Best Crypto to Buy Now January 8 – XRP, Zcash, PEPE

It’s a fresh year for crypto, and investors are increasingly debating whether 2026 could usher in a major bull run, particularly if U.S. authorities finally roll out comprehensive, long-awaited cryptocurrency regulations.

One key signal catching investors’ attention is Bitcoin’s gradual loss of market share since the summer. Historically, a decline in BTC dominance indicates people are rotating into altcoins. If that pattern holds, assets such as XRP, Zcash, and Pepe may clock new highs in the months ahead.

XRP (XRP): Payments-Focused Blockchain Eyes New Q1 Highs

Ripple’s XRP ($XRP) leads the blockchain-based cross-border payments niche, thanks to rapid transaction finality and extremely low fees. Designed with banks and institutions in mind, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) offers a next-gen alternative to legacy messaging systems like SWIFT.

XRP’s utility has been acknowledged in publications from bodies such as the United Nations Capital Development Fund and the White House. Today, XRP ranks as the third-largest cryptocurrency outside of stablecoins, boasting a market capitalization exceeding $127 billion.

After Ripple’s long-running legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concluded last year, XRP surged to a seven-year peak of $3.65. The token has since corrected by roughly 42% and is currently changing hands at around $2.09.

Momentum returned recently as XRP jumped about 14% in the last seven days. The surge is likely spurred by the debut of five spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S. These products open crypto investing to traditional investors who want to avoid the risks of directly holding crypto.

With further ETF approvals and clearer regulatory frameworks, analysts suggest XRP could test $5 before the end of Q1, with optimistic forecasts pointing to $10 later in the year.

Zcash (ZEC): Privacy Coin Veteran Delivers Explosive 700% Growth

Launched in 2016, Zcash ($ZEC) remains one of the most technically advanced privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, originating as a Bitcoin fork designed to enhance transaction confidentiality.

The protocol leverages zk-SNARKs, advanced zero-knowledge proofs that allow transactions to be verified without revealing sensitive details. Users can choose between transparent and shielded addresses, depending on their personal privacy and regulatory considerations.

Over the past year, Zcash has climbed approximately 688%. Now priced near $400, ZEC carries a market cap of around $6.7 billion, representing more than a third of the estimated $17.5 billion privacy-coin sector.

With its relative strength index (RSI) hovering near 37 and trending downward, the token is in the midst of a large selloff, having dropped 20% overnight. However, should market sentiment flip to bullish this winter, Zcash could stage a sharp rally, potentially targeting $1,000 before year-end.

Pepe (PEPE): Meme Coin Energy Returns

Since its debut in April 2023, Pepe ($PEPE) has quickly become the third-largest meme coin, fueled by the enduring popularity of Matt Furie’s Pepe the Frog character. With a market capitalization nearing $3 billion, PEPE has established a strong cultural presence. Interest surged further when Elon Musk briefly adopted a Pepe-themed profile image on X, reigniting speculation around meme tokens.

PEPE is currently trading around $0.000006848, roughly 78% below its late-2024 high of $0.00002803 after a subdued summer and slower final quarter.

An RSI reading of 64, down from 76 on Tuesday, is consistent with profit-taking following a 69% rally in the seven days between December 30 and January 6. That move pushed PEPE above the critical $0.000006 support level. While near-term pullbacks are possible, consolidation remains healthy now that Pepe is back in a support zone.

If broader crypto markets turn decisively bullish in 2026, Pepe could benefit disproportionately, potentially setting the stage for a new all-time high within the next quarter.

Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): A Meme-Driven Bitcoin Layer-2 Contender

A lesser-known project gaining quiet traction is Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), a Bitcoin layer-2 network that blends meme-style branding with serious technical ambitions. The protocol aims to deliver high-speed transactions, low fees, and smart-contract capabilities to Bitcoin.

Powered by the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), Bitcoin Hyper features decentralized governance and a Canonical Bridge designed to make cross-chain Bitcoin transfers seamless.

The ongoing presale has already attracted more than $30 million in funding, and some analysts speculate the token could achieve outsized returns, potentially up to 100×, once it reaches public exchanges. A recent Coinsult audit found no critical security issues, adding a layer of confidence for risk-conscious participants.

HYPER tokens are used for transaction fees, governance participation, and staking incentives. Early stakers can currently earn yields of up to 38% APY, though returns are expected to taper as participation increases. With the full network launch anticipated in 2026, Bitcoin Hyper positions itself as a potential gateway for both long-time Bitcoin holders and new entrants.

Visit the official presale website or follow Bitcoin Hyper on X and Telegram for more information.

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