BlockDAG Crosses $441M Before January 26 Deadline as XRP & Zcash Prices Move Sideways

BlockDAG’s presale has crossed $441 million in total value, with over 20,000 miners already sold and more than 3.5 million X1 users active across its network. The project is currently in its final phase before its January 26 cutoff, marking the end of early access. Unlike many blockchain projects that extend fundraising timelines, BlockDAG has maintained a fixed deadline, which analysts argue adds momentum through urgency.

XRP has seen a 15% increase in the past week, trading at $2.13 as of January 8. The price movement coincides with growing ETF inflows and a sharp drop in short liquidations, signaling stronger buying pressure. Analysts note that XRP has formed a bullish pattern on lower timeframes, with key resistance levels at $2.26–$2.30.

Zcash (ZEC), on the other hand, has faced a 14% drop following internal disputes. The Electric Coin Company (ECC) announced its resignation from the project amid disagreements with Bootstrap, the nonprofit overseeing Zcash. The split highlights concerns about governance and the direction of the protocol, raising uncertainty among investors.

Why Did This Happen?

BlockDAG’s presale has gained attention due to its security audits and clear timeline. The project’s hard deadline on January 26 has created a sense of urgency, differentiating it from other token sales that often lack firm timelines. This approach has attracted both retail and institutional investors seeking clear value propositions.

XRP’s recent price surge is attributed to ETF inflows and increased on-chain activity. Over $13.6 million in daily net inflows were recorded into XRP ETFs, reflecting growing institutional interest. The price also benefited from the clearing of over $250 million in short positions, particularly after a major options expiry event.

Zcash’s price decline was triggered by the resignation of its core development team from ECC. The team cited governance disagreements with Bootstrap, a nonprofit overseeing the project’s operations. The split raised concerns about the future direction of Zcash, especially regarding its governance model and funding structure.

How Did Markets Respond?

Market activity around BlockDAG has been characterized by steady growth rather than sudden spikes. This suggests a more stable and sustainable interest in the project. Analysts note that the fixed presale deadline has added momentum, particularly in the final weeks before the cutoff.

XRP’s price increase has been accompanied by rising volume on exchanges. On Coinbase, USD-to-XRP trading volume surged by over 300%, indicating fresh capital inflows. This trend has been interpreted as a sign that new investors are entering the market, rather than funds rotating from other cryptocurrencies.

Zcash’s decline has had mixed effects on the broader market. While the token remains below its 50-day EMA at $452, it is holding above $400, supported by the 100-day EMA at $389. Despite the recent volatility, the Zcash protocol itself remains unaffected.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring whether XRP can maintain its upward trajectory. Key indicators include its ability to close above the 21-period EMA and break the upper boundary of its defined downward channel. If these conditions are met, an upside breakout could follow, potentially pushing the price toward $2.30 or higher.

For Zcash, the focus is on how the governance crisis will be resolved. Bootstrap has emphasized the need for alignment with nonprofit laws to prevent private capture of mission-owned assets. The outcome of this dispute could have long-term implications for the project’s development and adoption.

BlockDAG’s final phase presents a unique market opportunity. With its fixed deadline and clear value proposition, the project is positioned to attract additional investment before the presale ends. This could result in further price appreciation and increased market attention.