As the cryptocurrency market navigates the turbulent waters of 2026, crypto whales are strategically adjusting their portfolios, particularly concerning three notable privacy coins: Zcash (ZEC), Dusk (DUSK), and COTI. While Zcash and Dusk are seeing increased accumulation, COTI appears to be on the decline.
Zcash has demonstrated resilience over the past year, but its momentum has waned recently. The price of ZEC has dropped nearly 26% over the past month, reflecting a broader risk-off sentiment among investors. However, as February unfolds, there are signs of renewed interest from crypto whales. In the last 24 hours alone, Zcash holders have ramped up their investments, with standard whales increasing their holdings by 45.19%, bringing their total to approximately 14,500 ZEC. Furthermore, the top 100 addresses have collectively boosted their exposure by 14.6%, resulting in a combined total of 43,722 ZEC. This accumulation amounts to roughly 6,500 ZEC, valued at about $2.5 million at current prices.
Interestingly, exchange balances have also decreased during this time, a clear indicator that this activity represents accumulation rather than distribution. Chart analysis reveals that ZEC has been trading within a bear flag pattern, hinting at a potential 42% downside. However, recent movements show Zcash breaking above the upper trendline of this flag, challenging its bearish outlook. The momentum indicators are also supportive of this shift, as the price has formed a higher low while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has created a lower low, signaling hidden bullish divergence. A crucial level to watch is $449; breaking above this could signal a significant upward movement.
On the other hand, Dusk has experienced a remarkable surge of nearly 200% over the past month. This rally may have been fueled by investor enthusiasm following the success of other privacy coins like DASH and XMR. However, DUSK has faced a sharp correction of more than 38% in the last week, leading to contrasting behaviors among different holder groups. Smaller whale wallets have reduced their holdings by 7.22%, while larger players have increased their stakes by 13.88%, accumulating approximately 56.6 million DUSK during this pullback. Chart patterns suggest that Dusk is forming an inverse head-and-shoulders structure, but the downward sloping neckline complicates a clean breakout.
The critical resistance level for Dusk lies between $0.176 and $0.190. A daily close above $0.190 would confirm this bullish pattern, potentially targeting a price range between $0.321 and $0.330. However, the setup remains high-risk until the price reclaims $0.190, as any drop below $0.140 could negate the bullish thesis.
In contrast, COTI has quietly descended into a correction phase, with a decline of about 22% in the last month and a 14% decrease over the past week. This continual pressure has resulted in a downward channel formation. Nevertheless, recent whale activity indicates a potential shift. Since mid-January, COTI whales have decreased their holdings significantly, dropping from 733.46 million COTI to a low of 718.17 million. However, since late January, there”s been a modest increase in holdings, rising to 719.1 million COTI, suggesting cautious interest.
Despite the bullish divergence indicated by price movements and the RSI, COTI remains within a descending channel, and for any positive momentum to gain traction, it must break above $0.019. Until that happens, downside risks persist, with key support at $0.015.
In summary, the contrasting behaviors among crypto whales regarding Zcash, Dusk, and COTI reflect a nuanced approach to market dynamics, highlighting the importance of monitoring whale activity as a potential indicator of future price movements.
