Monero uses an innovative “Cryptonote” algorithm to ensure that transactions are private and untraceable. This means that transactions on the Monero blockchain cannot be linked to a particular user, something not many other cryptocurrencies can currently do in any significant capacity.
Between August 21st and August 26th, Monero nearly tripled from $50 to $150. Since then, coins have been holding on to gains and consolidating between $100 - $120.