The crypto market has entered a phase of heightened fear and uncertainty, with Bitcoin trading just below $102,000 and most altcoins suffering steep double-digit losses. However, even amid widespread sell-offs, a few standout tokens are showing strong resilience and clear bullish momentum. Internet Computer (ICP), Dusk Network (DUSK), and PIVX have each defied broader trends, fueled by unique catalysts and strong market conviction.
Internet Computer (ICP): Strength Through Innovation
While much of the market is struggling, Internet Computer has surged by over 35% in the past 24 hours, marking one of the strongest performances among major altcoins. The rally came after ICP broke above a key resistance range around $3.70–$3.75, supported by a 65% spike in trading volume. Analysts attribute the move to both technical strength and fundamental progress in the project’s scaling capabilities.
The DFINITY Foundation recently expanded subnet storage and improved dApp scalability, enhancing ICP’s integration with Bitcoin-based DeFi systems. This combination of technological upgrades and strong technical structure has helped ICP attract inflows even as most altcoins bleed.
The challenge for bulls now lies in maintaining momentum above $4.05, which has flipped into a key short-term support zone. If the token holds this level, the next upside target sits near $5.40. However, if Bitcoin drops below $100,000, altcoins like ICP could still experience sharp pullbacks due to overall market weakness.
Dusk Network (DUSK): Regulatory Edge Ignites a Reversal
Dusk Network is showing signs of a trend reversal, gaining nearly 20% as it broke above a long-term descending trendline and reclaimed its 100-day moving average. Trading volume more than doubled, signaling renewed interest in the project.
The rally follows positive developments in Dusk’s push for regulatory compliance and its upcoming Dusk EVM launch, expected later this month. This upgrade will merge privacy technology with Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility, a potentially game-changing step for regulated blockchain applications in Europe.
Dusk’s momentum highlights an important market shift: while speculative altcoins are fading, tokens with real-world regulatory traction are starting to attract capital. Still, as a small-cap project, DUSK remains highly volatile and could see price swings if traders rotate back into safer assets like Bitcoin.
PIVX: Privacy Narrative Powers a Breakout
Privacy-focused cryptocurrency PIVX has emerged as another outlier, soaring more than 50% in a single day while the rest of the market trended lower. The rally was driven by increasing concerns over on-chain surveillance and a renewed interest in privacy-preserving projects.
Technically, PIVX broke through major resistance around $0.28 with a 226% surge in trading volume, signaling strong market conviction. Despite the rapid climb, its RSI remains below overbought levels, suggesting room for further gains if momentum continues.
PIVX’s performance also underscores the cyclical nature of crypto narratives. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies globally, traders often rotate into privacy coins as a hedge. However, such assets carry significant regulatory risk, and sharp pullbacks are common after explosive rallies.
The Bigger Picture
These three assets, ICP, DUSK, and PIVX, are displaying clear relative strength against a backdrop of fear and volatility. Their success highlights how capital doesn’t entirely exit the crypto market during downturns; instead, it rotates toward tokens with compelling narratives or clear catalysts.
ICP is riding momentum from technological upgrades, DUSK is gaining traction through regulatory progress, and PIVX is benefiting from privacy demand. While all three show strong short-term potential, traders should remain cautious, as continued market stress could challenge even the strongest performers.