XRP News Today: Cardano (ADA) Drops 9.559% After Apple Pay Integration, Analysts Target $1.20 as Key Support

Cardano (ADA) has experienced a recent price correction, yet remains a focal point of optimism among cryptocurrency analysts. Despite a 9.559% decline following the announcement of Apple Pay integration, technical analysts highlight potential for ADA to rebound to $1.0159–$1.20 if key support levels hold. Crypto strategist Nick from Cheeky Crypto notes that ADA is forming the final leg of a five-wave pattern, with a target of $1.21 contingent on maintaining support around $0.78. A break below $0.73, however, would invalidate the bullish setup, while the $0.78–$0.79 range is flagged as critical short-term support [1]. Meanwhile, broader crypto markets face pressure influenced by signals from the European Central Bank, with altcoins like ADA and memecoins losing ground faster than Bitcoin, which remains relatively stable [1].

Analysts emphasize Cardano’s long-term fundamentals as a counterweight to near-term volatility. Alex Becker of Coindoo projects a path to $5 or higher, particularly if Ethereum rallies past $4,500 [1]. A July 2025 report from AInvest forecasts a 400% price surge by year-end, driven by institutional adoption and advancements in the blockchain’s technical framework [3]. Technical indicators reinforce this optimism, with bull flags, golden crosses, and a breakout above key exponential moving averages (EMAs) signaling potential to reach $1 or beyond [5]. However, traders remain cautious, with some shifting capital to alternative cryptocurrencies like XRP despite acknowledging ADA’s $1.20 price target [6].

The broader market context adds nuance. Total crypto market capitalization remains near $4 trillion, reflecting mixed investor behavior amid profit-taking and institutional demand [7]. While ADA has seen a 5% drop over 24 hours, analysts describe the pullback as a healthy consolidation phase rather than a bearish reversal [8]. This perspective is bolstered by the absence of project-specific risks, with macroeconomic factors like U.S. inflation trends and potential Federal Reserve rate cuts taking center stage [7].

Risks persist, however, as ADA lacks immediate catalysts such as major upgrades or partnerships. Analysts stress that forecasts like the 400% surge [3] or $5 target [1] depend on favorable conditions in Ethereum and overall crypto adoption. For now, Cardano’s energy-efficient blockchain and steady ecosystem growth continue to attract speculative and strategic capital, even as traders balance bullish technical signals with short-term caution [6].

Sources:

[1] [Despite Drop, Cardano Remains a Bullish Bet for Crypto Analysts](https://coindoo.com/despite-drop-cardano-remains-a-bullish-bet-for-crypto-analysts/)

[2] [Cardano Drops 9.559% Amid Apple Pay Integration and Bullish Technicals](https://www.ainvest.com/news/cardano-drops-9-559-apple-pay-integration-bullish-technicals-2507/)

[3] [Cardano (ADA) Eyes 400% Surge by Year-End](https://www.ainvest.com/news/cardano-ada-eyes-400-surge-year-technical-advances-institutional-adoption-drive-optimism-2507/)

[5] [ADA Price On Track For $1.20, But Traders Are Fleeing Cardano](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-978406-20250723)

[6] [ADA Price On Track For $1.20, But Traders Are Fleeing Cardano](https://coincentral.com/ada-price-on-track-for-1-20-but-traders-are-fleeing-cardano-for-this-fast-rising-xrp-rival/)

[7] [DOGE, ADA, XRP See Profit-Taking, BNB Crosses $800](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/07/23/dogecoin-cardano-xrp-see-profit-taking-bnb-crosses-800-as-economists-see-lower-chances-of-july-rate-cut)

[8] [What’s Behind the Crypto Crash and What You Can Do To...](https://www.ccn.com/analysis/crypto/crypto-market-crash-today/)