While Bitcoin trades in a narrow range at the beginning of this year, the memecoin sector is showing signs of explosive resurgence. Dogecoin (DOGE), the undisputed leader, has surged more than 4% in the last 24 hours, triggering a rare technical signal on short timeframes: a « Golden Cross ». Could this movement signal the start of a new « Meme Season » for 2026?
The Technical Signal: A Tactical « Golden Cross »
Dogecoin is currently trading around $0.1516 (+4.36%), significantly outperforming the rest of the traditional crypto market. This rebound is supported by a specific technical configuration spotted on hourly charts.
Unlike the classic « Golden Cross » (crossover of the 50 and 200-day moving averages), the current signal is a short-term bullish crossover: the 9-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) has crossed above the 26-period SMA on the hourly chart.
Although this signal is less powerful than a daily crossover, it is significant in a volatile market, especially when accompanied — as is the case today — by a 40% increase in volume compared to the 30-day average. This indicates that the movement is not simply algorithmic, but supported by a real return of speculative liquidity.
The Pack Effect: PEPE and BONK Leading the Charge
Dogecoin is not rising alone. As often happens, it acts as a barometer index for the entire memecoin sector (« Beta play »). Risk sentiment has quickly spread to other major tokens in the sector:
| Asset | 24h Performance | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| PEPE | +17% | Major outperformance |
| Mog Coin | +14% | Strong momentum |
| BONK | +11% | Solana-based recovery |
| FLOKI | +10% | Trend following |
| SHIB | +8% | Technical rebound |
| DOGE | +4.36% | Signal leader |
Data based on market movements from January 4, 2026.
According to the GMCI Meme index, the total market cap of the memecoin sector has reached $33.8 billion, with trading volumes exceeding $5.9 billion over 24 hours. This suggests capital rotation: faced with a stagnant Bitcoin, traders are seeking volatility (« alpha ») on higher-risk assets.
Key Levels and Scenarios for Traders
For technical analysts, the zone to watch is now very clear. DOGE has transformed the former resistance of $0.1463 into support. As long as the price maintains above this level, the short-term bullish structure remains intact.
Bullish Scenario
If the $0.1463 support holds, buyers will target the next liquidity zone located between $0.1520 and $0.1530. A clean break of this level could open the door to a test of $0.16.
Bearish Scenario
An hourly close below $0.1463 would invalidate the Golden Cross signal, likely sending the price back to the accumulation zone of $0.1420.
Historical Context: Encouraging Precedents
It’s interesting to note that similar « Golden Cross » configurations on DOGE in 2025 (particularly in August and November) preceded rallies of 25% to 130% over several weeks. This historical data provides a « backtesting » argument that reinforces the credibility of the current signal.
Conclusion: An Opportunity or a Trap?
Dogecoin’s tactical Golden Cross, combined with the strong performance of the entire memecoin sector, suggests renewed risk appetite among crypto traders. However, caution remains warranted: these short-term signals can be volatile and quickly reversed.
Savvy investors will closely monitor the maintenance of support at $0.1463 and volume evolution in the coming days to confirm or invalidate this bullish dynamic.
Sources:
- CoinDesk – DOGE Technical Analysis
- Yahoo Finance – Market Data
- GMCI Meme Index
- TradingView – Technical Charts
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies.
