The U.S. government shutdown has entered its 13th day, resulting in a notable economic slowdown across markets. The Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that it’s starting to impact the real economy. Traditional markets are shaken by uncertainty, with over 1.6 million federal workers and $400 million in daily economic losses. During this period, capital often rotates into cryptocurrencies, a sector viewed as a hedge. Here are five tokens to watch during this volatile period.
Little Pepe (LILPEPE): The Meme Chain Defying the Market Mood
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A dedicated meme launchpad for fair token launches.
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Anti-sniper bot architecture to prevent manipulation.
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Zero buy/sell tax and near-zero trading fees
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Strict vesting schedule that prevents pump-and-dump.
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CertiK-audited smart contracts for added security.
The team announced two top CEX listings at launch, hinting at a future debut on the world’s largest exchange, which positions it for massive liquidity early on. To maintain high engagement, a Mega Giveaway is ongoing between Stages 12–17, offering over 15 ETH in rewards, as well as a separate $777,000 giveaway for all holders. The shutdown pressures traditional markets, but projects like LILPEPE illustrate how crypto innovation and community power can persist amid macroeconomic issues. Analysts predict Little Pepe could soar 100x post-launch, making it the best breakout token to watch this season.
Ethereum Institutional Confidence Keeps Growing
Ethereum has been relatively stable amid broader market anxiety. ETH trades near $3,906, up over 4% in the week. The rise is supported by $84 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL) and growing institutional interest.
Ethereum Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko
A new $1 billion Ethereum treasury built by Asian investors could further reinforce ETH’s status as a long-term store of value. With exchange reserves declining and daily active addresses hitting over 600,000, accumulation remains strong. If ETH breaks above $3,937, analysts expect a move toward $4,500 to $6,000, marking one of the strongest recovery setups in the primary cryptocurrency market right now, even as Washington gridlock keeps investors nervous elsewhere.
Ripple ETF Optimism Meets Market Volatility
Ripple’s XRP has been volatile amid speculation around a potential XRP ETF once the shutdown ends. Analysts remain split, but some bold predictions suggest XRP could reach $10 this cycle if institutional demand materializes.
XRP Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko
In the short term, XRP trades near $2.36, up 6% in the past week. Some technical analysts point to a convincing break above a possible retest of $3–$3 40 before a major rally begins. With regulatory clarity improving and potential spot ETF approval on the horizon, XRP could recover more quickly than most when U.S. government operations return to normal.
Mantle Recovery After the Selloff
Mantle has been quietly regaining momentum after the October 10th liquidation event that shook the market. Supported by Bybit’s new campaigns and the ZBT Launchpool, MNT has rebounded nearly 20% to hover around $1.80.
Mantle Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko
Bybit’s initiatives, including a $300,000 Puzzle Hunt and a $50,000 DCA Challenge, have boosted trading volume and investor activity. If buying pressure continues, MNT could revisit its all-time high of $2.87 and move toward $10 before the end of the quarter. As traders seek altcoins with exchange-backed utility, Mantle’s partnerships and expanding use cases make it a notable recovery play during the current market uncertainty.
Solana Holds Crucial Support Ahead of a Potential $500 Surge
Solana trades around $186 after a 5% weekly rebound. SOL has maintained the critical $180 support despite recent volatility. With whale accumulation and broader market recovery, analysts project a potential rally to $500 this quarter.
Solana Price Chart | Source: CoinGecko
A key driver of the current optimism is mounting speculation around spot Solana ETFs. Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas recently commented that the odds of ETF approval for Solana are “nearly 100%,” citing strong institutional demand. If greenlit, the inflows could cause an impressive rally, potentially propelling prices to $500 and later to the long-discussed $1,000 mark.
Market Uncertainty May Favor High-Upside Projects Like LILPEPE
The ongoing shutdown has negatively impact global markets, leading to shifting focus into the crypto industry. Popular projects like Ethereum, XRP, and Solana are performing well, and new projects like Mantle and Little Pepe are attracting significant capital inflow ahead of the expected boom cycle. Little Pepe is the wildcard: a meme project growing into a complete Layer 2 environment. It boasts of a strong, comprehensive security audit, and distinctive Layer 2 strategy, making it one of the biggest crypto story this year.
