Ethereum News Today: Cardano Whales Retreat as Altcoin Market Waits on SEC Signals

Cardano (ADA) experienced notable whale wallet activity in August 2025, with the number of wallets holding between 1 million and 10 million ADA declining sharply within a 48-hour period. Analysts observed that whales offloaded approximately 50 million ADA during this period, equivalent to roughly $41 million at the time [4]. This selling pressure coincided with broader market volatility, as ADA fluctuated around the $0.80 level, indicating that large holders were either locking in profits or reducing exposure amid a slowing market environment. Despite this, ADA managed to hold above $0.80, showcasing some resilience amid the bearish activity.

The Cardano ecosystem has also seen structural growth in whale participation. Whale activity often serves as a leading indicator for broader market sentiment, and this recent movement suggests a possible realignment of long-term positioning. The decline in high-capacity wallet holdings could indicate a redistribution of tokens or a shift in investor strategy. Historically, such movements have sometimes preceded larger market cycles, particularly in altcoins that are positioned to benefit from institutional adoption or regulatory developments.

Looking ahead, the broader altcoin market is being closely watched for signs of a new bull cycle. Cardano, along with other major altcoins like XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin, is awaiting potential regulatory milestones, particularly the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decisions on spot ETF applications. As of September 2025, 92 crypto ETF applications are under consideration by the SEC, with XRP, Solana, and Cardano among the most frequently cited tokens [1]. Analysts have attributed a 95% probability of approval for XRP, Solana, and Litecoin ETFs in 2025, according to Bloomberg ETF Analyst James Seyffart [1]. These regulatory developments could act as a catalyst for renewed institutional interest in altcoins, potentially boosting liquidity and market participation.

In the immediate term, however, the altcoin market remains in a consolidation phase. Ethereum (ETH), for example, saw significant whale activity in early September, with over 95,000 ETH—worth more than $400 million—moving between wallets. BlackRock deposited 33,884 ETH, while other large players, including mining pool Bitmine and three new wallets, withdrew substantial amounts [4]. This kind of mixed whale activity often signals uncertainty in the short term but could also indicate strategic repositioning ahead of potential price movements.

Cardano's price action has also aligned with broader market trends. In early September, ADA traded in a relatively tight range, with institutional investors absorbing significant selling pressure. Over the past month, ADA has declined by approximately 8.10% against Ethereum, underperforming the broader cryptocurrency market [3]. Technical indicators, such as the RSI and MACD, remain neutral, suggesting that the market is still waiting for a clear directional signal. If ADA can break above the $1.02 level, it may signal the start of a new bullish phase, while a failure to hold above $0.68 could extend the current bearish momentum.

Given the upcoming regulatory deadlines and the potential for increased institutional adoption, Cardano and other altcoins could see renewed interest from both retail and institutional investors. Whale movements, price consolidation, and regulatory developments are all factors that will shape the next phase of the crypto market. Investors are advised to monitor these indicators closely, particularly in the lead-up to the SEC’s decision on pending ETF applications.

Source:

[1] title1 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/crypto-analyst-warns-xrp-etf-193131671.html)

[2] title2 (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/09/05/xrp-holds-usd2-84-after-v-shaped-recovery-from-midday-lows)

[3] title3 (https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/cardano/eth)

[4] title4 (https://captainaltcoin.com/massive-whale-transfers-hit-cardano-and-ethereum-amid-market-slowdown/)

[5] title5 (https://cointelegraph.com/news/price-predictions-9-5-btc-eth-xrp-bnb-sol-doge-ada-link-hype-sui)