Zcash (ZEC) surged 30.64% this week, reaching $453.33, as privacy coins continue to gain momentum in the market. This rise positions Zcash as a leading altcoin to watch. Additionally, MemeCore (M) increased by 23.88% to $1.66, while Layer-2 tokens such as Merlin Chain (MERL), Canton (CC), and Mantle (MNT) also experienced significant gains. The rally in these cryptocurrencies is attributed to a decrease in the fear and greed index, alongside growing optimism regarding regulatory changes and advancements in blockchain scalability. These factors have contributed to the positive sentiment surrounding privacy coins and Layer-2 solutions.