Navigate crypto at a glance with category indices

Under the hood, we've designed 14 broad asset categories, from Layer 1 and DeFi to Gaming and Meme Coins, each represented by a dedicated "index."

Crypto traders can now get a broader market overview with category indices and a new heatmap feature in the Markets tab on Kraken Pro.

The crypto exchange has introduced several new features in the latest version of its flagship trading platform, rolling out in phases over the coming weeks.

As part of the update, users can now navigate crypto at a glance with category indices.

Under the hood, we’ve designed 14 broad asset categories, from Layer 1 and DeFi to Gaming and Meme Coins, each represented by a dedicated “index.” Using the CF DACS Digital Asset Classification Structure, we’ve built a simplified taxonomy to group similar assets together.

For example, Layer 1 category will include major blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano. Whereas, Layer 2 category will feature roll-up chains built on an existing Layer 1 blockchain.

Category indices offer a snapshot of sector trends

Within each category index, you’ll see overlay charts showing 1-day, 1-week, 1-month, 3-months, and 1-year percentage changes. This snapshot helps you quickly spot whether a sector is bullish, bearish, or range-bound. For instance, if Layer 2 coins show strong 24-hour gains, you can drill down to see which specific tokens are driving this.

Digging deeper: Category index markets

Curious which assets power a specific category index? Just click into it to view the individual assets and their percentage weights by market cap. For instance, in Layer 1, you’ll find big names like Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA), each contributing to the overall index performance. If you spot an individual token outperforming its peers, you can easily jump over to its dedicated trade page.

Visualize market sentiment with the heatmap

Pictures speak louder than numbers. Our new heatmap feature translates performance data into a color-coded grid. Shades of green indicate positive price changes, while red signals negative movement. Lighter tones reflect bigger moves, and darker tones represent smaller fluctuations. You can even configure the area each category (or asset) takes up on the grid by relative market cap or Kraken trading volume.

If you see a bright green box in a sea of neutrals, that might indicate a breakout asset in a dull market—an opportunity to research further.

Filter and sort 1,200+ market pairs in the new table

For the final layer of detail, the Markets tab includes a screening tool listing all available pairs on Kraken Pro. You can:

* Auto-filter from Indices: If you’re already viewing a category index or its heatmap, the table below displays only the relevant markets in that category.

* Whenever you spot a pair you want to trade, simply click on it (either from the heatmap or the table) to jump straight into its Trade page on Kraken Pro—no extra steps required.

How traders can use the Markets tab to seize opportunities

Stay informed about crypto trends with category indices.

Visualize market sentiment at a glance with the heatmap.

Filter and sort 1,200+ market pairs in the new table.

Identify breakout assets or undervalued assets.

Quickly pivot between index, heatmap, and table views.

The crypto market is constantly evolving, and traders need to be able to quickly identify and seize opportunities as they arise. However, navigating the vast and volatile cryptocurrency landscape can be a challenging endeavor, especially when trying to stay informed about market trends and efficiently compare different assets.

To help traders stay ahead of the curve, crypto exchange Kraken is introducing several new features in the latest version of its flagship trading platform, rolling out in phases over the coming weeks.

Among the new additions is a streamlined taxonomy for crypto assets, which will be used to create 14 broad asset categories, such as Layer 1, DeFi, and Web3, each represented by a dedicated “index.” Using the CF DACS Digital Asset Classification Structure, Kraken has built a simplified taxonomy to group similar assets together.

"We wanted to provide a way for people to quickly and easily see what's happening in the market, and to be able to quickly identify opportunities," said Jean Terencio, product manager at Kraken. "We're also introducing a new heatmap feature that will help traders visualize market sentiment at a glance."

The heatmap translates performance data into a color-coded grid, with shades of green indicating positive price changes and red signaling negative movement. Lighter tones reflect bigger moves, and darker tones represent smaller fluctuations.

Traders can also configure the area each category (or asset) takes up on the grid by relative market cap or select Kraken trading volume.

"If you see a bright green box in a sea of neutrals, that might indicate a breakout asset in a dull market—an opportunity to research further," Terencio added.

For the final layer of detail, the Markets