Meme coin PEPE extended its losses, dropping nearly 4% in the last 24 hours, as broader market anxiety over U.S. trade policy deepened. The token is now down 32% from its July peak, reflecting a sharp pullback across speculative assets.
Arthur Hayes Exit Amplifies Pressure
The latest leg of the decline came after former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes disclosed the liquidation of his $414,000 PEPE position, citing concerns over macroeconomic risk and escalating U.S. tariffs.
PEPE’s price slipped from $0.00001083 to $0.00001002, with over 3.26 trillion tokens traded as sell-side momentum accelerated.
Hayes, a closely followed figure in crypto markets, noted that the incoming August 7 tariff package, which applies to over 90 countries with levies reaching up to 41%, has made the short-term risk profile for memecoins less attractive.
Meme Sector Suffers Under Distribution Pressure
PEPE’s price action mirrors a larger rotation out of high-beta meme assets, as traders de-risk portfolios in anticipation of more volatility.
Since mid-July, PEPE has lost nearly one-third of its value, underperforming most major altcoins.
Despite the sell-off, daily volumes remain elevated, hinting at continued speculative interest and potential for snapback rallies—though investor sentiment remains fragile.
Conclusion
The combination of macroeconomic headwinds, influential whale exits, and heightened regulatory uncertainty has pushed PEPE into a sharp correction zone. While meme coins are no strangers to volatility, tariff-linked fears and reduced risk appetite are weighing on short-term outlooks.
Until clarity on U.S. trade policy emerges, expect PEPE and similar tokens to remain under pressure.
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.