Date: September 4, 2025
Market Snapshot:

  • PEPE: -1.33%

  • SHIB: -0.97%

Key Takeaways

  • Shiba Inu (SHIB) is gaining momentum due to whale accumulation, adding institutional-like weight to its price action.

  • PEPE continues to rely on retail trader dominance, creating slower momentum compared to SHIB.

  • Both memecoins are consolidating in ascending triangle patterns, signaling potential breakout zones.

  • SHIB appears better positioned for a bullish move in the near term, while PEPE’s future may depend on whether whales join in.

Market Context: Memecoins in Consolidation Mode

The broader memecoin market has been relatively quiet compared to the surging momentum seen in altcoins such as SOL, AVAX, and ENA. Within this cooling phase, Shiba Inu (SHIB) and PEPE have followed similar consolidation patterns, yet their performance and underlying drivers show key differences.

Over the past week, SHIB has shown resilience, limiting its losses to just 0.3%. By contrast, PEPE slipped nearly 3.7%, suggesting that SHIB has been better positioned during this consolidation phase.

Shiba Inu (SHIB): Whale Support Strengthens the Case

A closer look at SHIB’s daily chart shows the token consolidating in an ascending triangle pattern since late June. Price recently bounced off the $0.00001183 demand zone, reinforcing bullish momentum.

As SHIB edges closer to triangle resistance, traders are now watching for signs of a breakout—a move that could trigger the start of a fresh rally.

On-chain Advantage

The key driver behind SHIB’s strength has been whale accumulation. On-chain data reveals that whales are actively loading up positions in both spot and derivatives markets. This accumulation builds strong liquidity support, giving SHIB a more solid base for upward movement.

In short, SHIB’s market is not just riding retail enthusiasm—it is being fueled by deeper-pocket players capable of sustaining bullish momentum.

PEPE: Retail-Fueled Momentum, But Slower

PEPE, meanwhile, has also been consolidating within a similar pattern, bouncing from the $0.000009140 demand zone. However, the pace of its recovery has been slower than SHIB’s.

Market Dynamics

The main reason lies in PEPE’s market structure. Unlike SHIB, which benefits from whale backing, PEPE’s activity remains retail-driven. The 90-day cumulative volume delta data shows buyers still holding dominance, but the impulse generated by retail participation lacks the same force as whale accumulation.

Interestingly, futures market activity has surged for PEPE, indicating that speculative traders are highly active. While this shows demand, it also highlights volatility risk since derivatives-driven rallies can reverse quickly without whale reinforcement.

The Bottom Line: Who Has the Edge?

As both SHIB and PEPE approach critical triangle resistance levels, the battle for momentum is heating up.

  • SHIB’s Edge: Whale accumulation provides a structural advantage, giving its price action more stability and a stronger case for a breakout.

  • PEPE’s Challenge: While retail traders continue to show dominance, PEPE’s rally potential will likely remain capped unless whales step in.

Final Outlook:

  • If whales continue to accumulate SHIB, the token may extend its lead and break resistance sooner.

  • PEPE could catch up, but only if retail enthusiasm translates into sustained demand strong enough to attract larger players.

For now, Shiba Inu appears to hold the edge as the memecoin market prepares for its next decisive move.