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Was the recent market surge just a pump and dump?

Monero Prices Dwindle | Are Users Feeling Duped?

By

Dr. Elena Crawford

Jan 21, 2026, 08:51 PM

Edited By

Mika Tanaka

3 minutes to read

A chart showing Monero price fluctuations with upward and downward trends, indicating market speculation.
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A mix of anxiety and resilience marks the Monero community as prices slide back to pre-2018 levels. Recent commentary on forums raises concerns over whether recent price movements were genuine or part of a larger manipulation scheme.

The Context Behind the Numbers

Investors are grappling with the fallout of a market surge. Many believe that the recent peak prices were inflated and unjustified. One long-time holder, who has invested since 2017, stated, "I didn’t sell a single cent it’s my unicorn." This sentiment reflects a broader hesitation among holders, despite pressure to cash out amid fluctuating prices.

Users Weigh In

Many in the online forums express mixed feelings about the market's direction. Here are three recurring themes:

  • Steady Recovery Expected: Some anticipate a steady climb back to earlier peaks. One comment noted, "Before the surge to $700 the same steady climb is gonna keep going."

  • Utility Over Price Concerns: Others focus on Monero's inherent utility as a privacy coin. "We’re still at $500, highest it's been in years. Luckily, Monero has so much utility; it’s not concerning long term," another user remarked.

  • Market Manipulation Allegations: Accusations of price manipulation by exchanges like Binance have surfaced. "Binance has been paper selling XMR it’s very hard to track balances in wallets, etc.," a frustrated commenter claimed.

"This could be one of the strangest triple tops ever if it somehow doesn't reverse and go to $10k in a matter of weeks," warned another.

Market Sentiment: Up or Down?

Overall, the sentiment on user boards fluctuates between caution and optimism. Many see buying opportunities as a chance to mitigate potential losses in this uncertain environment.

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ”Ό Price Manipulation Concerns: Users highlight perceived exchange tactics affecting Monero's stability.

  • πŸ”½ Long-Term Confidence: A strong belief in Monero’s long-term value persists among seasoned holders.

  • πŸ’­ Diverse Predictions: Users speculate on future prices ranging from $700 to $500 as market conditions shift.

The current state of Monero suggests that while some may feel duped by the recent volatility, many are holding their ground, betting on the future of privacy-focused crypto. As the market continues to evolve, only time will tell which predictions will come to fruition.

Future Paths for Monero's Market

Looking ahead, there’s a strong chance that Monero will experience a shift toward a more stable price range in the coming months. Investors may witness a gradual recovery fueled by increasing interest in the privacy coin’s inherent utility. Given the growing emphasis on privacy in digital transactions, experts estimate around a 60% likelihood that Monero will break past the $600 mark again as long as broader market conditions remain supportive. Additionally, if exchanges address the manipulation concerns effectively, we could see the price stabilize between $500 and $700 for the remainder of the year. However, pessimistic sentiment surrounding possible regulatory changes may hinder further growth, creating a mixed atmosphere for potential investors.

Echoes from an Economic Shuffle

In the realm of finance, the situation mirrors the 2008 housing market crash, where many felt blindsided by the rapid changes. Just as homeowners held their breath as values plummeted, crypto investors face a similar predicament. The unexpected twists in market valuations during that time led to a reshuffling of priorities, driving some to seek genuine utility rather than price speculation. Much like that housing tumult sparked a long-lasting evolution in how people value their assets, the current volatility in Monero could lead to a more informed and utility-focused mindset among investors, ultimately reshaping the cryptocurrency landscape in ways we can only begin to imagine.