Despite the bloodbath following the latest pullback, DASH has shown its ability to endure. It served as a safe haven to a greater degree than Bitcoin this time around.
Much of this is likely indicative of its growing influence. DASH has already overcome most of the issues plaguing the Bitcoin brand. The currency has low transfer fees, optional privacy, optional instant sends, a hodling community, and strong governance.
But above all, the currency has a treasury fund that can be used to further popularize its adoption. The fund increases in terms of impact as DASH has risen in value. This has enabled more and more project initiatives to achieve funding.
One shortfall in the immediate future is the lack of gateways to fiat. Hopefully this can be remedied in the near future.
Keep an eye on this one. The masternode community locks up most of the supply which should result in an very quick rise in value as its popularity gains further momentum.