Pepe (PEPE) cryptocurrency has seen a significant price surge recently, contrasting with the downtrend observed in Bitcoin and other altcoins. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:

1. Social Media Hype and Influencer Activity - PEPE has benefited from substantial social media buzz, especially on platforms like Twitter, where the coin has trended with thousands of posts and endorsements from influencers. This hype has created a fear of missing out (FOMO) among investors, driving up the price significantly.

2. Ethereum Price Rally - The recent rise in Ethereum's price past the $3,000 mark has positively impacted Ethereum-based assets like PEPE. The broader interest in Ethereum has spilled over into associated altcoins, including PEPE.

3. Whale Activity and Speculative Trading - Significant purchases by large holders, or "whales," have also played a role. For example, some whales have bought large quantities of PEPE, which has driven up demand and prices. Conversely, some have taken profits during the surge, contributing to trading volume spikes and price volatility.

4. Meme Coin Market Dynamics - As a meme coin, PEPE benefits from the speculative nature of such assets. Its association with the popular Pepe the Frog meme has helped it capture the interest of the crypto community, fueling its rise during periods of increased market speculation.

While PEPE has seen impressive gains, its future performance remains uncertain due to its highly speculative nature. The market dynamics driving its price can lead to sharp corrections, especially if the current hype wanes or significant holders start to sell off their positions.