Zcash Has Risen 2564% In 1 Year: Why Is ZEC So Popular Now?

Zcash (ZEC) is currently the best-performing cryptocurrency among the top 100 projects by market cap. CoinGecko data shows that ZEC’s price has risen by 18.2% in the last 24 hours, 65% in the 14-day charts, and 166.5% over the previous month. The privacy-focussed cryptocurrency has also rallied by a whopping 2564.9% over the last year, outshining major crypto heavyweights, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Solana (SOL), etc. ZEC has also outshined major tech stocks like Nvidia (NVDA), Micron (MU), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (AMD), etc. Let’s discuss why Zcash (ZEC) is experiencing a sudden surge in popularity and price and if the rally can sustain itself.

Why Is Zcash (ZEC) Rallying?

Zcash’s (ZEC) upswing today is perplexing given that the larger crypto market faced a steep correction on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, after the CLARITY Act failed to pass the US Senate. Bitcoin (BTC) fell the $75,000 price level and other assets began following its trajectory. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate hike yesterday was another blow for the cryptocurrency market. Many expected the market to take a big hit. ZEC, however, seems to be defying the trend.

Zcash’s (ZEC) sudden surge in price and popularity could be due to its privacy features. People are growing increasingly worried about government surveillance on their finances. This may have led to many flocking to privacy coins such as ZEC and Monero (XMR).

Also Read: XRP Trades Flat: What’s Next for Ripple’s Altcoin in September?

Another major factor behind Zcash’s (ZEC) sudden price surge is Grayscale’s recent launch of a Zcash (ZEC) ETF (Exchange Traded Fund). ETFs have become a major pillar in the cryptocurrency industry ever since the SEC allowed 11 spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs in early 2024. The launch of a ZEC ETF may have also elevated investor sentiment.

Will The Rally Continue?

Zcash’s (ZEC) rally will continue if people continue to desire privacy coins and the hype around its ETF launch sustains.

However, there is a chance that the rally may cool off over the coming days. High interest rates may lead to people moving away from the cryptocurrency market. Zcash (ZEC), despite its privacy features, is a high-risk asset. Risk appetite is quite low among investors at the moment.