Meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu lose steam as “crime coins” surge
Meme coins like DOGE and SHIB appear to be losing momentum in the latest cycle, even as crypto markets move toward faster, higher-risk winners. The article notes DOGE is down more than 13% over the past month and SHIB is down almost 15%, with both still far below their all-time highs (DOGE -87%+, SHIB -93%+). Trading volume for meme coins has also declined as investor attention shifts elsewhere.
Instead, the spotlight is moving to “crime coins”—tokens that can rally extremely quickly, often alongside high negative funding rates, and that may have heavy insider concentration (the article cites 80%+ held by insiders). With limited float, these coins can be pushed up quickly and then crash sharply. The piece highlights several examples: RIVER, PIPPIN, RAVE, and LAB, where LAB is said to have risen over 200x in two months and triggered liquidations of shorts.
For traders, the key takeaway is a rotation: meme coins like DOGE and SHIB are showing weaker price action and liquidity, while “crime coins” are attracting speculative demand and large derivatives volume. The article cites LAB futures trading volume on Binance peaking above $1.6B in 24 hours, reinforcing the risk-on, high-volatility nature of this segment.
Overall, meme coins look less compelling on near-term momentum, while the market is rewarding speed and leverage—raising the risk of whipsaws in the broader altcoin complex.
Bearish
The article’s thrust is that meme coins are underperforming while “crime coins” are capturing speculative liquidity. It cites clear downside and drawdowns for DOGE and SHIB (month-over-month losses and large gaps vs ATH), alongside falling trading volumes. That combination typically translates into bearish sentiment for meme coin traders: fewer buyers, weaker follow-through, and higher odds of underperformance versus high-beta alternatives.
Meanwhile, the derivatives data (LAB futures volume peaking above $1.6B in a day) signals aggressive leverage demand. Historically, when traders chase levered, high-volatility micro-caps, capital often rotates away from slower, more established meme names—compressing meme coin relative strength in the short term.
Short-term: expect continued relative weakness for DOGE/SHIB versus “crime coins,” with higher churn and faster sentiment swings across meme sectors.
Long-term: meme coins could stabilize if broader risk appetite returns, but this article suggests a structural rotation toward tokens with catalysts, insider concentration, and rapid funding-rate dynamics—meaning meme coins may need fresh catalysts or broader market tailwinds to regain momentum.