The cryptocurrency market closed out the week on a strong note, with meme coins stealing the spotlight—especially one slimy green standout. Pepe (PEPE/USD) surged ahead of established favorites like Dogecoin (DOGE/USD) and Shiba Inu (SHIB/USD) in Sunday night trading, reigniting excitement around frog-themed digital assets.
A Meme Coin on the Move
Pepe, the Ethereum-based meme cryptocurrency inspired by the iconic internet frog, jumped over 6% in the past 24 hours, outpacing its canine competitors. While Dogecoin rose by 2.99% and Shiba Inu by just 1.16%, PEPE’s rally was fueled by a massive 120% spike in trading volume, signaling renewed investor interest.
This momentum pushed Pepe’s weekly gains past 14%, making it one of the top-performing meme coins of the week. Despite a challenging year-to-date performance—down 46%—the latest surge suggests growing confidence among traders and holders alike.
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On-Chain Data Hints at Strong Holder Confidence
Behind the price action, on-chain metrics reveal deeper strength. According to IntoTheBlock, the total balance held by long-term PEPE holders increased by 0.04% in the last day—a small but meaningful sign of accumulation. These so-called "diamond hands" are holding firm, even during broader market volatility.
Additionally, large transactions exceeding $100,000 surged by 12.21%, indicating institutional-grade or whale activity. Such movements often precede broader price breakouts, as major players position themselves ahead of potential rallies.
This combination of rising volume, strong holder retention, and increased large transfers paints a bullish picture for Pepe’s near-term trajectory.
Analysts Bullish on ‘Jackpot July’
Well-known crypto analyst Max Schwartzman has thrown his support behind PEPE, forecasting a “Jackpot July” for the meme coin. While the name leans into playful optimism, the sentiment reflects growing technical and psychological momentum.
Schwartzman points to seasonal trends in crypto markets, where summer months—often considered slow—can produce surprise rallies driven by retail enthusiasm and viral narratives. With Pepe already showing strength at the start of July, the stage could be set for further upside.
“Meme coins thrive on narrative and momentum,” Schwartzman noted. “When volume spikes and whales start moving, it's not just noise—it's often the beginning of something bigger.”
Broader Market Uplift Fuels Meme Coin Gains
Pepe’s rise didn’t happen in isolation. The broader crypto market received a boost after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly praised Bitcoin’s growing adoption, calling it a “great thing” for America. He also suggested that Bitcoin could reduce pressure on the U.S. dollar, comments that sent ripples across digital asset markets.
As a result, major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC/USD) and Ethereum (ETH/USD) trended upward, creating a favorable environment for risk-on assets like meme coins. When blue-chip cryptos gain traction, capital often spills over into high-risk, high-reward sectors—including tokens like PEPE.
This contagion effect helps explain why Pepe outperformed even as overall market sentiment improved.
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Why Meme Coins Still Matter in 2025
Despite their origins as internet jokes, meme coins have evolved into a significant segment of the crypto ecosystem. While many fade quickly, others—like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu—have built real communities, exchange listings, and use cases.
Pepe, initially launched without a clear utility, is now seeing growing integration across decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and NFT marketplaces. Some developers are experimenting with PEPE-based staking pools and community rewards systems, adding layers of functionality beyond pure speculation.
Moreover, meme coins serve as a gateway for new investors. Their low price points and viral appeal attract retail participation, which in turn fuels liquidity and trading activity.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused Pepe's recent price surge?
Pepe’s latest rally was driven by a 120% spike in trading volume, increased large transactions (> $100K), and accumulation by long-term holders. Broader market optimism following pro-crypto political commentary also contributed.
How does Pepe compare to Dogecoin and Shiba Inu?
While Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have more established ecosystems, Pepe has outperformed both in recent weeks. Its lower market cap makes it more volatile but also more capable of sharp percentage gains.
Is 'Jackpot July' a credible prediction?
"Jackpot July" is a speculative forecast by analyst Max Schwartzman. It’s based on historical patterns where summer months see unexpected rallies fueled by retail momentum and viral trends—not guaranteed returns.
Can Pepe sustain its momentum?
Sustainability depends on continued holder confidence, exchange support, and potential utility development. On-chain data currently supports short-term bullishness, but long-term success requires more than hype.
Where can I track Pepe’s on-chain activity?
Tools like IntoTheBlock and Glassnode provide real-time insights into wallet balances, transaction sizes, and holder behavior—all critical for assessing PEPE’s health.
Should I invest in Pepe or other meme coins?
Meme coins are highly speculative. Only allocate funds you can afford to lose. Always conduct independent research and consider portfolio diversification before investing.
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Final Thoughts: Frogs in Flight
Pepe’s leap past Dogecoin and Shiba Inu may seem surprising, but it underscores a timeless truth in crypto: momentum often matters more than fundamentals—at least in the short term.
With technical indicators flashing green, whales increasing their stakes, and analysts predicting a hot July, PEPE could be poised for further movement. Whether this turns into lasting value or another flash-in-the-pan rally remains to be seen.
For now, all eyes are on the frog.
Note: This article does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile; conduct your own research before making financial decisions.