Weekly crypto roundup: DOT, NEAR, ICP gain while BCH, ATOM, PEPE slide

Published: 2026-03-01 19:04:51 |

Bitcoin volatility dominated the week with sharp swings, but the broader altcoin market (ex-ETH) was down just 0.57%. Notable weekly winners included Polkadot (DOT), which climbed ~18.4% amid halving expectations and a bullish short-term structure; NEAR Protocol (NEAR) and Internet Computer (ICP), which rose ~15.9% and ~11.4% respectively as AI token sentiment improved following strong NVIDIA results. Other gainers: Memecore (M) +8.8%, Uniswap (UNI) +6.5%, Monero (XMR) +8.2%. Major losers were Bitcoin Cash (BCH), down ~21.1% but trading near long-term demand at $440–$460, offering a potential swing-buy setup if $423 holds; Cosmos (ATOM) plunged ~19.2% to early-February support around $1.85; ZCash (ZEC) fell ~11.5% and risks deeper declines if key supports at $225 and $205 fail. Meme tokens softened: DOGE -2.7%, SHIB -7.3%, PEPE -11.4%. Analysts note BTC defended the $64k area on lower timeframes and warn of potential FUD events ahead; traders are advised to manage risk, watch supply/demand zones, and perform due diligence. Primary keywords: crypto weekly winners losers, DOT halving, NEAR gains, BCH sell-off.

Neutral

The report presents a mixed market picture: strong short-term rallies in DOT, NEAR and ICP against significant pullbacks in BCH, ATOM and some meme tokens. Short-term trading implications are active: traders can pursue momentum plays on recent winners (watch supply zones, e.g., DOT near $1.80; NEAR momentum indicators positive) and swing/buy-the-dip setups on oversold losers (BCH near long-term demand $440–$460; watch $423 invalidation). Market stability is neither clearly bullish nor bearish—BTC defended $64k on lower timeframes but exhibited violent swings, increasing tail risk and stop-hunting potential. Historically, halving expectations (as seen with BTC/LTC prior halvings) can produce pre-event rallies followed by consolidation or sell-the-news moves, suggesting DOT’s pre-halving gains may face pressure around the event. AI-token strength tied to NVDA fundamentals can sustain short-term flows but is reliant on broader risk appetite. Overall: short-term opportunities exist on both sides, but heightened volatility implies tighter risk controls, smaller position sizes, and clear stop levels for traders.