Ethereum News Today: Whales Cash Out as LILPEPE Emerges as Meme Coin Challenger

Dogecoin (DOGE) continues to lead the meme coin segment, but its long-term prospects appear increasingly uncertain compared to emerging projects like Little Pepe (LILPEPE), an Ethereum-based token trading under $0.005. Recent onchain metrics and market dynamics suggest DOGE faces headwinds, while LILPEPE is generating significant investor interest through its presale and technical infrastructure.

Onchain indicators for DOGE show declining activity and risk aversion among large holders. Futures open interest (OI) has dropped from $5.35 billion on July 22 to $3.24 billion as of recent, reflecting reduced speculative positioning and bearish sentiment. Whale activity has also drawn attention, with one whale transferring 900 million DOGE worth over $200 million to Binance, signaling potential sell pressure. Wallets holding between $10 million and $100 million in DOGE have decreased by 6% since late July, according to Santiment data. The decline in daily active addresses—down from 1.65 million in Q4 2024 to 58,000—also indicates waning user engagement and a cooling of retail interest.

From a technical perspective, DOGE is currently forming a rising wedge pattern on its daily chart, a bearish reversal formation. The price is retesting the lower trendline at $0.218, and a break below this level could lead to a 45% drop toward $0.12. The RSI has declined to 49 from overbought levels above 85, further highlighting the accumulation of bearish momentum. Analysts suggest that DOGE must hold above $0.19–$0.20 or the 100-day and 200-day moving averages to avoid further downside toward $0.16.

Meanwhile, LILPEPE has emerged as a strong contender in the meme coin market, with its presale raising over $22.3 million as of Stage 12. Priced at $0.0021, the token has already seen a 110% increase from its Stage 1 price and is expected to rise further as it progresses through the final stages before listing. The project is built on a Layer 2 network, offering fast transactions and low fees, which aligns with growing demand for scalable blockchain solutions. Additionally, LILPEPE has implemented anti-sniping measures to limit bot interference, a feature that could enhance its appeal to retail investors.

The token’s roadmap includes a planned listing price of $0.003, suggesting potential upside for early presale participants. Security audits by CertiK and Freshcoins.io have added credibility, while the project’s community initiatives—such as a $777,000 giveaway—have boosted engagement. The project has also secured listings on platforms like CoinMarketCap, increasing its visibility and accessibility for a wider audience.

Retail investors and early-stage whales are showing strong weekly accumulation in both Ethereum (ETH) and LILPEPE, with the latter drawing comparisons to past meme coin successes such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. Ethereum’s institutional adoption and regulatory tailwinds are bolstering its position as a foundational asset, while LILPEPE’s cultural appeal and technical infrastructure are driving its grassroots momentum. The project's Layer 2 compatibility with Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem also positions it for potential integration with broader financial services, adding to its strategic advantage.

Analysts note that while DOGE struggles with bearish onchain and technical signals, LILPEPE’s presale progress and growing community indicate a more favorable long-term outlook. With over 94.57% of tokens already sold and a planned launch in 2025, LILPEPE appears well-positioned to capitalize on the meme coin trend while offering infrastructure-based utility that could support sustained growth. As the crypto market continues to evolve, the contrast between DOGE’s fading momentum and LILPEPE’s rising profile highlights the dynamic nature of the meme coin space.

Source: [1] Dogecoin whales de-risk as DOGE price is in danger (https://cointelegraph.com/news/dogecoin-whales-de-risk-doge-price-dropping-45-percent) [2] Little Pepe (LILPEPE) reaches Stage 12 of presale, raises over $22.3m (https://cointelegraph.com/market-releases/little-pepe-lilpepe-reaches-stage-12-of-presale-raises-over-22-3m) [3] Investors Are Accumulating Ethereum (ETH) And Little Pepe (LILPEPE) Every Week (https://blockchainreporter.net/investors-are-accumulating-ethereum-eth-and-little-pepe-lilpepe-every-week-heres-the-massive-rally-this-could-trigger-in-2025/) [4] Ethereum Meme Coin Little Pepe Surpasses $23M in Presale (https://www.investing.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/ethereum-meme-coin-little-pepe-surpasses-23000000-in-presale-4208271)