PEPE Rallies 34% as Influencer Predicts 40x Growth by 2026

• PEPE surged over 30% after crypto influencer James Wynn predicted a 40x price increase by 2026.
• Trading volume jumped 400% to $800M with derivatives interest rising 82% to $446.5M during the rally.
• Wynn forecasts PEPE could reach a $69B market cap despite its 79% drop from all-time highs.
• Retail investors hold 8.3% of PEPE's supply via Robinhood, increasing exposure to volatility.

PEPE memecoin spiked over 34% this week following a bold projection by crypto trader James Wynn. He predicted the token could multiply 40 times its $1.7 billion market cap to reach $69 billion by year-end. The call triggered heavy buying pressure and short liquidations worth $2.65 million. However, PEPE remains down 79% from its peak $11 billion valuation in late 2023. Memecoins like PEPE trade primarily on sentiment with extreme volatility.

What Drove PEPE's Recent Price Rally?

PEPE's price jump began January 2 after Wynn's viral market cap prediction. His call referenced SHIB's 2021 surge from $3.5B to $41B in one month as precedent. Trading volume exploded over 400% to $800 million within 24 hours. Derivatives open interest climbed 82% to $446.5 million, showing leveraged speculation. Retail participation spiked, with Robinhood users holding 8.3% of circulating supply. Technical indicators like falling wedge breakouts added momentum to the move.

Is a $69 Billion PEPE Market Cap Achievable?

Wynn's forecast implies a 35x growth from PEPE's current valuation. He claims PEPE's social metrics exceed SHIB's at similar stages. Reaching $69B would position PEPE among crypto's top assets. The token previously hit $11B in December 2023 before collapsing. Comparable memecoins like DOGE and SHIB show limited recoveries at 70-90% below peaks. Unlike fundamental projects, PEPE lacks utility beyond speculation.

What Risks Do PEPE Investors Face?

Wynn's aggressive trading includes positions with extreme leverage. He suffered a $100 million unrealized loss on a Bitcoin trade last May. His PEPE long generated $530,000 profit but faced liquidations in late 2025. Memecoins carry amplified volatility without fundamental support. PEPE remains 79% below its all-time high despite the recent jump. Retail concentration via Robinhood could accelerate sell-offs if sentiment shifts. The token's dependence on social hype creates ongoing vulnerability.