Monero (XMR) Surges Over 5% to Regain Leading Position Among Privacy Coins
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 08 2026- Market Recovery: Monero (XMR) prices surged over 5% today, trading around $460 and approaching the $490 range briefly tested at the end of December, indicating a resurgence in the privacy coin market that may attract renewed investor interest.
- Privacy Coin Competition: After a shift in focus to Zcash (ZEC) during mid-to-late 2025, Monero's significant block reorganization event in September reignited concerns about network security and mining concentration, which, despite not disrupting long-term operations, helped restore market trust.
- Zcash Challenges: Zcash faces deeper uncertainties following the resignation of the entire Electric Coin Company team due to management disputes, resulting in a nearly 15% drop in ZEC prices on the day, raising doubts about its short-term roadmap and development coordination, potentially weakening its position among the top 20 crypto assets.
- Industry Dynamics: The resurgence of Monero contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by Zcash, indicating a potential reshuffling in the privacy coin market that could impact overall investor confidence and market strategies regarding privacy assets.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
