Meme Coins Lead Market Recovery with PEPE Up 67%
Meme cryptocurrencies outperformed major tokens with PEPE surging 67%, while the broader crypto market cap reached $3.
What happened: Meme cryptocurrencies outperformed major tokens with PEPE surging 67%, while the broader crypto market cap reached $3.16 trillion. Bitcoin ETFs recorded $471 million in net inflows on the first trading day of 2026, the highest since November 11.
Why it matters: The meme coin rally suggests retail investor appetite remains strong despite institutional focus on utility tokens. The massive ETF inflows indicate institutional demand continues growing, creating a two-tier market where both speculative and institutional money flows simultaneously. This dynamic could drive further market bifurcation between utility-focused and speculation-driven assets.
Source: Decrypt