Zcash Price Prediction: ZEC Rally Faces Pressure as Co-Founder Proposes Ending Grants Funding

Zcash (ZEC) is navigating a critical period as price consolidation, elevated derivatives activity, and a proposed change to its funding structure shape market sentiment. The privacy-focused cryptocurrency trades near $1,309 after gaining 7.53% over 24 hours. However, ZEC remains below its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA), signaling continued short-term pressure. 

ZEC recently rallied toward $1,600 before sellers triggered a substantial correction. The cryptocurrency now consolidates around $1,309 as traders assess its next direction. Additionally, the price remains below the 20-day EMA near $1,345, which represents immediate resistance.

However, ZEC continues trading above its 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day EMAs. This positioning preserves the broader bullish structure despite recent weakness.

Immediate support stands near $1,283, while the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level sits at $1,224.93. A breakdown below these levels could expose ZEC to further losses toward $1,079.19.

Conversely, reclaiming $1,345 could restore bullish momentum. A successful breakout may open the way toward $1,450 and the major resistance zone around $1,600.

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Moreover, the Stochastic RSI approaches oversold territory, suggesting that selling pressure could weaken. A bullish crossover may support a recovery, although traders still need confirmation from price action.

Zcash’s derivatives market has attracted substantial attention during its recent rally. Open interest climbed above $3.4 billion as ZEC prices surged, reflecting growing participation in leveraged trading.

However, subsequent volatility reduced open interest to approximately $2.86 billion as of October 28. ZEC traded near $1,309.71 alongside this decline.

The combination of elevated open interest and recent price weakness highlights an important risk. Traders may face sharper price swings if leveraged positions unwind rapidly.

ZEC spot market flows also reveal shifting demand throughout its recent rally. Earlier trading periods featured persistent outflows, indicating stronger selling pressure.

However, buying activity strengthened in August as prices accelerated upward. September delivered the strongest inflows, exceeding $100 million and signaling significant accumulation.

October has brought more moderate activity, suggesting that buying intensity has cooled. Nevertheless, the latest reading shows a net inflow of $2.75 million as ZEC trades near $1,315.

Consequently, renewed inflows could help support prices if buyers maintain their interest. Conversely, a return to sustained outflows could weaken recovery attempts.

Co-founder Sean Bowehas proposed ending automatic funding for ZCG and redirecting its remaining 8% block subsidy allocation. The funds would instead support the Network Sustainability Mechanism.

The proposal arrives as ZCG reportedly holds more than $125 million in funding. Its reserves include 91,452.98 ZEC and approximately $8.8 million in US dollar-denominated assets.

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Additionally, ZCG carries around $2.4 million in outstanding grant liabilities. The existing allocation model could generate more than $68 million in annual ZEC funding. That amount substantially exceeds the $1.53 million in expenses reported for the Financial Privacy Foundation during the first quarter of 2026.

Key levels remain well-defined as Zcash consolidates after its rally toward $1,600. 

Upside levels: $1,345 is the immediate resistance, followed by $1,450 and $1,600. A decisive breakout above $1,600 could signal further bullish momentum. 

Downside levels: $1,283 is immediate support, followed by $1,224.93 at the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level and $1,079.19. 

Resistance ceiling: The $1,345 20-day EMA is the key level ZEC must reclaim to strengthen its short-term bullish outlook. The technical picture suggests a corrective phase within a broader bullish structure, with the Stochastic RSI approaching oversold territory.

Zcash’s price prediction hinges on whether buyers can defend $1,283 and push the price above the $1,345 resistance zone. A successful recovery could open the way toward $1,450 and a retest of $1,600. Rising open interest near $2.86 billion and renewed spot inflows suggest continued trader participation. 

However, elevated derivatives positioning also increases the risk of sharp liquidations. If ZEC loses $1,283, selling pressure could drive the price toward $1,224.93 and potentially $1,079.19. For now, ZEC remains at a pivotal technical level. A sustained move above $1,345 would strengthen the recovery case, while a breakdown below support could extend the correction.