The cryptocurrency market is in a strange state today, with Zcash (ZEC) sharply contrasting the struggles faced by Bitcoin and other major assets. As of November 5, 2025, traders witness a split between the soaring altcoin market and the retreat of traditional cryptocurrencies, reflecting significant shifts in investor sentiment.
The Zcash phenomenon: From $115 lows to $940 targets
Zcash has unexpectedly emerged as a top performer this month, climbing to around $407. Over the last month, ZEC has surged 177%, and a staggering 1,043% in the past three months. Such growth is remarkable and warrants attention from traders. Several factors are at play: technical breakouts, infrastructure upgrades, and notable bullish endorsements from influential figures.
Currently, ZEC has broken free from an eight-year downtrend, gaining momentum at the $350 mark. Analysts are eyeing a bullish target at $565, with all major moving averages trailing the price, signalling a strong upward trend. Moreover, Fibonacci extensions from previous cycles hint at a potential target of $940, which would represent a further 43% upside from current levels.
Arthur Hayes, the co-founder of BitMEX, made headlines by suggesting ZEC could reach $10,000, prompting a swift 30% rally. Following him, Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz stated a target of $1,000, further bolstering bullish sentiment surrounding Zcash. These endorsements, coming from well-respected figures, indicate growing confidence in Zcash’s capabilities.
In addition, ZEC has now overtaken Monero in market capitalisation, reaching approximately $7.2 billion compared to Monero’s $6.3 billion. This shift in the privacy coin hierarchy underscores the significance of the momentum behind Zcash. The recent Sapling network upgrade also deserves mention, as it reduced the time required for shielded transactions by 96%, resolving previous barriers to wider adoption.
The warning signs: When momentum becomes overextension
Nevertheless, caution is essential. The RSI indicator currently shows oversold conditions across various timeframes, and a bearish divergence has appeared on the daily chart—usually a precursor to corrections as buyer fatigue kicks in.
Analysts from Changelly predict a consolidation period ahead. Their technical models forecast ZEC to hover around $423.18 by November 7, a modest increase of 5.14%. Projections for December suggest ZEC might reach a high of $573.68, but a low of $138.11 is also a possibility within that timeframe, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the asset.
The fundamental message is clear: while momentum can drive prices significantly higher, it can also reverse sharply. Traders should exercise caution, as the factors that spurred this month’s rally could just as easily lead to a downturn.
Bitcoin’s bloodbath: Long-term holders capitulate
In stark contrast to Zcash’s gains, Bitcoin finds itself under considerable pressure. Having dipped below $100,000 in the latest session, Bitcoin sellers—particularly long-term holders—are liquidating investments. Reports indicate that long-term holders have sold off roughly $45 billion, marking a crucial shift in investor behaviour and indicating potential consolidation ahead.
This selling trend is extending to Bitcoin’s ecosystem, with Bitcoin ETFs facing a five-day outflow streak amounting to nearly $2 billion. Ethereum ETFs are experiencing similar challenges, struggling around the $3,300 mark. Such outflows are critical indicators of institutional interest turning cautious as the landscape shifts.
The cloud mining pivot: Passive income emerges as alternative
Amid this volatility, cloud mining platforms are capturing attention as alternative sources of income. Oak Mining, for example, has introduced flexible mining contracts ranging from 2 to 27 days, with sustainability practices at their core. As the appetite for stable income grows, platforms like AutoHash and Fleet Mining are also providing structured alternatives to traditional investment strategies.
Fleet Mining operates in areas with much lower energy costs, leading to potentially greater profit margins, while AutoHash aims to reduce barriers for new users by offering $100 in free hash power. These developments indicate a broader maturation of the cloud mining industry beyond mere speculation.
XRP ETF excitement amid price uncertainty
XRP is generating chatter as potential spot ETF offerings from Franklin Templeton and Bitwise loom on the horizon. Such advancements could significantly alter the asset’s standing within financial markets. However, XRP’s technical analysis reveals a troubling “death cross” pattern, which may test key support levels at $1.50. This juxtaposition between positive fundamental potential and adverse technical signals leaves retail traders vulnerable to misguided decisions.
The broader market: Capitulation or consolidation?
The reported $2 billion in daily liquidations points towards genuine market capitulation, yet it remains to be seen if this signals a real floor. The Wintermute trading desk noted sluggish recovery efforts despite central banks’ efforts to inject liquidity, suggesting a disconnect between the underlying demand and previous euphoria.
Interestingly, altcoins continue their ascent amidst this sell-off. Notably, ZKsync surged 170% in two days, and Internet Computer (ICP) looks to break resistance towards $10. This pattern hints that savvy investors are rotating their interests from speculative assets to more reliable projects with clearer use cases.
What traders should watch
- Zcash shows compelling technical potential but must be approached cautiously due to overextension risks.
- Bitcoin’s recent sell-off by long-term holders may suggest a buying opportunity, provided ETF flows stabilise.
- Cloud mining offers an interesting alternative for those seeking consistent income streams amid volatility.
- XRP presents a contrast of promising fundamentals against concerning technical indicators; timing is crucial.
- Overall, adaptability and selective conviction rather than broad positions will be key in navigating this market.
