PEPE and BONK Surge as Meme Coin Market Cap Exceeds $45.3 Billion
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 05 2026- Market Rebound: According to Santiment data, PEPE and BONK surged sharply after retail fear peaked post-holidays, with PEPE rising approximately 67% and BONK about 47%, indicating renewed investor interest in high-risk assets.
- Market Cap Growth: The total meme coin market cap has surpassed $45.3 billion, increasing over 20% in just one week, which signals a resurgence in market risk appetite, with trading volume surging more than 260% during the same period.
- Social Momentum: The strong performance of PEPE and BONK indicates capital concentration rather than dispersion, as PEPE benefits from robust social momentum and high trading volume, while BONK attracts fresh demand after holding key support levels, reflecting a resurgence in market attention.
- Shift in Market Sentiment: With Bitcoin stabilizing and altcoin interest gradually returning, traders appear more willing to take risks, leading to accelerated price movements in meme coins, suggesting that this rebound is not merely a short-term spike but part of a broader market rotation.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
