Blue-chip NFTs Lead Selective Gains as Memecoins Rally Across the Board
After weeks of market turbulence, NFT and memecoin sectors are showing early signs of revival, signaling a cautious return of speculative interest among digital asset traders. Over the past week, NFT market capitalization climbed nearly 12%, rising from around $3.5 billion to $3.9 billion, according to CoinGecko data. Similarly, the memecoin market expanded by roughly 11%, growing from $47 billion to $52 billion in total valuation.
This resurgence comes after a month-long slump that had erased nearly half of the NFT market’s value, highlighting how sentiment shifts in the crypto space can rapidly swing momentum.
Selective Strength in NFTs Reflects Shifting Market Preferences
Only a few blue-chip NFT collections managed to post notable gains. CryptoPunks surged by 22.8% in seven-day sales, reaching close to $3 million, while Mutant Ape Yacht Club and Milady Maker rose 36.5% and 80%, respectively, based on CryptoSlam data.
Smaller Ethereum projects such as Lil Pudgys and Polygon-based Courtyard also recorded double-digit increases, though the broader NFT market remains mixed. Major names like Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and Pudgy Penguins continued to fall, with BAYC’s weekly sales down over 10%.
Analysts say the selective rebound underscores the market’s new reality, where “investors are gravitating toward collections that maintain community engagement and real-world utility,” noted one blockchain strategist.
Memecoins Reflect Renewed Risk Appetite
In contrast, memecoins saw a more uniform recovery, with nearly all major tokens ending the week higher. Dogecoin gained 8.7%, Shiba Inu climbed 10.4%, and Pepe rose 7%. On Solana, Bonk advanced 11.8%, while Dogwifhat (WIF) rallied 14.2%.
Market observers attribute the move to renewed speculative trading and social sentiment, rather than fundamental catalysts. “When liquidity returns to crypto markets, memecoins tend to act as early indicators of risk-on behavior,” explained a digital asset analyst.
Despite the rebound, experts caution that broader participation and trading volumes remain subdued, suggesting that sustained recovery will depend on macroeconomic stability and improving investor confidence.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.