Cardano ADA Surges Over 50% on Whale Accumulation and Golden Cross Signal

Big Cardano (ADA) whales have initiated a significant accumulation phase, sparking speculation about the token’s potential to breach the $1 threshold. On-chain data from analyst Alphractal, shared by crypto commentator Mr. Banana, reveals that wallets holding between 1 million and 10 million ADA have collectively added over 120 million tokens in the past two weeks, valued at approximately $3.3 billion. This surge in buying activity coincides with ADA’s consolidation between $0.60 and $0.85, a price range where analysts suggest large investors are positioning for a breakout [1]. Historical patterns show similar whale behavior preceding major price jumps, such as earlier this year when over 180 million ADA was accumulated during periods of stagnant pricing [1].

Technical indicators further bolster optimism. Cardano recently formed its first-ever weekly golden cross, where the 50-week moving average crossed above the 200-week average—a long-term bullish signal. ADA is currently testing resistance at $0.83–$0.85, and analysts note that sustained volume above this level could propel the token toward $1. Conversely, a failure to maintain this range may trigger a pullback to $0.70–$0.76 before resuming upward movement [1]. The asset has already surged over 50% since early July, climbing from $0.54 to $0.83 as of the report’s publication date, driven by whale accumulation and improving market sentiment.

Institutional support is also amplifying bullish momentum. Grayscale’s Smart Contract Platform Fund allocated nearly 19% of its holdings to ADA, placing it among its top assets alongside Ethereum and Solana. This exposure, combined with speculation about a potential ADA ETF, underscores growing institutional confidence. Meanwhile, Cardano’s ecosystem is evolving with planned upgrades, including the Chang hard fork and the Leios scaling solution in 2026, which aim to enhance decentralization and smart contract functionality [1].

Market forecasts remain mixed. While some analysts predict ADA could reach $1.10 or $1.20 in the coming months, others emphasize the need for macroeconomic alignment and sustained adoption. Leap Digital Investments acknowledged the “ambitious but not implausible” nature of a $1 target, noting that ADA would need to surpass its 52-week high of $0.35 by more than 100% to achieve this milestone [3]. The broader crypto market’s volatility, including divergent performance from Bitcoin and U.S. regulatory developments, adds uncertainty.

Whale activity, however, remains a focal point for traders. Large transactions exceeding $100 million in ADA have been recorded over the past month, with some attributing this to hedge funds diversifying their crypto portfolios. Analysts caution that while whale accumulation often precedes price surges, it does not guarantee success. Short-term manipulation is possible, but Cardano’s fundamental progress—such as the Vasil hard fork—positions it for long-term growth if adoption metrics improve [2].

The debate over ADA’s trajectory reflects the broader altcoin season, with investors weighing technical indicators, institutional interest, and ecosystem upgrades against macroeconomic risks. As the market digests these factors, the $1 level remains a symbolic benchmark, while the narrative centers on Cardano’s ability to sustain momentum amid shifting priorities.

[1] [Big Cardano Whales On ADA Buying Spree. They Foresee Big Breakout to $1](https://timestabloid.com/big-cardano-whales-are-in-ada-buying-spree-they-foresee-big-breakout-to-1/)

[2] [Crypto News Today | Cryptocurrencies](https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Business+&+Finance/Cryptocurrencies)

[3] [Leap Digital Investments](https://leapdigitalinvestments.com.au/)