The frog-themed cryptocurrency PEPE has risen sharply at the start of 2026, gaining between 20% and 34% in the first days of the year, according to market data. The move comes amid renewed interest in meme coins after a difficult 2025 for the sector.
The rally followed a high-profile prediction from crypto trader James Wynn, who said PEPE could reach a market value of $69bn by the end of 2026. PEPE’s current market capitalisation is estimated at between $1.7bn and $2.5bn. The claim helped drive heavy buying, with daily trading volumes jumping to between $600m and $1.6bn and triggering millions of dollars in short position liquidations.
PEPE has outperformed other major meme coins, including Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, in early 2026. Analysts say selling pressure late last year, linked to tax-loss harvesting, may have pushed prices down before buyers returned in the new tax year.
Technical analysts note that PEPE has broken out of recent bearish price patterns. Some see short-term price targets around $0.000007 to $0.000008. Longer-term forecasts for 2026 vary widely, with some traders suggesting the token could reach between $0.000012 and $0.000016 if current momentum continues.
Supporters describe PEPE as a “legacy” meme coin, placing it alongside Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, and argue this status could help it lead any broader meme coin recovery.
Despite the recent gains, analysts warn that meme coins remain highly volatile. PEPE has no underlying utility, and its price is driven largely by speculation and market sentiment. Investors are urged to approach the market with caution.
