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Meme coins have surged at the start of the year as Bitcoin climbed steadily and investor interest returned to higher-risk crypto assets. Bonk, Pepe, and Shiba Inu led gains as BTC finally moved above $90,000 after weeks of stalled attempts.
Data from CoinGecko shows Bonk rose more than 20% in 24 hours, while Pepe gained 14% and Shiba Inu added 10%. Weekly data shows Pepe up 70%, Bonk up 48% and Dogecoin up 22%.
This rally gained momentum since Bitcoin closed higher for four straight days and broke through a key psychological level. Market activity rose alongside price strength early in 2026.
Meme coins moved higher as Bitcoin stabilized and traders rotated back into speculative assets. Analysts linked the renewed interest to improving sentiment after a difficult 2025 for the sector. The rally followed weeks of limited activity and cautious positioning among retail traders. Analysts say meme coins often attract early inflows when risk appetite improves.
Data from Santiment shows the recovery began after retail fear peaked in late December. Sentiment improved as prices stabilized and trading volumes increased.
Bitcoin pushed above $90,000 with stronger derivatives activity supporting the move. Aggregated open interest reached $31.44 billion, which marked a six-week high, according to CryptoQuant.
Derek Lim, head of research at Caladan, cited several macro factors supporting risk assets. He pointed to rate cuts, disinflation, and new U.S. access to Venezuelan oil.
Lim said these conditions together may signal a shift toward a risk-on environment in 2026. Still, he warned that current meme coin gains may not confirm a lasting trend.
Retail interest showed signs of recovery, with search activity increasing. Google Trends data shows rising interest in the term "meme coin" since January 1. Some analysts also cited tax behavior as a factor behind early-year momentum. Crypto assets remain classified as property under Internal Revenue Service rules, which excludes them from wash sale restrictions.
This allows investors to sell at year-end and re-enter positions immediately. Market watcher Tervelix said this pattern often fuels sharp resets during the first trading week of a new year.
Prediction market Myriad now assigns an 82% chance that Bitcoin reaches $100,000 before $69,000. The probability stood at 62% at the start of the year. Other altcoins also advanced, including Hyperliquid, Hedera, Aster, and XRP, which gained about 5% in 24 hours. Yet the Crypto Fear and Greed Index shows sentiment recovery remains incomplete.
Also Read: PEPE Rally Sparks Meme Coin Momentum in 2026
Analyst Darkfost said meme coin performance may mark an early comeback signal though certainty remains limited. For traders, the key question remains clear: can meme coin momentum hold as 2026 unfolds?
Meme coins are rising as Bitcoin trades above $90,000 and market risk appetite improves. Bonk, Pepe, and Shiba Inu lead gains, while higher open interest and returning retail interest support momentum. Still, data shows caution remains necessary as sentiment recovery stays uneven across the crypto market.
