DASH has emerged as the top-performing cryptocurrency among the 300 largest digital assets this week, surging more than 100% and surpassing privacy-sector rival Monero amid renewed investor interest in financial privacy tools and expanding merchant acceptance.
What Happened: Privacy Coin Surges Past $80
DASH appreciated 102.5% over the past seven days and reached $88.50 on Jan. 13, its highest level in nearly two months. The token traded at $82.27 at the time of publication.
Daily trading volume exceeded $1.3 billion, making it the most actively traded asset in the privacy coin sector.
The rally reflects a broader sector trend. CryptoRank reported that 14 of 18 privacy tokens with market capitalizations above $100 million have posted gains since Jan. 1.
On Jan. 13, Alchemy Pay announced fiat on-ramp support for DASH, enabling users in 173 countries to purchase the token using local payment methods.
Merchant adoption data shows 1,682 businesses now accept DASH, placing it seventh in overall cryptocurrency merchant acceptance. Monero trails with 1,225 merchants.
Also Read: Monero Rockets 51% To Record $716 High Amid FOMO Warning Signs
Why It Matters: Analysts Divided
Market analysts remain split on whether the rally can continue. Analyst Ardi noted DASH has shown "insane strength" and identified $77 as initial support, with potential upside toward $98-$103 if momentum holds.
Analyst Jens called the trend positive after DASH broke from a long base around $36-$40 and suggested pullbacks to $60-$65 would represent buying opportunities.
A clean hold at current resistance could open the path to $100, Jens stated.
Others remain cautious. Trader Crypto Tony posted on Jan. 13 that he expects a decline to $53 before any bounce.
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