SHIB Surges 30% on Token Burns and Whale Accumulation

• Shiba Inu (SHIB) shows stabilization signs with exchange net outflows suggesting accumulation.
• SHIB surged over 30% in early January driven by token burns and meme ETF interest.
• Whale wallets control 62.65% of SHIB supply, thinning liquidity for price upside.
• Memecoins added $8B in market cap with SHIB among top performers.
• Technical indicators suggest near-term bullish momentum despite long-term resistance.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) has staged a notable recovery in early 2026, breaking away from an extended downtrend. The meme token surged over 30% in the first week of January, outperforming major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This rally coincides with aggressive token burns and growing institutional interest in meme token ETFs. However, long-term resistance levels remain a challenge for sustained gains.

Is SHIB Entering a New Accumulation Phase?

Exchange flow data has shifted from net inflows to net outflows, indicating SHIB holders are moving tokens off exchanges. This shift reduces immediate sell-side pressure and creates potential for price stabilization. Whale wallets now control about 62.65% of the total SHIB supply, with the largest holding 41% alone. The uptick in whale activity has thinned liquidity, allowing modest buying pressure to significantly raise prices.

. This accumulation pattern suggests growing confidence among large holders.

On-chain metrics support the view that SHIB is being accumulated for the longer term. The reduction in exchange balances could set the stage for a sustained recovery if demand increases. Still, the broader downtrend remains until key resistance levels are breached.

What Drove SHIB's Recent Price Surge?

SHIB's price jump of over 30% in early January 2026 was fueled by two main factors: aggressive token burns and institutional inflows. Over $172 million worth of SHIB tokens were burned, reducing supply and enhancing scarcity. Simultaneously, net inflows into new Dogecoin spot ETFs signaled heightened institutional interest in meme tokens, which spilled over into SHIB.

The memecoin sector overall added over $8 billion in market capitalization in early 2026. This resurgence followed a year of market contraction and fading enthusiasm. Analysts highlight post-holiday positioning and increased on-chain activity as key drivers. SHIB was among the top performers in this rebound. According to market analysis, this performance indicates strong momentum.

Can Shiba Inu Sustain Its Recovery?

Technical indicators paint a mixed picture for SHIB's near-term trajectory. The token trades above its 20-day and 50-day moving averages but below the 200-day average. . This suggests near-term bullish momentum but sustained long-term resistance. The MACD signals a buy, while the CCI indicates overbought conditions.

Analysts expect SHIB to remain within a range of $0.00000833 to $0.00000892 in the near term. A breakout above $0.0000090 resistance would require sustained accumulation and increased spot demand. That said, whale confidence and ecosystem developments like Shibarium could provide tailwinds. The broader memecoin rally's sustainability will also play a role. Market analysis suggests this recovery is viable with continued institutional participation.