Investors Map Exit Triggers as Cardano Bulls Eye ETF-Driven Bull Run

Cardano (ADA) has shown signs of holding key support levels amid growing anticipation for the potential approval of a U.S. exchange-traded fund (ETF), with implications for its price trajectory. Analysts and investors are closely monitoring both technical indicators and broader market developments, including cross-chain collaboration discussions involving XRP. The Cardano community, led by vocal supporters such as Dan Gambardello, is preparing for a possible bull market by planning strategic exits and profit-taking strategies.

Gambardello, a prominent crypto analyst and long-time Cardano bull, has outlined a risk-based approach to managing ADA holdings. He introduced a risk score metric that ranges from 0 to 100 to help investors gauge optimal entry and exit points. According to Gambardello, a score of 75 represents a high-risk threshold, historically marking turning points for ADA in previous cycles. He emphasized that in 2021, ADA reached a risk score of 86 before entering a prolonged period of volatility. This time, Gambardello has positioned 75 as a key exit trigger point, suggesting that investors should plan to scale out of their holdings as the score approaches this level.

Currently, Cardano is at a risk score of 36, which Gambardello classifies as a “moderate buy,” indicating that the market is still in a pre-bull phase. He warned, however, that the transition to higher risk levels can happen rapidly, as seen in previous cycles when the score jumped from 34 to 76 in a short time frame. Gambardello urged investors to prepare their exit strategies in advance to avoid emotional decision-making when the market accelerates.

In parallel, the potential approval of a Grayscale Cardano ETF, set for a decision by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 26, 2025, is a major catalyst for ADA. The ETF, if approved, would trade on NYSE Arca, with Coinbase Custody securing the tokens. According to prediction markets like Polymarket, the likelihood of approval is currently estimated at 87%. Analysts have suggested that approval could increase ADA’s legitimacy in mainstream finance and potentially drive the price to around $1.80 in a bullish market scenario.

Meanwhile, ADA staking remains a key draw for investors seeking passive income. Cardano’s proof-of-stake model allows holders to earn between 3% and 5% annually by delegating their coins to staking pools. The flexibility of staking—where coins remain liquid and can be transferred at any time—provides an added benefit over other staking models. However, some investors are exploring higher-yield alternatives, such as pre-launch tokens like $BEST, which offer significantly higher annual percentage yields (APYs) at the time of writing.

Discussions around cross-chain collaboration, particularly with XRP, have also gained traction within the crypto ecosystem. While no official announcements have been made, Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, has expressed interest in fostering greater interoperability between blockchain networks. Such developments could enhance Cardano’s utility and broaden its appeal to both institutional and retail investors.

The convergence of these factors—technical indicators, ETF expectations, staking opportunities, and cross-chain initiatives—positions Cardano at a pivotal moment. Investors are advised to remain informed and strategic, particularly as the market nears potential turning points.

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] Cardano ETF Expected in October, Is $ADA the Best ... (https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/09/01/cardano-etf-expected-in-october-is-ada-the-best-crypto-to-stake-right-now/)