PEPE’s Mid-October Slide: Market Jitters, Whale Moves and the Memecoin Reality Check

In mid-October 2025, the memecoin market experienced a rough period, with PEPE being heavily affected. The token’s price dropped nearly 5% in just 24 hours, continuing a week-long decline of about 25%. With a trading price of around $0.0000074 and a market value of about $3 billion, PEPE is down roughly 31% for the year. This decline has sparked concern and debate over whether it signals further losses or if it’s just a temporary drop before a recovery.

The timing of this drop aligns with increased selling by major investors. Data shows that whales, reduced their holdings by 0.5% in the past week. At the same time, the amount of money on exchanges fell by 0.33%, indicating a mix of profit-taking and caution in investing more. This happened as overall crypto market instability affected investor sentiment, following a significant market sell-off of about $500 billion earlier in the quarter.

Trading activity for PEPE rose sharply to nearly $927 million, as both sellers and bargain hunters became active. However, the overall market situation is quite unstable. The CoinDesk Memecoin Index (CDMEME) dropped 23.4% during the same period, causing similar declines in other leading tokens like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. This suggests a general weakness in the sector, rather than just a problem with one token.

Whale Pressure vs. Holder Conviction

The question now dominating discussion is whether whale selling marks the start of a downturn, or simply a volatility event clearing the decks before recovery. Trading data suggests long-term holders have not abandoned the asset entirely. Accumulation by smaller or steadfast holders continues, pointing to pockets of conviction in the face of turbulence.

Still, market watchers warn that sentiment could worsen if large wallets keep trimming positions. Memecoins are known for extreme price swings, and when outflows by major holders coincide with weak broader conditions, rebounds can slow. Yet advocates point to the quick rise in volume as a sign that bears may not have full control.

Below is a snapshot of the current metrics influencing sentiment:

 

Metric	Latest Reading / Movement	Interpretation
Price (Oct 14, 2025)	~$0.0000074	Down ~5% in 24h, ~25% weekly
Market Cap	~$3 billion	Decreased 31% year-to-date
Whale Holdings	↓ 0.5% (over past week)	Profit-taking and selling pressure
Funds on Exchanges	↓ 0.33% (over past week)	Mixed signals: reduced deployment/mobility
Trading Volume	~$927 million	High activity amid volatility
Broader Market Move	~$500 billion sell-off earlier	Context for memecoin slide

Online discussions paint a split picture. Enthusiasts cite accumulation trends as evidence of resilience and argue that a bounce could follow if wider market conditions stabilize. Some analysts point to the possibility of new highs later in the month, referencing historical rebounds in memecoin cycles. However, caution is also prevalent. Commentators warn that continued whale exits could drag the market toward lower price levels, especially if other speculative assets keep sliding. With the CDMEME index suffering steep losses and liquidity concentrated in a few large trades, short-term sentiment remains fragile.

Market watchers also note the symbolic importance of capitalization levels. If PEPE holds the $3 billion threshold, attention may shift toward relief rallies. A sustained slip closer to $2 billion could invite further selling pressure or a wider risk-off response across speculative crypto assets.

This decline has implications beyond immediate price action. For holders, a rebound could restore confidence in the memecoin narrative, but a deeper drop risks discouraging casual participants. For whales, the shift may represent a recalibration of exposure after extended gains. For the broader crypto market, the episode serves as a stress test of speculative appetite during periods of volatility. Developers and community organizers see a different side of the turbulence. Downturns often clear speculative noise, allowing for renewed focus on utility, creative campaigns or community-led initiatives. If sentiment stabilizes, renewed attention could consolidate around stronger projects in the space.

What Comes Next For PEPE

Opinions on PEPE’s future vary from cautious hope to skepticism. If buying interest increases and overall conditions improve, PEPE’s price could rise to $0.00001. Some even predict it might reach $0.00002 or more by 2026, if more money flows into the market and interest in memecoins grows. However, ongoing selling by major holders and weak performance in the sector could push the price down to $0.000005, especially if investors shift to more stable assets. The next few weeks will show if this decline is just a temporary dip in an ongoing cycle or the start of a bigger downturn.

This situation is not only about one token losing value; it also shows how sensitive the memecoin market is to changes in liquidity, investor mood, and psychology. Whether this period becomes a chance for a reset, a turnaround, or a warning, PEPE’s recent decline illustrates both the instability and excitement that characterize the market.