The authorization of cryptocurrency payment vendors in Ohio, USA, signals institutional adoption. However, ETH liquidations and slowing ETF inflows suggest short-term downward pressure. Surging DEX trading volumes and funding rounds for payment companies underscore robust DeFi activity and infrastructure development. Overall, a neutral bias prevails amidst a mix of bullish and bearish factors.

As of September 25, 2025, here is a summary of key cryptocurrency market news and an analysis of its impact on the PEPE price. Key News and Analysis of Impact on PEPE Price * US State of Ohio Approves Vendors for Cryptocurrency Payments in State Services The approval of vendors by Ohio to accept cryptocurrency payments for state services signals steady progress in the deregulation and adoption of cryptocurrencies within the United States. This could potentially encourage similar initiatives in other US states, thereby enhancing institutional investor confidence. Meme coins like PEPE, known for their sensitivity to overall market sentiment, may indirectly benefit from increased market liquidity and improved investor psychology resulting from such institutional developments. Increased trust in the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, spurred by wider adoption by states and government agencies, could lay the foundation for increased investment appetite in altcoins like PEPE. * Ethereum (ETH) Price Falls Below $4,000 Amid $36.4 Million in Liquidations The decline in Ethereum's price and the subsequent large-scale liquidations highlight rising market volatility and the inherent risks of leveraged trading. Given that ETH significantly influences overall market sentiment, particularly within the altcoin sector, its price drop could negatively impact other altcoins, including meme coins like PEPE. Significant liquidations can temporarily reduce market liquidity, potentially triggering further price declines. As PEPE is a highly volatile asset, heightened overall market uncertainty carries the risk of accelerating capital outflows from the token. * Nine European Banks to Develop MiCA-Compliant Euro Stablecoins The development of Euro stablecoins compliant with Europe's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is a significant move promoting the adoption of stablecoins within a regulated framework. This is expected to enhance the security of cryptocurrency transactions within Europe and lower entry barriers for institutional and retail users. The expanding use of stable, Euro-pegged stablecoins boosts overall market liquidity and offers a safer investment environment. While their direct impact on speculative assets like PEPE may be limited, the overall market stabilization and increased institutional participation resulting from this development could indirectly benefit asset classes like PEPE in the long run. * AI Requires Proof-of-Work (PoW): Not Just Big Tech This analysis connects the computational demands of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development with the efficiency of Bitcoin's Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism. It emphasizes the importance of PoW in efficiently monetizing the vast computational power required for AI advancements. This narrative reaffirms the sustainability and value of PoW as a foundational technology for cryptocurrencies. While PEPE's value ultimately relies on blockchain technology, PoW plays a crucial role in ensuring its security and decentralization. The integration with AI technologies and the emergence of new applications requiring significant computational power could increase interest in cryptocurrency networks, potentially boosting attention towards assets like PEPE. * Perpetual DEX Trading Volume Surges to $70 Billion, Led by Aster The record increase in perpetual trading volume on Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) signals a thriving DeFi (Decentralized Finance) sector and the expansion of the derivatives market. The rise of new platforms like Aster is driving innovation and growth within the DeFi ecosystem. As PEPE is actively traded on DEXs, the overall increase in DEX trading volume contributes to enhanced liquidity and greater trading opportunities for the token. The surge in perpetual trading, in particular, suggests broader participation from traders, which could heighten interest in highly volatile assets like PEPE. * Bitcoin ETF Inflows Slow Down; Some Predict Price Drop to $90K The slowdown in institutional inflows into Bitcoin ETFs suggests a potential cooling-off period after market overheating and profit-taking by some investors. This creates downward pressure on Bitcoin's price, impacting overall market sentiment. Bitcoin's price movements strongly influence the performance of the broader altcoin market, especially meme coins like PEPE. A potential price correction for Bitcoin could trigger a shift towards risk aversion, accelerating capital outflows from riskier assets such as PEPE. * Circle Considers 'Reversible' Transactions: A Departure from Crypto Principles? Circle's consideration of transaction reversibility for USDC, aimed at recovering funds from fraud or hacks, challenges the core crypto principles of decentralization and transaction finality. This move could raise concerns among regulators and some users, as it strengthens centralized control, potentially conflicting with the ethos of cryptocurrency. For projects and communities prioritizing decentralization, such moves towards centralization could be a cause for concern. However, enhanced protection against illicit activities might also create a safer environment, potentially attracting more mainstream users. * Australia Drafts Bill to Enhance Supervision of Cryptocurrency Exchanges The Australian government's drafting of legislation to strengthen regulations for cryptocurrency service providers reflects the global trend towards increased crypto regulation. This places crypto exchanges under stricter oversight, raising concerns about increased compliance costs and potential impacts on the viability of some businesses. While regulatory clarity and tightening could foster long-term market health, it may also introduce short-term uncertainty and potentially limit access to certain services. How projects like PEPE will adapt to such regulatory landscapes will be a key point to watch. * Nasdaq-Listed Firm Fitell's Stock Plunges 21% After Solana (SOL) Purchase The significant drop in Fitell's stock price due to the declining value of its Solana (SOL) holdings underscores the substantial risks companies face when investing in cryptocurrencies. This highlights the need for caution when integrating crypto into corporate financial strategies. Companies investing in highly volatile cryptocurrencies like PEPE could face similar risks. This serves as a cautionary tale for institutional investors and corporations considering direct investments in assets like PEPE. * Crypto Payment Firm RedotPay Raises $47 Million, Achieves Unicorn Status RedotPay achieving unicorn status (valuation over $1 billion) demonstrates strong investor interest in crypto payment solutions within the fintech sector. Backed by investors including Coinbase Ventures, this signals significant growth potential in the sector. For cryptocurrencies like PEPE to gain broader adoption as payment methods, the development of robust payment infrastructure is essential. The success of companies like RedotPay fosters the growth of the overall crypto payment ecosystem, enhancing the potential for utility for tokens like PEPE. Overall Summary Growing institutional acceptance in the US (Ohio) and regulatory clarity in Europe (MiCA stablecoins) are positive signs for overall market confidence. Conversely, Ethereum liquidations and the slowdown in Bitcoin ETF inflows indicate short-term correction risks and heightened market volatility, potentially creating downward pressure on meme coins like PEPE. However, increased DEX volumes and successful funding rounds for crypto payment firms highlight a vibrant DeFi sector and advancing payment infrastructure. The overall growth of the crypto ecosystem holds the potential to sustain and expand interest in PEPE over the long term.

