Cardano (ADA) price rebounds 25%, but whale sell-off sparks concern.

Cardano (ADA) is trying to recover from its recent downturn, but some whales may be retiring early. Large holders have apparently dumped over 180 million ADA

Cardano (ADA) is attempting to recover from its recent downturn, but some whales may be retiring early.

In the last five days, large holders have apparently dumped over 180 million ADA, which has raised concerns in the cryptocurrency market.

Cardano Whales Pull the Trigger Amid ADA Price Rebound

Since hitting a low of $0.50 in April, ADA has experienced a slight recovery, increasing more than 25%. Bulls are cautiously optimistic about this comeback, which is being driven by rekindled interest and some respite in altcoin sentiment. However, Cardano’s largest bag holders have taken notice of the bounce.

According to Santiment’s on-chain statistics, whales offloaded about 180 million ADA.

This aggressive action may have been motivated by whales' desire to lock in profits following the brief surge. This divergent behavior highlights the increasing cryptocurrency market uncertainty, even as retail and mid-tier ADA investors seem to be holding or buying into the decline.

Top analyst Ali Martinez noted that this wave of selling coincides with Cardano stalling at critical resistance levels, particularly around $0.66. With the ADA price failing to break through, whales may be anticipating another leg down, especially as macroeconomic tensions continue to weigh on risk assets.

ADA Caught in a Tug-of-War Between Bulls and Bears

Currently trading at around $0.63, ADA is struggling to rise above the crucial resistance level of $0.66. Bulls are having difficulty gaining traction in the absence of a clear catalyst, as this level has continuously stopped upside momentum. The approaching 200-day moving average, which is at around $0.75 and acts as a significant benchmark for validating a true bullish reversal, is adding to the pressure.

Chart 1: Cardano/TedherUS chart, published on TradingView, April 19, 2025

Meanwhile, if ADA price breaks below the $0.60 support level, analysts warn it could revisit the $0.50 zone, a level ADA price last saw during its March sell-off. This would reinforce the bearish case, especially if whale distribution continues.

Rising geopolitical uncertainties, especially the protracted US-China trade dispute, inflation concerns, and impending regulatory moves, are largely to blame for the market's caution. Due to this, even assets with long-term plans and robust development activities, like Cardano, have suffered from cautious investors dropping out.

However, not everyone sees doom ahead. Some analysts believe that once global macro conditions stabilize, ADA could stage a more impressive comeback, especially with ecosystem upgrades, smart contract adoption, and DeFi growth on the horizon.

Can Cardano Flip the Script?

Looking ahead, ADA’s next move depends on whether it can hold its $0.60 support and reclaim $0.66 resistance with conviction. A decisive push above $0.75 could revive bullish momentum and send the ADA price on a recovery path. However, if selling pressure resumes and support fails, ADA risks slipping into deeper losses.

With whale activity often acting as a leading indicator, many are watching closely to see if this dump was just smart profit-taking or the start of another leg down.

Last Thoughts: ADA’s Make-or-Break Moment Is Here

The recent whale exodus raises a big question: Is this a routine exit after a rally, or a red flag for deeper downside? Cardano remains in a tight spot, stuck between promising fundamentals and macro-driven fear. For now, ADA investors will need to keep a close eye on key levels and on-chain trends. Whether this is the calm before a bullish breakout—or a setup for further decline — will likely become clearer in the days ahead.