Ethereum News Today: Whales Cash In as ADA Hits "Make-or-Break" Crossroads

Cardano (ADA) remains a focal point for both bullish and bearish market participants as investors analyze its potential trajectory into 2025. Analysts and whale activity suggest a complex mix of caution and opportunity, with some positioning for a significant rally while others take profits at lower levels.

Dan Gambardello, a prominent crypto analyst and long-time Cardano supporter, has outlined a structured approach for exiting ADA holdings based on a proprietary "risk score" ranging from zero to 100. According to Gambardello, scores between 25 and 50 indicate a “moderate buy,” while scores above 75 signal heightened risk and the potential for a correction. Historical patterns suggest that both Ethereum and Cardano reached significant turning points around a risk score of 75. Gambardello notes that in 2021, ADA’s risk score hit 86, marking the peak of the bull run. He views 75 as a key level for initiating strategic sell-offs, though he also sees potential for ADA to rise as high as $10 if it breaks above its 2021 high of $3.10. For long-term holders, Gambardello recommends locking in gains between $1.40 and $2.00 as ADA moves toward a more favorable risk environment [1].

In contrast, recent data shows a bearish shift in retail sentiment, with ADA’s bullish-to-bearish commentary ratio dropping to 1.5:1—its lowest in five months. This shift coincided with a 5% price rebound, suggesting traders may have sold into weakness, potentially marking a local bottom. Analysts have pointed out that such retail pessimism often aligns with whale accumulation, as larger players capitalize on weaker retail demand. Santiment, a blockchain analytics platform, has noted similar patterns in other cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and XRP, where retail capitulation preceded whale accumulation [4].

Whale activity further complicates the short-term outlook. Prominent analyst Ali Martinez reported that whales sold 50 million ADA in just 48 hours, increasing near-term downward pressure. This selling pushed ADA toward the $0.80–$0.82 support zone, a level seen as critical for the asset’s near-term direction. If the support holds, analysts suggest it could serve as a base for a potential recovery. However, if it breaks, further declines are possible. The current dip has also prompted some analysts to view it as an opportunity for whales to reaccumulate, especially as the retail market appears to be losing patience after three consecutive weeks of declines [5].

Technical indicators also highlight a decision-making period for ADA. The token is currently trading near the Fibonacci 0.382 retracement level at $0.82, a zone analysts refer to as a “make-or-break zone.” Independent analyst Quantum Ascend describes this as a pivotal moment, where the price could either confirm a recovery or extend its downward trend. Meanwhile, Crypto King remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that if ADA remains within its ascending channel, it could retest the $1 level in the coming months, with potential further upside to $1.20 and $1.40 [5].

In summary, Cardano’s path to 2025 appears to hinge on a delicate balance of retail sentiment, whale activity, and technical levels. While bullish forecasts suggest the potential for a significant rebound and even multi-digit price gains, bearish indicators highlight the risks of further consolidation or correction. Investors are advised to closely monitor both market sentiment and key support/resistance levels as they position themselves for the next phase of ADA’s price action.

Source: [1] Cardano Bull Reveals When He'll Start Selling His ADA Bag (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/09/05/cardano-bull-reveals-when-hell-start-selling-his-ada-bag/) [2] Layer Brett Price Prediction: 3 Reasons Why LBRETT Is ... (https://crypto-economy.com/layer-brett-price-prediction-3-reasons-why-lbrett-is-trending-over-top-altcoins-ripple-xrp-and-solana-sol/) [3] Layer Brett: The Ethereum Layer 2 Meme Coin Being ... (https://www.cryptopolitan.com/layer-brett-the-ethereum-layer-2-meme-coin-being-backed-to-flip-pepe-coin-and-shiba-inu-by-2026/) [4] Cardano's Bearish Retail Crowd Hands Whales a Buying ... (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/09/06/cardano-s-bearish-retail-crowd-hands-whales-a-buying-window) [5] Cardano Whales Are Dumping, Traders Not Happy: Will ADA ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cardano-whales-dumping-traders-not-081256153.html)