Cardano ADA Surges 33% in 7 Days on ETF Hopes and Whale Buying

Cardano (ADA) has experienced a notable price surge in early August 2025, climbing over 33% in seven days and more than 11% in the past 24 hours. The price reached $0.98 on August 14, breaking key resistance and strengthening bullish market sentiment [1]. This rally has been attributed to a combination of favorable technical signals and growing speculation around the potential launch of a Cardano spot ETF [2].

Technical analysts have highlighted an inverse head-and-shoulders formation on ADA’s chart, with a neckline at $0.94 that has been decisively broken [1]. The move above this level, combined with the upward trendline established in late July, has reinforced the outlook for continued gains. If the breakout holds, the price could move toward $1.20 and potentially $1.50 [3].

The bullish momentum has also been supported by Grayscale’s recent move to establish Delaware trusts for Cardano and other cryptocurrencies [1]. This development has raised expectations that the firm could launch an ADA ETF in the future, which would open new avenues for institutional and retail investors. Such a product is often seen as a precursor to broader market adoption and increased liquidity [2].

Whale activity has further contributed to the optimism surrounding ADA. Large holders have accumulated over 200 million ADA in recent weeks, signaling long-term confidence in the asset [3]. On-chain data also shows negative net exchange flow, indicating that ADA is being moved from exchanges into private wallets, reinforcing the narrative of long-term holding [4]. On-Balance Volume (OBV) has also reached new highs, reflecting strong and consistent buying pressure [4].

Performance rankings have added to the positive narrative. Grayscale listed Cardano in third place on its “Top 10 Crypto Assets by Weekly Returns” list for the week of July 31 to August 7, with a gain of 6.3% [1]. This marked a significant improvement from its ninth-place ranking the previous week [1].

While most analysts see ADA reaching between $1.20 and $4 by year-end, more conservative estimates suggest a target range of $1.50–$1.70 if current momentum holds [7]. A key resistance at $0.822 has also been highlighted, with a breakout expected to validate the $1 price target [8].

However, risks remain. A breakdown below $0.78 could signal weakening bullish momentum and trigger a correction [6]. Broader macroeconomic factors, including Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, could also impact ADA’s performance in the coming months [6].

The convergence of ETF speculation, whale accumulation, and strong technical indicators is building a compelling case for ADA’s continued rise. Whether it can sustain this momentum and achieve a meaningful breakout will depend on continued institutional interest and favorable macroeconomic conditions.

Sources:

[1] AInvest, 2025-08-15 https://www.ainvest.com/news/cardano-ada-surges-33-7-days-etf-hopes-whale-buying-boost-3-outlook-2508/

[2] The, 2025-08-14 https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2025/08/14/odds-of-cardano-price-reaching-3-these-3-signs-that-say-yes/

[5] TradingView, 2025-08-09 https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/ADAUSDT/ideas/?exchange=binance

[6] FXStreet, 2025-08-13 https://www.fxstreet.com/cryptocurrencies/news/crypto-today-bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-offer-bullish-signals-as-bets-of-september-fed-rate-cut-rise-202508131200

[7] Mitrade, 2025-08-15 https://www.mitrade.com/au/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1044731-20250816

[8] TaxTMI, 2025-08-10 https://www.taxtmi.com/news?id=37754