Everyone is watching $ZEC, but could $XMR be preparing for a period of relative outperformance? The XMR/ZEC pairing has spent much of 2026 in a significant downtrend, with Monero consistently losing ground against Zcash. However, two interesting technical developments are beginning to emerge: Firstly, the pairing is attempting to break above a descending trendline that has capped price since March. Secondly, following a breakdown below the major 0.50 support level, XMR/ZEC has recovered strongly from its lows and is now attempting to reclaim that same level. Could it be a bullish range deviation? A sustained reclaim of 0.50–0.51 would strengthen that possibility and suggest a shift in relative momentum. The EMA's have also started turning higher, providing another early indication of improving momentum. With so much attention focused on ZEC, it's worth asking whether Monero could be approaching a period of relative strength. Is the XMR/ZEC trend finally beginning to turn?

The S&P 500 opens the week green, despite geopolitical tensions, inflation fears and uncertainty surrounding FOMC. Will that give crypto the short term boost it needs to prevent a breakdown of $80k?