Memecoin The market started 2026 with a strong return, and investors’ focus soon shifted to this area again. While the total value in the lower branch of the altcoin market has increased by approximately 30 percent since the first days of the year, the perception has changed significantly after the sharp fluctuations experienced throughout 2025. While Bitcoin holding above $90,000 and targeting the $100,000 threshold increased risk appetite, memecoins came on the scene again. According to analysts, the volatility that may continue throughout the first quarter may also affect the general balance of the cryptocurrency market.
Why Have Memecoins Reemerged?
early 2026 memecoin market‘s taking center stage is not limited to price increases alone. Analyst shahIn the analysis he shared from his X account, the total market value of memecoins increased by 12 billion dollars in four days, and the transaction volume increased by 4.6 billion dollars in the same period. reported. In the current table, the market size reached 47.3 billion dollars and a growth of over 2 percent was recorded on a daily basis. The fact that the 24-hour volume increased to 8.83 billion dollars shows that the interest in the sector has increased significantly.
Prominent memecoins have generated double-digit returns over the past seven days. dogecoin While it gained approximately 18.5 percent in value, Shiba Inu increased by 17 percent. Pepe On the front, the increase reached 65 percent. The fact that, in addition to big names, smaller-scale projects also demonstrate performances that surpass altcoins, it is clear that capital is flowing into this area again.
In his assessment shared by Shah Bitcoin He emphasized that even a limited rise on the side could have a chain effect on memecoins. The classic trend of meme-themed assets among market participants altcoinThe view that it can accelerate faster than in the 1990s has gained strength again.
Individual Investor, Tax Impact and First Quarter Dynamics
The recovery following the weak performance throughout 2025 is associated with the return of individual investors to the field. Following the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that intensified in December, there was a significant increase in search trends in January of the new year. Santiment data reveals that this interest progresses in parallel with price movements.
Developments on the tax side also stand out as one of the important topics behind the mobility. cryptocurrencyConsidering assets as property rather than securities gives investors the opportunity to sell and repurchase at the beginning of the year. The absence of a wash sale restriction makes it easier for funds and large investors to reset their positions and re-enter the first quarter narrative.
Analyst Tervelix In his assessment, he stated that there is tax motivation behind the price resets seen in the first week of each new year. The momentum captured in the first days of 2026 indicates that memecoins have gone beyond speculative identity and become a force that directs market psychology.
