Unraveling the mystery: Why Zcash (ZEC) price surge stalls in the crypto market
After surging 650% in three months, Zcash is now showing signs of slowing down, causing uncertainty among traders. Despite a 43% drop in the last month, on-chain indicators hint at a potential consolidation phase. Analysis of leverage and capital flows highlights a crucial level at $404, determining the continuation of the rally or the onset of a deeper correction.
Translated on December 17, 2025 at 13:59 by Simon Dumoulin
Copié
Leverage Metrics Confirm Short-Term Uncertainty
The liquidation heatmaps for Zcash over seven and thirty days reveal two distinct realities. Over the seven-day period, short positions dominate heavily with approximately 44 million dollars, compared to just 14 million for longs. Short-term traders are betting heavily on a continued decline. This asymmetry partly explains why the price is struggling to rebound: any upward attempt encounters profit-taking and aggressive liquidations.
But the picture changes dramatically over thirty days. Long and short positions balance out at around 38 million dollars each. This parity suggests that traders taking positions with a longer horizon do not share the pessimism of day traders. Nearly half of the derivatives positions anticipate a Zcash recovery.
This temporal divergence is crucial: it indicates that bearish sentiment is primarily a short-term phenomenon, while bullish conviction is gradually building among those looking beyond immediate volatility.
This leverage structure explains why the rally seems delayed rather than canceled. Short-term shorts maintain selling pressure, but medium-term longs are building a support base. The shift will depend on a catalyst capable of liquidating the shorts and giving confidence to hesitant buyers. And this catalyst has a price: 404 dollars.
Technical Analysis: The 400 Dollar Support Must Hold
Technically, Zcash is trading within tight ranges. 404 dollars represents the low of its previous short-term range (in blue). As long as ZEC does not reclaim this level, it must absolutely maintain above the high of the previous range in red at 380 dollars.
The CVD, which measures incoming and outgoing volume, oscillates between bullish and bearish, explaining this volatility and short-term uncertainty. The 4-hour order block between 330 and 350 could be a zone the price revisits if 380 dollars breaks.
But it’s the 404 dollar threshold that is drawing all the attention. Zcash has failed to maintain above this zone and is now trading below it. This level functions as a control point: it separates the consolidation phase from a potential return of bullish momentum. A daily close above 404 dollars would signal that cautious buyers are moving into action and overtaking short-term shorts. The next target would then be the resistance located around 520 dollars, a level that has capped the price since late November.
In summary, if Zcash fails to reclaim 404 dollars in the coming sessions, downside risk will remain open. Shorts will keep control and pressure could intensify toward the support at 301 dollars. The current balance is fragile, and the market is waiting for a clear signal to decide. Leverage data, capital flows, and technical indicators all converge toward the same conclusion: the Zcash rally is not dead, it is on pause. The recapture of 404 dollars will be the trigger that transforms this pause into a resumption.
Charles Ledoux is a Bitcoin and blockchain technology specialist. A graduate of the Crypto Academy, he has been a Bitcoin miner for over a year. He has written numerous masterclasses to educate newcomers to the industry and has authored over 2,000 articles on cryptocurrency. Now, he aims to share his passion for crypto through his articles for InvestX.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Some of the partners featured on this site may not be regulated in your country. It is your responsibility to verify the compliance of these services with local regulations before using them.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies involves risks, and it is important not to invest more than you can afford to lose.
InvestX is not responsible for the quality of the products or services presented on this page and cannot be held liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused by the use of any product or service featured in this article. Investments in crypto assets are inherently risky; readers should conduct their own research before taking any action and invest only within their financial means. This article does not constitute investment advice.
Risk Warning : Trading financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, including the possibility of losing all or part of your investment. It may not be suitable for all investors. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can be influenced by external factors such as financial, regulatory, or political events. Margin trading increases financial risks.
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are complex instruments with a high risk of rapid capital loss due to leverage. Between 74% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should assess whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Before engaging in financial or cryptocurrency trading, you must be fully informed about the associated risks and fees, carefully evaluate your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk tolerance, and seek professional advice if needed. InvestX.fr and the InvestX application may provide general market commentary, which does not constitute investment advice and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult an independent financial advisor for any investment-related questions. InvestX.fr disclaims any liability for errors, misinvestments, inaccuracies, or omissions and does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information, texts, graphics, links, or other materials provided.
Some of the partners featured on this site may not be regulated in your country. It is your responsibility to verify the compliance of these services with local regulations before using them.
Get 6200 USDT with Bitget ! 🔥
Don't miss out on this offer !
Create your account now to unlock this exclusive reward