> At a Glance
> – Meme tokens dominate the first green streak of 2026
> – BONK jumps 40% in 24 h, re-entering the top-100 alt list
> – PEPE, SHIB and DOGE all post double-digit weekly gains
> – Why it matters: The rotation hints traders are betting on a risk-on turn after months of sideways price action
Meme coins are stealing the show as crypto markets flash their first signs of life following a bruising final quarter of 2025.
The Sudden Surge
Since Friday, dog- and frog-themed tokens have outperformed every other niche in the space. Data tracked by CoinGecko shows BONK leading the charge, up 40% on the day and 60% week-over-week, enough to reclaim a spot among the 100 largest altcoins.
PEPE follows close behind with a 13% daily and 66% weekly climb. Shiba Inu adds 11% and 21% across the same periods, while Dogecoin-the sector’s heavyweight-gained 6% overnight and 23% over the past seven days.
What the Numbers Say
| Token | 24 h | 7-day | Price vs ATH |
|---|---|---|---|
| BONK | +40% | +60% | Not stated |
| PEPE | +13% | +66% | −80% |
| SHIB | +11% | +21% | Not stated |
| DOGE | +6% | +23% | −80% |
| TRUMP | +7% | – | Not stated |
The Trump-themed TRUMP token also joined the rally, rising 7% on the day.
Analyst View
Jake Kennis, Senior Research Analyst at Nansen, told News Of Los Angeles the early-year swing into large-cap meme coins may be a positioning play “for upside after months of consolidation.”
> “Markets may have been extremely bearish on memes based on price action and the risk appetite not being there.”
He cautioned that the bounce is still modest in context:
> “These brief upticks would have to be confirmed on higher timeframes as both PEPE and DOGE are still down around 80% from their respective ATHs.”
Key Takeaways
- Meme coins are the strongest performers in crypto’s first 2026 rally
- BONK’s 40% daily spike pushed it back into the top-100 altcoin ranks
- Despite recent gains, PEPE and DOGE trade roughly 80% below record highs
- Traders appear to be rotating into speculative assets after October’s crash
If the rebound holds, it could signal a broader return of risk appetite across digital-asset markets.
