Crypto Market Sees Gains: Memes Shine, Pepe Soars 67%

Market Recovery and Key Developments

The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a notable upswing, with overall gains between 6% and 9%. The total market capitalization has reached $3.16 trillion, marking a 1.5% increase. Leading cryptocurrencies have also shown positive movements: Bitcoin (BTC) has risen by 2% to $93,000, Ethereum (ETH) is up 1% to $3,175, Binance Coin (BNB) has gained 2.5% to $906, and Solana (SOL) has increased by 1% to $135. Among the standout performers, Pepe Token has surged by an impressive 67%.

On the first trading day of 2026, Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw net inflows of $471 million, the highest single-day total since November. In regulatory news, Caroline Crenshaw, an SEC commissioner, stepped down, resulting in an all-Republican commission. Additionally, PwC plans to ramp up its focus on cryptocurrencies, particularly in the areas of stablecoins and payment solutions.

Market Fluctuations and Notable Lawsuits

Despite the overall positive trend, some cryptocurrencies experienced slight declines. Bitcoin fell by 1% to $89,100, while Ethereum dropped 2% to $2,925. Solana and XRP also saw decreases. However, ZRO, AXS, and DASH emerged as top gainers, with increases of 15%, 10%, and 8%, respectively. In legal news, former President Trump has filed a $5 billion lawsuit against JPMorgan, alleging politically motivated debanking.

Ledger is preparing for a $4 billion initial public offering (IPO), partnering with major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Jefferies. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed optimism that cryptocurrency could achieve new heights in 2026, driven by improved regulatory frameworks and institutional interest.

Market Rebound Following Tariff Comments

The crypto market has rebounded following Trump's retraction of proposed tariffs on the EU. Bitcoin increased by 2% to $89,900, Ethereum rose to $2,995, and XRP gained 3% to $1.94. This recovery comes after significant liquidations exceeding $1 billion were recorded as Bitcoin sharply recovered. BitGo announced its IPO at $18 per share, valuing the company at approximately $2 billion.

Meanwhile, mortgage lender Newrez is considering allowing Bitcoin and Ethereum as qualifying assets for mortgages, reflecting a shift in traditional finance's approach to cryptocurrencies. Hong Kong regulators are set to issue stablecoin licenses under a new compliance framework, while Russian courts have classified cryptocurrencies as property, establishing a critical legal precedent.