Daily Degen
June 9, 2025

Memecoins on Fire While DeFi Slips

Memecoins are once again taking center stage in crypto markets as capital flows steer away from traditional DeFi plays. With KAIA, ANIME, and MOG printing double-digit gains, meanwhile once-stalwart tokens like DEXE and BDX can't find a floor. We break down what’s happening and where the narrative is heading.

Memecoins are dominating crypto today, driven by community engagement and market boredom. Top gainers like KAIA and ANIME surged over 19%, while DeFi names like DEXE and BDX continue to bleed. As trading volume shifts to high-volatility names, savvy speculators are rotating into more meme-rich waters.

Movers and Shakers

Today's Top Gainers:
Top 7-Day Gainers:
KAIA (20.81%), ANIME (19.01%), MOG (16.75%), CHEX (16.69%), RVN (10.32%)
Today's Top Losers:
Top 7-Day Losers:
KTA (-13.2%), DEXE (-11.7%), BDX (-6.88%), PLUME (-3.43%), TKX (-2.86%)

Memecoins Take the Spotlight

If you woke up today wondering why your portfolio looks like it just got sprinkled with fairy dust—or smacked with a frying pan—you're not alone. The memecoin mania is back, complete with dancing frogs, anime-themed tokens, and double-digit green candles. Leading the pack is KAIA, soaring a clean 20.81%, followed by ANIME at 19.01% and MOG squeezing out a 16.75% return.

These aren’t just flukes. They signal a return of speculative liquidity to corners of crypto that most fundamental analysts dare not tread. We’re seeing short-term traders rotate capital into high-volatility, community-driven assets. In short, it’s meme season… again.

Interestingly, there’s an inverse relationship developing between risk-on memecoins and traditionally stable DeFi names. KTA slid 13.2%, DEXE dropped 11.7%—a serious ouch for those touting narrative-based conviction. Even BDX, often seen as a liquidity hub for mid-cap DeFi, shed nearly 7% of its value.

What’s Driving the Divergence?

We took a stroll through Crypto Twitter and found chatter confirming what markets are already whispering: boredom with underperforming DeFi protocols is reaching meme-worthy levels. Influencers with outsized followings like @ThisIsFintwit and @DeFiDebunked are mocking DAOs that haven’t shipped anything in quarters, while simultaneously hyping energy-infused anime memecoins backed by purely viral community movements.

The memecoin renaissance appears to be less about fundamentals and more about cultural momentum. Communities around coins like ANIME and KAIA are hosting daily Twitter Spaces, meme competitions, and even dropping comic-book lore to engage hodlers. Compare that to DEXE or BDX, which suffer from governance fatigue, slow UI updates, and little to no teases of upcoming innovations.

Liquidity Seeking Volatility: A Trading Tale

On-chain data over the last 24 hours confirms the story. Kaiko reported a 34% increase in trading volume on the KAIA-ETH pair, while liquidity in top DeFi token pools like PLUME and TKX dropped by double digits. Traders are yanking capital from low-vol action and hunting volatility. And, frankly, who can blame them?

It’s not just about greed—this is opportunism within a largely stale macro environment. Bitcoin's been trading sideways for much of June, ETH gas fees are back to sleepworthy lows, and there are no major ecosystem upgrades expected this week. So, it’s only natural that crypto’s version of Las Vegas—memecoins—becomes the default weekend venue.

Winners of the Day: Top Gainers

  • KAIA (+20.81%) - Surging with anime-inspired art and community memetics.
  • ANIME (+19.01%) - Leaning into narrative-driven hype with community contests.
  • MOG (+16.75%) - Leveraging social media virality and influencer buys to pump price.
  • CHEX (+16.69%) - Mystery project with coordinated shill campaigns pushing gains.
  • RVN (+10.32%) - Benefited from midcap rotation off BTC stagnation.
  • Losers of the Day: Top Decliners

  • KTA (-13.2%) - DeFi token failing to attract attention amid community apathy.
  • DEXE (-11.7%) - Smart contract activity declining, no new governance votes.
  • BDX (-6.88%) - Liquidity dried up as traders look for action elsewhere.
  • PLUME (-3.43%) - Minor downward pressure from whale sell-off.
  • TKX (-2.86%) - Exchange token declining alongside lower trading volumes.
  • Looking Forward

    With altcoin season rumors rekindling and memecoins leading volume charts, it’s possible we’re headed for a risk-on period, at least in the short term. But take note: markets like these reward nimble positioning and punish complacency. Don’t get too comfy holding the wrong bag when the music stops.

    Technical indications do suggest temporary overbought signals on several meme favorites like MOG and KAIA. Expect pullbacks. However, if meme momentum continues to suck oxygen out of stalling DeFi plays, we may see a broader reshuffling of crypto's mid-cap rankings soon.

