Mid-December 2025 has seen strong returns for cryptocurrencies, with meme coins and layer 2 solutions delivering good returns for many investors, with several days exceeding average daily returns. Utility coins are currently generating the highest returns of any type of crypto project, and investor preferences are likely to change as the end of the year approaches.
MemeCore leads meme token rally
MemeCore has been a star performer in the meme coin space this December, with an increase of 9.13% and trading volume of over $15.8 million in the past 24 hours. The recent launch of the token with an EVM-compatible mainnet places it in the sweet spot of meme-driven reward systems, distinguishing it from other meme tokens that are purely speculative.
IBC Group, Waterdrip Capital, and AC Capital have invested in this initiative, demonstrating that venture firms value projects like this that integrate community engagement and technology infrastructure. Institutional investment represents a shift in the meme currency market, which previously relied solely on retail trading enthusiasm and social media momentum.
In 2025, the popularity of layer 2 meme tokens skyrocketed as the meme coin market rapidly expanded. Meme coins such as Layer Brett have also become incredibly popular, promising hassle-free transactions and almost no charges, without losing their viral nature. Recent data shows that meme coins are evolving to combine staking rewards and cross-chain features, rather than relying solely on hype cycles.
Demonstrates that Layer 2 protocols persist
The Layer 2 scaling solution performed well throughout December, proving that multiple projects delivered significant benefits. Marlin Chain rose 4.86% on a volume of approximately $58.8 million, while Canton added 1.24% on a volume of $7.7 million. Sky rounded out the Layer 2 gainers with a 2.20% increase and volume of $14.7 million.
Recent advances demonstrate the growing popularity of layer 2 solutions for blockchain’s key issues of transaction speed, cost, and scalability. Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin-native layer 2 network that uses ZK rollup technology and decentralized oracles to improve transaction speed and efficiency on the Bitcoin blockchain. The Canton Global Synchronizer mainnet came online after technical review and guidance provided by the Linux Foundation and with support from some of the biggest companies in the industry, including Broadridge, Cumberland, Digital Asset, and Euroclear.
The cryptocurrency market remains cautiously optimistic as it moves towards a market capitalization of $3.2 trillion in December 2025. While Bitcoin is trading near $90,000, Ethereum is showing signs of recovery, increasing interest in fundamentally strong large-cap cryptocurrencies. Projects like Solana, Chainlink, and Polkadot draw attention to their user base, development activity, and implementation of real-world solutions rather than price fluctuations.
TRON maintains stablecoin dominance
Trading volume exceeded $454 million, and TRON rose 0.78%, demonstrating its strength as a stablecoin. Blockchain continues to be the network of choice for USDT transactions, especially in emerging countries, due to its low price.
Market experts recognize the importance of TRON’s progress (albeit with small margins), and it shows in the December Losers List. The network processes billions of stablecoin transfers every day, demonstrating that it is truly being used by more than just speculators. This is a practical application that distinguishes TRON from altcoins that rely on price momentum or social media attention.
conclusion
Best Crypto Gainers of December 2025 reveals the importance of technology and institutional support. As MemeCore has shown, the support from institutions and the launch of meme tokens on mainnet is a clear sign that meme tokens are poised to evolve beyond mere speculation. Layer 2 technologies such as Merlin Chain, Canton, and Sky offer real scalability benefits for retail and institutional users. As the dominance of TRON shows, the long-term growth of cryptocurrencies relies on the infrastructure of real payment methods.