Declining ETH prices and decelerating ETF outflows pose a risk of deteriorating market-wide sentiment. Circle's potential transaction reversals and Australia's proposed regulatory strengthening raise concerns about centralization and barriers to entry. A Nasdaq-listed company's failed acquisition of SOL discourages direct institutional investment in PEPE. Key support levels rely on a bounce from current extreme oversold conditions.

In the short term (24-48 hours), volatility is expected to continue, tracking BTC/ETH movements. While a slight rebound from oversold levels is possible, downward pressure persists. The medium-term outlook (1 week) hinges on a recovery in overall market sentiment and regulatory developments. Key catalysts include new listings on major exchanges and active commentary from influencers.

Conclusion: The PEPE market holds a neutral-to-bearish bias, balancing positive factors such as nascent institutional adoption and a vibrant DeFi sector against short-term selling pressure stemming from ETH liquidations and slowing ETF momentum. While an RSI reading of 24.8 (indicating oversold conditions) and breaching the lower Bollinger Band signal weakness, they also imply potential for recovery. Investment Strategy: A "Wait and See" approach is recommended, advising against aggressive entries at present. Consider initiating positions only after observing BTC and ETH stabilization, a recovery in the RSI towards the 50 level, and confirmation of a MACD golden cross. When entering, opt for limited accumulation at lower price points (e.g., $0.00000x). Crucially, set stop-losses at recent lows and implement take-profit targets in stages. Key watchpoints this week include market sentiment, major cryptocurrency movements, and regulatory news. For short-term trading, maintain a calm balance between technicals and fundamentals. Robust risk management, encompassing portfolio diversification and strict stop-loss execution, remains paramount. Growth in the DeFi space represents a potential source of returns for PEPE.