diff --git a/packages/api/src/index.ts b/packages/api/src/index.ts
index 2f6296d..62e7def 100644
--- a/packages/api/src/index.ts
+++ b/packages/api/src/index.ts
@@ -56,9 +56,10 @@ app.use("/api/proxy", proxyRouter);
 
 // All other API routes require a valid token
 app.use("/api", (req, res, next) => {
-  // Always allow: health check, auth endpoints, proxy public routes
+  // Always allow: health check, auth endpoints, proxy public routes, hot-topics (public market data)
   if (req.path.startsWith("/health") || req.path.startsWith("/auth")) return next();
   if (req.path.startsWith("/proxy")) return next();
+  if (req.path.startsWith("/hot-topics")) return next();
   requireAuth(req, res, next);
 });