi will further deepen, and the DeFAI application layer is expected to become a new blue ocean for AI investment. With the clarification of the regulatory environment and technological maturity, DeFAI protocols will become more secure, efficient, and user-friendly, attracting more traditional financial users to enter this field and driving continuous market expansion.

At the same time, the smart risk control and RWA tracks will also experience rapid development. With the advancement of AI technology and the deepening of blockchain applications, smart risk control systems will become more precise and efficient, and the scale and types of RWAs will continue to expand, providing more opportunities for AI concept stock investment.

In conclusion, the shift in market sentiment for AI concept stocks at the end of September marks a profound change in AI investment logic. From "computing power faith" to "DeFAI implementation," from simply pursuing technological leadership to focusing on practical application value, this shift will guide the AI concept stock market toward a more rational and healthy development track. For investors, grasping this trend and adjusting investment strategies will likely yield substantial returns in the new round of value reassessment of AI concept stocks.