    Closing Thoughts

    This week is a reminder that fundamentals come second to attention in this market. Whether you're a degenerative gambler or a risk-managed algorithm, ignoring memecoins right now could mean missing the biggest short-term returns in the game. But remember—when the music stops, someone is left without a chair. Position wisely, apes.

    Memecoins Take the Spotlight

    If you woke up today wondering why your portfolio looks like it just got sprinkled with fairy dust—or smacked with a frying pan—you're not alone. The memecoin mania is back, complete with dancing frogs, anime-themed tokens, and double-digit green candles. Leading the pack is KAIA, soaring a clean 20.81%, followed by ANIME at 19.01% and MOG squeezing out a 16.75% return.

    These aren’t just flukes. They signal a return of speculative liquidity to corners of crypto that most fundamental analysts dare not tread. We’re seeing short-term traders rotate capital into high-volatility, community-driven assets. In short, it’s meme season… again.

    Interestingly, there’s an inverse relationship developing between risk-on memecoins and traditionally stable DeFi names. KTA slid 13.2%, DEXE dropped 11.7%—a serious ouch for those touting narrative-based conviction. Even BDX, often seen as a liquidity hub for mid-cap DeFi, shed nearly 7% of its value.

    What’s Driving the Divergence?

    We took a stroll through Crypto Twitter and found chatter confirming what markets are already whispering: boredom with underperforming DeFi protocols is reaching meme-worthy levels. Influencers with outsized followings like @ThisIsFintwit and @DeFiDebunked are mocking DAOs that haven’t shipped anything in quarters, while simultaneously hyping energy-infused anime memecoins backed by purely viral community movements.

    The memecoin renaissance appears to be less about fundamentals and more about cultural momentum. Communities around coins like ANIME and KAIA are hosting daily Twitter Spaces, meme competitions, and even dropping comic-book lore to engage hodlers. Compare that to DEXE or BDX, which suffer from governance fatigue, slow UI updates, and little to no teases of upcoming innovations.

    Liquidity Seeking Volatility: A Trading Tale

    On-chain data over the last 24 hours confirms the story. Kaiko reported a 34% increase in trading volume on the KAIA-ETH pair, while liquidity in top DeFi token pools like PLUME and TKX dropped by double digits. Traders are yanking capital from low-vol action and hunting volatility. And, frankly, who can blame them?

    It’s not just about greed—this is opportunism within a largely stale macro environment. Bitcoin's been trading sideways for much of June, ETH gas fees are back to sleepworthy lows, and there are no major ecosystem upgrades expected this week. So, it’s only natural that crypto’s version of Las Vegas—memecoins—becomes the default weekend venue.

    Winners of the Day: Top Gainers

  • KAIA (+20.81%) - Surging with anime-inspired art and community memetics.
  • ANIME (+19.01%) - Leaning into narrative-driven hype with community contests.
  • MOG (+16.75%) - Leveraging social media virality and influencer buys to pump price.
  • CHEX (+16.69%) - Mystery project with coordinated shill campaigns pushing gains.
  • RVN (+10.32%) - Benefited from midcap rotation off BTC stagnation.
  • Losers of the Day: Top Decliners

  • KTA (-13.2%) - DeFi token failing to attract attention amid community apathy.
  • DEXE (-11.7%) - Smart contract activity declining, no new governance votes.
  • BDX (-6.88%) - Liquidity dried up as traders look for action elsewhere.
  • PLUME (-3.43%) - Minor downward pressure from whale sell-off.
  • TKX (-2.86%) - Exchange token declining alongside lower trading volumes.
  • Looking Forward

    With altcoin season rumors rekindling and memecoins leading volume charts, it’s possible we’re headed for a risk-on period, at least in the short term. But take note: markets like these reward nimble positioning and punish complacency. Don’t get too comfy holding the wrong bag when the music stops.

    Technical indications do suggest temporary overbought signals on several meme favorites like MOG and KAIA. Expect pullbacks. However, if meme momentum continues to suck oxygen out of stalling DeFi plays, we may see a broader reshuffling of crypto's mid-cap rankings soon.

    Closing Thoughts

    This week is a reminder that fundamentals come second to attention in this market. Whether you're a degenerative gambler or a risk-managed algorithm, ignoring memecoins right now could mean missing the biggest short-term returns in the game. But remember—when the music stops, someone is left without a chair. Position wisely, apes.

    Newsworthy

    With KAIA and ANIME beating out most DeFi tokens by 20%+ in 24 hours, traders are asking if we're seeing the early signs of altseason or just another meme-driven head fake. Either way, momentum is real and worthy of your terminal.

    Pro-Tip:

    When stable sectors stagnate, it may be time to scout emerging narratives in the memecoin space—but always trade with tight stops and exit plans.

    Be sure to join us on Telegram, Discord and Twitter!

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    Disclaimer: The content of this article is for general market education and commentary and is not intended to serve as financial, investment, or any other type of advice.

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