Popcat, a notable meme coin based on the Solana blockchain, has recently experienced a significant downturn, dropping over 62% from its peak this year. This dramatic shift comes despite an extraordinary rise of over 4,400% earlier in 2024, demonstrating the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market.
The market capitalization of Popcat has plummeted to approximately $762 million, leading to a drop in its ranking from the second largest Solana meme coin to the sixth. This loss in standing has come as a result of various competing tokens such as Pudgy Penguins, Dogwifhat, Fartcoin, and ai16z effectively overtaking it in market interest and trading volume.
According to preliminary analyses, the number of smart money investors in possession of Popcat tokens has decreased from over 70 down to 30. The overall token holdings by these investors have also shrunk from 2.10 billion in May to 2.07 billion as of late December 2024. This trend reflects a broader market sentiment that is increasingly wary of meme coins as newer contenders continue to emerge.
In addition, data indicates a growing number of Popcat tokens listed on exchanges, a clear sign that holders are selling off their investments. Over the past week, the number of tokens available on exchanges has risen by 2.77%, accumulating to over 248.32 million. This could hint at a lack of confidence in the token’s future performance.
The technical outlook for Popcat also appears bleak, forming several bearish patterns on the daily price chart. A prominent head-and-shoulders pattern was identified, with a significant neckline established at $1.900, breached earlier this month. Additionally, a bearish crossover of the 50-day and 100-day moving averages suggests further downward momentum, often referred to as a mini-death cross.
Adding to the negative sentiment, the price has reached the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level, indicating that further declines could be imminent. Market watchers and traders alike are advised to closely monitor the next key support level at $0.4470, which represents about 42% below the current market value of approximately $0.766.
Overall, while Popcat had a remarkable run earlier in the year, the current market dynamics suggest increased volatility and risk for investors in the Solana meme coin sector. As the market evolves and newer tokens continue to disrupt the landscape, investors are urged to proceed with caution and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.